Sprinkler Age A Publication of the American Fire Sprinkler Association
THE K-FACTOR PODCAST DEBUTS
When we first started The K-Factor Podcast, my co-hosts AFSA Director of Training & Operations Josh McDonald, MSET, CFPS, CWBSP, WBITM; AFSA Technical Training Specialist Eric Andresen, WBITM; and I had one simple goal: to create a space where everyone in the fire protection industry could feel connected and represented. We wanted to go beyond technical details and day-to-day operations and dive into the perspectives and experiences that shape our industry.
For me, this podcast is personal. As someone who’s new to the fire protection space and has seen how vast and varied it is, I understand how important it is to hear from every corner of our industry. Whether you’re out in the field as a technician, managing operations as a contractor, or driving innovation at a manufacturing plant, your voice matters. And that’s what The K-Factor is all about.
From the very beginning, we wanted this podcast to be about member engagement. That’s why we invited our members to help name the podcast. We sent out a call for votes, and we were blown away by the response. A couple hundred members participated, and the name The K-Factor was born out of that collaboration. It’s a reminder that this podcast isn’t just about us—it’s about all of you who make up this incredible industry.
Each of us on the team plays a key role in bringing The K-Factor to life. Josh is the main host, organizing the topics and leading conversations on all things fire protection with clarity and focus. Eric serves as our live research guru, ensuring that the technical content we share is accurate and backed by reliable resources. I take on the role of producer, keeping the content on track and asking questions from the perspective of someone newer to the industry, ensuring we’re connecting with both seasoned professionals and those just starting. Together, our unique personalities and backgrounds create a dynamic experience that resonates with our listeners.
One of the things I’m most proud of is how diverse our conversations are. We’ve brought in leaders from all walks of the industry—contractors, manufacturers, engineers, and even those shaping policy. Each guest brings a unique perspective that helps us all understand the bigger picture. It’s not just about the technical side of fire protection (though that’s important, too); it’s about understanding the challenges and opportunities we all face in our respective roles.
We wanted this podcast to feel like a genuine conversation about the industry—casual yet meaningful. But when it’s time to get technical, we make sure you’re getting the most accurate, up-to-date information. There are other fire protection podcasts, and we respect what they bring to the table. We see The K-Factor as another tool in the toolbox for our members to use—a resource designed to complement and enhance their understanding of the industry.
For our AFSA members, The K-Factor is more than just a podcast. It’s a resource for staying informed on the latest industry developments, a platform for gaining insights from peers and leaders, and an opportunity to feel more connected to the broader fire protection community. I firmly believe that by sharing our stories and learning from one another, we can all do our jobs better and make a bigger impact.
Josh, Eric, and I are passionate about making this podcast something that resonates with everyone. Whether you’re tuning in to hear about the latest technical advancements, get advice from seasoned industry leaders, or simply learn from the challenges your peers are facing, there’s something here for you.
We hope you’ll listen, engage with us, and join us on this journey as we work together to innovate fire protection and strengthen our community—one conversation at a time. Be sure to listen, like, and subscribe to The K-Factor podcast on your favorite platform, Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music, or at firesprinkler.org/podcast/.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Nate Williams is the meeting and events coordinator for the American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA). With a background in organizing high-profile events such as the Korn Ferry Tour, the College Football Championship, and the 2023 NBA All-Star Game, Williams brings a wealth of expertise and energy to his role. At AFSA, he collaborates with the convention team to deliver exceptional annual gatherings, supports the NextGen initiative to engage young professionals, and manages AFSA’s National Apprentice Competition to highlight rising talent in the fire protection industry. Additionally, Williams oversees the issuance of CEUs to members, ensuring their continued growth and development.
