Key TakeawaysMike ’s BackgroundOver 40 years of Fire Protection Consulting ExperienceStudied Fire Protection and Safety Engineering at Illinois Institute of TechnologyLabs were at Underwriters LaboratoriesReceived an MBA from University of HoustonWorking at Rolf Jensen and Associates and then Jensen Hughes Over 30 years Involved in the code writing process and litigation support.Saw failures of passive systemsGot involved with the healthcare industry and was part of committees related to life safety code.Dealt with Healthcare projects, finding a balance in passive and suppression systems. Faced different life safety issues in different occupancies like assembly spaces, large theaters, and high-rise buildingsHealthcare Was sent to a committee meeting as an alternate and eventually became a full committee member. Wife was a nurse, so familiarity with the Healthcare space. Did work with the Military and VA Hospitals. Chaired the fundamentals committee and the entire correlating committeeCurrently chairs the medical gas technical committeeIndustry Challenges Large energy storage systems / thermal runawayDoors! Fire Rated doors and compliance / testing How numbers were put into codes Labor shortage / hiring processAdvice for newcomers to the Engineering Field Find a NicheConsider subcategories of engineering, such as acoustics or corrosion controlBuild a resume with an internshipCoffman Engineering Full-service MEP (mechanical, electrical, plumbing) firmWorks in the Fire Protection Group, which has grown rapidly to cover offices all over the countryStarted as a structural engineering company and has expanded its services over 42 yearsDepartment of Defense workOil and GasBroaden horizons by working on a variety of projects like working on the Texans StadiumSpeaking EngagementsCovered changes in code at a recent ASHE eventDiscussed findings from fire Data. Where fires are happening in HealthcareHelps determine where the focus should be in limiting...
Key TakeawaysRich ’s BackgroundValparaiso University Grad, ,multi-Fraternity member Always wanted to go into engineeringPassion started in Junior High School when he modified a bikeOriginally wanted to be in mechanical engineering, pivoted to civil engineering. Working at ULHad a friend who introduced him to the company. Lab work/office work combo was appealing.Did not think of it at Life Safety or Fire Protection.Started in tunnel testingMoved over to fire-resistance group43 years at ULProject Engineer Work Interior finish materials, insulation materials Steiner Tunnel TestInvolved in the MGM Fire investigation. Several major historical fires had impact on testing methods and codes. Impacting ChangeJoined Fire Resistance Group at UL in 1987Niche group that was into Fire StoppingWanted to move the industry forward. Involved in evolutionary changes to standards. Air Leakage Tests didn’t exist at the time. Many standards didn’t exist, drain systems, perimeter fire containment, etc. Senior Regulatory EngineerRegulatory Services Group at ULInterfaces with code enforcement committeeInvolved in code developmentOpportunity to do training with code officials Consulting WorkRecommissioned his side business of racing cars to become his consulting business. Engineering judgementsTrying to avoid conflicts with the fire industry About RichI am leveraging my 43 years of experience at UL by providing fire protection related consulting services. Areas of expertise include building materials, fire-resistance-rated construction, and the protection of breaches within fire-resistance-rated construction.Services provided by Creative Technology include teaching, assistance in identifying and interpreting UL Fire-Resistance Designs, engineering judgments, code development, standards development, writing technical articles and technical manuals, and assistance with product certifications.RichWalke61@gmail.comRich on LinkedInAbout...
Today’s guest is Chris Brown, Chief Commercial Officer at Jensen Hughes. Key TakeawaysChris ’s BackgroundCornell University Board member of the Bucks County Children’s Museum BucksKids.OrgStarted in Software and Information TechnologyCareer evolved through sales, product management and marketing. Exposed to Fire Protection Industry at Tyco. Wanted to be an architect, was fascinated by the built environment. Chief Commercial OfficerFocus is on the growth side of the business. Sales, marketing & strategy. Promote thought leadership, new opportunities with clients, consulting. By growing the business, the fulfill their mission to make the world more secure safe and resilient. Jensen Hughes Digital GroupSoftware products to identify areas of risk and hazard.Deliver software to clients. Emergence of smart buildings. Leverage technology. Generating Insights for ClientsWhat’s going on with design decisions?What implications do building materials have on code compliance? Bring perspective to help think forward about designing facilities to make the safest decisions to survive several decades. Jensen Hughes Over 1500 engineers.Experts that understand building materials and the work they do in the labTeamwork atmosphereScientists and engineers teaching others.About ChrisSpecialties: General Management / P&L management, sales & marketing leadership, business strategy and transformation, business development, mergers & acquisitions, acquisition integration, product management, start-ups, turnarounds, lean / Six SigmaChris on LinkedInAbout Jensen HughesTHE GLOBAL LEADER IN ENGINEERING, CONSULTING AND TECHNOLOGY MAKING OUR WORLD SAFE, SECURE + RESILIENTSince 1939, we have dedicated ourselves to fire protection engineering, initially in the United States and now worldwide. Today, our expertise, commitment and passion extend across additional domains —including accessibility consulting, risk and hazard analysis, process safety, forensic investigations, security risk and emergency management as well as digital innovation across many of our services.https://www.jensenhughes.comAbout STI FirestopSince 1990 Specified Technologies, Inc. (STI) is a global leader in the firestopping industry. The company...
