Eric Andresen
WBITM
AFSA
Technical Training Specialist
Eric Andresen, WBITM, is the technical training specialist for the American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA). He has experience with risk engineering applied to fire protection system analysis and the inspection, testing, and maintenance of fire protection systems for the insurance industry. Andresen has experience in the hands-on training of water-based fire protection systems for risk engineers and facilities management staff. Andresen received his Bachelor of Science degree in fire protection and safety engineering technology from Oklahoma State University.
Enforcing NFPA 25 — Deficiencies, Impairments, and Observations
WBITM
AFSA
Technical Training Specialist
Eric Andresen, WBITM, is the technical training specialist for the American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA). He has experience with risk engineering applied to fire protection system analysis and the inspection, testing, and maintenance of fire protection systems for the insurance industry. Andresen has experience in the hands-on training of water-based fire protection systems for risk engineers and facilities management staff. Andresen received his Bachelor of Science degree in fire protection and safety engineering technology from Oklahoma State University.
Enforcing NFPA 25 — Deficiencies, Impairments, and Observations
Seth Bays
Peerless Pump
Digital Sales Manager
Seth Bays is the district sales manager on the FireConnect Digital Innovation team at Peerless Pump. After graduating from Purdue University, he joined the fire protection industry after a short career as a mechanical engineer. Bays is responsible for helping lead the digital innovation efforts at Peerless Pump through work with large key accounts and bringing industry advocacy for smart-connected fire pumps. Although new to this industry, Bays brings a fresh perspective on smart devices and how they can be utilized within the pump room to provide useful data to the end user. Bays has a passion for new technology and helping bring it into full adoption within the Industry.
Smart Fire Pump Systems: The Future of Fire Protection
Peerless Pump
Digital Sales Manager
Seth Bays is the district sales manager on the FireConnect Digital Innovation team at Peerless Pump. After graduating from Purdue University, he joined the fire protection industry after a short career as a mechanical engineer. Bays is responsible for helping lead the digital innovation efforts at Peerless Pump through work with large key accounts and bringing industry advocacy for smart-connected fire pumps. Although new to this industry, Bays brings a fresh perspective on smart devices and how they can be utilized within the pump room to provide useful data to the end user. Bays has a passion for new technology and helping bring it into full adoption within the Industry.
Smart Fire Pump Systems: The Future of Fire Protection
Mac Beaton
Henrico County Public Schools
Director, Workforce & Career Development
Mac Beaton has served as director of Career and Technical Education for Henrico County Public Schools Henrico since 2000. He started his career as an apprentice electrician at the Norfolk Naval Shipyard but has spent the last 38 years at Henrico County Schools as a teacher and education specialist, serving as director for the last 23 years. Mac received his B.S. degree from Virginia Tech and his Masters in Administration and Supervision from Virginia Commonwealth University. With the ever-changing world of education, Mac has been recognized with various awards for his progressive approach to workforce development. Most recently, he was recognized nationally for “The CTE Letter of Intent Signing Day” recognizing students leaving high school and entering the workforce much like the signing day for athletes.
Building Your Employee Pipeline: Creating a Partnership with Your Local School District
Henrico County Public Schools
Director, Workforce & Career Development
Mac Beaton has served as director of Career and Technical Education for Henrico County Public Schools Henrico since 2000. He started his career as an apprentice electrician at the Norfolk Naval Shipyard but has spent the last 38 years at Henrico County Schools as a teacher and education specialist, serving as director for the last 23 years. Mac received his B.S. degree from Virginia Tech and his Masters in Administration and Supervision from Virginia Commonwealth University. With the ever-changing world of education, Mac has been recognized with various awards for his progressive approach to workforce development. Most recently, he was recognized nationally for “The CTE Letter of Intent Signing Day” recognizing students leaving high school and entering the workforce much like the signing day for athletes.
