Inside Diamond - BLAZING THE WAY FORWARD Meet the women revolutionizing fire suppression - Amerex Fire
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Inside Diamond
THE
WINTER/SPRING 2022
Facing unprecedented challenges
to meet consumer demands
BLAZING THE
WAY FORWARD
Meet the women
revolutionizing
fire suppression
®
1
A Letter from Harrison Bishop
suppression quite by accident. No and share information. One of the
matter how they arrived, they each reasons that NAFED is as vibrant and
have an unwavering commitment to vital as it is today is the dedication
our shared work and the future of of one extraordinary individual: Norb
our industry. Makowka. Norb was a bright light in
our business, serving on countless
At Amerex, we are thankful for the NFPA technical committees and as
contributions the talented women an invaluable source of information.
on our team have made to our As much as he was revered for his
business and community. Executive experience and knowledge, he was
Women International (EWI) honored admired more for being a great man.
Amerex with a national award for While there’s no question of how
Outstanding Member Firm (page 5). much Norb will be missed at this
We were also proud to be selected as year’s conferences, the extraordinary
Alabama’s Large Manufacturer of the people of the fire suppression
Year (page 5). We share these honors industry will continue to advance
with our customers and have used his work and vision.
them as inspiration to spur continued
growth and innovation. Look for emails and stay tuned to
our social media accounts for more
Supply chain challenges have information about our NAFED booth
HARRISON BISHOP
PRESIDENT appeared in all areas of the economy. and special events. We hope to see
Amerex has not been immune to you there!
these issues and we have been
extremely diligent and thoughtful
One thing that sets the fire protection about sourcing during the pandemic.
industry apart from others is the On page 6, we give you an inside
people who dedicate their lives to view into how Amerex continues to
it. While we each have distinct roles, navigate supply chain challenges
skill sets and perspectives, we share as well as managing sourcing and
a common goal of protecting our inventory to prepare for the future.
communities. We are a welcoming
and inclusive group with a future Innovation is also a continued focus.
filled with possibilities. On page 9, learn more about our new
battery-electric gas detection system,
Look no further than the growing the first of its kind that can forewarn
percentage of women in the industry a thermal runaway event. We are
to see how this holds true. In this also introducing a number of exciting
issue of Inside the Diamond, we new Kitchen Protection products
feature several of the many women (page 20).
making an impact on our trade (page
10). Some entered the business The Amerex team has our sights set
because it runs in their blood, on the upcoming NAFED conferences.
while others stumbled upon fire We enjoy the chance to visit with you
2 Inside Diamond W I N T E R / S P R I N G 2022
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Industry News.....................................................................................................................5
Navigating the Supply Chain Crunch................................................................... 6–8
Employee Spotlight: Mike Powell...............................................................................8
Innovating Fire Suppression for Battery-Electric Vehicles.................................9
Blazing the Way Forward: Women in Fire Suppression............................ 10–17
On The Road Again: Returning to Trade Shows................................................... 18
Amerex 2022 Events Calendar.................................................................................. 19
Product Updates..................................................................................................... 20–22
2022 Fire Extinguisher Updates............................................................................... 23
W I N T E R / S P R I N G 2022 Inside Diamond 3
KP 250 Agent Cylinder
Save valuable time on the job with this new 8” diameter shell
that boasts 7 flow points and an allowed 24” discharge hose
that connects from the tank valve to the supply piping.
KP 475 Manifold Distribution Piping
Discover the cost-efficient installation advantage of this new
piping for the two KP475 tanks that delivers 28 flow numbers
in one piping network.
New Salamander Broiler Coverage
Now you can take advantage of the widest outboard coverage
in the industry by protecting the biggest broiler with much
less piping.
Conduit Offset Gas Valve Installation
(P/N 12507)
Eliminate the need for two corner pulleys with this new
capability that can be installed at the gas valve as well as the
MRM or PRM.
Newly Designed Class K Fire Extinguisher
Avoid hazardous risks with the superior firefighting capacity
of the easier-to-use-and-install Class K fire extinguisher.
Visit amerex-fire.com to learn more.
INDUSTRY NEWS
AMEREX NAMED ALABAMA LARGE MANUFACTURER OF THE YEAR
As one of many leading manufacturing companies whose statewide honor is selected by a group of independent
products are #MadeInAlabama, Amerex is proud to be judges to celebrate Alabama’s top small, medium, large
named the 2021 Alabama Large Manufacturer of the and emerging manufacturers. Winners were chosen
Year by the Business Council of Alabama and Alabama for their excellence in the areas of customer focus,
Technology Network. Awarded in October, this annual employee commitment, operating excellence, continuous
improvement, profitable growth and investing in training
and retraining. With Amerex’s emphasis on quality,
service and innovation, it is gratifying to receive external
affirmation that our team’s efforts each day meaningfully
ensure that quality is behind the diamond.
“This great honor is the culmination of 50 years of team
member dedication and investment in our business,”
said Harrison Bishop, executive vice president, McWane
Fabricated Metals Group, and president, Amerex. “The
Amerex team will use this recognition as inspiration to
spur future growth and improvement in our industry.
Along with McWane, our fellow nominees and other
Alabama manufacturers, we want to continue moving
Alabama manufacturing forward to highlight innovation
and excellence throughout the state.” The future of
ABOVE: Pictured from left to right are Ben Pitts, VP – Sales & manufacturing in Alabama is as bright as ever, and
Marketing; Jay Ghelani, VP of Operations; Robert Fisher, Health Amerex is proud to be one of many beacons of excellence
& Safety Manager; Andy Payant, CFO; Eric Reed, Controller; Jacy shining across the state.
