Fire Protection Podcast

By Inspect Point, Drew SlocumBusiness Technology

Fire Protection Podcast episodes

December 11, 2025 AI & Fire Codes in Practice with Scott Reynolds from UpCodes
In Episode 89, Drew Slocum welcomes Scott Reynolds, Co-Founder and CEO of UpCodes, for a deep dive into the future of building codes, AI-driven code research, and the growing need for accessible, reliable, and continually updated code information across the built environment.
Scott shares the origin story of UpCodes, starting with his early career in architecture—working internationally in Hong Kong and later in New York City—where he experienced firsthand how difficult it is to navigate complex, fragmented, and frequently changing building and fire codes. That frustration eventually led Scott and his brother (a software engineer) to create UpCodes—a platform designed to unify, structure, and simplify access to codes and amendments across all 50 states and hundreds of local jurisdictions.
Episode 89 provides an insightful look at how technology, transparency, and collaboration can reshape fire protection, design, and construction for the better.
46 min
November 20, 2025 Smarter Workflows with AI in Fire Protection
Timestamps:
00:00 - Introducing today's guest
01:57 - Launching the first Al agent
04:19 - How AI adoption changes business processes
06:58 - Code complexity in fire protection
09:30 - Generative Al vs agentic Al explained
12:10 - How data supports better decisions
14:39 - FireCAD design assistant and design workflow gains
18:56 - Passion, innovation, and industry growth
19:49 - OEMs, contractors, and AI-enabled data flow
25:24 - Using AI for simple tasks and avoiding hallucinations
29:45 - The rapid shift toward AI in fire protection
32:02- Favorite Al-themed films
34:35 - Closing thoughts and future direction
37 min
October 23, 2025 Tragedy, Testing, & Change: How Data Drives Fire Safety Reform
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
36 min
October 08, 2025 How JEM Systems is Powering the Next Generation of Fire Integrators
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
36 min
September 17, 2025 Codes That Save Lives: A Conversation with NFPA’s Jim Pauley
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
50 min
September 04, 2025 Recurring Revenue & Customer Service in Fire Protection with Karsten Smith
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
37 min
August 14, 2025 Why Training is the Best ROI in Fire Protection – with Rob Stewart of Fire Tech
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
44 min
July 02, 2025 The Fire Inside: How This Alarm Tech Built His Own Fire Alarm Operation
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
38 min
June 04, 2025 Unifying Fire Protection Install & Service with BuildOps & Inspect Point
Drew chats with Glen Tipton, Director of Solution Engineering at BuildOps, about bridging the gap between install and service in the fire protection world. They dive into how BuildOps’ new partnership with Inspect Point is helping contractors streamline project management, inspections, and compliance. Packed with insights on recurring revenue, workforce challenges, and real-world tech adoption, this is a must-listen for anyone in fire life safety looking to level up operations.
30 min
May 01, 2025 Finding the Niche Within a Niche: Fire Safety Solutions with Kyle Jarvenpaa of Space Age Electronics
Join host Drew Slocum as he sits down with Kyle Jarvenpaa, VP of Business Development at Space Age Electronics, a company specializing in fire and life safety system components since 1963. Kyle pulls back the curtain on Space Age's unique "niche within a niche," discussing their role in supporting OEMs, contractors, and engineers through complementary products and a focus on efficiency. Dive deep into the practical applications of NFPA 241 for safeguarding construction sites, learn about innovative wireless temporary fire alarm solutions, and explore the complexities of smoke control systems and firefighter override panels. Kyle also shares insights on industry consolidation, the value of partnerships, the evolution of system documentation with products like Acer boxes, and Space Age's commitment to education through their Ignite series. Tune in to hear about code compliance challenges, driving installation efficiency, and how Space Age collaborates across the fire protection landscape.
39 min

About Fire Protection Podcast

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The Fire Protection Podcast dives deep into topics of the fire protection industry. Fire alarm, sprinkler, suppression, extinguishers and other life safety systems are discussed. Leaders from all…