Building Your Employee Pipeline: Creating a Partnership with Your Local School District
Tracey Bellamy
P.E., CFPS, CWBSP
Telgian Engineering & Consulting
Tracey Bellamy is chief engineering officer with Telgian Corporation and has over 30 years of experience in fire protection engineering. He is a graduate of the University of South Carolina holding undergraduate and master’s degrees in civil engineering. Bellamy also holds the inaugural Advanced Graduate Certificate in Fire Protection Engineering from WPI. Bellamy serves on several NFPA committees, including NFPA 13, 15, 16, 25, 30, 30B, 101, and 5000, and is currently chair for NFPA 15. He is a major contributor to the NFPA 13 and 25 Handbooks and holds professional engineering licenses in Fire Protection and Civil Engineering in 49 of the 50 states and all the U.S. territories. He is a Certified Fire Protection Specialist, a Certified Water-Based Systems Professional, and an active member of AFSA, NFPA, and SFPE.
Latest in Automated Storage & Retrieval Systems (ASRS)
FPRF Project: Multi-Rack Storage
Ask the Experts
P.E., CFPS, CWBSP
Telgian Engineering & Consulting
Tracey Bellamy is chief engineering officer with Telgian Corporation and has over 30 years of experience in fire protection engineering. He is a graduate of the University of South Carolina holding undergraduate and master’s degrees in civil engineering. Bellamy also holds the inaugural Advanced Graduate Certificate in Fire Protection Engineering from WPI. Bellamy serves on several NFPA committees, including NFPA 13, 15, 16, 25, 30, 30B, 101, and 5000, and is currently chair for NFPA 15. He is a major contributor to the NFPA 13 and 25 Handbooks and holds professional engineering licenses in Fire Protection and Civil Engineering in 49 of the 50 states and all the U.S. territories. He is a Certified Fire Protection Specialist, a Certified Water-Based Systems Professional, and an active member of AFSA, NFPA, and SFPE.
Latest in Automated Storage & Retrieval Systems (ASRS)
FPRF Project: Multi-Rack Storage
Ask the Experts
Linda Biernacki
Fire Tech Systems, Inc.
President
Serving as Chair of the Board and Region 4 Director, Linda M. Biernacki is the founder/president of Fire Tech Systems, Inc., Shreveport, Louisiana. Fire Tech Systems is an AFSA Quality Contractor, ISNetworld Certified, and is licensed in six states (Arkansas, Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, and Texas). With over 33 years of experience, Biernacki provides industry experience, knowledge, and background. She is past chair of the NICET board of governors (June 2022-June 2023), past board member and current member of the National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE), past president and current board member of the Louisiana Fire Sprinkler Association (LFSA), represents AFSA on the NFPA 232 Committee for Protection of Records and is past chair of the AFSA40 Convention Committee and the Membership & Chapter Development Committee. Biernacki is NICET Level III certified in Water-Based Systems Layout and is certified by the Women’s Business Council Gulf Coast.
Women in the Industry
Fire Tech Systems, Inc.
President
Serving as Chair of the Board and Region 4 Director, Linda M. Biernacki is the founder/president of Fire Tech Systems, Inc., Shreveport, Louisiana. Fire Tech Systems is an AFSA Quality Contractor, ISNetworld Certified, and is licensed in six states (Arkansas, Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, and Texas). With over 33 years of experience, Biernacki provides industry experience, knowledge, and background. She is past chair of the NICET board of governors (June 2022-June 2023), past board member and current member of the National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE), past president and current board member of the Louisiana Fire Sprinkler Association (LFSA), represents AFSA on the NFPA 232 Committee for Protection of Records and is past chair of the AFSA40 Convention Committee and the Membership & Chapter Development Committee. Biernacki is NICET Level III certified in Water-Based Systems Layout and is certified by the Women’s Business Council Gulf Coast.
