00:00 From Technician to Entrepreneur 02:20 Dakota’s Background & Apprenticeship Path 04:34 Motivation to Start a Business 06:30 Identifying a Niche in the Fire Industry 08:39 Learning Design and Troubleshooting 09:35 Teaching Himself FireCAD + Early Wins 14:33 Balancing Install, Design & Multiple Projects 18:02 Favorite Systems & What Works Best 21:05 The Problem with Proprietary Equipment 22:26 Customer-First, No-Contract Philosophy 28:28 Work-Life Balance & Being a Present Dad...
Jul 02, 2025•37 min•Ep. 82
Drew chats with Glen Tipton, Director of Solution Engineering at BuildOps, about bridging the gap between install and service in the fire protection world. They dive into how BuildOps’ new partnership with Inspect Point is helping contractors streamline project management, inspections, and compliance. Packed with insights on recurring revenue, workforce challenges, and real-world tech adoption, this is a must-listen for anyone in fire life safety looking to level up operations.
Jun 04, 2025•30 min•Ep. 81
Join host Drew Slocum as he sits down with Kyle Jarvenpaa, VP of Business Development at Space Age Electronics, a company specializing in fire and life safety system components since 1963. Kyle pulls back the curtain on Space Age's unique "niche within a niche," discussing their role in supporting OEMs, contractors, and engineers through complementary products and a focus on efficiency. Dive deep into the practical applications of NFPA 241 for safeguarding construction sites, learn about innovat...
May 01, 2025•38 min•Ep. 80
Host Drew Slocum sits down with August and Tony Conte of FireCAD to discuss the recent acquisition by Inspect Point and what it means for the future of the industry. Hear directly from August about his incredible 60-year journey in fire alarm and how FireCAD was born out of a need for better, faster design tools. Tony dives into how FireCAD is revolutionizing fire alarm system design, saving companies valuable time and money by eliminating manual errors and inefficiencies. Discover their vision ...
Apr 24, 2025•39 min•Ep. 79
In this engaging podcast episode, host Drew Slocum welcomes fire protection expert Lee Kaiser from ORR Protection for an in-depth conversation covering a wide array of industry topics. From the cultural buzz around the Kentucky Derby to the critical importance of data center fire safety and the evolving challenges of lithium-ion battery protection, Lee shares his expertise and insights. Lee and Drew get into the future of remote inspections, the benefits of data monitoring in fire systems, and t...
Apr 09, 2025•47 min•Ep. 78
Shawn Mahoney from NFPA joins The Fire Protection Podcast in this episode to discuss the challenges and solutions surrounding fire doors and dampers. The episode explores why these critical elements of passive fire protection sometimes get overlooked in favor of active systems like sprinklers and fire alarms. Shawn explains the code requirements (NFPA 80 and 105), the inspection process, and the crucial role of education and enforcement in ensuring these systems function correctly. Drew and Shaw...
Mar 19, 2025•39 min•Ep. 77
Join host Drew Slocum as he chats with Jeff Pirro, a volunteer firefighter and sales professional at Inspect Point, on this episode of The Fire Protection Podcast! Jeff shares his unique perspective, growing up with a firefighter father and now serving his community as a volunteer. They discuss the critical role of fire safety and prevention, emphasizing the importance of residential fire sprinklers and the dangers of lithium-ion battery fires. Tune in for insights on the latest fire safety tech...
Feb 26, 2025•53 min•Ep. 76
On this episode of The Fire Protection Podcast, host Drew Slocum talks with Jason Webb, a fire protection expert and recovering AHJ, about the intricacies of fire protection codes and standards. Jason discusses his career journey from firefighter paramedic to his role in the National Fire Sprinkler Association (NFSA) and his work with Potter. Tune in to hear a discussion on the differences between the International Code Council (ICC) and National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards, the...
Jan 22, 2025•43 min•Ep. 75
In this episode of the Fire Protection Podcast, host Drew Slocum talks with Ben Pitts and Jamie Knowles of Amerex, the world's leading fire extinguisher manufacturer, about lithium-ion battery fires and the challenges of putting them out. They discuss the importance of using the right fire extinguisher for the job and highlight some of the latest trends in fire protection, including the growing popularity of gas detection systems for electric vehicles.
Jan 08, 2025•43 min•Ep. 74
In this episode of the Fire Protection Podcast, powered by Inspect Point, host Drew Slocum interviews Victor Stagnaro, the CEO of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation. The episode is being released on Giving Tuesday, and for every demo booked in December, Inspect Point will donate $100 to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation. Victor describes the work of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, including their efforts to support the families of fallen firefighters. The foundati...
