When Kyle Weeks joined Summit Fire Protection just over a year ago, he was stepping into the fire protection industry for the first time. With a background in industrial automation and mechanical work, Kyle quickly found that his troubleshooting skills and electrical experience translated well into his role as an alarm technician.
Since joining Summit, Kyle has embraced the challenge of learning a new industry, earning certifications, building relationships with customers, and developing a passion for specialized clean agent systems. We sat down with Kyle to learn more about his career path, what motivates him, and what he enjoys most about working in fire protection.
“Kyle is a problem solver, team player and always willing to help where needed, always has a good attitude towards work,” Said Branch Manager Tony Mertes.
Can you tell us a little about your role at Summit and your background?
My name is Kyle Weeks, and I’ve been with Summit Fire Protection for just over a year. I’m an alarm technician, and this is my first role in the fire protection industry.
Before Summit, I worked in industrial automation and mechanical work at a publishing company, where I worked on automated book binding and printing machines. I went to school for industrial mechanical work, but I leaned more toward the electrical side because there’s such a big demand for it.
What made you want to transition into fire protection?
I was looking to get out of the production side of things. In factory work, the focus is always on keeping machines running as quickly and cheaply as possible.
In fire protection, there’s a different level of importance because people’s lives and property are at stake. You can’t cut corners, and there’s a lot of value placed on making sure systems are maintained and working properly.
How has your experience at Summit been so far?
I love it. Our branch is fairly small, which has made it easy to get to know everyone. Some of the guys I already knew before I started, so that helped make the transition easier.
Everyone has been great about sharing their experience and helping me navigate some of the challenges that come with learning a new industry. Even though I’m the only alarm tech at our branch, I’ve always had people I can lean on when I run into questions.
What kind of training and certifications have you completed?
I’ve completed vehicle suppression system training through ANSUL and AMREX, and I have additional Kidde and CO2 system trainings coming up.
I’m also planning to take my NICET Level 1 exam and continue moving up through the NICET certification levels over time.
What are your long-term career goals?
I definitely want to continue building my knowledge and progressing through the NICET certifications.
One area I’m especially interested in is clean agent and special hazard systems. Those systems are used in places like server rooms, data centers, bank vaults, and document storage facilities where you can’t use water-based fire suppression.
Clean agent systems use gas to extinguish fires without damaging sensitive electronics, records, or equipment. It’s one of the coolest parts of my job, and I’d love to continue specializing in that area.
What do you enjoy most about the work you do?
I really enjoy the troubleshooting side of things. I’ve always been motivated by solving difficult problems.
Sometimes you get into a really challenging situation, and being able to work through it and come out on top is a great feeling.
I also enjoy building relationships with customers. When you work with the same facilities regularly, you get to know the people, how they operate, and what they expect. It makes the job smoother and more rewarding.
What types of facilities do you work in?
I work in all kinds of places, from small apartment buildings to schools, hospitals, police stations, jails, and major corporate facilities.
Some of the most interesting places I’ve worked in include the US Bank headquarters in Milwaukee, fishing-related manufacturers, and clean agent systems protecting data centers and document storage vaults.
One of the coolest parts of the job is getting to see behind the scenes at places most people never get access to.
How does Summit support work-life balance?
One of the biggest benefits of the role is the flexibility. I schedule most of my own work, which gives me the ability to adjust my day when I need to.
If I have a doctor’s appointment or my kids have a school concert, I can start earlier or later and make my schedule work around it.
As long as the work gets done, there’s a lot of freedom, and that flexibility has been a huge benefit.
What motivates you in your work?
Safety is a huge motivator for me.
When you’re working in places like schools, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and daycare centers, you understand how important these systems are.
I have kids, and I had grandparents, so I know how important it is to make sure vulnerable people are protected and able to get out safely if something ever happens.
What advice would you give to someone entering the fire protection industry?
Be resourceful.
There are so many different manufacturers and systems in the fire alarm world, so nobody knows everything. The good news is that most of the information is out there if you know where to look.
Take advantage of every training opportunity you can, lean on people with experience, and be willing to learn as you go.
Visit our careers page to learn more about open opportunities at Summit Fire Protection: https://summitfire.com/careers/