Women in the Industry
Jason Bosma
Driven Fire Consultants
Fire Sprinkler Designer
Jason Bosma began his career in the fire protection industry in 2014. Before joining Driven Fire Consultants in 2016 as a fire protection designer, he worked in the field as a fire protection system installer. Bosma's invaluable field experience has helped him evolve into an efficient, practical, and overall well-rounded designer. He is NICET Level III-certified in Water-Based Systems Layout. He is familiar with OSHA training and resources and was recognized with honors when he completed AFSA’s Sprinkler Fitting apprenticeship training series in 2015.
Introduction to BIM
Driven Fire Consultants
Fire Sprinkler Designer
Jason Bosma began his career in the fire protection industry in 2014. Before joining Driven Fire Consultants in 2016 as a fire protection designer, he worked in the field as a fire protection system installer. Bosma's invaluable field experience has helped him evolve into an efficient, practical, and overall well-rounded designer. He is NICET Level III-certified in Water-Based Systems Layout. He is familiar with OSHA training and resources and was recognized with honors when he completed AFSA’s Sprinkler Fitting apprenticeship training series in 2015.
Introduction to BIM
Bob Caputo
CFPS
AFSA
President
Bob Caputo, president of the American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA), is the current chair of the NFPA 24 and NFPA 291 technical committees and a member of multiple NFPA technical committees, including NFPA 13 and NFPA 25. Caputo is a contributor of the NFPA 13 and NFPA 25 Handbooks, the NFPA Inspection Manual, and the 21st edition of the Fire Protection Handbook. A member of NFPA and AFSA faculties, Caputo has written and presented seminars worldwide on fire protection and life safety systems and is a regular speaker at AFSA and NFPA conventions. Caputo is an instructor at the U.S. National Fire Academy and an Industry Advisory Board member at Oklahoma State University School of Fire Protection Engineering & Safety. Caputo’s industry distinctions include “Fire Prevention Officer of the Year” from San Diego County in 1994, “Man of the Year” from Fire Protection Contractor magazine in 1997, and the Henry S. Parmelee award from AFSA in 2017. Caputo attended the University of Albuquerque, New Mexico, and is a U.S. Navy veteran and former volunteer firefighter.
Updates to NFPA 13: Installation
Ask the Experts
CFPS
AFSA
President
Bob Caputo, president of the American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA), is the current chair of the NFPA 24 and NFPA 291 technical committees and a member of multiple NFPA technical committees, including NFPA 13 and NFPA 25. Caputo is a contributor of the NFPA 13 and NFPA 25 Handbooks, the NFPA Inspection Manual, and the 21st edition of the Fire Protection Handbook. A member of NFPA and AFSA faculties, Caputo has written and presented seminars worldwide on fire protection and life safety systems and is a regular speaker at AFSA and NFPA conventions. Caputo is an instructor at the U.S. National Fire Academy and an Industry Advisory Board member at Oklahoma State University School of Fire Protection Engineering & Safety. Caputo’s industry distinctions include “Fire Prevention Officer of the Year” from San Diego County in 1994, “Man of the Year” from Fire Protection Contractor magazine in 1997, and the Henry S. Parmelee award from AFSA in 2017. Caputo attended the University of Albuquerque, New Mexico, and is a U.S. Navy veteran and former volunteer firefighter.
Updates to NFPA 13: Installation
Ask the Experts
Johnathan Carl
CET
Victaulic
Sr. Fire protection Specialist
Johnathan Carl, CET, is a senior fire protection application specialist at Victaulic. Johnathan has over 25 years of fire protection experience, including journeyman sprinkler fitter, project manager, and lead service/inspector. He holds multiple NICET and NFPA certifications and has served as a captain for the South Whitehall Fire Department Engine #32 for 17 years. Johnathan currently serves on the NFPA 14, 24, and 420 committees as a principal member and on NFSA's NFPA 25 task force committee. Johnathan has delivered fire protection training throughout the United States, South America, and Canada, and is a member of AFSA, ASCET, NFPA, and NFSA.
