Sprinkler Age A Publication of the American Fire Sprinkler Association
Members Celebrate Milestone Anniversaries
The American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) is recognizing members who are celebrating milestone membership anniversaries. The member companies featured here have belonged to AFSA for 15 or more years of continuous membership.
“Trade associations that are the most successful all have a single common denominator—they are driven by the commitment of dedicated members who are focused on a common goal,” comments AFSA Senior Director of Membership & Chapter Support Bruce Lecair. “Thank you and congratulations to our members who are celebrating anniversaries and for your dedication and commitment to AFSA.”
Several members are celebrating milestone anniversaries in September and October 2021. Johnson Controls is celebrating its 40th anniversary with AFSA, and Mike Mottice, director of sales, Fire Suppression Products – Americas, Johnson Controls, shared some of his favorite AFSA memories and things he’s learned.
How did you get involved in the fire sprinkler industry and AFSA?
“I got started in the industry in 1988, when I worked for my father’s company, Kauffmann Plumbing and Heating, out of Canton, Ohio. I spent summers delivering product across the region.”
“In 2014, upon joining Tyco Fire Protection Products, I got involved in supporting several councils, including AFSA’s Manufacturers and Suppliers (M/S) Council, membership, and convention. Over the years, it has truly shown how important AFSA is across the country.”
What is your favorite or most used AFSA benefit?
“I feel that the apprentice training program and the National Apprentice Competition at AFSA’s convention are my favorite. It demonstrates how AFSA is working hard to prepare the new/future class of fitters and ensure they are well prepared through hands-on training. I also enjoy watching the competition and the pride the participants take in their craftsmanship.”
What is the most significant change you’ve seen in the industry?
“The shift to immediate supply and service proposition. Speed across all parts of the industry—new product introductions, product life cycle, delivery, installation, support, and communication. As the world has gone to instant feedback, so has the industry. ”
What’s the key ingredient to your success?
“The ability to develop long-term relationships that are sustainable through meaningful partnerships.”
If I weren’t working in fire protection, I would be… (fill in the blank).
“Leading another start-up, or commercial team across another industry, as I have in the past. The fire protection industry is extremely rewarding, as it has and continues to save lives.”
Celebrating AFSA Members
AFSA looks forward to celebrating with more members this year and is excited to be offering a trial membership program for contractors and AHJs. For details, visit www.firesprinkler.org/join. Recognition for milestone membership anniversaries in Sprinkler Age will be done in five-year anniversary increments and is available to all membership types. Congratulations to these members
Happy Anniversary to AFSA Milestone Members!
September–October 2021
40-Year Anniversary
Associate Members
Johnson Controls—Grinnell, Lansdale, PA
35-Year Anniversary
Contractor Members
Hub City Sprinklers, Inc., Hagerstown, MD
25-Year Anniversary
Designer Members
Custom Design, Inc., Lavonia, GA
20-Year Anniversary
Contractor Members
Hart Plumbing of Connecticut, Inc., Glastonbury, CT
15-Year Anniversary
Contractor Members
A & E Fire Protection, Canton, MA
Designer Members
Harrington Group, Duluth, GA