Dec 03, 2024•31 min•Ep. 73
On this episode of the Fire Protection Podcast, host Drew Slocum welcomes Raj Arora, CEO of Jensen Hughes, a global leader in fire protection engineering and consulting. Raj shares his journey from selling fire alarm systems to leading a global firm, offering insights into the evolving landscape of fire protection. They discuss: - The impact of private equity: How has it shaped the industry, and what does the future hold? - Emerging trends: From wildfires and lithium-ion batteries to the resurge...
Nov 20, 2024•40 min•Ep. 72
Follow Raquel: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rgomezmarvetfire/ Connect with Drew on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drew-slocum-65aa4233/ Inspect Point is a cloud-based solution that supports fire and life safety professionals in their mission to make the world more secure. The web-based backend and a powerful mobile application enable companies to run their entire business from inspection to collection with one platform. Featuring a library of built-in NFPA & UL-C templates, Inspect Poi...
Nov 11, 2024•35 min•Ep. 71
Take the survey to be part of our 2025 Fire & Life Safety Report: https://engage.inspectpoint.com/fpp-ep-70-fls-report-survey AGF Manufacturing: https://agfmfg.com/ Follow Jim McHugh: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim-mchugh-agf/ Connect with Drew on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drew-slocum-65aa4233/ Inspect Point is a cloud-based solution that supports fire and life safety professionals in their mission to make the world more secure. The web-based backend and a powerful mobile applic...
Oct 16, 2024•58 min•Ep. 70
Take the survey to be part of our 2025 Fire & Life Safety Report: https://engage.inspectpoint.com/fpp-ep-69-fls-report-survey FirstDue: https://www.firstdue.com/ Follow Andreas Huber: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreas-huber-797ba618/ Connect with Drew on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drew-slocum-65aa4233/ Inspect Point is a cloud-based solution that supports fire and life safety professionals in their mission to make the world more secure. The web-based backend and a powerful mobil...
Oct 02, 2024•34 min•Ep. 69
Solutions360: https://solutions360.com/ Follow Brad Dempsey: https://www.linkedin.com/in/braddempsey/ Connect with Drew on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drew-slocum-65aa4233/ Inspect Point is a cloud-based solution that supports fire and life safety professionals in their mission to make the world more secure. The web-based backend and a powerful mobile application enable companies to run their entire business from inspection to collection with one platform. Featuring a library of built-...
Sep 18, 2024•45 min•Ep. 68
NFPA: nfpa.org/ Follow Shawn Mahoney: linkedin.com/in/shawn-mahoney-p-e-18269a48/ Connect with Drew on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drew-slocum-65aa4233/ Inspect Point is a cloud-based solution that supports fire and life safety professionals in their mission to make the world more secure. The web-based backend and a powerful mobile application enable companies to run their entire business from inspection to collection with one platform. Featuring a library of built-in NFPA & UL-C t...
Jul 25, 2024•48 min•Ep. 67
Azuga: https://www.azuga.com/ Connect with Matt Curtis: https://linkedin.com/in/matt-curtis-52b288/ Connect with Drew on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drew-slocum-65aa4233/ Inspect Point is a cloud-based solution that supports fire and life safety professionals in their mission to make the world more secure. The web-based backend and a powerful mobile application enable companies to run their entire business from inspection to collection with one platform. Featuring a library of built-in...
Jul 10, 2024•43 min•Ep. 66
Connect with Drew on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drew-slocum-65aa4233/ Inspect Point is a cloud-based solution that supports fire and life safety professionals in their mission to make the world more secure. The web-based backend and a powerful mobile application enable companies to run their entire business from inspection to collection with one platform. Featuring a library of built-in NFPA & UL-C templates, Inspect Point is the most comprehensive fire protection platform on the ...
Jun 11, 2024•9 min•Ep. 65
Connect with Drew on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drew-slocum-65aa4233/ Inspect Point is a cloud-based solution that supports fire and life safety professionals in their mission to make the world more secure. The web-based backend and a powerful mobile application enable companies to run their entire business from inspection to collection with one platform. Featuring a library of built-in NFPA & UL-C templates, Inspect Point is the most comprehensive fire protection platform on the ...
Jun 05, 2024•15 min•Ep. 64
NFPA: nfpa.org/ Follow Shawn Mahoney: linkedin.com/in/shawn-mahoney-p-e-18269a48/ Antifreeze Requirements Fact Sheet: nfpa.org/forms/antifreeze-requirements-for-sprinkler-systems-fact-sheet NFPA Conference and Expo: nfpa.org/conference Connect with Drew on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/drew-slocum-65aa4233/ Inspect Point is a cloud-based solution that supports fire and life safety professionals in their mission to make the world more secure. The web-based backend and a powerful mobile application en...