Key TakeawaysLuke’s BackgroundAttended Worcester Polytechnic Institute Time on the football team helped develop skills needed in the professional world. Studied mechanical engineeringSystem design engineer at Kidde-Fenwal, assessing explosion riskWent to Tyco and worked on the suppression side of the businessIntroduced to the lab and fire testingPatents Developed and patented a mist fire protection system Use less water than sprinkler Joined business development role at Tyco as the first engineer brought it. Combining education with the know-how to help people. Conquest FiresprayOn the passive side of the Fire Protection Industry Fire Rated Ventilation Systems FlamebarFlamebarEngineering product first, duct work product second 2 levels of protection, fire outside & fire inside Always meets code requirements for whole range of tested sizesAlways going to be the most cost effective Luke on LinkedInAbout Conquest FiresprayConquest Firespray markets Flamebar fire rated architectural and engineered solutions to contractors, engineers and architects. Conquest Firespray is affiliated with Conquest Manufacturing, a company that has been serving HVAC mechanical and sheet metal contractors since 1998. Conquest fabricates rectangular and spiral duct, and applies coatings in its large U/L certified facility. The company manufactures in two locations totaling 125,000 square feet. Conquest headquarters is located in Warren, Michigan.Our experienced staff is project oriented and brings a field perspective to project support services. We bring extensive technical experience in fire safety, general and mechanical contracting, from pre-construction conceptual and guidance planning through field construction to completion. Our project support platforms are fully integrated, offering direct data exchange from estimating through detailing, to manufacturing and delivery. Superior control processes assure timely, accurate material supply services. Our experience ranges from new automotive plants to mega malls to laboratories, hospitals and university projects.https://www.conquest-firespray.comAbout STI FirestopSince 1990 Specified Technologies, Inc. (STI) is a global leader in the firestopping industry. The company manufactures a wide array of products and technologies to provide passive fire protection. Headquartered in Somerville, NJ, STI has sales offices all over the globe. STI Marine is a Division of STI that specializes in marine fire protection in the cruise line, offshore oil and gas, and general...
Today’s guest is Tom Hardiman, the official spokesperson for the modular construction industry. Key TakeawaysTom ’s BackgroundMBA from Marshall University Had a passion for entrepreneurs and small business owners. Director of the Associated Builders & Contractors Modular Construction Modular Construction is a process of constructing a building or home in an off-site factory in modules, transporting to the site and then assemble. Shortened schedule with offsite construction. Allows you to have 2 sites going simultaneously. Much less material waste in modular construction. Whatever doesn’t get used is saved for later projects, not going to waste. Worker safety is improved by transporting the construction site into an indoor factory setting. Life Safety standards IBCConstruction has to meet the local building codes wherever the site is, regardless of modular construction. 36 states have their own modular programs. Half of the total construction process occurs in the factory, the rest is site build. That is the jurisdiction of the local officials. Modular Building InstituteHave great relationships with local agencies. Can help with dealing with state programs and local officials regarding the modular process. Biggest barrier has been lack of understanding amongst code officials who are not familiar with modular. Perception of modular has changed. Modular Homebuilders AssociationSingle family modular industryBeen director for 10 years. Hardiman and Williams Residential and other forms of offsite construction work. Able to put the offsite construction umbrella under the same management team. Cost sharing, etc. Offsite Construction Expos. Coming up in Sacramento, DC & Denver. World of Modular Expo coming up in San Antonio. About TomAs the official spokesperson for the modular construction industry, Tom has been involved in leadership roles in modular construction since 2004 when he was named the Executive Director for the Modular Building Institute, the international non-profit trade association for the commercial modular industry. In 2012, he took on the additional role as Executive Director for the Modular Home Builders Association, the national non-profit trade association serving the modular home industry.Tom has extensive experience as an industry advocate on various legislative, regulatory, and building code issues at the state and...