NFPA 770 Local Application Design Considerations
NFPA 14, 13 and 25 PRV Acceptance Testing and ITM
CET
Victaulic
Sr. Fire protection Specialist
Johnathan Carl, CET, is a senior fire protection application specialist at Victaulic. Johnathan has over 25 years of fire protection experience, including journeyman sprinkler fitter, project manager, and lead service/inspector. He holds multiple NICET and NFPA certifications and has served as a captain for the South Whitehall Fire Department Engine #32 for 17 years. Johnathan currently serves on the NFPA 14, 24, and 420 committees as a principal member and on NFSA's NFPA 25 task force committee. Johnathan has delivered fire protection training throughout the United States, South America, and Canada, and is a member of AFSA, ASCET, NFPA, and NFSA.
NFPA 770 Local Application Design Considerations
NFPA 14, 13 and 25 PRV Acceptance Testing and ITM
Beverly Cocke
Henrico County Public Schools
Administrative Coordinator of Workforce Development
Beverly Cocke, admin coordinator of Workforce Development for Henrico County Public Schools, has been promoting career and technical education programming for two decades through her work at the school and district levels, as well as her eight-year service on the Henrico County School Board. Mrs. Cocke has worked tirelessly to break down outdated misconceptions and build bridges with businesses and community partners to create opportunities for internships, job shadowing, career exploration, and employment for students. She received her B.A. from Virginia Commonwealth University and her Master of Education from the University of Richmond.
Building Your Employee Pipeline: Creating a Partnership with Your Local School District
Henrico County Public Schools
Administrative Coordinator of Workforce Development
Beverly Cocke, admin coordinator of Workforce Development for Henrico County Public Schools, has been promoting career and technical education programming for two decades through her work at the school and district levels, as well as her eight-year service on the Henrico County School Board. Mrs. Cocke has worked tirelessly to break down outdated misconceptions and build bridges with businesses and community partners to create opportunities for internships, job shadowing, career exploration, and employment for students. She received her B.A. from Virginia Commonwealth University and her Master of Education from the University of Richmond.
Building Your Employee Pipeline: Creating a Partnership with Your Local School District
Jack Coffelt
ServiceTrade
Director, Fire Life Safety Partnerships
Jack Coffelt’s 30 years of experience in the fire and life safety industry gives him extensive, practical knowledge across varying fire inspection disciplines. Jack served as a fire & life safety contractor for 20+ years, after his 10-year U.S. Navy career where he honed his skills as a fire and security technician. Jack served as the general manager of Asurio before its acquisition by ServiceTrade in September 2022. Prior to that, he created Siemens’ commercial fire and security business. He was also responsible for overseeing Siemens’ fire life safety inspections service and business, as well as developing products and processes, staying up-to-date on code changes and more. Jack facilitated the creation of a new business development program for Potter Electric Signals Company. He has served in leadership roles for Affiliated Computer Systems; Security Fire Systems; Honeywell’s Fire Alarm Division; Simplex-Grinnell; and Kidde-Fenwal. Jack actively participates in a variety of industry committees, helping set new standards in the ever-evolving world of fire life safety.
Turn Deficiencies into Dollars
ServiceTrade
Director, Fire Life Safety Partnerships
Jack Coffelt’s 30 years of experience in the fire and life safety industry gives him extensive, practical knowledge across varying fire inspection disciplines. Jack served as a fire & life safety contractor for 20+ years, after his 10-year U.S. Navy career where he honed his skills as a fire and security technician. Jack served as the general manager of Asurio before its acquisition by ServiceTrade in September 2022. Prior to that, he created Siemens’ commercial fire and security business. He was also responsible for overseeing Siemens’ fire life safety inspections service and business, as well as developing products and processes, staying up-to-date on code changes and more. Jack facilitated the creation of a new business development program for Potter Electric Signals Company. He has served in leadership roles for Affiliated Computer Systems; Security Fire Systems; Honeywell’s Fire Alarm Division; Simplex-Grinnell; and Kidde-Fenwal. Jack actively participates in a variety of industry committees, helping set new standards in the ever-evolving world of fire life safety.
