Reed explains that he “kind of stumbled into the field” by starting as an electrical and mechanical drafter. When his previous company hired a fire protection engineer, he started drafting for him and then moved into design and engineering. Based on the recommendation of former co-workers who had previously joined KFI, he was intrigued by the company’s reputation for quality work and genuinely caring about their employees. So, when his previous company decided to change direction on the focus of their services, he joined KFI.
Reed is a senior project manager and leads KFI’s Fire Protection Engineering and Forensics & Loss Consulting team. With over 22 years of industry experience, Reed manages projects for KFI’s healthcare, education, commercial, industrial, and municipal clients, ensuring each project is completed to the highest quality standards. His design expertise includes automatic fire sprinkler systems, special hazard suppression systems, and fire alarm/detection systems. He also provides unique services such as high-expansion foam suppression systems design, clean agent suppression systems specification, fire alarm and voice evacuation systems design, fire pump design, building and fire code reviews, life safety analysis, water supply testing, flammable and combustible liquids protection, high-piled storage protection, and cost estimating.
He enjoys fire protection engineering because of the diversity of systems, tasks, and projects involved. He is driven by excellence and derives satisfaction from knowing he is making the building safer for its inhabitants. He notes, “What ends up being built from our designs isn’t about beauty or comfort or even function but could save someone’s life.”
Outside of work, Reed enjoys spending time with his wife and daughters. He is actively involved in his church, serving as an adult Sunday School teacher and Bible study leader.
