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The K-Factor Podcast

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Rating
★★★★★
5
from
13 reviews
This podcast has
54 episodes
Explicit
No
Date created
2025/01/14
Latest episode
2026/09/30
Average duration
41 min.
Release period
11 days

Description

Welcome to The K-Factor, the podcast that brings you inside the world of fire protection. Hosted by industry experts Josh McDonald, Eric Andresen, & Hayden Stoll. This show dives into all aspects of the fire protection industry—from groundbreaking technologies and best practices to career insights and industry trends. From NFPA codes and standards to helping you build your career.  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/ Want to train apprentices!  www.firesprinkler.org/trainers

Podcast episodes

Check latest episodes from The K-Factor Podcast podcast


054 The OG of the Fire Sprinkler Podcast: Stories and Lessons from a Career in the Industry
2026/09/30
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 industry. 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!
After a High-Rise Fire, One Family Fights to Make Buildings Safer-AFSA 45 K-Factor Roundup
2026/09/29
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!
053 Plumbing Meets Fire Protection: NFPA 13 and NFPA 24 for Contractors
2026/09/16
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!
052 Fire Sprinklers in Silence: Testing Sprinklers Inside Hush Office Booths
2026/09/02
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!
051 Flight Risk: Maintaining Complex Fire Risks
2026/08/19
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!
050 From Fireground to NFPA 25 Flow Testing
2026/08/05
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!
049 Pressure to Perform; NFPA 14 (2027) and NFPA 20 (2028) changes explained
2026/07/22
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!
048 Viva Las Fire Protection: Inside NFPA 241 and the Codes & Standards Process
2026/07/15
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!
047 Becoming Successful in Fire Sprinkler Sales
2026/07/08
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!
046 Circulation Relief Valve Roulette: NFPA 20 Fire Pump Mistakes & Myths
2026/06/24
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!
045 The NFPA 25 Effect: Keeping Systems Ready and Careers Moving
2026/06/17
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!
044 Using AI in Fire Protection Without Burning Your Business
2026/06/10
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!
043 Coordination Station: Meeting our VIP Coordinators for Apprenticeship Training
2026/05/27
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!
042 Built Different, the NFPA 25 Mindset
2026/05/13
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 education, including alarm and suppression system integration. https://www.vscfire.com/ 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!
041 Gauge Your Accuracy: Fire Pump Testing
2026/04/29
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 precise measurement impacts system performance, code compliance, and overall life safety. 🔧📊 Whether you're a fire sprinkler contractor, inspector, or industry professional, understanding metrology can elevate the way you approach fire protection. Tune in to learn how better data leads to better decisions—and safer systems. 🔥✅ https://arbiterfire.com/  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!

Podcast reviews

Read The K-Factor Podcast podcast reviews


5 out of 5
13 reviews
★★★★★
BrooklynnCeb 2026/07/10
Funny & Insightful
As someone who has 23+ years experience in sales, but moved from tech to trade, this is a great way to learn and be able to have conversations with cu...
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