The 24/48
A typical first responder shift is 24 hours on, and 48 hours off. This opens the door for many first responders to run businesses in their off time. We're here to explore first responder-owned businesses, interview owners about how they did it, and share their success with the first responder community and beyond.
Follow us (or we’ll keep sending you pictures of really bright lights at 3 a.m.):
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HiVizLEDs/ (Warning: may cause spontaneous dancing in high-visibility vests)
- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@hivizledlighting (We invented the “blinding transition” trend)
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hivizledlighting/ (Warning: may cause your phone to request sunglasses)
- X: https://x.com/hivizleds (We promise not to blind you… much)
- YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@HiVizLEDS ((Hit the bell or we’ll ring it with a 150dB siren at 4 a.m.)
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hiviz-led-lighting/ (Where we pretend to be serious adults for 2.5 seconds)
Ready to ascend to a higher plane of brightness? Click these or forever live in the dimness you clearly deserve:
- FireTech: https://hivizleds.com (The mothership of bright ideas)
- HiViz Lighting: https://hivizlighting.com (Same brightness, different flavor of awesome)
Stay lit, legends. 🔥💡
Episodes
33 episodes
Mission-Driven Tech: Andy Bozzo of Tablet Command
Andy Bozzo, co-founder of Tablet Command, shares his journey from firefighter to tech entrepreneur. Tablet Command is a software company that provides incident management, response notification, and situational awareness tools for public safety...
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Season 2
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Episode 10
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1:15:25
Grilling, Griddles, and Grit: Brian Kelly of East Coast Kelly’s
Brian Kelly has been a firefighter for over 20 years. When COVID-19 hit and he found himself with more downtime, he discovered a new passion: sharing his love of food and cooking over social media. What started as a hobby making cooking videos ...
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Season 2
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Episode 9
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1:18:33
“Arts and Crafts” paid his mortgage: Russell Davis of West Broad Apparel
Russell had been working as a firefighter for over 13 years when the idea for his business was sparked. It all started when his captain gifted the crew some hose koozies.Connect with West Broad Apparel:
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Season 2
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Episode 8
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1:13:24
Unlocking Opportunities: Trevor Williams of the Williams Key
Trevor Williams has lived an extraordinary life. Born in Virginia to missionary parents, his family moved to Africa when he was just 4years old. Living in Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of Congo), Williams experienced the dangers of civil u...
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Season 2
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Episode 7
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1:32:16
From Fire Service to Radio Service: Lee and Jessica Jones of 10-8 Technology
Lee Jones has firefighting in his blood. Growing up, he immersed himself in the local volunteer fire department where his father served. He got his EMT certification and went through the fire academy while still in high school. At age 18, Jones...
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Season 2
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Episode 6
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1:30:38
Cooking Up a Movement: The Passion-Driven Path to Food on the Stove with Jonathan Tate
Jonathan Tate had an idea sparked by a phrase he kepthearing on the fireground - "slow your response, it's just food on thestove." This led to the realization that the food firefighters are eating is negatively impacting their health. ...
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Season 2
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Episode 5
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44:53
Transforming the Used Fire Truck Market: James Wessel of Brindlee Mountain Fire Apparatus
James Wessel's journey in the fire service began in 1995 when he saw a volunteer firefighter respond to a car accident with a flashing dash light. He was mesmerized by the light and asked the firefighter how he could get one. The firefighter to...
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Season 2
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Episode 4
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1:11:56
From Backyard Tractor to Grading Empire: Aaron “ToTo” Martin of Martin Grading & Excavation
Aaron's journey started early on; he recounts memories of playing with his father's little Kubota tractor and backhoe in the backyard. “I was 6 or 7 years old. I would get home from school, grab the keys, and go dig ahole,” he fondly recalls. H...
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Season 2
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Episode 3
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53:48
Serving those who Served: Colin Whittington of Recruiting Heroes
Colin Whittington has a unique background that led him to start his business, Recruiting Heroes. He served for 8 years as a deputy sheriff in Virginia, but eventually felt it was time to transition out of law enforcement. Connect wi...
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Season 2
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Episode 2
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49:09
Experience-Based Training | Ricky Riley | Traditions Training
Ricky Riley’s journey in the fire service began back in1979 when he became a junior firefighter in Ocean City, Maryland. With a career spanning over four decades, Ricky has become a well-respected figure in the firefighting community. His story...
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Season 2
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Episode 1
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1:03:32
Entrepreneurship is Community | Joe Caughey | Triink
Joe Caughey is a passionate firefighter and entrepreneur with a unique background in both fields. Follow Joe Caughey! https://www.linkedin.com/in/joecaughey/Follow us (...
