Michael Lloyd joined AI Fire, the parent company of Academy Fire, in the summer of 2012 as CEO. His responsibility is to drive the growth and development of the business, with the primary objective of building the finest fire protection services firm across the country. Before joining AI Fire, Mike was President at Consolidated Fire Protection. He was responsible for growing and managing the national accounts service business, starting that business in 2004 and ultimately building one of the largest national services businesses in the industry. Earlier in his career, Mike was involved in several technology businesses, including Intuit, and was a consultant for several firms, including Viant and Perot Systems.

Mike earned his MBA from the UCLA Anderson School of Management and holds a BA in Political Economy from UC Berkeley. He is active in the fire protection and life safety industry and is a member of AFSA, NFPA, and NAFED. Mike is also involved in the broader facilities services industry as a member of PRSM and RFMA and serves on the board of EMSAR and APHIX. When not working, Mike enjoys golfing, playing basketball, and spending time with his wife, grown son, and daughter.

MICHAEL LLOYD

Chief Executive Officer

Mark Taylor joined AI Fire, the parent company of Impact Fire, in the winter of 2019 and serves as the Company’s Chief Financial Officer. In this position, he is responsible for all financial, compliance, risk management, and credit functions. Mark has over 25 years of experience in Finance & Accounting leadership positions, including most recently as the CFO of Gray Wolf Industrial, a provider of specialty maintenance, repair and installation services to heavy industries, owned by Charlesbank Capital. Prior to joining Gray Wolf’s predecessor company Primetals Technologies Limited, Mark held various senior level positions within Siemens during a twenty-year timespan eventually leading the Finance and Accounting teams of several $100M+ business units.

Mark holds a BBA in Finance from Georgia State University. In his spare time, Mark enjoys spending time with his kids, golfing and fishing.

Mark Taylor

Chief Financial Officer

Benedict (Ben) Cramer is the Executive Vice President of Academy Fire, overseeing the company’s operations, growth, profitability, and talent. Ben began his career in facilities management with Metro Door. During his 14 years at the company, he assumed various leadership roles in sales, account management and client services. In 2005, Metro Door was acquired by private equity firm, Brynwood Partners. Over a five-year period, Ben worked with senior leadership and the managing partners in expanding Metro’s offering to include additional facility services and further expanding its organizations capacity to rapidly grow their client footprint. In 2010, Metro Door sold to Cintas where Ben spent the next two years integrating their service process and client relations with global account leaders across the country. In 2012, Ben joined Rogers Electric as Vice President of Client Service. As a member of the executive team, he managed all aspects of support center functions, employee development, client engagement and vendor development. In addition to expanding the service offering to HVAC ad plumbing, he grew the business working with the project and construction divisions seeing rapid revenue growth of more than $300M.

Born and raised in Stony Brook, NY, he now resides in Ridgefield, CT with his wife of 20+ years and their son and daughter. In his free time Ben is an avid outdoorsman who loves fishing, boating, hunting, golfing, running, biking, and swimming.

Benedict Cramer

Executive Vice President

Bill Freeman joined Academy Fire Life Safety in late 2015 as the Vice President of National Sales. He is responsible for overseeing the national account sales team and expanding Academy’s business with both new and existing customers. Due to his deep industry experience and relationships, he is actively involved in AI Fire’s acquisition strategy.

Bill is a 30+ year veteran of the fire protection industry with experience at leading service and manufacturing companies, including senior positions at Ansul Incorporated, Minimax Fire Products, and other national service providers. Bill is a National Fire Protection Association member and is currently a National Association of Fire Equipment Distributors (NAFED) board member. During his spare time, Bill enjoys cycling, golfing, and spending time with his wife, grown son, daughter, and grandchildren.

Bill Freeman

Vice President, Sales

Diana Monte serves as the Vice President of Client Services at Academy Fire, where she leads our Account Management teams who are focused on delivering exceptional service and support to the company’s diverse customer base. With over 10+ years of experience in the fire life safety industry, Diana brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her role, ensuring that clients receive the highest level of service and satisfaction.

Diana began her career in customer service and quickly rose through the ranks due to her strategic vision and commitment to excellence. Diana oversees all aspects of client relations, from account management to service delivery and support. Her customer-centric approach and strong leadership skills have helped the company expand our Account Management teams and build lasting relationships with its clients.

Diana holds a bachelor’s degree in political science and English from John Jay College of Criminal Justice. She is also a certified American Bar Association Paralegal and worked in the legal industry prior to joining the Academy team. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, fishing, and spending time with her family.

Diana Monte

Vice President, Client Services

Eli Burbank serves as Vice President of National Projects, overseeing the company’s low voltage and mechanical project teams. Eli started his career as a National Account Sales Representative with BCI Technologies. During his 20 years at the company, he consistently surpassed all sales goals and was promoted to Vice President of Sales. In 2022, BCI was acquired by Academy Fire where he played an instrumental role in the integration of BCI Technologies into Academy Fire. Eli has played an instrumental role in expanding the existing service offering with the combined company’s customer base and supporting their retrofit and remodel needs across their installed base of locations. As a current member of the Academy Fire leadership team, Eli manages all aspects of the project division, overseeing the P&L, sales, project management, and team development.

