As a mathematically inclined student who aspired to build rollercoasters, Jim Begley was introduced to fire protection engineering by his family of firefighters. This career ultimately led him to found a niche engineering firm dedicated to fire protection and life safety and named after his alma mater’s mascot.  On this episode of GENeration eXecutive, Jim shares insights into the fire protection industry, recounts how a pivotal early management experience framed his hiring and leadership style, what he thinks others should know about starting a business, and why his ability to write as an engineer works well for him as a parttime food writer.