As we say goodbye to a dynamic year, Fire Trol takes pride in reflecting on the milestones and accomplishments that have shaped our journey in 2023. This year has been marked by strategic partnerships, enriching educational initiatives, and the successful completion of diverse projects across the nation. Join us as we delve into the key highlights that have defined our commitment to innovation, collaboration, and excellence.
New Resources and Tools in 2023
In continuous pursuit of innovation, Fire Trol solidified its commitment to providing top-notch solutions in 2023 by establishing key partnerships with industry leaders ARCAT, BIM Object, and RIB SpecLink. These collaborations have significantly enhanced the resources available on the Fire Trol website, ensuring our clients have access to cutting-edge tools for architectural and building planning.
Why These Tools Matter
ARCAT, BIM Object, and RIB Speclink elevate our customer experience by providing extensive Architectural Specification and Building Information Modeling (BIM) resources. By integrating these tools, we provide our clients with a robust foundation for streamlined design processes. Architects can access comprehensive information, enhancing accuracy and efficiency in product research and project planning. This strategic move aligns with our vision of facilitating smoother project execution for our clients.
2023 Events and Conferences
The Fire Trol team strategically participated in multiple AEC conferences throughout 2023. Recognizing the rapid evolution of the industry, our proactive engagement in these conferences was pivotal for gaining a deeper understanding of the field. This proactive approach ensured that we stayed at the forefront of industry trends, enabling us to provide even more tailored and effective solutions for our clients.
Moreover, these conferences served as invaluable platforms for networking and knowledge exchange with fellow industry professionals, fostering collaborative relationships around innovation and excellence.
Some of the most noteworthy events and conferences the Fire Trol team attended this year were:
- CSI (Construction Specifications Institute) National Conference in Minneapolis, MN: This conference, which is the premier event for professionals in the construction industry, offered a perfect opportunity for our team to connect with their peers, gain valuable industry insights, and stay up to date on the latest products and trends.
- Master Specifiers Retreat in Fort Myers, FL: At this retreat, Fire Trol enjoyed the opportunity to meet with clients to review technical project information, solve project challenges, and learn new approaches from other building project experts.
- AIA (American Institute of Architects) Conference on Architecture in San Francisco, CA: The AIA Conference served as a networking hub for the AEC industry, and Fire Trol got to engage with 500+ brands, a diverse range of experts, project-changing ideas, and pioneering solutions.
- The Buildings Show in Toronto, Canada: The 2023 Buildings Show stood as the ultimate gathering for professionals across Canada’s diverse building industry spectrum. This event catered to architects, engineers, specifiers, contractors, and product representatives alike, providing a dynamic platform for networking and knowledge sharing.
Educational Opportunities
Lunch and Learns
Our National Sales Manager, Trish Brindle, led our continuing education efforts this year by conducting approximately 80 Lunch and Learns. These live, high-impact sessions were an invaluable opportunity for professionals to delve into the intricacies of fireproofing strategies, design considerations related to prefabricated fireproof columns, and more.
ATS Webinars
Trish also led two live webinars through ATS in 2023, offering a deep dive into the world of Fire Trol’s fireproofing solutions. Take a look at what two of this year’s attendees had to say about the webinars:
- “I was grateful to gain knowledge about this product and methodology for fire-proofing structural steel. Modern design concepts incorporate more exposed structural components, and the prefabricated fireproof steel columns seem to be the perfect means of achieving this goal without exceeding normal budgetary constraints. The presenter was also great. She was very knowledgeable about the subject matter and made the webinar interesting with her flowing delivery and commentary. I loved it all. Thank you!” – Charles, Architect
- “Great presentation! It was very informative, and the cost data showed a side architects are often blind to but are expected to stay within a budget. Overall, a very well-balanced presentation!” – Howard, Architect
Self-Paced Online Courses
In collaboration with AEC Daily, Fire Trol offered two self-paced online courses in 2023, Showcase-Quality Exposed Fireproof Columns and Structural Steel: Sustainability & Fireproofing.
These courses provided a flexible and accessible way for professionals to enhance their knowledge of fireproofing methodologies at their own pace and granted them the opportunity to earn AIA-approved HSW CE credits upon completion.
CCCT Podcast: A Fireside Chat on Fireproofing
Trish also took center stage on an episode of the CCCT Podcast, hosted by David Corson with Commercial Construction & Renovation. In this insightful podcast, Trish shared her expert knowledge of Fire Trol and detailed its critical role in construction projects. The episode not only provides a deeper understanding of fire safety in the construction industry but also offers background into the company’s storied history.
2023 Projects
From iconic educational institutions to innovative housing developments, Fire Trol’s prefabricated fireproof steel columns became an integral part of structures that defined the landscape in 2023. In the past 12 months, we are proud to have fabricated and shipped our columns to notable projects across the country, including:
- SCAD (The Savannah College of Art and Design), Savannah, GA
- Mayo Clinic, Eau Claire, WI
- Cal State Performing Arts Center at CSU, San Bernardino, CA
- Thomas Jefferson School, Hoffman Estates, IL
- Olentangy Elementary School, Lewis Center, OH
- Hackley School Center for Creative Arts & Technology, Tarrytown, NY
- Crocker Elementary School, Fitchburg, MA
- Nauset High School, Eastham, MA
- Felton Grove High School, Apex, NC
- PS1 163 Arthur A. Schomburg School, Bronx, NY
- Fredericksburg Middle School, Fredericksburg, VA
- Brewery Creek Housing Development, Duluth, MN
- Holyoke College, South Hadley, MA
Looking Ahead
As we bid farewell to 2023, Fire Trol stands poised for an even more impactful 2024. Our commitment to education, connection, and growth isn’t just a company ethos; it’s a personal promise to everyone who relies on Fire Trol.
In the coming year, our aim is not just to innovate but to make structures safer and more resilient. The lessons we’ve learned, the partnerships we’ve built, and the projects we’ve completed in 2023 aren’t just milestones; they’re the building blocks for a future where safety, innovation, and collaboration redefine the structural landscape.
Stay tuned for more exciting updates in 2024!
