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