May 30, 2024•44 min•Ep. 63
Follow Ryan Fogelman: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanjayfogelman/ Learn more about Fire Rover: https://firerover.com/ Connect with Drew on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drew-slocum-65aa4233/ Inspect Point is a cloud-based solution that supports fire and life safety professionals in their mission to make the world more secure. The web-based backend and a powerful mobile application enable companies to run their entire business from inspection to collection with one platform. Featuring a ...
May 15, 2024•42 min•Ep. 62
Join us for an enlightening discussion on the intersection of firefighting and technology in Episode 61. Our special guest, Kevin Sofen, from the Smart Firefighting podcast, shares his insights and expertise on how technology is revolutionizing the field of firefighting. In this episode, we explore the innovative ways technology is being integrated into firefighting practices, from advanced fire suppression systems to cutting-edge communication tools. Kevin provides insights into the latest tren...
Apr 10, 2024•43 min•Ep. 61
Join us for an illuminating episode of The Fire Protection Podcast as we explore the critical role of The Joint Commission in safeguarding healthcare facilities against fire hazards. Our special guest, Jim Kendig, Field Director of The Joint Commission, offers unique insights into the organization's pivotal role in ensuring fire and life safety standards are met across healthcare environments. From establishing rigorous standards to conducting comprehensive inspections, Jim Kendig unveils the me...
Apr 02, 2024•35 min•Ep. 60
Host Drew Slocum chats with John Mackey about the state of the fire protection industry, NFPA, passing the torch to the younger generation, and what the future looks like in fire protection. How does data play an increasingly important role in ensuring the safety of our communities and buildings? How can the fire protection industry act faster to keep up with technological advances? Find out on this episode of The Fire Protection Podcast.
Mar 27, 2024•49 min•Ep. 59
In the latest episode of The Fire Protection Podcast, Bryan Schultz, Co-Founder of Brycer and The Compliance Engine (TCE), joins podcast host Drew Slocum to talk about the crucial aspect of compliance software concerning fire protection systems. Bryan and Drew discuss the challenges fire protection companies, fire departments, contractors, and building owners face when ensuring compliance. Brian explains the essential role that their cutting-edge software plays in ensuring the rigorous testing a...
Feb 22, 2024•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 58
The Canadian Fire Alarm Association (CFAA) is a member-supported, non-profit association established in 1973 to unite and support Canada's fire alarm industry. Today, we have over 400 members and over 3000 registered fire alarm technicians. Troy Life & Fire Safety Ltd. is a private corporation established in 1979. It focuses on customer service, offering Canada's comprehensive lineup of fire alarms, fire suppression, and security products. For over 60 years, NOTIFIER has been in a leadership...
Feb 06, 2024•45 min•Ep. 57
Dyne Fire Protection Labs is an independent testing laboratory serving customers throughout the world. They provide quick, easy, and accurate testing with our free kits and shipping for most kits, and their test reports are in your inbox in five business days. Inspect Point is a software platform that helps fire & life safety professionals run their business from inspection to collection. With Inspect Point, businesses like yours can ensure efficient and profitable operations while better-pr...
Jan 08, 2024•55 min•Ep. 56
In this conversation, experts from Potter delve into IntelliView, a cloud-connected platform, discussing its origins in nitrogen generators and its expansion to integrate various Potter products like fire alarms and leak rate monitors. They highlight the evolution toward cloud connectivity, integrations into IntelliView, and advancements in fire and sprinkler systems. The discussion covers topics such as emergency wireless communication systems, aspirating detection, and the availability of trai...
Dec 12, 2023•45 min•Ep. 54
For years we have worked with Friends of Firefighters to highlight their impact on the firefighting and fire protection community in NYC and beyond. The organization was started in the wake of the Sept 11th tragedy, providing aid to personnel at Ground Zero. Over the last 20+ years, It has transformed into a support network for firefighters and their families struggling with mental health and wellness. These heroes put their lives on the line for us and we should return the favor. Giving Tuesday...
Nov 27, 2023•29 min•Ep. 55
0:02 - Intro 1:25 - Looking Up Everywhere You Go 3:40 - Who is Matt Bass? 3:57 - A Great Mentor 8:26 - The Importance of Giving Back 9:51 - My Trusty NFPA 25 Handbook 10:45 - YouTube Videos 12:28 - NFPA 25 Inspectors Group 14:57 - Open Feedback 15:42 - Hey, There’s Bob Caputo! 16:23 - Not to Name Drop but Tracy Demy, Ralph Bliss, Tom Parish 17:15 - “Just When I Thought I Was Out…” 17:49 - Need a Job in Antarctica? 20:22 - A Love of Helping People 21:50 - Make a Group Anywhere 23:36 - It’s Global...
Oct 30, 2023•50 min•Ep. 52