Turn Deficiencies into Dollars
Christopher Crivello
MSFPE, P.E.
RAN Fire Protection Engineering, PC
Vice President
Christopher Crivello is a principal and licensed Fire Protection Professional Engineer for RAN Fire Protection Engineering. His position as Vice President of Engineering in the firm requires him to manage projects to ensure they are delivered on time and are of superior quality. As a lead professional engineer, his responsibilities include designing fire protection systems, contract drawings and specifications, as well as project coordination and cost estimating. Mr. Crivello’s education includes a B.S. degree in Mechanical Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, along with a Master of Science degree in Fire Protection Engineering from Worcester Polytechnic Institute. With over 12 years of experience, Mr. Crivello has earned some of the top awards and recognition in the fire protection industry, including the 2017 National Fire Sprinkler Association "Top-Tech Champion," 2018 American Fire Sprinkler Association "Young Professional of the Year" recognition, and 2023 Society of Fire Protection Engineers "5-Under-35" award. Mr. Crivello has worked in fire protection design for commercial, healthcare, industrial, historical, and residential buildings. Mr. Crivello’s knowledge of national, state and NFPA codes make him an expert in fire protection code analysis and compliance review.
Contractors vs. Engineers - Can't We All Get Along?
MSFPE, P.E.
RAN Fire Protection Engineering, PC
Vice President
Christopher Crivello is a principal and licensed Fire Protection Professional Engineer for RAN Fire Protection Engineering. His position as Vice President of Engineering in the firm requires him to manage projects to ensure they are delivered on time and are of superior quality. As a lead professional engineer, his responsibilities include designing fire protection systems, contract drawings and specifications, as well as project coordination and cost estimating. Mr. Crivello’s education includes a B.S. degree in Mechanical Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, along with a Master of Science degree in Fire Protection Engineering from Worcester Polytechnic Institute. With over 12 years of experience, Mr. Crivello has earned some of the top awards and recognition in the fire protection industry, including the 2017 National Fire Sprinkler Association "Top-Tech Champion," 2018 American Fire Sprinkler Association "Young Professional of the Year" recognition, and 2023 Society of Fire Protection Engineers "5-Under-35" award. Mr. Crivello has worked in fire protection design for commercial, healthcare, industrial, historical, and residential buildings. Mr. Crivello’s knowledge of national, state and NFPA codes make him an expert in fire protection code analysis and compliance review.
Contractors vs. Engineers - Can't We All Get Along?
Joey Cutchins
TOPQuote, LLC
President
Joey, the founder of TOPQuote, LLC, has a career spanning three decades as a software architect and developer, during which he has made significant contributions to technology solutions in the fire protection industry. With over a decade of specialized experience in fire protection estimating, Joey has led the design, development, and successful launch of innovative estimating platforms for low voltage, special hazard, and fire sprinkler systems. His work has notably advanced the operational capabilities of leading companies such as Convergent Technologies, Summit Fire Protection, and Summit Fire & Security, alongside numerous regional and local fire protection firms.
Sales Estimating
TOPQuote, LLC
President
Joey, the founder of TOPQuote, LLC, has a career spanning three decades as a software architect and developer, during which he has made significant contributions to technology solutions in the fire protection industry. With over a decade of specialized experience in fire protection estimating, Joey has led the design, development, and successful launch of innovative estimating platforms for low voltage, special hazard, and fire sprinkler systems. His work has notably advanced the operational capabilities of leading companies such as Convergent Technologies, Summit Fire Protection, and Summit Fire & Security, alongside numerous regional and local fire protection firms.