Whitaker, HR Director; Harrison Bishop, President and CEO; Susan
Ray, Marketing Manager; Jeff Layfield, Senior Production Manager Congratulations to the entire Amerex team!
AMEREX RECEIVES
OUTSTANDING FIRM AWARD
We were honored to receive the Outstanding Firm Award
from Executive Women’s International (EWI) for our EWI
leadership and philanthropic commitments at this year’s
annual national conference. Thank you to Linda Cordor,
Credit Manager; Jacy Whitaker, PHR, MSHRM, Human
Resources Director; and Gidget Yeager, Executive
Assistant and Sales Administrator, for representing
Amerex and for their EWI leadership and service.
RIGHT: Linda Cordor (center) Gidget Yeager (right) accept award
for Amerex.
W I N T E R / S P R I N G 2022 Inside Diamond 5
B y now, pervasive signs of the global
supply chain crunch have surrounded
us for nearly two years: empty store
inputs for Amerex products, which have
been impacted by raw material shortages,
labor shortages, unusual weather events,
shelves, delayed or canceled orders from shipping bottlenecks, unpredictable spikes
e-commerce retailers and “one per customer” in demand, changes to trade regulations
signs by packs of toilet paper. These and the many far-reaching effects of the
challenges became most noticeable for COVID-19 pandemic.
average consumers around the holidays,
but for Amerex Supply Chain Manager Billy These factors have been unavoidable across
McMichael, they’ve been a daily concern industries and, in many instances and
since January 2021. compounded one another. Billy said, “This
has been universal. The big three — labor,
Billy and his team have grappled with transportation and raw materials — have
unprecedented supply chain challenges impacted everybody. We have been impacted
regularly for more than a year. These as much as or more than many companies
challenges have wreaked havoc on virtually that are our size or larger. We started seeing
every industry, but Billy and his team major shortages in our raw materials and
have managed to avoid disruptions to supplies in early January 2021, and we did
the manufacturing of lifesaving Amerex not get a lot of warning. I have been with
products. We spoke with Billy to learn more McWane and Amerex for 34 years and in
about these issues and how Amerex has supply chain management for that entire
effectively resolved them through hard work, time, and in those 34 years I have never
collaboration and innovation. seen anything that compares to late
2020 and 2021.”
Most of the impact of the global supply
chain logjam has been felt in upstream
LEFT: Pictured from top to bottom are Carolyn Nolin and Diane McGee; Mike Krumptinger and Don Rollins;
Casey Dunn and Chris Thomas
6 Inside Diamond W I N T E R / S P R I N G 2022
“We’re seeing every factor at play,”
said Billy. “Both domestic and
international shipping have slowed.
We have seen interruptions to
availability of container shipments
for international shipping. Lead
times for imports jumped from
four weeks to 10+ weeks initially,
and continue to be problematic.
When we started seeing issues
with international supply chain
disruptions, we positioned ourselves
with additional storage capacity and
inventory to be able to absorb those
increasing lead times because of the
continued fluctuations.”
Beyond shipping slowdowns, labor
shortages have contributed to
the crunch. “We have experienced
shortages with the common items
you’ve heard about in the news
related to steel and brass,” Billy ABOVE: Pictured from left to right are Casey Dunn, Billy McMichael, Carolyn Nolin, Diane
continued. “Steel availability in the McGee, Mike Krumptinger and Chris Doss
USA was greatly affected by labor
shortages. They could not meet for those supply chains. There were Challenges of the magnitude seen
world demand, and steel is a key transportation issues with material in today’s supply chain world are
component for our extinguishers.” sitting in warehouses that we could solved only through teamwork.
not get due to road closures.” “The entire Amerex team has been
Amerex’s challenges haven’t been Amerex has avoided disruptive incredible, and we’ve worked with
limited to reduced availability of quality assurance and engineering
materials, labor and shipping. Supply “THE ENTIRE AMEREX TEAM to make sure we’re not sacrificing
chain difficulties have also arisen HAS BEEN INCREDIBLE, AND quality. Our inventory control and
from international trade disputes. WE’VE WORKED WITH QUALITY procurement departments worked
“We’ve had to make some critical ASSURANCE AND ENGINEERING in tandem to help us increase and
sourcing adjustments due to import TO MAKE SURE WE’RE NOT manage inventory levels for things
duties placed on some of our raw SACRIFICING QUALITY.” like the valves and hoses without
products. For instance, in January of any production flow interruptions.
last year, one of our key raw materials work stoppages due to upstream Those departments have been rock
disappeared, and the price tripled in supply chain difficulties through stars in helping us navigate both
about a week.” a mix of diligent planning and domestic and global supply chain
interdepartmental cooperation. Billy challenges,” Billy added. “We’re a
Weather has also been a factor. Billy noted, “It has been an entire team large manufacturing company with
explained, “We had those record effort to accomplish this, from our 400+ employees, and I am proud
cold and snow events earlier this company president to our building that we have not lost a single day’s
year, causing temporary shutdowns and land teams.” production. There are Fortune 500
W I N T E R / S P R I N G 2022 Inside Diamond 7
N A V I G AT I N G T H E S U P P LY C H A I N C R U N C H
companies that can’t say that, but Looking ahead to 2022, improvements increases affecting several other raw
Amerex can. We have not interrupted to the current situation will be material components.”
production for one day directly incremental, with some setbacks
related to supply chain issues. Don’t still expected. Billy observed, As we all continue to navigate these
get me wrong, we have come very “Improvements are sectionalized. challenges, we encourage Amerex
close! But we haven’t had to, and International shipping continues customers to speak with their sales
it’s a testament to the entire team to erode. While we have seen representatives about anticipated
and the culture at Amerex: doing improvements in some components product needs as early as possible.
what has to be done to ensure that such as steel and other alloys,
lifesaving products continued to flow.” there are still disruptions and cost
EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT
MIKE POWELL Amerex team welcomes our new transparency and drive? And, will the
National Accounts Sales Director National Accounts Sales Director, work be fulfilling and fun?”
