The K-Factor Podcast

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What does it really take to succeed in sales? Devin O’Leary from Johnson Controls joins the K-Factor Podcast to talk about the mindset, personality traits, and people skills behind top-performing sales professionals in the fire protection industry. From building relationships and confidence , this episode is packed with real-world sales insights for anyone looking to grow in fire protection sales.

#FireProtection #SalesSuccess #JohnsonControls #FireProtectionSales #SalesPodcast #KFactorPodcast

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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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John Denhardt joins the K-Factor Podcast to clear up common misconceptions surrounding NFPA 20 fire pumps. From pump curves and pressure requirements to installation mistakes and standards interpretation, this episode delivers practical fire protection insights for contractors, engineers, inspectors, and AHJs working with fire pump systems.

VIP

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 it take to build a successful career in the fire protection industry? In this episode, Emily Biernacki Wrenn of Fire Tech Systems shares her journey into the world of fire protection, the lessons she's learned along the way, and the opportunities available for the next generation of industry professionals.

We also dive into the critical role of NFPA 25 and why inspection, testing, and maintenance are essential to keeping fire protection systems ready when they're needed most. Emily explains how compliance, customer education, and proactive maintenance help protect lives, property, and businesses across Louisiana and beyond.
Whether you're a building owner, facility manager, contractor, or someone exploring a career in fire protection, this conversation offers practical insights on industry growth, professional development, and the importance of keeping systems in peak condition.

#NFPA25 #FireProtection #WomenInFireProtection #FireSafety #WomenInConstruction

VIP

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!

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Michael Newell from Belvedere Fire & Safety joins the K-Factor Podcast to discuss entrepreneurship, business growth, and how basic AI tools are transforming the fire protection industry. From using AI for marketing, website development, and streamlining quote processes to making the leap from employee to business owner, this episode explores practical ways technology is improving efficiency and changing the future of fire protection businesses.

Whether you’re interested in artificial intelligence in the workplace, fire protection entrepreneurship, or growing a service business, this conversation is packed with real-world insights for contractors, sales teams, and business owners alike.

#FireProtection #ArtificialIntelligence #AItools #Entrepreneurship #BusinessGrowth #FireSprinkler #SmallBusiness #FireProtectionIndustry #Marketing #KFactorPodcast #BelvedereFireAndSafety

VIP

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!

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Get to know Jalyn Hopkins and Shakira Staten, Training Coordinators for AFSA’s VIP Apprenticeship Program (Virtual Instruction Program). In this episode of the K-Factor Podcast, we explore how the program is developing the next generation of fire protection professionals through structured apprenticeship training, virtual learning, and hands-on experience.

Jalyn and Shakira break down how the VIP Program supports apprentices and contractors by combining online instruction with fire sprinkler apprenticeship training, building strong foundations in safety, responsibility, and installation. This conversation highlights how modern apprenticeship programs are shaping the future of fire protection education and workforce development.

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to grow in the industry, this episode offers insight into fire protection apprenticeships, virtual training programs, and careers in the fire sprinkler industry.

https://firesprinkler.org/sprinkler-fitter-apprentice-training-vip/

VIP

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!

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Discover the path from field helper to supervisor in the fire protection industry. In this episode of the K-Factor podcast, Quenton Dukes of VSC Fire & Security discusses the critical role of AFSA training, the technical differences between NFPA 25 and NFPA 13, and how mastering system design and hydraulics enhances ITM inspections. Learn about the future of fire safety education, including alarm and suppression system integration.

https://www.vscfire.com/

VIP

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!

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Enhance your fire protection expertise in this episode of the K-Factor Podcast 🎙️ featuring Adolfo Wurts from Arbiter. We dive into the science of measurement—metrology 📏—and why it plays a critical role in fire sprinkler systems, inspection, testing, and maintenance. 🚨💧

From calibration and accuracy to real-world applications in the field, this conversation breaks down how precise measurement impacts system performance, code compliance, and overall life safety. 🔧📊 Whether you're a fire sprinkler contractor, inspector, or industry professional, understanding metrology can elevate the way you approach fire protection.

Tune in to learn how better data leads to better decisions—and safer systems. 🔥✅

https://arbiterfire.com/ 

VIP

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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Get to know the new voices behind the mic and the future of AFSA on this episode of the KF Factor Podcast 🎙️ 

We’re welcoming Hayden Stoll, technical Engineer in Training and Technical Programs Specialist, along with Andrew Boyer, the new K-Factor Podcast audio engineer and office generalist. From how they got started to what excites them about the fire protection industry, this episode is all about fresh perspectives, new roles, and what’s ahead 🔧💧 

We also take a moment to send off Nate Williams as he moves on to new work endeavors. Nate has played a big role in the podcast and the AFSA team, and we wish him all the best in his next chapter 🙌 

Whether you're here for industry insight, behind-the-scenes podcast talk, or just to meet the team, this episode brings a mix of conversation, laughs, and a look at what’s next.

VIP

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!

Send us Fan Mail

Step inside the future of fire protection technology with Potter Electric Signal Company and Andrew Kaempfer, VP of Suppression Sales. In this episode, we explore how manufacturing processes and IoT-connected devices are transforming fire sprinkler and fire alarm systems.

Potter is helping shape the next generation of life safety solutions worldwide through innovations in inspection, testing, and maintenance (ITM) and by breaking into international fire protection markets.

Connect with Potter:

Website: pottersignal.com
Phone: 1-800-325-3936

VIP

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!

Send us Fan Mail

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. 💪

VIP

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!