Today’s guest is STI’s Director of Strategic Accounts, Eric LacroixKey TakeawaysEric’s BackgroundBorn in Massachusetts, grew up in the Carolina’s, went to college at Umass Dartmouth and then moved back south to work for STI in the Carolinas. Studied History at Umass Dartmouth, interested in going into EducationWorked at a construction supply company while in College. Background is in plumbing, but crossed over into FireStop and Fire Protection. Path to STIWorked closely with STI as a distributer. Met VP of Sales, and eventually met others within the company. Hired as a territory manager for the CarolinasBuilt relationships with contractors etc, became a regional manager. Southeastern regional managerCurtain Wall became an area of expertise. Testing for Perimeter Fire Containment Systems Identify opportunities and build relationships with partners. Engineers overview the scope of the test specimen.Goals are to test real world designs.Complicated process that could take 9-12 months. Testing at UL and Intertek. Run tests in different labs. All are subjected to requirements. The STI Advantage Works closely with partners of all levels from all over the worldDeveloped many of industry firsts over the years Always working on something new and innovative. Industry best All Weather Spray. Developed new Water Based Spray. New Hybrid Window Wall system. Book of SolutionsProvides a roadmap to the latest and greatest designs. Broken down by Wall type, Insolation type etc. Eric on LinkedInAbout STI FirestopSince 1990 Specified Technologies, Inc. (STI) is a global leader in the firestopping industry. The company manufactures a wide array of products and technologies to provide passive fire protection. Headquartered in Somerville, NJ, STI has sales offices all over the globe. STI Marine is a Division of STI that specializes in marine fire protection in the cruise line, offshore oil and gas, and general maritime industry. STI Marine’s product line consists of a full range of products used for penetration seals and cable transits in fire-rated bulkheads and decks, including water-tight firestop sealants, firestop collars for plastic piping, and an innovative cable transit device. All products comply with the IMO FTP Code and are subject to various Type Approvals include MED, DNV GL, Lloyds Register, ABS, USCG, BV, RINA and more…a...
Key TakeawaysRuben’s BackgroundBorn and raised in Houston, Texas. Gained “Street Smarts” during his upbringing. Stumbled into Life Safety after getting a job with Johnson Control in the Fire Alarm industry. Learned code and developed his own Fire Alarm business. Came in as a maintenance technician at Texas Children’s Hospital. Developed a passion for Life Safety after expanded his knowledge base. Director of Facilities Management at Baylor St. Lukes Medical CenterManage day to day operations, capital projects, fire alarm testing, systems upgrades, etc. Barrier Management ProgramsAbove Ceiling Permit Program Required to list UL System Host trainings with contractorsLife Safety Podcast3rd season coming soonGreat marketing toolSharing education by bringing in other industry professionalsStaying up to dateWent after all certifications pertaining to his field Currently working on formal education Constantly looking at the newest codes and standards Currently on the 2012 edition of the Life Safety CodeRuben on LinkedInAbout STI FirestopSince 1990 Specified Technologies, Inc. (STI) is a global leader in the firestopping industry. The company manufactures a wide array of products and technologies to provide passive fire protection. Headquartered in Somerville, NJ, STI has sales offices all over the globe. STI Marine is a Division of STI that specializes in marine fire protection in the cruise line, offshore oil and gas, and general maritime industry. STI Marine’s product line consists of a full range of products used for penetration seals and cable transits in fire-rated bulkheads and decks, including water-tight firestop sealants, firestop collars for plastic piping, and an innovative cable transit device. All products comply with the IMO FTP Code and are subject to various Type Approvals include MED, DNV GL, Lloyds Register, ABS, USCG, BV, RINA and more…https://www.stifirestop.com
Today’s guest is Sharron Halpert, owner of Halpert Life Safety Consulting. Sharron has been involved in multiple aspects of the Passive Fire Protection industry for over 15 years. She is truly a pioneer in a traditionally male dominated industry. Key TakeawaysSharron’s BackgroundA rich history of volunteer work. Santa’s Helper at Ranfurley Home for Children in Nassau, Bahamas as well has the HOPSHA Christmas Party. Humane Society. Habitat for Humanity Passion for TeachingStarted when she was 12 helping exchange students learn English. Taught Kindergarten in JapanPassion for teaching has helped her in teaching building code by adapting her style. Helping people build better. $19 Billion worth of Projects in the last 14 yearsWorked on Baha Mar in the Bahamas on site. One Ocean Condominiums in the Bahamas City Center Las Vegas Other Services Identifying issues in current buildings. Following attacks on 9/11, helped development testing and evaluation to comply with Department of Homeland Security standards. Woman Owned Business in New JerseyCertified by Port Authority of New York/New JerseyStarted in Firestop over 20 years ago and fell in love with the impact it had on building safety. No intention of being an entrepreneur, but has been in business for over a decade. Work with ClientsAnyone who wants to do things the right way and build better. IE Contractors, building owners etc. Series of videos to teach new skillsets. Help understand requirements, codes and standards. 3rd party special inspection and Fire StopAbout Sharron Passionate. That’s the first word that comes to mind when you meet and work with Sharron Halpert and her firestop team. She understands how critically important firestop is to the level of life safety of a building. Sharron has the utmost concern for the safety of the building’s occupants, the first responders, as well as the building and its contents. Sharron has been involved in multiple aspects of the firestop and passive fire protection business for over 15 years. As a successful...