Mike Powell. Mike will work with
national accounts, partnering with His decision to join Amerex has been
both the customer’s executive team confirmed at every turn. He’s acutely
and Amerex associates. Mike has been aware of how much he has to learn
in sales and distribution his entire and looks forward to working with
career where he has been fortunate everyone to bring together a national
enough to work with companies that sales strategy.
provide high quality products and
services. He has worked across the Mike met his wife, Leanne, in college
development spectrum, from early, and they have been married for 21
high-growth stages to more mature years. While they don’t have children
market segments. of their own, they enjoy spoiling their
10 nieces and nephews. They have
“Mike is a proven sales and business family located all around the country
leader with more than two decades of and enjoy traveling, cooking, and
experience in regional and national soccer. In fact, Mike is a Manchester
sales,” says Ben Pitts, Vice President United fan and travels to England
– Sales and Marketing. “I am very regularly to attend games.
confident that Mike will be a great fit
for this position and Amerex overall.” Once again, welcome, Mike!
When asked what drew him to
Amerex, Mike says, “I look at this job
change like an investment. Amerex
checked every box of my criteria:
Do we have a durable competitive
advantage? Does the company live
values that reflect my own—integrity,
8 Inside Diamond W I N T E R / S P R I N G 2022
INNOVATING FIRE PROTECTION FOR
BATTERY- ELECTRIC VEHICLES
I t’s predicted that as much as one
half of all buses will be electric by
2025. Other industries such as waste,
made up of multiple power cells that
can overheat and spread throughout
the batteries, causing a thermal
so the operator can be notified of
any hazardous conditions. Our
advanced warning system provides
mining and forestry are seeing the runaway event. The power cells will data on cell voltage, gas sensor
same level of growth. This ongoing discharge combustible gas prior to response and cell temperature,
transformation poses a challenge ignition. Amerex’s revolutionary new offering priceless additional time
for the transit industry, as operators system can detect and notify the compared to traditional detection
seek to meet regulatory requirements operator when this threat occurs. methods for operators to safely stop
and keep drivers and passengers safe a vehicle in a hazardous condition
while maintaining a fleet of both The Amerex SafetyNet-EV gas and unload passengers before the
combustion- and electric-powered detection system is designed and situation becomes more dangerous.
vehicles. Amerex is at the forefront calibrated to detect EV combustible
of fire protection for electric transit gas at trace levels and to alert the As transit operators turn to electric
vehicles with an updated electric operator of hazardous conditions as buses, Amerex will be along for the
vehicle (EV) gas detection system. soon as possible. In this system, gas ride, providing an additional measure
sensors are strategically placed in of lifesaving early detection.
In battery-electric vehicles, lithium- the battery compartments to monitor
ion batteries provide the power for volatile combustible gases and
source. Lithium-ion batteries are relay data to the SafetyNet-EV panel,
W I N T E R / S P R I N G 2022 Inside Diamond 9
Meet the women
revolutionizing
I n the 1940s when Dorothy Meskill took over her father’s
company, Approved Fire Protection, women made up roughly
28% of the workforce. There were sharp differences in the roles
men and women held, with only a small number of women
fire suppression. pursuing careers in traditionally male industries such
as manufacturing, construction and even fire suppression.
“Customers who called would push Grandma Meskill off and ask
to speak to the guy in the office,” says her granddaughter, Diane
Pein, current president of Approved Fire Protection. “This did
not deter her, and these customers eventually came to respect
her position, becoming good friends. She was always a lady
with great decorum who could also fit in with the guys, easily
conversing on hunting and sports.”
As the number of women in fire suppression steadily rises, Diane
believes that the different approach and energetic perspective
women can bring to their jobs will make our industry stronger.
“On the organizations and committees where I have served, I
have seen women deal with hurdles in a more creative way,”
Diane says.
Today, there are so many influential women making an impact
on the fire suppression industry. We spoke with a few of these
women to hear more about their careers, experiences and how
they see the future of the industry.much for her. Like Grandma Meskill, when she bought the company,
Diane was not deterred, got the job Approved Fire Protection faced
done, and to this day she and that some financial hurdles. Despite
customer are dear friends, laughing the potential for failure, Diane’s
about that first incident. leadership team hung with her and
were eager to understand and solve
the problem together. They turned
“... it really hit me that life the business into a flourishing,
has a purpose for us and profitable enterprise, even through the
every avenue takes us pandemic. “These great leaders on my
through that journey, team could do anything,” she says.
and this is what I was
DIANE PEIN Diane loves the fire suppression
meant to do.”
industry and all the people she has
President
met. “I felt that particularly in the
Approved Fire Protection
When it came time to take over her NAFED Las Vegas conference. After
South Plainfield, NJ
father’s business, Diane faced new not being together for 18 months, it
G rowing up, Diane never planned
to join the family business.
Determined to be a scientist, she
challenges common in any parent-
child succession. “I heard ‘your father
wouldn’t do it this way’ a lot,” she says.
took me a minute to introduce the
keynote speaker because, walking into
that venue, it really hit me that life
studied biochemical engineering Her response? “My dad’s not here.” And has a purpose for us and every avenue
when she began her career. When a like everything else, Diane did her takes us through that journey, and
severe illness put her out of work for a thing and kept moving. this is what I was meant to do. It took
while, her dad offered her a job at his me a long time to get to this spot.
company. She declined. On a pretense, But the greatest challenge of Diane’s I’m so glad to be here, so thank you,
he sent her to visit Grandma Meskill career also led to her greatest Grandma. And I hope she’s proud of
in Florida, who also suggested she accomplishment. In August 2017 what I’m doing.”
join the family business. Of course, she
did. And that was 27 years ago.
