The K-Factor Podcast

AFSA Tech Team
  • 5.0 (12)
  • TECHNOLOGY
  • UPDATED MONTHLY

Welcome to The K-Factor, the podcast that brings you inside the world of fire protection. Hosted by industry experts Josh McDonald, Eric Andresen, Nate Williams, & Drew Boyer 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/

  1. 11H AGO

    043 Coordination Station: Meeting our VIP Coordinators

    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 KF 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 sprinklerapprenticeship 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/ This episode is brought to you by ServiceTrade - the software platform built specifically for commercial service contractors in fire protection, HVAC, and mechanical industries. ServiceTrade helps streamline your entire operation, from scheduling and dispatching to inspections, reporting, and invoicing — all in one place. With real-time communication between the office and the field, your team can work smarter, close jobs faster, and deliver a better customer experience.  Trus Reach out with questions and topics you would like covered at podcast@firesprinkler.org. 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!

    41 min

  2. MAY 13

    042 Built Different, the ITM Mindset

    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/ This episode is brought to you by ServiceTrade - the software platform built specifically for commercial service contractors in fire protection, HVAC, and mechanical industries. ServiceTrade helps streamline your entire operation, from scheduling and dispatching to inspections, reporting, and invoicing — all in one place. With real-time communication between the office and the field, your team can work smarter, close jobs faster, and deliver a better customer experience.  Trus Reach out with questions and topics you would like covered at podcast@firesprinkler.org. 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!

    17 min

  3. APR 29

    041 Gauge Your Accuracy

    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/  This episode is brought to you by ServiceTrade - the software platform built specifically for commercial service contractors in fire protection, HVAC, and mechanical industries. ServiceTrade helps streamline your entire operation, from scheduling and dispatching to inspections, reporting, and invoicing — all in one place. With real-time communication between the office and the field, your team can work smarter, close jobs faster, and deliver a better customer experience.  Trus Reach out with questions and topics you would like covered at podcast@firesprinkler.org. 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!

    51 min

  4. APR 15

    040 New Crew, Same Dang Pressure

    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 episode is all about fresh perspectives, new roles, and what’s ahead 🔧💧  We also take a moment to send off Nate Williams as he moves on to new work endeavors. Nate has played a big role in the podcast and the AFSA team, and we wish him all the best in his next chapter 🙌  Whether you're here for industry insight, behind-the-scenes podcast talk, or just to meet the team, this episode brings a mix of conversation, laughs, and a look at what’s next. This episode is brought to you by ServiceTrade - the software platform built specifically for commercial service contractors in fire protection, HVAC, and mechanical industries. ServiceTrade helps streamline your entire operation, from scheduling and dispatching to inspections, reporting, and invoicing — all in one place. With real-time communication between the office and the field, your team can work smarter, close jobs faster, and deliver a better customer experience.  Trus Reach out with questions and topics you would like covered at podcast@firesprinkler.org. 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!

    59 min

  5. APR 1

    039 From Data to Detection: The Rise of Intelligent Fire Protection Systems

    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 inspection, testing, and maintenance (ITM) and by breaking into international fire protection markets. Connect with Potter: Website: pottersignal.com Phone: 1-800-325-3936 This episode is brought to you by ServiceTrade - the software platform built specifically for commercial service contractors in fire protection, HVAC, and mechanical industries. ServiceTrade helps streamline your entire operation, from scheduling and dispatching to inspections, reporting, and invoicing — all in one place. With real-time communication between the office and the field, your team can work smarter, close jobs faster, and deliver a better customer experience.  Trus Reach out with questions and topics you would like covered at podcast@firesprinkler.org. 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!

    39 min

  6. MAR 18

    038 Check the System- Check Yourself

    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 practices to mentoring the next generation of inspectors and technicians, this conversation is all about accountability, growth, and continuous improvement. 📘🔥 If you work in fire sprinkler inspections, NFPA 25 compliance, fire protection training, or ITM leadership, this one’s packed with insight you can apply immediately. Stay sharp. Stay accountable. Raise the bar. 💪 This episode is brought to you by ServiceTrade - the software platform built specifically for commercial service contractors in fire protection, HVAC, and mechanical industries. ServiceTrade helps streamline your entire operation, from scheduling and dispatching to inspections, reporting, and invoicing — all in one place. With real-time communication between the office and the field, your team can work smarter, close jobs faster, and deliver a better customer experience.  Trus Reach out with questions and topics you would like covered at podcast@firesprinkler.org. 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!

    1h 13m

  7. MAR 11

    037 Testing, Testing… 1, 2, 3: Codes, Liability & In-Rack Sprinklers with Tracey Bellamy

    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 system performance, innovation, and code development. A must-listen for anyone in fire protection engineering, sprinkler design, or NFPA compliance. This episode is brought to you by ServiceTrade - the software platform built specifically for commercial service contractors in fire protection, HVAC, and mechanical industries. ServiceTrade helps streamline your entire operation, from scheduling and dispatching to inspections, reporting, and invoicing — all in one place. With real-time communication between the office and the field, your team can work smarter, close jobs faster, and deliver a better customer experience.  Trus Reach out with questions and topics you would like covered at podcast@firesprinkler.org. 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!

    53 min

  8. FEB 25

    036 Battery Charged: Hangars, Hazards & Fire Protection with Jack Poole, PE

    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, including: ✈️ Aircraft hangar protection — why traditional foam systems are being reconsidered, and how water-based solutions can offer safer, more sustainable alternatives. 💧 Water vs. foam — environmental impacts, regulatory changes, operational reliability, maintenance concerns, and how the industry is shifting toward new suppression strategies. 🔥 Practical fire protection engineering — real-world insights, decision-making in the field, and designing systems that work under pressure (literally). ⚠️ Hazard mitigation strategies — how to identify risks early, apply practical engineering judgment, and design suppression systems tailored to high-hazard occupancies. 🔋 Electric vehicle battery and energy storage protection — what engineers need to know about lithium-ion hazards, thermal runaway, and effective suppression and containment methods. Whether you’re in fire protection engineering, aircraft facility design, foam replacement, or battery storage protection, this episode delivers actionable insights straight from one of the industry’s most respected experts. https://poolefire.com/ This episode is brought to you by ServiceTrade - the software platform built specifically for commercial service contractors in fire protection, HVAC, and mechanical industries. ServiceTrade helps streamline your entire operation, from scheduling and dispatching to inspections, reporting, and invoicing — all in one place. With real-time communication between the office and the field, your team can work smarter, close jobs faster, and deliver a better customer experience.  Trus Reach out with questions and topics you would like covered at podcast@firesprinkler.org. 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!

    47 min
See All (42)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
12 Ratings

About

Welcome to The K-Factor, the podcast that brings you inside the world of fire protection. Hosted by industry experts Josh McDonald, Eric Andresen, Nate Williams, & Drew Boyer 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/

Information

  • Creator
    AFSA Tech Team
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    42
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The K-Factor Podcast
  • Show Website
    The K-Factor Podcast

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