Welcome to The Burn, Beyond Fire Stop. Our show is dedicated to life safety and code compliance in the built environment, which puts me on a mission to find the most interesting people in this space to get their unique perspective. Our hope is that our listening audience walks away with an understanding of how our guests and their businesses and organizations contribute to the promotion of life safety of whatever is being built. Our show is brought to you by Specified Technologies, Inc. Also known as STI Fire Stop. And since 1990 STI has been a leading global provider of innovative fire protective solutions that help stop the spread of fire, smoke and hot gases.Today’s guest has more than 15 years of experience in fire protection, life safety and code compliance. Aaron Johnson is an independent consultant and Chief Fire Strategists specializing in innovative fire protection solutions for emerging technologies.Key TakeawaysAarons ’s BackgroundFather was a preacher and went to Bible School for a year and a half. Coaching with Upward Sports. Serves with Our Community Table, distributing food to those in need. Wanted to get into the Fire Department, went to school to become an EMTTransitioned from EMT into Fire Service. Hired in Aircraft rescue. Became municipal fire inspector. Consulting PracticeStarting Blogging about his fire inspection. Consulted on Fire Code compliance in the built environment, fire-stopping, etc. Commercial vs Aviation Fire Protection Fire prevention approaches are different. Risks are different in the community vs aviation. Different codes for municipal inspector vs aircrafts. Specific training is needed. NFP418Standard for HeliportsOn a task group called Verti Ports task group Several manufacturers making electric powered aircraft for urban air mobilityWriting the Fire Protection standards for these heliports. Published 6 BooksLatest book is Being Chief - leadership principles for the ARFF ProfessionalInterviewed Chiefs and leaders in the industry. Books can be found at www.AaronJ.orgFull time...
Today’s guest is an innovative, collaborative, and forward-thinking industry leader with extensive experience building vision and driving financial results for growth-oriented organizations in Fire Protection & Life Safety, John Mackey. Key TakeawaysJohn ’s BackgroundNavy Veteran, served in the Gulf WarGrandfathers were WWII vets, one a Navy PilotServed in Reserves for 5 years after active duty Used the GI Bill to attend CollegeWorked at a local lumber yard after schoolTransitioned into HRFound his way to Tyco, where passion for Fire Protection & Life Safety grewFrom Manufacturing to UsersGot into the field, traveled with sales team and met his customersLeft Tyco and went to work for his largest customer, HillerTechnology was growing, used Tech to support growthStarted a Consulting CompanyRecognized that there are companies who don’t understand dynamics of acquiring businesses and what the customer expectsWanted to educate on how the market is structuredHelped with the integration processCreate an environment where they aren’t skipping a beat with the customerThe Mackey GroupMergers and AcquisitionsHelping clients understand Market DynamicsKeeps pulse on what’s going on in all aspects of Fire ProtectionBuild strategies for clients successHelping clients understand emerging technologiesNAFEDAttended Executive Retreat for NAFEDFocused on company owners and leadersPreparing for Transition in the Fire and Life Safety Business Wrote blog about how to get better in this business. First focus is on FireAbout JohnI am an innovative, collaborative, and forward-thinking industry leader with extensive experience building vision and driving financial results for growth-oriented organizations in Fire Protection & Life Safety. I have robust strategic, operational, and relationship building acumen that facilitates competitive advantages and new partnerships. I’m known for strong integrity, influence,...
The Burn: Beyond FirestopHosted by John ZalepkaIntroWelcome to The Burn, Beyond Fire Stop. Our show is dedicated to life safety and code compliance in the built environment, which puts me on a mission to find the most interesting people in this space to get their unique perspective. Our hope is that our listening audience walks away with an understanding of how our guests and their businesses and organizations contribute to the promotion of life safety of whatever is being built. Our show is brought to you by Specified Technologies, Inc. Also known as STI Fire Stop. And since 1990 STI has been a leading global provider of innovative fire protective solutions that help stop the spread of fire, smoke and hot gases.Today’s guest is Josh Brackett, a self proclaimed “Fire Geek”, Josh is a licensed Fire Protection Engineer (PE) Senior Status as ASHE (SASHE) and Certified Healthcare Facility Manager (CHFM) with specialized expertise in life safety compliance and energy management. Key TakeawaysJosh’s BackgroundMajored in Fire Protection and Safety Engineering Technology at Oklahoma State UniversityMember of the Fire Protection SocietyWanted to be a Firefighter his whole life, grow into Fire Marshall or Chief role. Was told he was over-qualified to be a firefighter. Took a job with an engineering firm. Worked in healthcare engineering. Working with fire protection for hospitals. Applying skills to the healthcare industryTook over for electrical engineers and handled automatic sprinkler side and fire alarm side. Led to building a business plan that got him the role as National Director of Business DevelopmentBaptist Health contacted him to be their head of Life SafetySystem Regulatory Director at Banner HealthProvides direction for codes and compliance program Networking plays a big role. Open communication leads to bringing everyone to the table for change. Legacy FMFounded on premise of Legacy Project (how do you leave behind your legacy, how are we transferring knowledge to replace the technicians leaving the business)Training and education company. From onboarding to continuing education Developing Code-Compliant Integrated Fire Protection and Life Safety Inspection, Testing and Maintenance Programs100 percent of the prophets go to ASHEGot group together, wonderful authors and experts in the industry, to write book over 2...