While Diane has never thought of fire
suppression as being either male-
or female-oriented, she did find
herself facing some of the same
biases that Grandma Meskill faced
at first. Starting as a technician
to learn every aspect of the
business, Diane recalls showing
up for service work only to have
a customer tell her that it was
a rough job that would be too
11BL A Z I N G T H E W AY FORW A R D : WO M E N I N F IR E S U P P R E S S I O N
Women have a strong future in this
business. I have seen the numbers
increasing in more positions of
power throughout my tenure.”
ANNA GAVIN about the 140 employees. “I never “Women have a strong future in this
understood the allure of the fire business,” says Anna. “I have seen the
President
suppression business,” she says, numbers increasing in more positions
Fireline Corporation
“until I started running it.” of power throughout my tenure. There
Baltimore, MD
are more daughters taking over their
fathers’ businesses.” Anna’s executive
A nna Gavin runs Fireline
Corporation, a company started
by her grandfather and later run by
“I didn’t have other female
role models in the industry.
team is over 60% women, and she
has a great blend of backgrounds and
experiences on her team.
but what I have seen in
her father. Like Diane, Anna grew up
the industry is our numbers
without a desire to join the family
business. Although she was looking
are increasing and Anna’s executive
women are taking more
at fire extinguishers at the age
of 5 and would work for her dad leadership positions.”
team is over
occasionally in college, she started
her career at Marriott International
before returning to work for her dad
part-time. Anna never intended to
take a leadership role in the company,
Because Anna was just 27 when
she became president, she found
her relative youth to be a bigger
60% women.
but when her father passed away challenge than her gender. “My
unexpectedly in 2008, she was network wasn’t as big back then,” As to what Anna would like to see in
the only one to run it. she says. “I didn’t have other female the future, she thinks women aren’t
role models in the industry. But what in enough technical roles that get the
I have seen in the industry is our most attention. Her biggest advice to
“I never understood the numbers are increasing and women both men and women who want to
allure of the fire suppression are taking more leadership positions.” join the industry? “Say yes, even if you
business until I started feel like you are not already the most
running it.” Anna’s favorite part about her job qualified. I have learned so much by
is developing a company culture saying yes in this industry.”
and providing her team with a good
At first, Anna took on this leadership working experience. “Our number-one
role because she and her mother recruiting tool is our people,” she says.
knew how important the company “We have strong referrals and people
had been to her father and they cared who are committed to the company.”
12 W I N T E R / S P R I N G 2022BL A Z I N G T H E W AY FORW A R D : WO M E N I N F IR E S U P P R E S S I O N
before joining her father’s company. Once the techs realized that
“My dad approached me in 2005 to she was not watching their every
see if I would be interested in coming move to report back to the owner,
to work for him,” says Staci. “I was she developed a strong relationship
looking for a more fulfilling career, with them. “I really liked the physical
so I jumped at the chance.” side of the business and seeing a lot
of things on-site with our customers,”
says Staci. “I want to do more hands-
“I really liked the physical on in-field training.”
side of the business and
One of the things Staci likes most
see a lot of things on-site
about the business is that each day
with customers.” is a little different and each day she
STACI STIDHAM
has the opportunity to help someone,
Office Manager & Co-Owner
whether it is a customer or an
Cofessco Fire Protection
She started by helping with data entry employee. “Gender barriers are coming
Muskegon, MI
for new installation projects, and soon, down all over the world. Women
her curiosity about the business took have always been capable of so
T he fire suppression industry is
also a family affair for Staci
Stidham of Cofessco Fire Protection,
her on service calls with technicians.
“The challenge in working with the
technicians wasn’t so much that I was
much, and gaining the confidence to
realize it and act upon it will convince
more women to get involved in fire
who recalls being around the business female as it was that I was the boss’s protection. It’s not just a boys’ club
— where her dad served as president daughter,” she says. “They thought I anymore, and the more that women
— since she was 5 years old. Like was there as some sort of a spy, but are motivated and empowered to
Diane and Anna, Staci first spread her I was just there to learn.” thrive in this industry, the more of
wings working in other industries this shift we will see.”
K endall May Liddicoat began her
career in the industry a little
differently from the women we’ve
a curiosity for what exactly she was
processing took hold. The field team
patiently explained the different
profiled so far. “Years ago, a friend of aspects of the company to Kendall.
mine was working for Metro Safety This thirst for knowledge led her to
and Fire at the time and called to continue with the company as she
recruit me to perform fire watch for grew into the position that she got
the building. Twenty-two-year-old to know and love.
me thought, ‘OK, whatever that is.’ I
happened to be available and willing “Like other ‘lifers’ in the industry —
to walk around a building every half- it just bit me,” she says. “All things fire-
an-hour for a week. It was absolutely nerdy got into my blood. The science
the easiest and most boring position behind why certain chemicals behave
KENDALL MAY I’ve had in the industry to date,” recalls the way they do, how they interact
LIDDICOAT Kendall. After this little adventure, with other media they are protecting.
Field Operations Manager Kendall was asked to join the office I love the way technology keeps
Metro Safety and Fire, Inc. team in Accounts Receivable, where moving the industry forward.”
