Expert Contributors

Bob Mete

BOB METE

Having extensive e-light knowledge and experience, Bob's been at it instructing, selling, and marketing in the lighting industry since 1999. He's also been a key contributor in the manufacturing of emergency lights and exits signs.

Chandler Todd

CHANDLER TODD

Chandler joined the fire and life safety industry in 2019 after multiple years in event marketing and community engagement. His career has included work for corporations as well as non-profit groups, and he has a Bachelor’s Degree in Finance and Banking.

Jeff Hootman

JEFF HOOTMAN

Since 2004, Jeff has been evaluating end-user locations for compliance in pre-engineered systems, fire alarm systems, and sprinkler systems. He also has field experience in kitchen suppression systems, portable fire extinguishers, exit and emergency lights, and hood cleaning. Factory trained, by multiple manufacturers, he's certified on Pre-engineered Kitchen Fire Extinguishing Systems and Portable Fire Extinguishers by ICC.

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ROBERT LESTER

After serving in the Navy, Robert Lester joined the Fire and Life Safety industry in 2009, servicing and inspecting Fire and Life Safety Equipment, including Portable Fire Extinguishers and Exit Signs and Emergency Lights. In 2014, he enhanced his experience with Pre-Engineered Kitchen Suppression Systems. Robert brings a variety of skills, ranging from Military experience to Service Technician, and Outside/Direct Sales.

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ABDELLAH KSIRI

Abdellah has worked in the electrical/electronic field across multiple industries, including mining, heavy industrial, and commercial construction, since 1998. He has a degree in construction management (commercial electricity focus) and earned a Journeyman’s Electrician Certificate. As a certified PMP (Project Management Professional,) Abdellah holds a NICET III in Fire Alarms and is an NCCER (National Center for Construction Education and Research) Certified Trainer.

Chuck Kimball

CHUCK KIMBALL

With a Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering Operations, from North Carolina State University, Chuck's background in the industry has been a sound source of expertise since 1987. He serves on the NFPA’s Building Service and Fire Protection Equipment Committee and is responsible for parts of NFPA 101, Life Safety Code and NFPA 5000, Building Construction and Safety Code.

Daniel Bussell

DANIEL BUSSEL

In the industry since 2004, Daniel has overseen repair operations and training for pre-engineered systems, portable fire extinguishers, e-lights, Safety Shield, and KEC. He is certified on all major brands, a qualifier for DOT cylinder re-qualification, and holds licenses for Pre-Engineered Wet Chemical Systems, Industrial Dry Chemical Systems and Portable Fire Extinguishers in Florida and Georgia.

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WILLIAM "WIL" COLBY QSSP

With over 25 years in the Fire and Life Safety Industry and Distributor Supply Vertical, Wil's expertise range from Sales and Business Development to Corporate and Strategic Initiatives. He's managed sales teams, overseen industrial/fleet buying groups, and developed and implemented strategic supplier partnerships. He's also owned a fire equipment company and is QSSP (Qualified Safety Sales Professional) and OSHA30 Certified by the International Safety Equipment Association.

Mark Conroy

MARK CONROY

Holding a Bachelor of Science Degree in Marine Engineering, Mark has been active in the fire protection industry since 1981 and serves on three NFPA technical committees—NFPA 10, Portable Fire Extinguishers; NFPA 96, Venting Systems for Cooking Applications; and NFPA 17 and 17A, Dry and Wet Chemical Extinguishing Systems Technical.

Melinda Wanke

MELINDA WANKE

Melinda’s career in the Fire and Life Safety Industry began in 2002 and has spanned all areas of marketing, communications, and corporate development. She holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education and a Master’s Certificate in Marketing Strategy. She's also certified in Portable Fire Extinguishers, from the International Code Council, and is involved in the Association for Career and Technical Education.

Natasha Louder

NATASHA LOUDER

Natasha holds extensive academic degrees, including; an MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and an MBA in Human Resources from Kennesaw State University. She specializes in employee mental health, work/life balance, racial equity, trauma, stress, and depression. She has overseen various aspects of human resources, such as employee relations, selection, hiring, benefits, salary, worker’s compensation, retirement plans, and much more.

Nicole Smith

NICOLE SMITH

Nicki started her management career in 2001. She has worked for a number of blue-chip companies in a multitude of corporate communication roles—internal communications, process development, and business continuity. She also has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Management and is a Certified Event Planner.

Scott Kincaid

SCOTT KINCAID

With a background in mechanical engineering, Scott has a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, graduating from North Carolina State University in 2001. He has experience in HVAC controls as well as Commercial Security and Fire Alarm Engineering. He's NICET IV certified, too, and serves on NFPA 72, Fire Alarm and Signaling Systems (SIG-FUN) and NFPA 75, Electronic Computer Systems (ELT-AAA) committees.

Todd Warner

TODD WARNER

With a wide range of experience in the Fire Alarm Industry, Todd began his career in 1986. He is a NICET Level IV certified in Fire Alarm Systems and has an Associate Degree in Electrical Engineering Technology. He's also an active NFPA member, serving on technical committees for NFPA 72, National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code, NFPA 101, Life Safety Code, NFPA 5000, and Building Construction and Safety Code.