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)

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!

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. 

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!

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.

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!

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.

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!

In this episode, we talk with Brayden and Aiden, two aspiring ITM technicians breaking into the fire sprinkler industry. They discuss what drew them to fire protection, how they’re learning the ins and outs of inspections, testing, and maintenance, and the challenges and rewards of starting their careers. 

Join us for their fresh perspective on the future of ITM and what it takes to make an impact in the field.

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!

In this episode, we talk with Jennifer Walker, a new fire sprinkler designer at American Fire in California. Jennifer discusses her path into the fire protection industry, challenges that she has had, and her continued learning. She also shares her perspective on her future in the fire sprinkler field and what new designers should know.

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!

Becoming a foreman isn’t just about experience—it’s about mastering the skills that make people want to follow your lead. In this episode of The K-Factor Podcast, we sit down with Bob Caputo, president of the American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA), to explore the essential abilities every aspiring foreman needs.

From motivating crews and managing jobs to solving problems under pressure, Bob shares insights from his experience of leadership that can help you build a strong foundation for your future or help your team grow.

👉 If you’re aiming for foremanship, this episode is your guide to the skills that truly matter.

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!

The 2028 edition of NFPA 13 may still be a few years away, but changes are already taking shape — and it’s time to get prepared.

In this episode of The K-Factor Podcast, Kevin Hall joins us to share an insider’s perspective on what’s coming in the next edition of NFPA 13. From technical updates to practical implications in the field, Kevin breaks down the changes that matter most to contractors, engineers, and the entire fire sprinkler community. Look out for a more in-depth dive soon in the future!

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!

In this episode, Victoria Valentine from AFSA shares how to talk about your job in fire protection in ways that connect, educate, and inspire. Whether you're on a jobsite or at a family BBQ, learn to turn “what do you do?” into a powerful moment for 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!

Meet Raul Bustamante, an aspiring fire sprinkler designer at Metro Fire Protection, as he shares his hands-on experience surveying jobs in the field and how it’s shaping his path to design. His journey offers a unique look into the real-world steps of building a career in fire protection.

Metro Fire & Security: www.metrofireandsecurity.com

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!