The Burn: Beyond FirestopHosted by John ZalepkaIntroWelcome to The Burn, Beyond Fire Stop. Our show is dedicated to life safety and code compliance in the built environment, which puts me on a mission to find the most interesting people in this space to get their unique perspective. Our hope is that our listening audience walks away with an understanding of how our guests and their businesses and organizations contribute to the promotion of life safety of whatever is being built. Our show is brought to you by Specified Technologies, Inc. Also known as STI Fire Stop. And since 1990 STI has been a leading global provider of innovative fire protective solutions that help stop the spread of fire, smoke and hot gases.My guest today is Mark St. Onge, Fire Protection Specialist and Field Engineer at UL (Underwriters Laboratories), where much of the industry’s fire testing is done. Key TakeawaysMark’s BackgroundAir Force Veteran, served 15 years. Worked in volunteer fire department, and as an EMTGot into 3rd party inspectionsSpecial InspectionsHas seen a lot in the field, loves the opportunity to help others from past experiences Brought into UL with an opportunity to grow a new program Pre Construction meetings of the utmost importance. Time at ULReports to Program Manager for Fire Protection and Fire Barrier Management Program and Lightning Protection System ProgramActs as a 3rd party special inspectorOutreach. Speaks at events. ICC, SCIA, etc. Helps Qualified Contractor Program Fire door inspectionsMaster audit certificate of compliance Interact with engineering staff and regulatory staff3rd Party TestingA lot of training and experience goes into qualification for a 3rd party inspector Once you are qualified, you are out on your own, you hope you have others that you can reach out to for questions. That’s the bonus of having people at UL that are experienced. What’s new at UL?UL’s Firestop numbering system About MarkFire Protection Specialist at ULa...
The Burn: Beyond FirestopHosted by John ZalepkaIntroWelcome to The Burn, Beyond Fire Stop. Our show is dedicated to life safety and code compliance in the built environment, which puts me on a mission to find the most interesting people in this space to get their unique perspective. Our hope is that our listening audience walks away with an understanding of how our guests and their businesses and organizations contribute to the promotion of life safety of whatever is being built. Our show is brought to you by Specified Technologies, Inc. Also known as STI Fire Stop. And since 1990 STI has been a leading global provider of innovative fire protective solutions that help stop the spread of fire, smoke and hot gases.My guest today is Bill Koffel, President of Koffel Associates. Bill established a fire protection engineering firm and is recognized as an expert in fire protection codes and standards. Key TakeawaysBill’s BackgroundFather was volunteer firefighter Became a volunteer firefighter when he was of ageFire Chief introduced him to program at University of MarylandTurned hobby into a professionNFPA 101Life Safety code differs from Building code or Fire CodeFire code is generic Building code addresses new constructionLife Safety Code addresses new and existing construction and goes into greater detailLife Safety Code is occupancy specific1991 Edition of the Life Safety CodePrior to that, the code gave options of building with or without sprinkler protection. Bill worked with American Hospital Association and worked to change the code to require sprinklers in all new healthcare occupancies Chapter 43Added in 2006, deals with rehabilitation of existing buildings. Changes old requirements Bring old buildings as close to new building requirements as possible. International Existing Building Code Essentials Authored book along with Clay Aler Serves as a handbook of why codes do the things they do. History of how codes are developed and why. Koffel...
Welcome to The Burn, Beyond Fire Stop. Our show is dedicated to life safety and code compliance in the built environment, which puts me on a mission to find the most interesting people in this space to get their unique perspective. Our hope is that our listening audience walks away with an understanding of how our guests and their businesses and organizations contribute to the promotion of life safety of whatever is being built. Our show is brought to you by Specified Technologies, Inc. Also known as STI Fire Stop. And since 1990 STI has been a leading global provider of innovative fire protective solutions that help stop the spread of fire, smoke and hot gases.My guest today is Mike Kerrison, the Global Fire Protection Application Engineering Manager at Unifrax. Unifrax is global specialty fibers company focused solutions that make the world – and your business – a greener, cleaner, safer place.Key TakeawaysMike’s BackgroundGrew up in the Niagara - Buffalo area. Attended SUNY Buffalo. Always had an interest in Math. Took a liking to Physics and Mechanics while at Junior College. Went into Engineering at Buffalo. Interned for a year at Unifrax before being hired in the Industrial Products Group. About UnifraxUnifrax manufactures products for automotive, (catalytic converters). They serve industrial markets such as steel mills. High temperature products. Specialty Fibers Division, filtration etc. Mike’s work at Unifrax Started in the Industrial group. Went from application engineering, to out in the field, back to product management and now an engineering management role. Involved in technical support, fire testing, certification management. Grease and Air Duct Wrap Products Two main categories in the commercial space. Grease (commercial kitchens) and All Other Duct Types (life safety ducts, stairwell pressurization, etc.)Testing and Codes Testing goes beyond just what happens when a duct goes through a wall or a floor. Protecting the entire duct system. Different standards for the duct systems. Work with the IFC Duct Committee Chair. Helps creation of standards for air ducts. Cleaning up mis-information. WebinarsUnifrax is publishing a series of webinars for the built...
