The K-Factor Podcast

Send us Fan Mail 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...

Send us Fan Mail 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...

Send us Fan Mail 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 inspe...

Send us Fan Mail 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 improv...

Send us Fan Mail 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...

Send us Fan Mail 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 educat...

Send us Fan Mail 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 pre...

Send us Fan Mail 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 e...

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 inspecti...

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 pr...

Send us Fan Mail 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 syst...

Send us Fan Mail 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, includ...

Send us Fan Mail 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 experience...

Send us Fan Mail 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 un...

Send us Fan Mail 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...

Send us Fan Mail 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, e...

Send us Fan Mail 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...

Send us Fan Mail 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 mainten...

Send us Fan Mail 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 ind...

Send us Fan Mail 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...

Send us Fan Mail 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. VIP Reach out with questions and topics you...

Send us Fan Mail 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...

Send us Fan Mail 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...

Send us Fan Mail 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. VIP Reach out with questions and topics you would like covered at podcast@firesprinkler.org. For more training opp...

Send us Fan Mail 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 VIP Reach out with questions and topi...