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On this episode of The K-Factor Podcast, we sit down with Bob Caputo to talk about how to stay sharp in the fire sprinkler industry—even after years in inspection, testing, and maintenance (ITM). 🔍 🚿

Bob dives into breaking legacy habits, avoiding complacency, and why “training the trainer” is critical to raising the standard across the industry. From challenging outdated ITM practices to mentoring the next generation of inspectors and technicians, this conversation is all about accountability, growth, and continuous improvement. 📘🔥

If you work in fire sprinkler inspections, NFPA 25 compliance, fire protection training, or ITM leadership, this one’s packed with insight you can apply immediately.

Stay sharp. Stay accountable. Raise the bar. 💪

Reach out with questions and topics you would like covered at [email protected].

For more training opportunities visit: www.firesprinkler.org

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In this episode of The K-Factor Podcast, Tracey Bellamy, Chief Engineering Officer at Telgian Engineering & Consulting, shares insights on the evolution of fire protection codes and standards, the realities of liability in inspection, testing, and maintenance (ITM), and the latest considerations for in-rack sprinkler design. Tracey also breaks down how fire testing shapes system performance, innovation, and code development. A must-listen for anyone in fire protection engineering, sprinkler design, or NFPA compliance.

Reach out with questions and topics you would like covered at [email protected].

For more training opportunities visit: www.firesprinkler.org

TikTok: @firesprinkler.org

LinkedIn: American Fire Sprinkler Association

Facebook: firesprinkler.org

Instagram: @firesprinklerorg

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In this episode of The K-Factor Podcast, we’re joined by Jack Poole, PE, FSFPE, Principal at Poole Fire Protection, for a deep, practical, and forward-thinking conversation on some of the most complex challenges in fire protection today.

Jack brings decades of engineering expertise to unpack critical topics shaping system design and hazard mitigation across the industry, including:

✈️ Aircraft hangar protection — why traditional foam systems are being reconsidered, and how water-based solutions can offer safer, more sustainable alternatives.

💧 Water vs. foam — environmental impacts, regulatory changes, operational reliability, maintenance concerns, and how the industry is shifting toward new suppression strategies.

🔥 Practical fire protection engineering — real-world insights, decision-making in the field, and designing systems that work under pressure (literally).

⚠️ Hazard mitigation strategies — how to identify risks early, apply practical engineering judgment, and design suppression systems tailored to high-hazard occupancies.

🔋 Electric vehicle battery and energy storage protection — what engineers need to know about lithium-ion hazards, thermal runaway, and effective suppression and containment methods.

Whether you’re in fire protection engineering, aircraft facility design, foam replacement, or battery storage protection, this episode delivers actionable insights straight from one of the industry’s most respected experts.

https://poolefire.com/

Reach out with questions and topics you would like covered at [email protected].

For more training opportunities visit: www.firesprinkler.org

TikTok: @firesprinkler.org

LinkedIn: American Fire Sprinkler Association

Facebook: firesprinkler.org

Instagram: @firesprinklerorg

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On this episode of The K-Factor Podcast, we return to the AFSA facility for another behind-the-scenes tour — this time with Hunter Brendle, President of Brendle Sprinkler, and Gene Taylor, Vice President of Field Operations at Brendle Sprinkler, joined by their kids.

The conversation goes beyond equipment and systems, focusing on why early exposure matters, how hands-on experiences spark curiosity, and the role the fire sprinkler industry can play in shaping the next generation. We talk about fire protection fundamentals, the pride behind skilled trades, and what it means to pass knowledge, values, and opportunity forward.

It’s an honest, encouraging look at the future of the industry — told through the lens of family, mentorship, and real-world learning at the AFSA facility.

https://www.brendlesprinkler.com/

Reach out with questions and topics you would like covered at [email protected].

For more training opportunities visit: www.firesprinkler.org

TikTok: @firesprinkler.org

LinkedIn: American Fire Sprinkler Association

Facebook: firesprinkler.org

Instagram: @firesprinklerorg

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In this episode of The K-Factor Podcast, we’re joined by Steve Scandaliato, Principal & Managing Director at SDG, LLC, for a deep dive into one of the most fundamental principles in sprinkler design: Spot the Dots.

Steve breaks down why sprinkler spacing isn’t just a design detail — it’s the backbone of code compliance, hydrualic performance, and system reliability. From understanding basic layout concepts to catching spacing issues during plan review, this episode delivers practical advice for designers, reviewers, contractors, and anyone who works with sprinkler drawings.

If you’ve ever opened a plan set and wondered where to begin, the answer is simple: start with the dots.

www.scandaliato.com

Reach out with questions and topics you would like covered at [email protected].

For more training opportunities visit: www.firesprinkler.org

TikTok: @firesprinkler.org

LinkedIn: American Fire Sprinkler Association

Facebook: firesprinkler.org

Instagram: @firesprinklerorg

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On this week’s episode of the K-Factor Podcast, we sit down with Hunter Brendle, President of Brendle Sprinkler, for an insightful conversation at the AFSA lab. Hunter brought his son and a few of his friends along to get a firsthand look at the sprinkler industry, sparking a discussion about the importance of fire protection, the value of skilled trades, and what the future holds for the next generation entering the industry.