Born and raised in Millbrook, NY, he now resides in Frisco TX with his wife of 15+ years and their two daughters and son. In his free time, Eli loves to stay active, travel, and spend time with friends and family.

Eli Burbank

Vice President, National Projects

Renee Mejia’s career trajectory showcases a remarkable journey within the fire protection industry, starting as a telemarketer in 1990 to her current role as Vice President of Operations at Academy Fire. Her professional growth highlights her strong leadership and expertise in various aspects of operations management. Her teams are responsible for database management, training, and back-office processes. Her approach is characterized as process-oriented and metrics-driven, indicating a focus on efficiency and performance improvement.

Renee’s contributions have been instrumental in supporting Academy Fire’s growth over the years, aligning operations with the organization’s expansion goals. Her tenure of over 25 years in the industry underscores her deep-rooted knowledge and experience. Outside of work, Renee loves spending time with her family, cycling and photography.

RENEE MEJIA

Vice President, Operations

Tom McVerry joined Academy Fire in 2015 as the Vice President of Restaurant Services. He is responsible for all aspects of our National Account Kitchen Fire Suppression and Kitchen Exhaust Cleaning business, including sales, operations, pricing, account management, and technical guidance. Tom advises all types of restaurant accounts such as casual, fast-casual, fast food restaurant chains along with restaurant operations within other verticals such as healthcare, education, and government.

Prior to joining Academy Fire, Tom held senior positions at Amerex and Buckeye Fire Equipment where he was responsible for their Kitchen Fire Suppression business. Earlier in his career he was the Vice President of Fire Protection at DunWell Fire Protection, leading the creation and execution of a National Accounts Fire Protection business, which grew to $29 million over seven years eventually selling the business to Cintas. Before joining DunWell, he spent 8 years at SimplexGrinnell in various positions, rising to the position of National Restaurant Systems Manager. He started his career as a Restaurant Systems Manager at Gastonia Fire and Safety.

Tom has served on the NFPA 17A Technical Committee for the past 5 years and previously was a member of the NFPA 10 Technical Committee. He holds multiple manufacturer certifications and regularly presents to NAFED and other AHJ organizations, including the New York and South Carolina State Fire Marshals’ office. Tom holds a BS in Marketing from University of North Carolina at Charlotte. He is a US Marine Corps Veteran and a Six Sigma Green Belt. Tom and his wife enjoy traveling and the outdoors, particularly now that the youngest of their four children has graduated from college.

TOM MCVERRY

Vice President, Restaurant Services

Alison joined Academy Fire in 2023 and serves as the Senior Director of Strategic Partnerships. In her role, she serves as the primary liaison between Academy and its self-perform sister company, Impact Fire. She is responsible for ensuring intracompany engagement, fostering relationships, and outlining the strategic focus and growth between both Academy and Impact.

Alison joins Academy Fire with 20+ years of experience in facility maintenance, operations, and project management. Prior to Academy, she with Home Depot for 13 years where she was responsible for multiple aspects of building maintenance for all US stores. She oversaw the P&L, SLA adherence, vendor relationships, and strategy for various trades including fire protection, burglar alarms, janitorial services, roofs, and doors. She also led the team responsible for development and execution of new processes and initiatives for all of Home Depot Store Operations. Alison has a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Elon University. She lives in Atlanta with her husband and enjoys tennis, running and attending sporting events.

Alison Wirth

Senior Director, Strategic Partnerships

Ryan Collins is the Senior Director of Vendor Relations, overseeing procurement, central dispatch, and after hours. Ryan began his career in facilities management with Cintas Managed Solutions (FKA Metro Door). During his four years at the company, he assumed the role of Preferred Vendor & Strategic Development Manager. In 2017, Cintas sold the Managed Solutions operating segment of their business to private equity firm, Harvest Partners. Harvest Partners then merged Managed Solutions, Miner Fleet, and National Gate & Glass under the new name, TrueSource, LLC. At TrueSource, Ryan assumed the role of Director Operations & Affiliate Management. During his six years at TrueSoure, Ryan was responsible for merging the vendor networks of the three legacy companies, driving cost of goods sold savings initiatives, improving vendor performance, and managing the relationship with self-performing sister company, Miner. In addition, he partnered with IT in the development of the TrueSource Affiliate App and Vendor Scorecard.

Ryan holds a bachelor’s degree in history from Colgate University. Born and raised in Brightwaters, NY, He now resides in Bay Shore, NY with his wife Caroline of 5+ years, their daughter Leighton and son Ryan Jr. In his free time Ryan likes to go to the beach with his family, golf and watch sports. He is a diehard fan of the New York Jets.