Sales Estimating
Micah Davis
SET
Ferguson Fire Design
Senior Manager - Engineering Services
Micah Davis is a professional with over 20 years of experience in fire sprinkler design. Currently, he serves as the senior manager of operations at Ferguson Fire Design and the national sales manager for MicroBIM Fire. He is NICET IV certification in Water-Based Systems Layout. Throughout his career, Davis has designed and managed complex fire sprinkler systems. He tackles challenging projects and develops more efficient workflows. Davis' leadership has resulted in improved operational efficiency and project success. He is proactive in his approach to problem-solving and manages teams effectively. Davis' contributions have advanced the capabilities of the organizations he's been part of and set new standards in fire sprinkler design and implementation.
Fabrication & Material Listing Best Practices
SET
Ferguson Fire Design
Senior Manager - Engineering Services
Micah Davis is a professional with over 20 years of experience in fire sprinkler design. Currently, he serves as the senior manager of operations at Ferguson Fire Design and the national sales manager for MicroBIM Fire. He is NICET IV certification in Water-Based Systems Layout. Throughout his career, Davis has designed and managed complex fire sprinkler systems. He tackles challenging projects and develops more efficient workflows. Davis' leadership has resulted in improved operational efficiency and project success. He is proactive in his approach to problem-solving and manages teams effectively. Davis' contributions have advanced the capabilities of the organizations he's been part of and set new standards in fire sprinkler design and implementation.
Fabrication & Material Listing Best Practices
John Denhardt
P.E., ET, CWBSP, FSFPE
AFSA
Vice President, Engineering & Technical Services
John August Denhardt, P.E., ET, CWBSP, FSFPE, is the vice president of engineering and technical services for the American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA). He is responsible for strengthening AFSA’s engineering and technical approaches to meeting member, industry, and operational priorities, with an emphasis on service, quality, and integrity. Denhardt is a registered professional engineer (P.E.) in the District of Columbia and the states of Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. He is NICET Level III certified in water-based systems layout, NICET Level III certified in inspection and testing of water-based systems, and a certified water-based system professional through NFPA. Denhardt is a member of the NFPA 13 technical committee on sprinkler system discharge criteria, a fellow in the Society of Fire Protection Engineers (SFPE), a member of the SFPE Board of Directors, a member of the Board of Trustees for NFPA’s Fire Protection Research Foundation and sits on the University of Maryland Department of Fire Protection Engineering’s Board of Visitors. A native of Maryland, Denhardt holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Maryland College Park in fire protection engineering. Prior to this role, Denhardt was employed by Strickland Fire Protection in Forestville, Maryland, since 1994, overseeing large-scale projects and assisting with design and installation technical issues.
Updates to NFPA 13: Discharge
Fire Pumps - The Good, the Bad and the Ugly
Updates to NFPA 20
Pump Sizing & Selection
P.E., ET, CWBSP, FSFPE
AFSA
Vice President, Engineering & Technical Services
John August Denhardt, P.E., ET, CWBSP, FSFPE, is the vice president of engineering and technical services for the American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA). He is responsible for strengthening AFSA’s engineering and technical approaches to meeting member, industry, and operational priorities, with an emphasis on service, quality, and integrity. Denhardt is a registered professional engineer (P.E.) in the District of Columbia and the states of Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. He is NICET Level III certified in water-based systems layout, NICET Level III certified in inspection and testing of water-based systems, and a certified water-based system professional through NFPA. Denhardt is a member of the NFPA 13 technical committee on sprinkler system discharge criteria, a fellow in the Society of Fire Protection Engineers (SFPE), a member of the SFPE Board of Directors, a member of the Board of Trustees for NFPA’s Fire Protection Research Foundation and sits on the University of Maryland Department of Fire Protection Engineering’s Board of Visitors. A native of Maryland, Denhardt holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Maryland College Park in fire protection engineering. Prior to this role, Denhardt was employed by Strickland Fire Protection in Forestville, Maryland, since 1994, overseeing large-scale projects and assisting with design and installation technical issues.