AFSA’s Hands-On NFPA 25 Workshops take inspection, testing, and maintenance training beyond the classroom—giving fire protection professionals the opportunity to work directly with live systems in a controlled, real-world environment.

Each workshop is designed to build confidence, skill, and understanding of the NFPA 25 standard:

• 💧 NFPA 25 Essentials Workshop – Master the core inspection, testing, and maintenance requirements for water-based fire protection syst
  Reach out with questions and topics you would like covered at [email protected].
  For more training opportunities visit: www.firesprinkler.org
  TikTok: @firesprinkler.org
  LinkedIn: American Fire Sprinkler Association
  Facebook: firesprinkler.org
  Instagram: @firesprinklerorg
  Don't forget to like, subscribe, & review!

Reach out with questions and topics you would like covered at [email protected].

For more training opportunities visit: www.firesprinkler.org

TikTok: @firesprinkler.org

LinkedIn: American Fire Sprinkler Association

Facebook: firesprinkler.org

Instagram: @firesprinklerorg

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In this second installment of The Riser Report, we bring you fresh conversations straight from the AFSA44 convention floor — highlighting the advocates, educators, champions, and rising leaders shaping the future of the fire sprinkler industry.

We kick things off with Peg Paul of the Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition, who shares insight into national residential sprinkler advocacy, education efforts, and the ongoing push to improve home fire safety across North America.

Next, we catch up with Dylan Whittaker of Summit — the AFSA43 National Apprenticeship Champion — to talk about his apprenticeship experience, the path to becoming a top competitor, and what the next generation of sprinkler fitters is bringing to the industry.

We then connect with Rob Stewart, Director of Training at Fire Tech Productions, who dives into the evolving world of fire protection training, online learning, and the skill-building required to support a fast-changing industry.

Finally, Madison Wolf, VP & Regional Sales Representative at Victaulic, joins us to discuss her career journey, leadership in the industry, and what it means to be named the AFSA44 “Joe Heinrich Young Professional of the Year.”

Fast, focused, and recorded live on the expo floor, The Riser Report 2 delivers the conversations driving today’s fire sprinkler industry forward.

Peg Paul – Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition (www.homefiresprinkler.org)
Dylan Whittaker – Summit Fire & Security, AFSA43 Apprenticeship Champion (www.summitfiresecurity.com)
Rob Stewart – Fire Tech Productions (learning.firetech.com)
Madison Wolf – Victaulic & AFSA44 Young Professional of the Year (www.victaulic.com)

Reach out with questions and topics you would like covered at [email protected].

For more training opportunities visit: www.firesprinkler.org

TikTok: @firesprinkler.org

LinkedIn: American Fire Sprinkler Association

Facebook: firesprinkler.org

Instagram: @firesprinklerorg

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In the Riser Report convention-series episode, we catch up with two standout voices from the AFSA44 expo.

First, we sit down with Martin Workman, Senior Vice President at Viking, to talk about his journey in fire protection, what he’s learned along the way, and how product development continues to evolve within one of the industry’s most innovative companies.

Then we connect with Mariana Barrios, General Manager at EnginZone, for a powerful conversation on expanding fire sprinkler training and support throughout Latin America — and what it means to bring AFSA’s mission to a global audience.

Quick, candid, and packed with convention-floor energy, this episode captures the heart of AFSA44 one conversation at a time and brings it to your speakers. 

Reach out with questions and topics you would like covered at [email protected].

For more training opportunities visit: www.firesprinkler.org

TikTok: @firesprinkler.org

LinkedIn: American Fire Sprinkler Association

Facebook: firesprinkler.org

Instagram: @firesprinklerorg

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The future of fire protection codes and standards is taking shape — and the time to prepare is now.

In this episode of The K-Factor Podcast, Kevin Hall, Director of Engineering & Technical Services at AFSA, joins us to share insights on the upcoming 2028 edition of NFPA 13 and the 2026 edition of NFPA 25.

From sprinkler system design updates to inspection, testing, and maintenance requirements, Kevin highlights the key changes that will impact contractors, engineers, and the entire fire sprinkler industry.

👉 If you want to stay ahead of NFPA standards and understand how these updates affect your work, this episode is a must-listen.

Reach out with questions and topics you would like covered at [email protected].

For more training opportunities visit: www.firesprinkler.org

TikTok: @firesprinkler.org

LinkedIn: American Fire Sprinkler Association

Facebook: firesprinkler.org

Instagram: @firesprinklerorg

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What does the future of fire protection look like — and how do we inspire the next generation to be part of it?

In this episode of The K-Factor Podcast, we sit down with Gene Taylor, VP of Field Operations at Brendle Sprinkler, and Hunter Brendle, President of Brendle Sprinkler Company, Inc., joined by their children, to talk about the fire protection families, mentorship, and industry outreach play in attracting new talent.

It’s a candid conversation about the opportunities, challenges, and bright future ahead for the fire sprinkler industry — and how the next generation is already getting involved.

Reach out with questions and topics you would like covered at [email protected].

For more training opportunities visit: www.firesprinkler.org

TikTok: @firesprinkler.org

LinkedIn: American Fire Sprinkler Association

Facebook: firesprinkler.org

Instagram: @firesprinklerorg

Don't forget to like, subscribe, & review!