Ryan Collins

Senior Director, Vendor Relations

Steve Rustenburg is a National Projects Manager at Academy Fire, which he joined in 2017. As a Senior Project Manager, Steve is responsible for quoting, administration, and managing capital projects for Academy Fire’s National Account customers. Before joining Academy Fire, Steve spent ten years at DunWell, later acquired by Cintas. At DunWell, Steve was a Director of Fire Sprinkler and Fire Alarm Operations. He was later promoted to Senior National Project Manager, overseeing site management of large Fire Sprinkler and Fire Alarm system improvements, repairs, and installations for large National Account clients. After the acquisition by Cintas, Steve became the Service Manager of the Fire Sprinkler and Fire Alarm. He was responsible for all alarm and sprinkler installations, estimating, permitting, safety, field management, and customer relations.

Before joining DunWell, Steve held various fire and life safety management positions at Fire Materials Group, SimplexGrinnell, and FireMaster. Steve is nationally recognized as a leading fire and life safety expert. He holds numerous fire and life safety-related licenses, including NICET Level III in Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Systems, Fire Alarm Sytems, and Water-Based Systems Layout and Level II Certification in Automatic Sprinkler System Layout, Fire Alarm Systems, and Special Hazards Systems. Steve is also licensed by various State Fire Marshal’s offices and Contractor’s Boards. He holds multiple Certifications across various leading manufacturers. Steve works with various industry associations, including NFPA, AFAA, ICC, and AFSA. When not working, Steve enjoys golfing, hunting, and woodworking in his shop.

Steve Rustenburg

National Projects Manager

Scott Pustizzi joined AI Fire, the parent company of Academy Fire, in January 2019 as the Executive Vice President of Human Resources. His responsibilities include direct oversight of the company’s human capital strategy while aligning HR and people initiatives to AI Fire’s mission and growth objectives. Prior to AI Fire, Scott served as the Senior Vice President of Human Resources at Wellpath, one of the largest private healthcare organizations in the governmental sector. In his position, he was responsible for leading strategic HR initiatives and building an HR infrastructure as the business grew organically and via acquisition to $1.6B+ in revenue with 15,000 dedicated employees operating across 38 states. Primarily focused on growth and acquisition-oriented private equity backed organizations, Scott has 20+ years of progressive experience in Operations, Business Development, and Human Resources with a strategic focus on talent acquisition, risk management, employee relations, health and wellness, and HR-related technology. Prior to joining Wellpath, Scott held senior level positions with MEDNAX, GEO Group, Nature’s Bounty, and Publix Supermarkets. Scott is a proven partner working directly with executive management on new business, client retention, and M&A.

Scott is a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) and SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) and holds a BBA in Finance and International Business from Florida International University and an MBA from Florida Atlantic University. Scott enjoys boating and golfing and spending time with his wife and two boys as they travel across the U.S. playing lacrosse and ice hockey.

Scott Pustizzi

Executive Vice President, Human Resources

Jeff Murtari joined AI Fire, the parent company of Academy Fire, in 2018 and serves as the Executive Vice President of Information Technology. He oversees the IT department and is responsible for back office, ERP, reporting and mobile systems. Jeff’s duties include the integration of new acquisitions and using technology to improve operational efficiencies. Prior to joining AI Fire, Jeff was a member of Foreshadow Consulting for 13 years, where he provided financial and operational systems consulting to companies in various industries, including Fire Life Safety, both in the U.S. and overseas. Earlier is his career Jeff worked as IT Manager for Realtor.com and Callipso, and was a Microsoft Partner with iOpsys and Lighthouse Group.

Jeff earned dual Master degrees in Business Administration and Engineering Management from the Orfalea College of Business at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo and holds a BS in Industrial Engineering from Cal State Northridge. Jeff enjoys snow skiing, hiking, and traveling to new locations.

Jeff Murtari

Executive Vice President, Information Technology

Kristen Cooper joined AI Fire, the parent company of Academy Fire, in 2020 and serves as the Senior Vice President of Risk Management and Fleet. She is responsible for managing and enforcing the company’s comprehensive safety, training, and compliance programs across its 30+ offices in the US. With a passion for injury prevention through leadership and partnership, Kristen has over 25 years of safety, claims, and risk management experience. She has successfully created safety programs, built a sustainable culture, and ensured OSHA compliance for many businesses, including RGIS, Supervalu, and Target, where she led safety and compliance for US stores and new store/remodel construction. Earlier in her career, Kristen spent 10 years overseeing workers’ compensation, property, and liability claims with Auto-Owners Insurance Company. Kristen also brings operations experience, most recently as VP of Midwest Operations for RGIS, a provider of inventory services.

Kristen holds a BS in Health Science from Grand Valley State University. She is a Certified Safety Professional (CSP) and a member of the American Society of Safety Professionals. She also holds the following certifications: Associate in Risk Management (ARM), Associate in Claims (AIC), Associate in Insurance Services (AIM), and Associate in Reinsurance (ARe). Kristen enjoys sailing, riding and driving her horse, kayaking, golfing, snowmobiling, traveling, and spending time with family.

Kristen Cooper, CSP

SVP Risk Management and Fleet