Updates to NFPA 13: Discharge
Fire Pumps - The Good, the Bad and the Ugly
Updates to NFPA 20
Pump Sizing & Selection
John Deutsch
ASC Engineered Solutions
Seismic Specialist
John Deutsch has been a member of the NFPA 13 Hanging and Bracing Technical Committee since 2007. He is a contributing author to the NFPA 13 Handbook, 2016 Ed., and is currently the ASC Engineered Solutions SME for the Afcon product line and Seis Brace software.
The Evolution of the Seismic Coefficient Cp
ASC Engineered Solutions
Seismic Specialist
John Deutsch has been a member of the NFPA 13 Hanging and Bracing Technical Committee since 2007. He is a contributing author to the NFPA 13 Handbook, 2016 Ed., and is currently the ASC Engineered Solutions SME for the Afcon product line and Seis Brace software.
The Evolution of the Seismic Coefficient Cp
Scott Franson
UL Solutions
Principal Engineer
Scott Franson is a Principal Engineer at UL Solutions, specializing in water-based fire suppression products. He began his career in 1982 at UL as a Project Engineer involved with UL’s testing and certification activities on sprinklers and valves. After eight years at UL, he joined The Viking Corporation as a senior engineer in R & D, responsible for sprinkler product research, design, and development. During his career at Viking, Franson became vice president of Research & Development, responsible for the entire water-based product line, and was granted more than 50 utility and design patents by the USPTO on water-based fire protection products. After 32 years at Viking, he rejoined UL as Principal Engineer. He is a member of several industry and NFPA committees and is chairperson of the International Standards Organization (ISO) TC21 SC5 committee on Fixed Fire-Fighting Systems using Water. Franson obtained his Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from the University of Wisconsin at Oshkosh.
Ask the Experts
UL Solutions
Principal Engineer
Scott Franson is a Principal Engineer at UL Solutions, specializing in water-based fire suppression products. He began his career in 1982 at UL as a Project Engineer involved with UL’s testing and certification activities on sprinklers and valves. After eight years at UL, he joined The Viking Corporation as a senior engineer in R & D, responsible for sprinkler product research, design, and development. During his career at Viking, Franson became vice president of Research & Development, responsible for the entire water-based product line, and was granted more than 50 utility and design patents by the USPTO on water-based fire protection products. After 32 years at Viking, he rejoined UL as Principal Engineer. He is a member of several industry and NFPA committees and is chairperson of the International Standards Organization (ISO) TC21 SC5 committee on Fixed Fire-Fighting Systems using Water. Franson obtained his Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from the University of Wisconsin at Oshkosh.
Ask the Experts
Ray Fremont, Jr.
General Air Products, Inc.
President
Ray Fremont, Jr. has worked at General Air Products in many positions over 25 years. Now, as president, he represents the fourth generation of his family's air compressor and industrial equipment manufacturing company. For 60 years, General Air Products has offered the fire sprinkler industry a variety of air supply equipment for dry and preaction systems. This includes air compressors, dry air, and nitrogen generators, and now Vapor Pipe Shield. Ray has spent the last 10 years educating the fire protection industry about the nuances of the spaces where air supply equipment is installed and serviced.
Vapor Corrosion Inhibitors for Dry & Preaction Systems
General Air Products, Inc.
President
Ray Fremont, Jr. has worked at General Air Products in many positions over 25 years. Now, as president, he represents the fourth generation of his family's air compressor and industrial equipment manufacturing company. For 60 years, General Air Products has offered the fire sprinkler industry a variety of air supply equipment for dry and preaction systems. This includes air compressors, dry air, and nitrogen generators, and now Vapor Pipe Shield. Ray has spent the last 10 years educating the fire protection industry about the nuances of the spaces where air supply equipment is installed and serviced.
