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
29 episodes
029 The Next Chapter: NFPA 13 (2028) and NFPA 25 (2026)
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...
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Season 2
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Episode 29
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1:02:55
028 In the Pipeline: Growing the Next Generation of Sprinkler Pros
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 Hunte...
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Season 2
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Episode 28
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32:59
027 Learning the Ropes, Testing the Systems
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 maintena...
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Season 2
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Episode 27
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32:46
026 Jenny from the Block...to Design
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...
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Season 2
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Episode 26
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32:37
025 From Crew to Leader: The Foreman’s Blueprint
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...
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Season 2
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Episode 25
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50:51
024 The Next Chapter in Fire Protection: NFPA 13 Updates
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 wha...
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Season 1
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Episode 24
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37:13
023 Fire Protection: The Elevator Pitch
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 momen...
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Season 1
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Episode 23
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42:23
022 Boots and Blueprints
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 s...
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Season 1
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Episode 22
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33:05
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