The K-Factor Podcast

AFSA Applied Learning & Lab Services

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

  1. 3d ago

    058 Turning Around a Struggling Fire Protection Business

    Send us Fan Mail The fire protection division was struggling, and closing it was on the table. Randy Mongiovi asked for the opportunity to turn it around. On this episode of AFSA’s K-Factor Podcast, Randy shares his journey with Mongiovi & Son Fire Protection, from learning an unfamiliar industry to leading a growing operation within his family’s business. We discuss fire sprinkler project management, learning from field crews, finding mentors, AFSA training, and the customer relationships that help a contracting business grow. Randy also shares his perspective on recruiting, employee benefits, construction pressures, and the value of connecting with people who understand the work. A candid conversation for contractors, business owners, project managers, and anyone building a career in fire protection. Explore the resources and connect: Mongiovi & Son Fire Protection: https://www.mongioviandson.com/fire-protection Connect with Randy Mongiovi on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/randy-mongiovi-cet-cwbsp-9578609a AFSA Education & Training: https://firesprinkler.org/education-training/ More K-Factor Podcast episodes: https://firesprinkler.org/podcast/ Follow the K-Factor Podcast from the American Fire Sprinkler Association for more industry conversations. VIP 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!

  2. Oct 28

    057 Reu-Nated: Catching up with Nate!

    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 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!

  3. Oct 15

    055 Thought Experiments, Healthcare, NFPA 99, NFPA 3 and 4 with NFPA

    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 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!

  4. Sep 30

    054 The OG of the Fire Sprinkler Podcast: Stories and Lessons from a Career in the Industry

    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 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!

  5. Sep 29

    After a High-Rise Fire, One Family Fights to Make Buildings Safer-AFSA 45 K-Factor Roundup

    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 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!

  6. Sep 16

    053 Plumbing Meets Fire Protection: NFPA 13 and NFPA 24 for Contractors

    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 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!

  7. Sep 2

    052 Fire Sprinklers in Silence: Testing Sprinklers Inside Hush Office Booths

    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 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!

  8. Aug 19

    051 Flight Risk: Maintaining Complex Fire Risks

    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 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!

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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
14 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, & 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

Information

  • Creator
    AFSA Applied Learning & Lab Services
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    57
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The K-Factor Podcast
  • Show Website
    The K-Factor Podcast

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