The K-Factor
Welcome to The K-Factor, the podcast that brings you inside the world of fire protection. Hosted by industry experts Josh McDonald, Eric Andresen, and Nate Williams, this show dives into all aspects of the fire protection industry—from groundbreaking technologies and best practices to career insights and industry trends.
Join us for engaging discussions, expert interviews, and real-world stories as we explore what it takes to keep people and properties safe. Whether you’re a seasoned professional, a newcomer, or just curious about fire protection, The K-Factor is your go-to resource for staying informed and inspired.
Stay connected, stay protected—welcome to The K-Factor.
https://www.firesprinkler.org/podcast/
Episodes
21 episodes
021 Threading Growth Together
Growing a sprinkler division in a company isn’t easy—but it’s full of lessons. Kory Steele (Sprinkler Division Manager) and Chance Hughes (Project Manager) of E-Fire, Inc. share how they navigate challenges, lead their team, and keep growth flo...
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Season 1
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Episode 21
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37:18
020 Klaus-ing the Gap: Fire Protection Insights
In this episode, we sit down with Matthew Klaus, AFSA’s new Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer. With years of experience shaping codes, standards, and technical guidance during his time at NFPA, Matt brings a wealth of knowl...
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Season 1
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Episode 20
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48:08
019 How Flow Can You Go?
In this episode, we dive into the world of water flow testing with Patrick Spillane and Michael Anderson from the Hose Monster Company. They share insights on industry best practices, why accurate testing matters, and how innovation is shaping ...
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Season 1
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Episode 19
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46:18
018 Busted Knuckles & Bright Futures
In this episode, Christian Neal from Summit Fire & Security shares what it’s really like to be a fire sprinkler apprentice. From hands-on learning to career growth, we explore how apprenticeships lay the foundation for success in fire prote...
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Season 1
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Episode 18
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54:20
017 Risky Business
In this episode, we talk with Jarrel Kadavy, AVP-Risk Engineering Specialist, about the role of fire protection in the commercial property insurance industry. Jarrel shares his perspective on how fire protection systems play into broader risk m...
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Season 1
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Episode 17
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37:52
016 The Fire Sprinkler Network
In this episode, we talk with the Vice President of Membership at AFSA about the importance of getting involved in the fire sprinkler industry. She shares insights on building connections, accessing resources, and how engagement can help grow y...
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Season 1
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Episode 16
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36:55
015 Mist Busters
Join us in this episode as we chat with Steven Dynan about the power of water mist fire protection systems and how they’re revolutionizing fire safety! 🚿🔥 Tune in to learn how this cutting-edge technology is changing the game in fire suppressio...
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Season 1
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Episode 15
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43:15
014 Slaying Systems and Stereotypes
In this episode of the K-Factor Podcast, we’re joined by Justine VanNostran, ITM Manager at Colonial Fire Protection Systems, Inc., for a real look into the world of fire protection. We talk ITM management, the evolving role of women in the ind...
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Season 1
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Episode 14
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1:01:18
013 Testing the Response (and the Foam... and the Glycol)
In this episode, we sit down with Dyne Fire Protection Labs’ Joan Leedy, Technical Director, and Grant Lobdell, President, for an in-depth conversation on foam, antifreeze, and fire sprinkler testing. They share their expertise on evolving test...
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Season 1
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Episode 13
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58:04
012 3D Design
In this episode, we talk with Jared Van Gammeren, President of Driven Fire Consultants, about the evolving world of fire sprinkler design and the role of BIM (Building Information Modeling). Jared shares insights into how technology is transfor...
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Season 1
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Episode 12
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47:08
011 Competition at the Capitol: AFSA44 Takes DC
In this episode, we talk with Nate Williams, Meeting and Events Coordinator at AFSA, about the exciting National Apprenticeship Competition and AFSA44 in Washington, DC. Nate shares what attendees can expect from this year's event, highlighting...
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Season 1
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Episode 11
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37:44
010 Practical Fire Protection
In this episode, we talk with Ryan Szirmay, Lab Manager at Oklahoma State University, about the fascinating world of fire dynamics and hands-on training in fire protection. He discusses how OSU’s labs provide students with practical experience ...
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Season 1
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Episode 10
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47:12
009 Complex Fire Risks
In this episode, we talk with Chris Campion, Partner at Trace Everett, about tackling challenging hazards in fire protection. Chris shares insights into fire alarm systems, foam suppression, and how to address complex fire risks effectively...
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Season 1
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Episode 9
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45:18
008 Behind the Mic: Meet the Hosts of the K-Factor Podcast
In this episode, we sit down with AFSA's Technical Training Specialist, Eric Andresen, and Director of Operations and Training, Josh McDonald, to get to know the hosts and their backgrounds in the fire sprinkler industry. Eric and Josh share th...
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Season 1
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Episode 8
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53:54
007 Consulting Beyond the Standards
In this episode, we talk with Philip Pope, Fire Protection Engineering Regional Practice Leader at Telgian, about the world of consulting in fire protection. He shares insights into fire testing, performance-based design, and how these methods ...
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Season 1
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Episode 7
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39:11
006 Fire Protection Foundations
In this episode, we talk with Jason Czech, National Fire Sprinkler Manager at Cintas, about the challenges of managing and training a large team in the fire sprinkler industry. Jason shares his approach to creating effective training programs a...
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Season 1
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Episode 6
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41:23
005 Fire Sprinkler FUNdamentals
In this episode, we talk with Kevin Hall, Director of Engineering at the American Fire Sprinkler Association, about fire sprinklers and the NFPA 13 standard. He shares insights on system design, recent updates, and the importance of understandi...
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Season 1
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Episode 5
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43:40
004 Education & the Future
In this episode, we talk with Leslie Clounts, AFSA’s Vice President of Education, about the VIP Program, ITM (Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance) development, and the educational offerings available through AFSA. She shares how the associatio...
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Season 1
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Episode 4
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43:33
003 Inspections & Insights
In this episode, we talk with Jeff Lewis, Vice President of Inspections and Learning Development at VSC, about the critical role of inspections in maintaining water-based fire protection systems. Jeff shares insights into ensuring systems are a...
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Season 1
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Episode 3
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50:01
002 Water Supplies & AHJs
In this episode, we chat with the Richardson Fire Department’s Deputy Fire Marshal, Bryan Patrick, about the critical role of water supplies in fire protection systems. We explore their responsibilities, the importance of clear communication wi...
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Season 1
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Episode 2
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34:27