Portland, OR
W I N T E R / S P R I N G 2022 13BL A Z I N G T H E W AY FORW A R D : WO M E N I N F IR E S U P P R E S S I O N
“The boots on the ground the pleasure to meet and work with
Metro Safety and
are the most vital part to some incredibly brilliant, innovative, Fire is now an
and motivated humans throughout
ensuring our customers
are taken care of. So it
the years,” she adds. From attending employee-owned
NAFED events and being part of
starts with me taking care the conference planning committee, and female-led
of them.” to participating in Amerex’s
FlashForward, to keeping up with
company.
monthly trainings and becoming
What motivates Kendall the most is vice president of the Oregon Fire Her best advice to women and
her field team. They show up every Equipment Distributors Association. others considering a career in fire
day to do their very best for their suppression? “Do it!” says Kendall.
customers and community. Her “You’re going to get dirty and have
primary goal is to be sure that “You’re going to get dirty and long days. But at the end of the day,
they are equipped with the tools, have long days. But at the you’ll know that you’ve contributed
knowledge, resources and connections to keeping your community protected
end of the day, you’ll know
that will help them use their time and educated. Being female doesn’t
effectively and safely. “The boots on
that you’ve contributed to necessarily help or hinder any portion
the ground are the most vital part to keeping your community of your potential career in the industry.
ensuring our customers are taken care protected and educated.” If you’ve got a knack or passion for it,
of,” she says. “So it starts with me taking jump in and you’ll find a great group
care of them.” of like-minded people.”
Kendall has enjoyed watching Metro
One of Kendall’s favorite parts of Safety and Fire become an employee-
the industry is the people. “I’ve had owned and female-led company.
L ike Kendall, Melinda stumbled
into the fire protection industry
but found the opportunity so amazing
Melinda states. “There’s simply greater
demand than the supply of qualified
technicians. The FEDLC addresses this
that she dug in and happily hasn’t issue head-on; I’m so grateful to have
looked back. “I’m passionate about been trusted with this responsibility!”
fire protection because it’s a special
trade; if done properly, it protects lives Each day Melinda wakes up thinking
and property,” she says. “Fires happen about ways to bring more talent
every single day, and when there is no into our industry because fire is a
loss of life, I’m incredibly proud of our real threat to lives and property.
professional community.” She knows it takes a considerable
knowledge, expertise and renewable
Hands-down, the favorite part workforce to develop, install, and
MELINDA AT WOOD of her work has to be creating maintain the safety equipment
WANKE the FED Learning Center. “Many systems that protects us all.
CMO/Program Director commercial buildings aren’t fire safety
BHC/FED Learning Center compliant, despite fire safety codes Melinda has experienced firsthand
Charlotte, NC and businesses willing to comply,” the tremendous strides that women
14 W I N T E R / S P R I N G 2022BL A Z I N G T H E W AY FORW A R D : WO M E N I N F IR E S U P P R E S S I O N
Was I going to cower and be the ‘little girl’ they expected me
to be, or was I going to stand up and be the industry leader
I knew I could be?”
have made in the industry. In 2003, “I’d love to see industry members 20 years. Everyone’s truth is their
she went to the first trade event of participate in the FED Learning Center own but deciding before the heat of
her career. She was representing her On-Demand series covering micro- the moment, how to react before the
company in a safety distributor buying aggressions,” she says. “At BHC, we’re situation arises, will add two valuable
group discussing the importance of lucky enough to have a CHRO certified tools to their tool bag — grace and
fire safety on construction sites when in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and confidence,” she says. “ You can never
she overheard a man say, “What is this have been collaborating with her to control others, but you have absolute
little girl going to teach us about fire bring views, via training sessions, into control over your story and your
extinguishers?” At that point, Melinda the industry.” She’s proud to help journey. Being prepared will help you
knew she had to decide who she was create greater access to this important be the best version of yourself.”
going to be. information through their platform
and is hopeful that every person in So, to women everywhere, Melinda
“Was I going to cower and be the fire protection spends intentional time says to write your own story and go
‘little girl’ they expected me to be, on the topic. forward being great!
or was I going to stand up and be the
industry leader I knew I could be?”
she says. “So, I simply smiled, making “Everyone’s truth is their
eye contact with him. I wanted him to own but deciding before the
know that I acknowledged his concern heat of the moment, how to
but would show him that I could
react before the situation
and would bring value. I’ve been
steadfast since; not even blinking
arises, will add two valuable
in similar situations.” tools to their tool bag —
grace and confidence.”
BHC’s Chief
Human Resources Her advice to women, especially
young women, is to, first, expect equity
Officer is certified and inclusion every time, everywhere
and never marginalization due to
in Diversity,Equity gender identity. Second, she suggests
and Inclusion. they need to decide how to respond
to negative comments or situations
before they’re in that moment.
She would love to see our
professional community continue “I made my decision in that first
to recognize the value of women. event and have carried my truth for
W I N T E R / S P R I N G 2022 15BL A Z I N G T H E W AY FORW A R D : WO M E N I N F IR E S U P P R E S S I O N
systems in place,” she says. “And I employees feel valued are the little
can easily connect the dots from my things that make all the difference.
role in marketing to the end user — I
don’t need to twist the sales pitch Kate has seen the number of women
or message for them to see that fire leaders and team members at Summit
suppression is worth caring about. The Companies alone dramatically
threat of destruction, devastation and increase during her tenure. “I’m proud
interruption that fire poses is reason to say that many of these women I
enough to care and take action.” work alongside have dedicated their
career to fire protection and have
Protecting and securing the safety and paved the way for other women
well-being of the Summit customers within the industry,” she says. “We
KATE LEE motivates Kate each day. In addition, not only have more women team
the team around her, from the members in sales and office roles; we
Director of Marketing
technicians in the field to the CEO to also have promoted and hired several
Summit Companies
the managers who run the branches women for roles that have been
Mendota Heights, MN
all work extremely hard. That type of previously male dominated, such as
A relative newcomer, Kate joined
the industry by chance three
years ago when her recruiter pitched
passion and motivation is contagious.