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Season 1
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Episode 21
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1:18:27
Taking Care of Your Team Before Your Customers | Wayne Stevens | Safetek Profire
Wayne Stevens has had two stints in the fire service, and two in business. With a 30-year career in the fire service and coming from a family with a history of firefighting, Wayne quickly rose through the ranks and eventually became the deputy ...
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Season 1
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Episode 20
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1:04:19
From Dairy Equipment to a Fire Tool Empire | Luke Geleynse | Motis Fire Rescue
With over 20 years of experience in the fire service, Luke Geleynse leverages his firsthand knowledge of the challenges faced by firefighters to design practical solutions with his company, Motis Fire Rescue. In 2013, Luke co-founded Modus with...
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Season 1
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Episode 19
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1:03:43
How Unapologetic Passion is Helping to Reinvent the Industry | Mark Sallada | Vengeant Apparatus/911 Rapid Response
Mark Sallada is a passionate entrepreneur, police offer, and firefighter with a deep understanding of the emergency services industry. He is the owner of multiple businesses, including 911 Rapid Response, Vengeant Apparatus, Homeland Outfitters...
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Season 1
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Episode 18
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1:20:27
Lessons from the Fire Service in Building a Business | Travis Matthews | Light the Way NC
Travis Matthews is the founder and owner of Light the Way, specializing in outfitting emergency vehicles with state-of-the-art equipment. They focus on smaller vehicles and refurbishing bigger trucks.Follow Light the Way NC!· ...
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Season 1
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Episode 17
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1:11:28
The Heat of Firefighting Meets Smoky Barbecue | Ben Hooper | Ben’s Backdraft Barbecue
The heat of firefighting meets the smoky goodness of authentic barbecue at Ben's Backdraft Barbecue, founded by firefighter Ben Hooper.Follow Ben’s Backdraft BBQ· Facebook:
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Season 1
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Episode 16
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1:12:13
Stories of work/life balance & handcrafted leather goods | Spencer & Courtney | Axe & Awl Leatherworks
Axe and Awl Leatherworks is a family-owned business founded by Spencer and Courtney Tetrault in the heart of Waynesville, North Carolina. With a rich history in the fire service and nursing professions, Spencer & Courtney have combined thei...
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Season 1
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Episode 15
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1:27:49
Art & Firefighting: The Intersection of Passion and Profession | Lenwood Brown III | Notorious Fire Company
Lenwood Brown III is a full-time firefighter with a passion for art and graphic design. He is the owner of Notorious Fire Company, which specializes in creating stickers and other products for the firefighting community. Follow Noto...
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Season 1
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Episode 14
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50:10
We're going to FDIC, see you on May 8th!
Follow us (or we’ll keep sending you pictures of really bright lights at 3 a.m.):Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HiVizLEDs/ (Warning: may cause spontaneous dancing in...
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0:22
Building sustainable growth and an infamous brand | Luke Schneider | Fire Department Coffee
Luke Schneider, founder of Fire Department Coffee, shares his journey from serving in the navy and as a firefighter to starting a coffee company. Follow Fire Department Coffee: https://www.f...
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Season 1
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Episode 13
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1:00:58
An entrepreneur made in the firehouse kitchen | Adam McCoy | Unkie’s Seasoning
Unkie's Seasoning is a unique line of all-purpose seasonings created by Adam McCoy, a firefighter with 19 years of service in the town of Chesapeake, Virginia. Born from experiments with spices and flavorings, Unkie's has grown into a successfu...
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Season 1
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Episode 12
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1:18:42
From up cycled hose to a thriving community & business | Staci & Jay | Get Hosed Apparel
Get Hosed is an Ohio-based custom leather shop that specializes in creating unique apparel for first responders. Founded by Jay and Staci Ernsberger, the couple has 21 years of experience in the fire service and a background in education. With ...
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Season 1
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Episode 11
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1:00:45
How passion for individuality paved the way for Danny O’Connell | Box Alarm Grilles
Danny O'Connell is a third-generation firefighter and small business owner from Westgrove, Pennsylvania. He has been active in the fire service for 20 years with the Westgrove FireCompany. After seeing an iconic number on a neighboring departme...
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Season 1
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Episode 10
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46:56
How David Dufek solved a prominent issue in the EMS world | XDcuff
David Dufek is the CEO and founder of XDcuff, a restraint system designed for medical professionals and first responders. The idea came to mind after witnessing the dangers and difficulties of restraining individuals in the field to protect bot...
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Season 1
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Episode 9
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58:59
Why being a mediocre firefighter fueled Taylor McLaughlin to putting 150% into his business | Taylor’s Tins
Taylor McLaughlin was a career firefighter passionate about making art in his off time. He dabbled in woodworking, then pop art paintings, eventually landing on metal shields. After posting some early prototypes in the Fire Hall Flea Market gro...
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Season 1
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Episode 8
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1:05:33
