Sprinkler Age A Publication of the American Fire Sprinkler Association

The American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) has elected its 2015-2016 Board of Directors. Newly elected directors include Rod DiBona of Rapid Fire Protection in Rapid City, S.D. (Region 3) and Lyle Hall of Western Fire Protection in Poway, Calif. (At Large).  DiBona will take over the Region 3 director position …

Member Testimonial  My company has been a member of AFSA since 2004. I had no idea at the time we joined just how beneficial the membership would become. I was aware that the American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) was a good, member-oriented organization for the merit shop contractor because I …

A Handy Tool to Identify Your Customer’s Financial Condition Over the years I have found customers fall into three specific stages while doing business on open credit with our clients. Learning how to identify these stages “arms” my clients so they know exactly what to do and when – and their …

Costly Consequences for Worker Misclassification When business is growing and companies are adding workers, classifying employment status of each one can be tricky. Accidental misclassification of workers carries penalties and payment of back wages. Intentional misclassification of workers can carry criminal penalties and back wages. Since the Fair Labor Standards …

Packed Exhibition Complements Seminars, Social Events The American Fire Sprinkler Association’s (AFSA) 2015 convention, AFSA in Phoenix: Rising to Excellence, provides numerous ways to grow your business: 55 hours of educational seminars, many networking opportunities, and a sold-out exhibit hall. Offering the latest products and services available to the fire …

The American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) is making a new effort to attract the next generation of fire protection professionals. This year’s convention, AFSA in Phoenix: Rise to Excellence, will feature several networking opportunities for the Next Generation group. Sunday, October 11 at 8:00 a.m. with the seminar “Real Talk: …

The Next Generation is an Excellent Resource Any great business has at least two of the following goals: to make money and to grow the business as far as they can using whatever tools and resources they have to make it happen. Some of the tools may be equipment, material …

Understand Your Motives, Research the Pitfalls Expanding a fire protection business by opening branch offices is a risky undertaking. If critical elements are not in place, branch offices can become costly disasters. However, if the key areas outlined in this article are adequately addressed, opening branch offices can be a …

Reaching a Consensus on Strategic Direction Among the many issues that confront family businesses in times of generational transition, strategic direction can be crucial. The strategy that has provided direction for the business during the incumbent generation’s watch may be faltering or tired or largely completed. Strategic modifications, reinvigoration or …