“One of the things I love most about
my job is the partnership with people
branch managers and technicians.”
She’s thankful to work for a company
her current role at Summit Companies. across the company. With our different that welcomes and encourages all
She had previously worked in the backgrounds and perspectives, we voices to contribute, men and women
banking industry and was ready for can come together to find solutions alike. Her advice to other women who
a change. “Talk about a change!” she by putting ourselves in the would like to enter the field is to use
says. “These last three years have customer’s shoes.” the strengths and qualities that are
been a combination of challenging, unique to you especially within an
exciting, refreshing and drinking from Her job is to constantly think about industry that’s all about saving lives
a fire hose ... all at once.” how Summit Companies is showing and keeping people safe. “Be curious
up in the world and the value that and ask questions,” she says. “Partner
the company is providing not just to and rely on each other — you can’t do
“... I don’t need to twist the customers, but to people who just saw it alone. And make sure the company
sales pitch or message for a social media post. Everything from that you work for and the people
impacting communities to making you surround yourself with give you
[the end user] to see that fire
sure that the Summit Companies energy and a sense of purpose.”
suppression is worth
caring about.”
Prior to working at Summit I’m proud to say many of these women
Companies, if you had asked Kate
why she cares about fire suppression, I work alongside have dedicated their
she would not have realized the
importance or necessity of it. She career to fire protection and have
now would answer that you HAVE to
care. “Our lives and safety depend on
paved the way for other women within
having maintained fire suppression the industry.”
16 W I N T E R 2022BL A Z I N G T H E W AY FORW A R D : WO M E N I N F IR E S U P P R E S S I O N
Internationally
“When I finished university, I helped with customers, developing technical
develop a sales department within an solutions and learning about new
existing company that designed and and different technologies in fire
installed fire suppression systems. After suppression,” Stefanie adds.
one year, my previous director and I
decided to spin off the department
and form a new company which “We’ve proven our value
became Umbra FSP (FSP for Fire and abilities, so I hope to
Safety Products),” Stefanie says. “Since, see more women continue
I have had the pleasure to become to lead.”
one of the two owners of Umbra
as well as taking on the director/
manager position.” Stefanie also hopes to see more
STEFANIE gender parity in leadership roles in
HERRMANN Even though she didn’t always intend the future. “I do have to admit that
to enter the fire suppression industry, women are still underrepresented in
Managing Director (& Co-Owner)
Umbra FSP GmbH Stefanie’s appreciation for firefighting the fire suppression industry. Most
Berlin, Germany is deeply rooted. “I had an incident women in the industry are not in
with fire in my childhood, so I know ‘the front row,’ so to speak. A small
F ire suppression is a global
industry, and Amerex is lucky
enough to partner with incredible
how scary it can be. I was heroically
rescued from our apartment by a
firefighter. None of my family was hurt
number of women are present for
the community, for customers and in
organizations, and all of these women
men and women around the world and our property was not seriously are well known and respected. We’ve
like Stefanie Herrmann of Berlin, damaged. Fire is dangerous and its proven our value and abilities, so I
Germany-based Umbra FSP. Stefanie impacts can be devastating for people, hope to see more women continue
boasts nearly 20 years of experience businesses, communities and the to lead.”
already, but like some of the other environment. It’s a very important
women profiled, she found the aspect of construction and various In the future, Stefanie looks forward
industry by chance. “I began working industries,” she says. to seeing the industry continue to be
as a student at tedious tasks, like data invigorated by energetic new faces.
entry, and soon I was supporting the Now, Stefanie is motivated to help She says, “I’ve noticed a larger share of
marketing & engineering department protect people and property and, as younger people active in this industry
with creating and revising data a company leader, to also to lead her than in the past, and I hope this trend
sheets,” Stefanie recalls. company. “The business is my ‘baby’ will continue, and I hope that also
and I want to see it grow up. We have means that female representation will
proven our value to a good number improve.” Stefanie has simple advice
of partners, and it is my responsibility for young women considering a career
to care for our employees and to offer in the fire suppression industry: “Don’t
the best possible customer service, be afraid! Try your luck and believe in
both technically and commercially. My your abilities!”
favorite parts of my work are talking
W I N T E R 2022 17ON THE ROAD AGAIN
Returning to Trade Shows
BY BEN PITTS
W hen Willie Nelson wrote “On
the Road Again,” he probably
never imagined how good it would
capabilities for multiple zones on
large machinery. It was great to
reconnect with our many friends
with STRIKE ECS, including the Zone
Defense protection setup, the new
KP250 cylinder, salamander broiler
feel to get back on the road after in the mining industry. protection and other recent system
a pandemic-induced travel hiatus! innovations. We were excited to have
After many of our usual industry In early October, I joined members of the chance to meet with several
conferences and trade shows were the Amerex Defense team, including important European partners at Host.
canceled in 2020 and early 2021, Ken Mier, Defense General Manager,
it was a pleasure for the Amerex at the Association of the United Finally, we finished the year with a
team to get back on the road to visit States Army (AUSA) Annual Meeting focus on transit, first at the American
with many of our important industry and Exposition in Washington, Public Transportation Association
partners and customers. D.C., to showcase Amerex’s mil- (APTA) Expo in Orlando in November.
