In this episode of The Fire Protection Podcast, host Drew Slocum sits down with Grant Lobdell, President of Dyne Fire Protection Labs, to discuss one of the most pressing issues facing the fire protection industry today—sprinkler testing and system maintenance.

Grant shares insights on Dyne’s acquisition by NFPA Global Solutions and how this new initiative supports NFPA’s life safety mission. The conversation takes a serious turn as Drew and Grant unpack the tragic Fall River, Massachusetts fire, where recalled O-ring sprinkler heads failed to activate—an incident underscoring the critical importance of regular inspection, testing, and maintenance under NFPA 25.

They also dive into the new partnership between Inspect Point and Dyne, designed to streamline how contractors and building owners identify, test, and replace aging or defective sprinklers. The episode closes with updates from Dyne’s lab on the transition from fluorinated foams to fluorine-free alternatives, and what that means for contractors navigating environmental regulations and system performance.

Timestamps

00:00 Intro and Episode Overview

02:21 Meet Grant Lobdell and Dyne Labs

07:32 O-Ring Recalls and Failure Rates

11:15 NFPA 25 Testing Requirements

18:00 Simplifying Inspections Through Partnerships

21:07 Testing Cycles and Code Changes

23:42 Interpreting Results and Owner Duties

27:21 Foam Systems and Regulatory Updates

34:48 Closing Remarks

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

02:15 Jason’s Background and GEM Systems

03:40 Integrating Design, Engineering, and Distribution

07:47 Navigating COVID-19 and Supply Chain Shifts

12:06 Expanding into Sprinkler Design

15:20 AI, Data Centers & Code Shifts

17:44 Connectivity, Safety & Working Together

22:17 Codes, Compliance, and Public Safety

23:58 Efficiency, Software, and Real-Time Solutions

26:22 From Soccer Fields to Fire Systems

28:05 Business Growth, ERP, and Integration Challenges

32:10 Training, Partnerships, and Future Initiatives

34:25 Where to Find GEM Systems and Closing Remarks

00:00 Introduction & Conference Recap
03:50 Jim's Background, NFPA's History and Mission
10:49 Public Awareness & "Code for Every Moment" Campaign
14:15 NFPA's Fire & Life Safety Ecosystem
16:18 Reverse Renovations with Jonathan Scott
18:23 Real-World Code Application & Lessons from Tragedies
21:54 How Codes and Standards Are Written
24:43 Code Update Cycles and Politics
28:58 Making Codes Approachable and Industry Sustainability
39:08 Al's Role and Risks in Fire Protection
43:12 The Nuances of Codes, Standards, and Al
46:52 Closing Thoughts and Passion for the Job

Timestamps

00:00 Welcome & Introduction

02:35 Karsten’s Journey into Fire Protection

07:26 Why Recurring Revenue Matters

09:32 Turning Installs into Service Contracts

11:13 Customer Service as a Growth Driver

13:09 AHJ Compliance Platforms & Industry Shifts

14:28 Navigating Local Jurisdiction Challenges

18:18 Risk Management and System Types

19:33 Karsten’s Favorite Systems to Work On

24:45 Suppression Systems & Market Competition

26:19 Restaurant Stories from the Field

28:15 Embracing Technology and AI in Fire Protection

33:02 Private Equity & The Industry’s Future

34:48 ACE Fire’s Online Presence

35:41 Closing Takeaways

Timestamps

00:00 Introducing Rob Stewart and Fire Tech

02:51 Real-World Fire Protection Stories

06:36 Rob’s Background and Industry Goals

09:10 Fire Protection Training Needs & Demographics

11:48 Cross-Training Between Sprinkler & Alarm Disciplines

14:35 Documentation Challenges & The Role of the Back Office

20:00 Evolving Codes, Jurisdictional Differences, and AHJ Influence

22:24 Updating Training to NFPA & NICET Standards

24:16 Regional Code Variations

25:37 Digital Documentation vs. Static Forms

29:12 Building a Company-Wide Training Plan

33:13 The ROI of Training: Real Cost-Savings Examples

40:50 Personal Reflections: Lake Havasu & Industry Insights

42:13 Closing Thoughts

00:00 From Technician to Entrepreneur

02:20 Dakota’s Background & Apprenticeship Path

04:34 Motivation to Start a Business

06:30 Identifying a Niche in the Fire Industry

08:39 Learning Design and Troubleshooting

09:35 Teaching Himself FireCAD + Early Wins

14:33 Balancing Install, Design & Multiple Projects

18:02 Favorite Systems & What Works Best

21:05 The Problem with Proprietary Equipment

22:26 Customer-First, No-Contract Philosophy

28:28 Work-Life Balance & Being a Present Dad

30:44 Technology and Business Efficiency

32:35 Dakota’s Passion for Golfing

33:11 NFPA Involvement & Final Words