Welcome to The Burn, Beyond Fire Stop. Our show is dedicated to life safety and code compliance in the built environment, which puts me on a mission to find the most interesting people in this space to get their unique perspective. Our hope is that our listening audience walks away with an understanding of how our guests and their businesses and organizations contribute to the promotion of life safety of whatever is being built. Our show is brought to you by Specified Technologies, Inc. Also known as STI Fire Stop. And since 1990 STI has been a leading global provider of innovative fire protective solutions that help stop the spread of fire, smoke and hot gases.Our guest today is extremely familiar with such topics. Pat Tesche is the president of Global Fire Protection Group, which provides fire and life safety, engineering, consulting, and design services to customers throughout the world.Pat is highly respected in the industry with over 30 years of experience in passive fire protection, and is well-recognized in the codes and standards world, you can often find him doing third-party inspection system audits or giving Fire stop training somewhere in the world.Key TakeawaysVolunteer Work Passion comes from his father, who volunteered with children during Pat’s childhoodCurrently Pat is on the board of Bert Bell Football Organization in the Philadelphia areaVolunteered to give IFC inspector training for the NYC Transit Authority Passion for Fire Stop Went from being on the contractor side to going into inspection and consulting. Noticed a lack of training when it came to third party inspections. Worked with the FCIA, the IFC and other organizations to get the training out there. IFC Inspector committees and groups A-1 committee chair. Developed by third party inspector experts in the manufacturing group.8-hour hands on program followed by a test. Fire Stop inspection committee Putting together a wood-frame group. Bringing Awareness to the Construction IndustryExplain code and jurisdiction. What to expect when being inspected. ASTM 2174Different MethodologiesWitness Tests Destructive Tests, post installation, measuring. Work with ASTMWork with serviceability groupTask Group Chair for E3038, assessing the qualifications for fire stop inspectors. Global Fire Protection GroupThird Party Inspections make up 10-15 percent of workFull Service Fire Protection Engineering FirmFire Alarm design, Sprinkler design, code reviews, field consulting, building audits, risk management, etc. Licensed in all of US and most of Canada, worked in 20 different countries the past few years. ServicesSprinkler flow testing, recalculation, piping Passive Fire Protection, Engineering judgement reviewsEngineering outside alternative means and methods when...
The Burn: Beyond FirestopHosted by John ZalepkaIntroWelcome to The Burn, Beyond Fire Stop. Our show is dedicated to life safety and code compliance in the built environment, which puts me on a mission to find the most interesting people in this space to get their unique perspective. Our hope is that our listening audience walks away with an understanding of how our guests and their businesses and organizations contribute to the promotion of life safety of whatever is being built. Our show is brought to you by Specified Technologies, Inc. Also known as STI Fire Stop. And since 1990 STI has been a leading global provider of innovative fire protective solutions that help stop the spread of fire, smoke and hot gases.Our guest today is no stranger to these such topics. Bill McHugh has been involved in the construction industry for over 39 years, focusing on several industries, including roofing, waterproofing, fireproofing, and my favorite, firestopping. Over the past 33 years, Bill served in managerial roles at large and small corporations. He’s been in manufacturing, a contractor, distributor, and he’s presently an association management professional, which includes his work as executive director of the Firestop Contractors International Association, FCIA, and a few others that we’ll get into today.Key TakeawaysBill’s BackgroundTwo-time NCAA Springboard Diving All American at North Central CollegeDegrees in Business & Speech Communication TheatreMasters Degree from Western Illinois where he coached DivingFellow for Illinois Business Hall of FameGetting into constructionRandomly submitted resume and was hired at Grace Construction ProductsStarted in Roofing & WaterproofingIntroduced to Fire Resistance when he became District ManagerReal exposure to Firestop came when he worked for Polyguard Products.Transitioned to distribution and eventually into contractingStarting with FCIABecame a student of the industry, business and started teaching as wellTeaching grew to regional presentations and eventually to presenting to national associations and writing articles/books.Was asked to be a part of a new association in 1998.Work within FCIABelieved in the proper design installation inspection and maintaining protection.Focus was always Firestop at FCIAWorked with FCIA Committee to creat Firestop Manual of Practice.Wanted programs to separate contractor and inspection organizations who don’t specialize in firestopping.Everyone should come together on Code Development and Standards, and maintaining protection in existing buildings.D I I M PhilosophyDesign Installation Inspection and MaintenanceCertain jurisdictions do not adopt Chapter 17 of the International Building CodeFCIA developed the concept of independent inspections, the ASTM E2174, E2393 Standards, and with FCIA’s code consultant Bill Koffel, planted the standards in the 2012 International Building Code. Need to have both inspection and a contractor understanding listings for firestopping safety.Getting contractors involved in FCIA Mission to involve people in the industry whether they are accredited or not.Get people in, teach them the proper protocol, improve installed quality of firestopping.Membership is expanding across the globeThe latest with the FCIA Hybrid conferences and regular conferences. Committees meet all year.Accreditation committeeStandards...
