Founding Year: 2018
Office Locations: Raymond, NH
Website: https://www.lhrfp.com
In our interaction with Josh Wise, Founder of LHR Fire Protection, LLC, we discuss the damage that fires can cause and the importance of fire prevention and protection systems for commercial and residential properties.
Below is an excerpt from our interaction.
What was the idea behind the inception of your company?
When I graduated Highschool in 2010, I set out to be a firefighter. I obtained an associate’s degree in Fire Science and did a live-in program with a local Fire department near the college. After spending two years immersed in it, I decided full-time firefighting was not for me. I continued my higher education to obtain a Bachelor’s degree in Public Service while also being an on-call firefighter in the local town where I lived.
I saw firsthand the destruction of that fires and an unmaintained fire protection system can cause. After college I did a stint as a Private Investigator where things were pretty boring, working long and late hours. At this point, I sought out a friend who worked in the “fire service” as a sprinkler fitter. I quickly landed a job as a sprinkler apprentice and 8 short months later I became a sprinkler foreman running my own jobs and crews. After doing that for about 5 years or so, I saw a great opportunity in the market for better client services and that’s when LHR Fire Protection started. I started with the mantra “we may not have the biggest workforce, we may not have the deepest pockets, we may not have all the tools and equipment that other fire protection companies have, but I will put our client service up against anyone.” And that’s what got us to where we are today.
How does your company contribute to the competitive global platform at large?
We are shooting to be a one-stop shop as much as possible. We are still working towards this by offering all things in fire protection. Even more than that, we have already formed an electrical unit and we will continue to add on other units as the opportunities present themselves to be able to provide solutions for our clients no matter what their needs are.
How tough was it to start? How did you manage to overcome them and move forward?
It was hard. This was and is the hardest thing I have done since my kids had to spend a year in the hospital due to complications of being born prematurely. I faced a lot of negativity and doubt from people that I cared about. The question I got asked a lot that has stuck with me is “what are you going to do when you fail” which honestly gave me motivation to not fail – adopting the failure is not an option mentality. ‘
What are the must-have attributes of an influential company?
We must have the “whatever it takes” mentality. We must all be owners – I don’t own this company, the team owns this company and if this company is going to thrive, it’s going to be because we all put in the work. The opposite is also true, if this company fails, it’s because we didn’t take care of it and nourish it. Luckily, we vet the people we bring onto our team and we all have the “failure is not an option” mentality – this requires us to be sure that the people we bring in are the right cultural fit.
How do you describe the work environment at your company?
It’s all about our core values – Service, Safety, Culture, and Communication. We talk about these core values monthly at our company meetings.
In addition to contributing towards economic growth, do you think companies should also focus on social responsibilities?
Absolutely, we cannot be tunnel-visioned. We need to think about how we can make the communities in which we live and work a better, safer place to be.
How important is social media in building an influential business today?
We live in the age of social media. What this means is – if you’re not on social media, you are missing opportunities to connect and grow your business. We believe in this so much that we have someone on staff that works on making sure we are posting and being active daily so that we are known throughout New England and beyond.
What role do innovation and technology play in scaling up a business?
We need to leverage technology and innovation to grow and adapt to new codes and ordinances. If we do not grow with technology, we risk being irrelevant and left behind. “What brought us here won’t get us there.”
What does the future look like for your company? What are you planning to do next?
We will continue to grow as the market allows and we will acquire other businesses that have an older guard looking to exit/retire from the marketplace as we have done in the past. We have been able to learn and grow with our past experiences of acquisitions which positions us well to grow on our terms. We have scars from our past mistakes but as long as we learn from each scar, I chalk it up as a win.
The man behind LHR Fire Protection, LLC
Josh Wise, Founder & Lead Project Manager
Josh is a former firefighter who knows firsthand the damage and devastation that a poorly installed, unmaintained, or faulty fire system can cause. Josh served ten years as a Firefighter 1 and 2 with local NH fire departments and then 6 years as an apprentice and Job Foreman with various fire protection service departments and companies. Josh brings a unique level of experience, professionalism, and passion to every job and is proud to provide life and safety to our customers.
Josh has 16+ years of experience in Fire Protection Services. He has a degree in Fire Science and is a Certified NH State Inspector, and Certified NH City/State Licensed.
Outside of work, Josh is a certified EMT, he volunteers as a youth leader with his church, and he loves to spend time with his wife April, and twin boys Corbin and Caden.“Whether we’re installing a new fire safety system, testing or repairing your existing equipment, or responding to an emergency call, we’re dedicated to doing the job right.”