Estimating and Project Management Master Class


NFSA Headquarters, Linthicum Heights, MD  
Monday, August 05, 2024 - Friday, August 09, 2024   iCalendar Eastern Standard Time

Estimating and Proposals for Fire Sprinkler Installation Projects – Mike Joanis

Approvals: NICET, ICC (PPP# 30489)  

The first step in a successful fire sprinkler installation is building an accurate cost estimate for bid purposes. This course highlights the process of estimating costs associated with a fire sprinkler installation project and ultimately submitting a bid that is competitive and considers all applicable conditions for a specific project.    

Participants will learn to: 

  • Outline the process of estimating sprinkler system installation costs. 

  • Explore methods of obtaining required information. 

  • Deconstruct the general scope of work, including type of system, work, and applicable codes and standards (Appraising Request for Proposal). 

  • Analyze and interpret architectural plans.  

  • Analyze and interpret civil plans.  

  • Organize and define necessary proposal variables.  

  • Describe the methods for evaluating water supply and demand.  

  • Examine methods for calculating associated costs.  

  • Construct a detailed proposal for a sprinkler installation project.  

Michael Joanis, PE - Director of Contractor Services and Chief Engineer at the NFSA. Mike joined the NFSA staff in 2020 with 28 years of experience as consulting engineer and sprinkler contractor. He obtained his Bachelor of Science degree in Fire Protection Engineering from the University of Maryland, College Park and has been a registered professional engineer in several states since 1996. He is a member of the Society of Fire Protection Engineers and six NFPA technical committees including Sprinkler System Discharge Criteria, Hanging and Bracing, and Fire Pumps. Michael is also a licensed sprinkler & special hazards contractor and serves as the NFSA staff liaison for the Contractors Council, Quality Assurance Committee, and UL/FM Committee. 

Project Management – A Fire Protection Specific Course - Jerry Allen

Approvals: NICET, ICC (PPP# 38863)  

Are you tired of margin erosion, upset customers, and frustrated team members? Improve your desired project outcomes in this three-day immersive single owner project manager course. You will have the opportunity to learn through lectures, table discussions, breakout sessions, and an interactive course book. You can find other courses that teach the fundamentals of project management, but this course offers a Fire Protection Industry specific option.  

Participants will learn to: 

  • Take ownership of the success of their projects 

  • Develop customer loyalty. 

  • Build a successful project team. 

  • Learn project financials and how to improve costs. 

  • Pre-plan projects for desired project outcomes. 

  • Understand the importance of positive cashflow. 

  • Identify and successfully manage change orders. 

Jerry Allen is the founder and CEO of Keep it Simple Consulting. Jerry is passionate about providing leadership development and project management training to the Fire Protection Industry. Jerry believes that companies that invest in leadership development create a competitive advantage with customer satisfaction and employee satisfaction. Jerry believes, “People don’t quit companies; they quit bosses.” 

Jerry has over 30 years of experience in the industry. Starting as a design trainee in 1990, Jerry has grown up in fire protection, serving businesses as a designer, project manager, estimator, salesman, department manager, branch manager, and president/CEO. Jerry is a natural storyteller who loves to share his successes and failures to help others along their journey. 

Jerry’s purpose statement, “I will leave a long-lasting legacy through serving and investing in others with passion and grace while continuing to develop and challenge myself.” 

Course Schedule

August 5: ½ day PM - Estimating - Joanis 

August 6: All day - Estimating 

August 7: ½ day AM - Estimating  

August 7: ½ day PM - Project Leadership - Allen  

August 8: All day - Project Leadership  

August 9: ½ day AM - Project Leadership  


Who Should Attend: 

  • Project Managers 

  • Field Superintendents 

  • Designers 

  • Sales 

  • Field Foreman 

  • Department Managers 

  • Branch Managers  

NFSA Headquarters  

514 Progress Drive
Suite E
Linthicum Heights, MD 21090

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