The Burn: Beyond FirestopHosted by John ZalepkaIntroWelcome back to The Burn, Beyond Firestop. I'm your host. John's Zalepka. Our show, if you're not aware is focused on life safety, which puts me on a mission to find the most interesting people in this space to get their unique perspective. Our hope is that our listening audience walks away with an understanding of how our guests and their businesses also contribute to the promotion of life safety of whatever is being built.Our show is brought to you by Specified Technologies, also known as STI Firestop. Since 1990 STI has been a leading global provider of innovative fire protective solutions that help stop the spread of fire, smoke and hot gases. Our guest today is very knowledgeable on such topics. Sean DeCrane retired as a 25 plus year veteran of the Cleveland Fire Department. He also served in various roles such as Director of Training & Chief of Operations. He retired as Battalion Chief covering Cleveland's West side, and he's currently the manager of industry relations for Underwriters Laboratories, building life safety, security technologies division.Key TakeawaysSean’s BackgroundWanted to be a firefighter early on as Fire Service is in the Family. While playing Rugby, his team mates in the Cleveland FD got him involvedGetting into Fire & Life Safety(5:35) Free Beer and a DareWent to International Fire Stop Council meetingWent to code hearing in Ohio & a Code technology meeting in Chicago. Wrote letter to IFF on why fire fighters should be involved in Codes and regulations. UL Firefighter Safety Research Institute(11:43) Incident in Green Bay let to modify building codes to prevent collapse. Formulated Firefighter Safety Research Group. Still one of the advisory board members. Changes over the yearsSometimes it takes disaster to lead to change. (15:37)Codes are living documents, constantly open for modifications. Working on 2024 changes to codes both residential and building & fire codes. ULGlobal independent safety science company. (18:00) Reached a point looking for a new challenge. Wanted to be involved on an international level. Create safer living and work environment. (19:58) US standards compared to around the world. Testing & Research(21:32) Researching emerging technologies. Working with various industries that don’t involve humans. (24:19) Upcoming projects and initiatives (26:52) Mass Timber ContructionAbout Sean:Sean DeCrane retired as a 25+ year veteran of the Cleveland Division of Fire. He served in various roles including the Director of Training and Chief of Operations. He retired as a Battalion Chief covering Cleveland’s Westside. Sean is currently the Manager of Industry Relations for the Underwriters Laboratories Building Life Safety, Security...
Welcome back to The Burn, Beyond Firestop. I'm still your host John Zalepka. If you don't know, this show is dedicated to life safety. So I'm on a mission to find the most interesting people in the space to get their unique perspectives. Now you can usually find me training people so that they understand where firestop falls in the whole life safety end of things, but the subtitle of this show tells you that we want to get beyond that. So our hope is that our listening audience walks away with an understanding of how our guests and their businesses also contribute to the promotion of life safety of whatever is being built.Our show is brought to you by Specified Technologies, also known as STI Firestop. We are a global leader in the fire protective industry. We develop innovative fire protective systems that help stop the spread of fire, smoke and hot gases.Our guest today is also knowledgeable on such things as she helps the fire protective industry, she's responsible for setting marketing, product, sales, and innovation strategy for Lubrizol Advanced Material's fire protection segment, which includes BlazeMaster(R) CPVC piping systems and freezemaster(TM) Antifreeze.Key TakeawaysLainey’s backgroundStarted a business at age 8, selling signs. Ran it for 4 years. Double Major at Penn State, Marketing & SpanishGetting into FirestopInterned at TycoReturned after graduation to become Associate Global Product ManagerMentorshipLed a committee while working for Chemours to start a mentorship program. Career at Lubrizol Compatibility program called FBC System CompatibleLubrizol invented CPVCMultiple brands such as Corzan®, FlowGuard Gold®, BlazeMaster®, and freezemaster™Guidance on ingredientsNot all CPVC are created equal Additional Work & Committees Part of 5 different committees for NFSA, National Fire Sprinkler Association Future LeadershipITM Inspection, Testing, MaintenanceQuality Assurance ResidentialSupplier Manufacturers Council About Lainey:When I was in second grade, I started a business creating and selling signs out of my basement. Granted, the only customers of my cleverly named "Sign Store" were my parents, baby sitter, and neighbors, but it was pretty legitimate for a company run by an eight year old --- I had an office (empty storage closet), a cash register (thank you, Santa!), employee ID badges (complete with head shots from my iZone Polaroid), and even a monthly newsletter. I'm proud to say that I ran my little basement business until I got into the sixth grade. Clearly, with my Sign Store as evidence, I am one of those people who is fortunate to have known from a very young age exactly what I wanted to do when I grew up. I have always had a passion for business, a desire to lead and encourage others, and a knack for solving problems. I am self-motivated, incredibly driven, and ever curious; I strive to constantly learn and challenge myself in whatever I do. In a prior role as Global Product Manager, Residential Products and Programs for Tyco FPP (now a part of Johnson Controls,) I was able to do what I love while continuously developing my business...
