Fire Protection Podcast

Drew talks with Dr. Roger Reiswig from Johnson Controls about the evolution of NFPA 72, how fire alarm codes differ around the world, and where remote inspection technology and integrated testing are headed.

Drew sits down with Bob Marshall, CEO of Whisker Labs, to talk about Ting, the IoT device that detects electrical arcing before it starts a fire.

In Episode 91 of The Fire Protection Podcast, host Drew Slocum is joined by Chris Logan, sprinkler contractor, industry advocate, and host of The Fire Sprinkler Podcast, for a wide-ranging, candid conversation on the current state of the sprinkler industry and where it’s headed next. Drew and Chris cover everything from real-world jobsite stories to the practical challenges of sprinkler inspections, hydrant testing, and documentation—highlighting how lost paperwork, repeat site visits, and labor shortages continue to impact contractors. Chris shares firsthand experiences from the field and explains why technology isn’t about cutting corners, but about saving time, reducing rework, and keeping technicians focused on the work that matters. The episode also dives into code evolution and enforcement, including updates to the Ontario Fire Code, NFPA 25 inspection requirements, sprinkler head testing intervals, and how inconsistencies between adopted codes and real-world expectations can create friction for contractors and building owners alike. Drew and Chris discuss how deficiencies should be approached—not as a “gotcha,” but as a critical part of maintaining life safety systems as they were originally designed. Beyond codes and compliance, the conversation explores industry culture, friendly competition among manufacturers and contractors, the role of podcasts in education, and why sprinkler professionals tend to stay deeply connected to the trade for life. Chris reflects on the growth of The Fire Sprinkler Podcast, the importance of ongoing learning, and how sharing real experiences helps strengthen the industry as a whole. This episode is an honest, technician-informed discussion for sprinkler contractors, inspectors, designers, engineers, and fire protection professionals who want a grounded look at technology, service work, and the realities of protecting buildings and lives every day.

In this episode of The Fire Protection Podcast, host Drew Slocum welcomes back John Mackey, an industry advisor and experienced fire protection leader. Together, they discuss the current state of the fire and life safety industry and share early insights from Inspect Point’s upcoming Fire & Life Safety Industry Report. Drew and John reflect on the major themes of 2025, including continued industry consolidation, shifting market dynamics between installation and service, and why recurring inspection, testing, and maintenance revenue has become the foundation of long-term business value. Drawing from real platform data, Drew shares early findings that show how inspections drive significant downstream revenue through deficiencies, proposals, and compliance-driven work. The conversation also explores how data and technology are reshaping the industry—from field service management platforms to third-party compliance reporting—and why insurance carriers, AHJs, and municipalities are demanding greater visibility into inspection results. John explains how these forces are accelerating accountability while creating new opportunities for contractors who invest in the right tech stack, processes, and reporting discipline. Looking ahead to 2026 and beyond, Drew and John discuss labor challenges, the growing importance of service-centric business models, private equity activity across contractors and FireTech, and how AI and industry-specific data will enhance efficiency without replacing the technician in the field. This episode sets the stage for the upcoming Fire & Life Safety Industry Report, offering contractors, executives, and industry leaders a data-backed perspective on where the market is headed—and how to prepare for what’s next.

In Episode 89, Drew Slocum welcomes Scott Reynolds, Co-Founder and CEO of UpCodes, for a deep dive into the future of building codes, AI-driven code research, and the growing need for accessible, reliable, and continually updated code information across the built environment. Scott shares the origin story of UpCodes, starting with his early career in architecture—working internationally in Hong Kong and later in New York City—where he experienced firsthand how difficult it is to navigate complex, fragmented, and frequently changing building and fire codes. That frustration eventually led Scott and his brother (a software engineer) to create UpCodes—a platform designed to unify, structure, and simplify access to codes and amendments across all 50 states and hundreds of local jurisdictions. Episode 89 provides an insightful look at how technology, transparency, and collaboration can reshape fire protection, design, and construction for the better.