spec solutions to help protect The Amerex Vehicle Systems group
In September, our Vehicle American warfighters from extreme teamed up with Mark Magaldi and
Systems team attended MINExpo fire hazards. Amerex vehicle fire Transit Marketing Group to show
International in Las Vegas. Bill suppression systems, including rapid off solutions. And speaking of
Jolbert, Director of Sales—Vehicle optical detection and actuation as buses, Joe Rost, Sales Manager—
Systems, was among the Amerex found in the JLTV tactical vehicle Vehicle Systems, was on-hand at
team members staffing our booth from Oshkosh Defense, were the Transporting Students with
to promote Amerex KODIAK fierce on display alongside flight line Disabilities Expo in Frisco, Texas,
vehicle fire protection. We showed solutions like the NOVEC 1230 later in November to showcase
off some of our staple products for wheeled unit. solutions for school transportation.
the mining industry like corrosion-
resistant Z-Series portables, Next, the Amerex KP/IS team
corrosion-resistant stored pressure headed across the Atlantic to attend
cylinders for dry chemical, ICS liquid HostMilano, the largest show in
and Dry-ICS agent systems, and the world dedicated to the food
control panels including the new service and hospitality industry. We
SafetyNet-EV panel, which expands showcased the Amerex KP system
18 Inside Diamond W I N T E R / S P R I N G 2022AMEREX 2022
EVENTS CALENDAR
Event Description Location Dates Event Description Location Dates
Oregon Loggers Eugene, OR Feb. 24–26 KP/IS Training Online (CST) Jun. 14–15
KP/IS Training Las Vegas, NV Mar. 7–8 FFEDA Conference TBD TBD
VS Training Las Vegas, NV Mar. 9 KP/IS Training Seattle, WA Jul. 12–13
NAFED Las Vegas, NV Mar. 10–11 STNEXPO West Reno, NV Jul. 15–20
NAFSM
GASFED Atlanta, GA Mar. 22–24 New Orleans, LA Aug. 1–3
Annual Symposium
NAFED Atlantic City, NJ Apr. 7–8 KP/IS Training Columbus, OH Aug. 9–10
KP/IS Training Charlotte, NC Apr. 12–13 KP/IS Training Online Aug. 23–24
International
KP/IS Training Online (PST) Apr. 26–27 Online Sep. 7
KP/IS Training
Wastexpo CALSAFE Annual
Las Vegas, NV May 9–12 Ontario, CA Oct. 7–8
Tradeshow Exhibit Conference
Washington,
NAFED Indianapolis, IN May 12–13 AUSA Oct. 10–12
DC
VS Training Online (CST) May 16 KP/IS Training Allentown, PA Oct. 11–12
International
Online May 18 VS Training Allentown, PA Oct. 13
KP/IS Training
KP/IS Training Chicago, IL May 25–26 KP/IS Training Dallas, TX Nov. 8–9
VS Training Chicago, IL May 27 VS Training Dallas, TX Nov. 10
STNEXPO Indianapolis, IN Jun. 3–7 KP/IS Training Trussville, AL Dec. 6–7
NFPA Boston, MA Jun. 6–9 VS Training Trussville, AL Dec. 8
Elko Mine Expo Elko, NV Jun. 6–10
W I N T E R / S P R I N G 2022 Inside Diamond 19PRODUCT
®
UPDATES
KITCHEN AND
INDUSTRIAL FIRE
SUPPRESSION
SYSTEMS
QUALITY
The Kitchen Protection and our available inventory, reduce lead
SERVICE Industrial Systems team at Amerex times and minimize delays. Amerex
is thankful for its amazing network is committed to the success of our
INNOVATION of distributors. Our success as a team distributors, not only in the U.S. and
and product line is dependent on the Canadian markets, but across our
High Quality Products partnerships that we have with our entire global distribution network.
Built to Protect wide-stretching distribution network.
and Perform. Amid all these challenges, we
This period has presented no are progressing towards product
shortage of hurdles for us or for advancements and new products.
our distributors and customers. The With the release of the new KP250
incredible rebound of the hospitality cylinder, our distributors have the
industry in the U.S. and slightly ability to bid more competitively
delayed rebound occurring across while still providing customers with
the globe have created significant a premier kitchen fire suppression
demand for fire suppression systems. system. Its 8-inch diameter allows
At this point, we are all acutely for a convenient fit into the end
aware of labor shortages and cabinet of most commercial
material shortages, and we have kitchen hoods.
again had to shift our “normal.”
It is abundantly clear that our Our team has been strategically
distributors are committed to facing laying out further advancements
these challenges head on, for appliance coverage, ease of use,
as is Amerex. and innovation. With ever-growing
demand for flexibility in commercial
Our Supply Chain team has used cooking operations, it is imperative
creative and new ways to reduce that Amerex provides its customers
lead times and procure parts where with the tools to meet this head on.
an original supply source may 2022 is already shaping to be a year
have completely stopped. Knowing of growth in our Kitchen Protection
that the success of our system abilities, and bringing more design
distributors hinges on the delivery options for your business is our goal.
of a multitude of parts to complete a
job, we continually strive to increase
20 Inside Diamond W I N T E R / S P R I N G 2022DEFENSE
It was great to be back in-person in the 300,000-square-foot exhibit hall Representatives from Spectronix,
at this year’s AUSA (Association of over the three-day event. our partner from Israel, attended the
the United States Army) meeting show and spent some time in our
and exposition as a National We were able to personally meet with booth talking with us and prospective
Partner exhibitor October 11–13 in many of our customers, both existing customers. We were also able to
Washington, D.C., after the 2020 in- and several new ones, including meet with one of their customers
person event was cancelled due to General Motors Defense. GM Defense that we will work with in the coming
the pandemic. is charging straight ahead into the months on a project in partnership
The event was well-attended and military market armed with the with Spectronix.
focused. Our team had the opportunity knowledge gained from over 100 years
to explore ongoing projects and of vehicle manufacturing, with several
potential new ones with key contacts new programs under consideration by ABOVE: Pictured in the Amerex Defense
the US Army. booth photo are team members (from
left to right) Ken Mier, Ben Pitts, Kendall
Pate, Susan Ray, Chris Nichols and Nolan
Another customer we have been
Hoffman. Many thanks to our business
chosen to work with on a track-driven
partners (both current and prospective) for
armored personnel carrier vehicle, PB stopping by our booth to discuss your fire
Enterprises, held an adjacent meeting suppression needs.
to discuss our specific project. We were
also able to spend time with others
that are working the same project
with our products as well.
