Advertise on podcast: The K-Factor Podcast

Send us Fan Mail Former AFSA staff member Nate Williams joins The K-Factor Podcast for a relaxed catch-up about his time with the American Fire Sprinkler Association, what he misses most, what he has been doing since, and where his career has taken him. This nontechnical conversation looks back at memorable experiences, industry relationships, and the people who made Nate’s time at AFSA meaningful. 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 Jonathan Hart of NFPA joins The K-Factor Podcast for a conversation about the NFPA standards development process and how thought experiments can help professionals examine complex fire and life safety questions from a different perspective. The discussion also explores healthcare facilities and the roles of NFPA 99, NFPA 3, and NFPA 4, including healthcare fire and life safety, system commissioning, integrated testing, and the importance of ensuring that connected systems work together as intended. This episode offers an inside look at NFPA standards for contractors, engineers, designers, inspectors, AHJs, and healthcare facility professionals. As a bonus, viewers can watch Josh slowly lose pressure as the convention catches up with him in real time. 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 The K-Factor Podcast and The Fire Sprinkler Podcast come together for a special crossover episode featuring one of the OGs of the sprinkler podcasting space. We talk about his career, the changes he has witnessed, lessons learned along the way, and the people and experiences that shaped his journey. It is an honest conversation about the history, growth, and future of the fire sprinkler industry. 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 After Melanie Diaz died in a high-rise apartment fire, her family turned their grief into action. We discuss their efforts to improve safety in residential buildings through sprinkler retrofits, tenant protections, and legislation in Maryland. We also recognize the Diaz family as AFSA’s 2026 Fire Sprinkler Advocates of the Year. Melanie’s story is a reminder of why the work we do in fire protection matters: behind every system, standard, and inspection is someone’s life. 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 Stephen Bitely and Scott from Stokes Plumbing and Trenching join The K-Factor Podcast to discuss expanding from plumbing into the fire sprinkler industry, including the challenges and opportunities of adding fire protection services. The conversation also explores where NFPA 24 and NFPA 13 meet and what contractors need to understand when navigating the transition between underground fire service mains and building sprinkler 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 Don't forget to like, subscribe, & review!

Send us Fan Mail Robert Korpacki from Hush Office joins the K-Factor Podcast to talk about office phone booths, modular workspaces, and the fire protection concerns surrounding enclosed office pods. We also operated fire sprinklers inside the booth to observe sprinkler discharge and discuss what it means for modern office design, NFPA compliance, and fire protection system performance. 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 James Casey from Eastern Fire joins the K-Factor Podcast to discuss human interaction with the built environment, maintaining multiple fire protection systems inside airports, and how human behavior impacts life safety in unpredictable spaces. This episode explores the challenges of protecting dynamic environments through engineering, maintenance, and real-world system performance. 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 Cole Abbott from Petcosky Fire Protection joins the K-Factor Podcast to discuss his transition from firefighter to fire sprinkler apprentice. From the challenges of changing careers to learning the fire protection trade, this episode explores the opportunities, training, and mindset needed to succeed in the fire sprinkler industry. 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 Kevin Hall, M.Eng, PR, ET from AFSA joins the K-Factor Podcast to talk about future changes and ongoing discussions surrounding NFPA 14 and NFPA 20 within the AFSA Technical Advisory Council. From standpipe systems to fire pump requirements, this episode explores how upcoming code revisions could impact the fire protection industry. 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 Recorded live from the NFPA Conference & Expo in Las Vegas, this episode of The K-Factor Podcast features Shawn Mahoney, Senior Engineer, Technical Services at the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). If you work in commercial construction, fire protection, or jobsite safety, this conversation is for you. Shawn explains why NFPA 241, Standard for Safeguarding Construction, Alteration, and Demolition Operations, is one of the most important standards affecting construction projects today. We discuss fire protection during construction, temporary fire safety measures, and practical ways contractors can reduce risk on active jobsites. We also take a behind-the-scenes look at the NFPA codes and standards development process, exploring how industry experts collaborate to develop the standards that shape construction and fire protection across North America. Whether you're a general contractor, fire sprinkler contractor, construction manager, engineer, safety professional, or AHJ, you'll come away with a better understanding of how fire safety standards are created—and why they matter long before a building is occupied. 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 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 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 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 Don't forget to like, subscribe, & review!

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 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!

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 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!

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 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!