Welcome to The Burn, Beyond Firestop. I'm your host, John Zalepka. Since this show is focused on life safety, I'm on a mission to find the most interesting people in this space to get their unique perspectives. As the training and development manager at STI, it's part of my job to help people understand how fire stop fits into life safety, but we want to get beyond that. So our hope is that our audience walks away with an understanding of how our guests and their businesses also contribute to life safety of whatever is being built. Our show is brought to you by Specified Technologies, also known as STI Firestop. We are a global leader in the industry and developing innovative fire protective systems that help stop the spread of smoke, fire and hot gases.Our guest today is very knowledgeable about such topics. He helps the fire protection industry progress forward through process improvements, recurring revenue and jurisdictional compliance. So it's my pleasure to welcome Drew SlocumKey TakeawaysDrew’s Credentials On the NFPA 915 committee for remote inspectionsExecutive Director of the New York Fire Sprinkler Contractors Association Six Sigma Black BeltScratch GolferWorked at Viking Group & TycoDrew’s JourneyIndustrial Engineer by trade Sales territory manager Business development salesRecent ProjectsHelped AFK Engineers come up with a sprinkler design for the tallest residential building in NYCFire protection scheme for the new Moynihan Train Station (New Penn Station)Podcast HostHosts The Fire Protection PodcastDiscusses topics around the industry of Fire Alarm, Sprinkler Suppression & other Life Safety areas. About Drew:Drew is the Co Founder and VP of Business Development at Inspect Point, managing the sales / business development team at a fast growing fire protection inspection software company while actively pursuing development opportunities with fire protection professionals, contractors & manufacturersImproving the fire protection industry through a software platform that reports required data and assists companies in the inspection, testing, maintenance and service realm. He is the Executive Director for the NY Fire Sprinkler Contractor Association and manages a group of contractors, suppliers and fire authorities. Drew on LinkedInInspectpointFire Protection PodcastAbout STI FirestopSince 1990 Specified Technologies, Inc. (STI) is a global leader in the firestopping industry. The company manufactures a wide array of products and technologies to provide passive fire protection. Headquartered in Somerville, NJ, STI has sales offices all over the globe. STI Marine is a Division of STI that specializes in marine fire protection in the cruise line, offshore oil and gas, and general maritime industry. STI Marine’s product line consists of a full range of products used for penetration seals and cable...
The Burn: Beyond FirestopHosted by John Zalepka Intro Welcome to The Burn, Beyond Firestop. This is a podcast where I will be interviewing interesting people involved in construction to get their unique perspectives. I'm going to be using my experience as the training and development manager, to help our audience walk away with an understanding of how our guests and their businesses contribute to the promotion of life safety of whatever is being built. Our show is brought to you by Specified Technologies, also known as STI Firestop. We are a global leader in the industry in developing innovative fire protective systems that help stop the spread of fire, smoke and hot gases. Our first guest is a specialist in fire resistant cable seals and pipe transfers for STI Firestop Marine, which is a division of STI that specializes in Marine Fire Protection in the cruise line, offshore oil and gas and general maritime industry. All the way from the Netherlands, our ship storyteller and regional manager for STI Marine Rubin Wansink Key Takeaways • Ruben’s journey into Firestopo Went to school for Engineeringo First job was global sales for fire resistant glass for shipso Transitioned to business development and strategic marketing for all products being offered for ships, mainly dealing with construction and safetyo Joined STI in 2016 as a specialist in fire resistant cable seals and pipe transfers • Disaster leads to innovationo When ships set sail, you cannot failo Whether it was the Titanic, or more resent cruise ships or oil rig disasters, strict codes and regulations are born from those eventso You can flee a burning building, but you cannot flee a burning ship • A unique industryo Ships need to be built to with an international set of rules, because they can operate anywhere, be resold, etc. • Technology drives changeo Be proactive instead of waiting for something to go wrongo New project in Europe looking at how to transport Electric Vehicles • Effects of the pandemic o Many cruise ships stand idle as a result of the pandemic, so riding crews are not continuously updating safety systemso Cruise ships will change the way they operate in a post pandemic worldo A company like STI has products that current crew members can install and maintain, rather than hiring outside riding crews • Upcoming Webinaro Targeting Ship Mangers & Chief Engineers Join Ruben Wansink, Fire Engineer, Ship Story Teller and Regional Manager Marine for STI Marine for the upcoming webinar:Cable Transits & Pipe Seals in Ships Fire protection onboard ships is extremely important, particularly when it comes to cable and pipe penetrations. In this webinar, Ruben will discuss the importance of fire protection and provide some historical insight into cable transits and pipe seals in fire-rated bulkheads and decks. If you are you a ship owner, operator, ship yard, surveyor, electrical installer or pipe fitter, you will want to join us to...