Vapor Corrosion Inhibitors for Dry & Preaction Systems
Scott Futrell
P.E., FSFPE, CFEI, CFPS, CWBSP, SET
KFI Engineers
Senior Fire Protection Engineer
Scott Futrell has provided services related to fire code consulting, project management, fire protection system design, and loss investigation of fire protection systems for a broad range of building types and system failures since 1989. He is a Fire Protection Engineer registered in the State of Wisconsin and has been in the fire protection industry since 1975 (between 1975 and 1989 designing and project managing fire sprinkler systems). Mr. Futrell is a Fellow of the Society of Fire Protection Engineers, a Certified Fire Protection Specialist, a Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator, a Senior Engineering Technician (NICET IV), and a Certified Water-Based Systems designer. Mr. Futrell is a principal member of the NFPA 25 and NFPA 96 technical committees as well as a principal member of the International Kitchen Exhaust Cleaning Association technical committee.
ITM: What Can We Do to Improve Reliability?
P.E., FSFPE, CFEI, CFPS, CWBSP, SET
KFI Engineers
Senior Fire Protection Engineer
Scott Futrell has provided services related to fire code consulting, project management, fire protection system design, and loss investigation of fire protection systems for a broad range of building types and system failures since 1989. He is a Fire Protection Engineer registered in the State of Wisconsin and has been in the fire protection industry since 1975 (between 1975 and 1989 designing and project managing fire sprinkler systems). Mr. Futrell is a Fellow of the Society of Fire Protection Engineers, a Certified Fire Protection Specialist, a Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator, a Senior Engineering Technician (NICET IV), and a Certified Water-Based Systems designer. Mr. Futrell is a principal member of the NFPA 25 and NFPA 96 technical committees as well as a principal member of the International Kitchen Exhaust Cleaning Association technical committee.
ITM: What Can We Do to Improve Reliability?
Jason Gill
SET
Crews
Operations Manager
Jason Gill is the operations manager for Crews & Gregory Fire Sprinklers in Richmond, Va., and holds a NICET Level IV certification in Water-Based Systems Layout. Jason is an NFPA 13 committee member, representing AFSA for SSI, and is a board member for the AFSA Virginia Chapter and the Burn Survivors Foundation. He is an experienced salesman, estimator, designer, manager and industry member since 1997.
Get Your Hands Dirty - Big Profits from Small Business
SET
Crews
Operations Manager
Jason Gill is the operations manager for Crews & Gregory Fire Sprinklers in Richmond, Va., and holds a NICET Level IV certification in Water-Based Systems Layout. Jason is an NFPA 13 committee member, representing AFSA for SSI, and is a board member for the AFSA Virginia Chapter and the Burn Survivors Foundation. He is an experienced salesman, estimator, designer, manager and industry member since 1997.
Get Your Hands Dirty - Big Profits from Small Business
James Golinveaux
Viking Group, Inc.
CEO
James E. Golinveaux is currently president & CEO of Viking Group, Inc. With 39 years of experience in the fire protection industry, including both contracting and manufacturing, he currently holds 14 U.S. patent families in automatic sprinkler technologies. Golinveaux is a past chair of the NFPA Standards Council and serves on the ANSI Executive Standards Council. He is a past member of the Board of Trustees for the Fire Protection Research Foundation, as well as multiple other boards and councils, including the Factory Mutual Advisory Committee, AFSA, NFSA, and the International Fire Sprinkler Association. Golinveaux has lectured in 43 countries on fire suppression technologies.
Ask the Experts
Viking Group, Inc.
CEO
James E. Golinveaux is currently president & CEO of Viking Group, Inc. With 39 years of experience in the fire protection industry, including both contracting and manufacturing, he currently holds 14 U.S. patent families in automatic sprinkler technologies. Golinveaux is a past chair of the NFPA Standards Council and serves on the ANSI Executive Standards Council. He is a past member of the Board of Trustees for the Fire Protection Research Foundation, as well as multiple other boards and councils, including the Factory Mutual Advisory Committee, AFSA, NFSA, and the International Fire Sprinkler Association. Golinveaux has lectured in 43 countries on fire suppression technologies.
Ask the Experts