Management Team
James E. Toups
Founder, President and Chief Executive Officer
Jim has over twenty years of experience in the fire sprinkler industry. As President & CEO of Fire and Life Safety America, he has built a management team that has taken the company from startup in 1997 to become one of the ten largest fire protection contractors in the country with 2007 estimated revenues of $100 million. Previously as Vice President of Finance and day to day head of operations of a large local sprinkler company, Jim helped the company grow from $14 million in sales in 1989 to almost $50 million in sales in 1997. Jim ran a major division, supervised the management information systems of the company and worked to establish and grow inspection and alarm operations (areas which achieved growth rates of over 80% per annum). He brings this expertise and success to FLSA. Jim has a degree in Commerce from the University of Virginia and an MBA (graduating number one in his class) from the University of Richmond. He has a NICET Level III certification.
Tom York
Chief Financial Officer
Tom joined the team in November 2005.He has over 20 years of experience in finance and accounting most recently as Chief Financial Officer of Masco Contractor Services East. During his eight years at Masco the contracting segment of the company grew from $200 million in revenue to over $3 billion primarily through the acquisitions of over 80 companies resulting in a workforce of 16,000 installers with over 8,000 vehicles in its fleet. Previously, Tom has worked at the corporate offices of Budget Rent A Car, Hard Rock Cafe, and Sprint in various accounting and finance positions. He attended East Carolina University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill earning degrees in Accounting and Finance with a minor in Information Systems. In his spare time, Tom enjoys working out, playing golf and spending time with his wife and two children. Tom brings a wealth of experience to the company in M&A and integration of new locations as the company continues to grow.
Ken Bitner
Chief Operations Officer
Ken joined the team in May 2007. He has over 27 years of experience in the fire protection industry most recently as Vice President of Southern Operations for Simplex Grinnell where he managed 85 offices generating roughly $900 million in annual revenue. Previously, Ken has worked with Simplex Grinnell, Assured Fire Protection and Kilian Fire Protection in design, sales and management positions. He has a degree in Automotive Mechanics from Fullerton College. In his spare time, Ken enjoys working on old cars, riding ATV’s and boating. The addition of Ken brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the team as the company continues to grow.
Jack Medovich, PE
Vice President, Northern Region
Jack is well known and respected within the fire sprinkler industry. He has worked with code officials, engineers, and architects in the Baltimore/Washington area. Jack is a graduate of the University of Maryland Fire Protection Engineer (FPE) program. He has over ten years experience running a division in the local market. This division handled both commercial and residential applications. He is nationally recognized, currently serving on standard writing committees for the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). He also assisted the Technical Advisory Committee of the American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA). Jack’s region includes our offices in Baltimore, Chantilly, and Springfield (Fire Watch Services).
Mark Glidewell
Vice President, Mid Atlantic and Southwest Regions
Mark began his career in fire protection in 1982 with American Sprinkler Company as a pipe fitter apprentice. Later, he moved to design where he earned his NICET III certification. Mark worked for Worsham between 1991 and 2000 in design related functions including design manager in Worsham’s Richmond office. Mark has extensive experience in the design and installation of fire protection systems in commercial, industrial, institutional, and multi-family residential facilities. Most recently as the FLSA Chesapeake District Manager, Mark led FLSA’s efforts on specialty foam system installed in hangars for the US Navy and Air Force. Mark was promoted to his current position in September 2003 to oversee several of FLSA’s district offices, including Richmond, Ronaoke, Tidewater and Raleigh. Mark brings an excellent combination of design, project management, and leadership skills to his his position.
Milton Crosswy
Vice President, Southeast Region
From 1987 to 2007, Milton was President and Chief Operating Officer for Affordable Fire Protection. He maintains numerous industry and community relations including a board position with the Construction Education Foundation of Georgia. Milton joined our team in September 2007 and brings more than 30 years of experience to the table. His region includes offices in Atlanta, Charlotte and Charleston.
Ronnie Burkett
Vice President, Southeast Region
Ronnie began his career in the fire protection industry over 25 years ago while working in their family owned and operated business, Southeast Fire Sprinkler Inc. (SEFS) located in Orlando Fl. During that time he worked in every facet of the business from the fabrication shop, field installation, design, and supervision/project management. Ronnie is a graduate of the FAST Apprentice Program, AFSA Design School, and FMI Leadership Institute; he is a licensed Florida State Certified Fire Protection Contractor. Over the past 25 years he gained extensive knowledge of fire protection systems in commercial, industrial, institutional, and multi-family residential applications. Ronnie joined the FLSA team in April of 2003 when SEFS was acquired by FLSA; at that time he continued to manage the Orlando district until September 2005 when he was asked to oversee operations in Florida/Georgia and to "head-up" the FLSA Integration Team for M&A's and start-up operations. Ronnie has been married 17 years, has 2 sons and enjoys riding ATV's, dirt bikes, camping, boating. In previous years he raced stock cars and competed in the NASCAR series.