W I N T E R / S P R I N G 2022 Inside Diamond 21PRODUCT UPDATES, CONTINUED
PORTABLE FIRE
EXTINGUISHERS
Wheeled extinguishers:
versatile fire
protection tools
Wheeled extinguishers are a
unique solution for high-hazard
areas where large quantities of
flammable materials are found,
including petroleum storage,
consumer goods warehouses, health
care environments and industrial
facilities, to name a few. Amerex
has the right wheeled solution for
these settings and more. ABC dry
chemical is versatile in its coverage.
Purple K delivers a significant punch environments. While the need is ratings than hand portables provide
to knock down and extinguish class certainly present in tank farms and an advantage in the high racks and
B fires quickly. Our CO2 wheeled other oil and gas facilities, these long aisleways of warehouses.
extinguishers are perfect for low- powerful firefighting tools can be
cost recharging where Class B fires useful for broader applications. These versatile extinguishers require
are frequent. And clean agent Airports require quick knockdown specialized maintenance procedures
wheeled extinguishers provide of flammable materials and often to remain in top operating
maximum protection and minimize Purple K wheeled extinguishers condition. Stored pressure wheeled
collateral damage with rapidly are installed at an airport ramp. extinguishers are maintained
evaporating firefighting chemicals. Clean agents also work well in this on a similar schedule to stored
application and are the primary flight pressure hand portables, though
When installing wheeled line firefighting support of many additional maintenance steps are
extinguishers in new environments, of our Amerex Defense customers. required due to increased product
keep in mind that the servicing Additionally, heliports require complexity. Cylinder operated
of these extinguishers is unique protection in accordance with NFPA extinguishers follow a separate
to each product and will require 410. Purple K dry chemical and clean unique schedule outlined in our
additional time and equipment agent wheeled extinguishers can maintenance and service manuals.
to keep the extinguishers in top meet these installation requirements. To better understand the specialized
operating condition. maintenance schedules, see our new
An increasing number of warehouses training videos on our website.
There is a misconception that also use wheeled extinguishers to
wheeled extinguishers are useful meet code and firefighting needs.
only in heavy-duty industrial Long-range discharges and higher
22 Inside Diamond W I N T E R / S P R I N G 2022A s a reminder, the email we sent
at the end of 2021 updated our
product line offerings.
our hand portable hose assemblies.
As such, future dry chemical hand
portables will be made without them.
Introduction of three new Purple K
extinguisher models: the new Purple
K 376, 377, and 378.
Our O-ring supply will run through
A redesigned Class K extinguisher the end of the year and you will Phasing out of our regular
features a new valve assembly and not need this part when servicing extinguishers. For the most efficient
hose design that is simpler to use Amerex extinguishers. product line offering, we’ve put
and easier to install. The C260 and together a stronger assortment
C262 replace the B260 and B262. Changes to the design of our hoses. of extinguishers. We’ve created a
The extinguisher you have depended In order to keep up with product substitution guide for customers
on for years to protect commercial demand and improve our supply who purchase regular extinguishers
kitchens has the same stored pressure chain, we have expanded our sourcing on our website.
design, stainless-steel cylinder and so you will notice a slight change
user-friendly features that you can to the appearance of our portable
read about. extinguisher hoses.
An O-ring update to our dry chemical An updated assortment of wheeled
hand portable extinguishers. Our extinguishers. Our new wheeled
engineers designed these products in extinguisher catalog showcases
such a way that O-rings are no longer the complete line.
a necessary component on most of
W I N T E R / S P R I N G 2022 Inside Diamond 23GET YOUR ORDER IN FASTER!
KEY FEATURES OF THE WEB STORE
We’re dedicated to serving our fire equipment distributor partners to the absolute
best of our ability. That’s why we continue to update and optimize the Amerex Web
Store experience for you.
• Improved order and shipment tracking.
• Solutions organized by industry application.
• Easy navigation and simple search.
• Detailed and up-to-date product information.
• The convenience of shopping and ordering 24/7 from any location with internet access.
• The ability to double-check your cart for completeness and accuracy before placing your order.
• The convenience of saving shopping carts for later if you’re in the middle of placing an order and something comes up.
Contact your sales representative or customer service if you need assistance logging in to the Web Store.
POCKET ENGINEER
Keep important Amerex information at your fingertips via the McWane Pocket
Engineer app or by visiting pe.mcwane.com.
WHY AMEREX
Quality Service Innovation
Amerex didn’t become a global Amerex was founded upon a Because Amerex is independently
market leader overnight. Our mutual appreciation for premium owned and forward thinking, we
business has grown year after quality in products and customer are continuously innovating and
year based on our products’ service and the importance of investing for the benefit of our
reputation for performance interpersonal relations. customers and those they serve.
and durability in even the most
rugged environments.
®
@AmerexCorporation @amerex_corporation Amerex Fire @Amerex_Corp Amerex Corporation
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