Sprinkler Age A Publication of the American Fire Sprinkler Association
“For the person trying to do everything alone, the game really is over. If you want to do something big, you must link up with others. One is too small a number to achieve greatness. That’s the Law of Significance.” (John C. Maxwell, The 17 Indisputable Laws of Teamwork)
As this is my final column, I want to give a heartfelt thank you to the incredible team that has supported me. From my fellow Board members to the staff who keeps our organization running each day—no one could have done this job alone. One is too small a number to achieve greatness. Everything we have achieved over the past two years has been a direct result of the quality people we have both on our staff and our Board of Directors.
I watched how our staff did not miss a beat when COVID hit, and we were without a president for 10 months. You doubled down and continued to provide our members with the outstanding services they have come to expect, despite doing the bulk of your work from home and over Zoom. Not only that, but our Engineering & Technical Services Department has also made some great new hires, and the technology services we provide are top-notch as a result. They will serve us well into the future as we continue to provide in-person and online education opportunities.
I want to thank our membership as well. You trusted in us to continue providing quality education, and you took those opportunities to improve yourself and your organizations. As members, you trusted in us through COVID and turbulent times within our economy. Our membership and staff have linked up and created something extraordinary.
I am turning this association over to a great friend and even greater leader. Jack Medovich, P.E., Fire & Life Safety America, Richmond, Virginia, will be taking the Chair’s seat immediately following AFSA40 in San Antonio. Jack is a servant leader, one who leads with humility and trust. This organization will be in great hands with him at the helm.
If I can give any last piece of advice to Jack and those who will serve with him, I hope you continue to focus on the quality education we provide to members. Keep looking for more opportunities to bring more people, especially young people, into the trade and the association. Look to our members and our staff for help—their knowledge, wisdom, and experience have all guided my actions.
I see a great future ahead of us as an association. I am hopeful that our numbers will continue to grow and that each person will get the training and education they need to do their jobs even better. Establishing a high bar for quality leads to better contracts and happier clients. For the past two years, I have put my trust in each of you, and we have created an organization to be proud of. Keep up the hard work, the continuing education, and the high bar for quality, and you will be prepared for anything the future may bring.
I will wrap this up by saying that I am grateful to my fellow Board members for allowing me the opportunity to serve this great association as its Chair for the past two years. It has truly been one of the highlights of my career. Best to all. GOD BLESS AMERICA.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Ted Wills is chair of the Board of Directors for the American Fire Sprinkler Association and president of Anchor Fire Protection Co. in Perkiomenville, Pennsylvania.
