Erik Phillips
Loveland,CO
Summary
With 18 years of experience, including a decade with Local 669, I excel in both leadership and technical roles. I was tasked with the management and organization of all of Journey Homes Construction. I did all the multi-family structures, the systems in the custom Journey homes, and also several personal projects for the owner. In my 7 years in charge of Journey Homes I did thousands of buildings start to finish across Northern Colorado. I have expertise in innovative fire system installations and commitment to cost-effective material management, which significantly enhances project outcomes. I am known for my critical thinking skills and quick to learn style. With effective team collaboration, I consistently ensure safety and efficiency on every site. I understand that in order for a company to stay above ground and make money a lot of small factors come into play. In all my years of experience I have learned a lot about how the sprinkler Industry is ran and operated. I know how to manage my crew, my time and my material. I hope to teach the next generation the right way to do things, so the industry will continue to thrive. I am seeking long term employment with a loyal union company who is looking for a hard working, educated Fitter with all I have to offer.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Journeyman/ Foreman Sprinkler Fitter
Assurance Fire Systems
06.2024 - 10.2024
- I worked on a high rise 4 part multi family in Denver for a few months, and then I was sent to finish up work for a guy who injured himself in Aspen and Breckenridge
- Maintained a safe working environment through adherence to safety protocols and regular site inspections.
- Inspected completed work to verify quality standards and compliance with criteria.
- Trained new employees to learn new systems, apply best practices and comply with protocols and regulations.
- Promoted innovation, encouraging adoption of new technologies and methods to improve project outcomes.
- Maintained high levels of workforce morale and engagement, organizing team-building activities and providing regular feedback.
- Achieved deadlines consistently, planning resources effectively and adjusting priorities as needed.
- Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
- Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
- Paid attention to detail while completing assignments.
- Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions and make decision
- Followed installation design plan to complete accurate work.
- Reduced the risk of property damage by conducting thorough inspections of existing sprinkler systems for potential issues.
- Read and interpreted blueprints and schematics to determine locations, quantities, and sizes of materials required.
- Fabricated piping pieces and components in line with design specifications for each system.
- Filled pipe systems with water and air to determine location
- Achieved successful installations within deadlines
Journeyman/Foreman Sprinkler Fitter
Front Range Fire Protection
06.2014 - 05.2024
- I managed and was responsible for all of Journey Homes buildings and homes across Northen Colorado for 8 years. 2016-2023. Over thousands of buildings were done under my supervision start to finish.
- Worked alone, or supervised a crew of 5-10 people, depending on the job
- All jobs were done completely in steel
- Developed strong relationships with clients, subcontractors, and suppliers, fostering open communication channels for smooth project execution
- Ensured timely completion of projects with effective time management and prioritization of tasks.
- Oversaw daily operations at site, keeping team production moving at optimal pace.
- Collaborated with project managers in planning stages, advising on schedule adjustments and potential obstacles. Worked with other trades.
- Inspected completed work to verify quality standards and compliance with criteria and avoid leaks
- Optimized resource utilization for cost savings, carefully monitoring material usage and labor allocations.
- Adapted workflows in response to changing environmental conditions or unexpected challenges encountered during construction activities. Requested heaters be hard wired into all control rooms to prevent freezing in the winter.
- Addressed issues proactively, resolving problems quickly to minimize delays in project timeline
- Cut and drilled holes in walls to permit passage of pipes
- Planned pipe system layout, installation and repair according to
- Appropriately fitted pipes by identifying dimensions, sizes, and shapes needed to replace faulty pipes.
- Filled pipe systems with water and air to determine location of leaks.
- Attended and scheduled all inspections for all stages of development
- Used hand tools, electric tools, lasers, ladders, forklifts, boom lifts, hole corer, nail gun, and other pipe trade tools.
- Worked on large multifamily sites and custom homes for NOCOs largest construction company
- Supported construction and extraction workers to facilitate timely completion of projects. Helped flushed the underground and supply water to other trades temporarily
- Prepared and submitted reports on job progress and safety conditions to upper management.
- Documented construction and extraction workers' hours, wages and other pertinent information
- Ensured project milestones were met, overseeing scheduling and execution of construction phases.
- Spoke with fire marshalls and addressed any concerns they may have had
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
- Worked effectively in fast-paced environments
- Assisted with day-to-day operations, working efficiently and productively with all team members.
- Managed time efficiently in order to complete all tasks within deadlines and was known for completing projects much earlier than expected.
- Worked flexible hours across night, weekend, and holiday shifts. 50+ hours a week
- Paid attention to detail while completing assignments and worked with designers to correct print mistakes before they were put in the air
- Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions and make decisions.
- Followed installation design plan to complete accurate work and fixed problems before install to save time and money
- Reduced the risk of property damage by conducting thorough inspections of existing sprinkler systems for potential issues, constantly check and fixed other people's work
- Contributed to company growth through participation in trade shows or other promotional events showcasing expertise in sprinkler fitting services, change orders, and material usage. Also kept us ahead of schedule 90% of the time so we could get more done, faster and have more room to work
- Paid attention to change orders and followed up on billing and receiving of payments for all change orders completed, or followed appropriate channels to put an end to the problems and hopefully eliminate the need for redudundant change orders
- Found and fixed problems before they caused damage. Recommended many things to prevent freeze and breaks during the winter, heaters, tenting, draining the systems before a storm
- During changes or things I felt weren't completely the way I would like them done, I closely documented things by phone and by picture. So when and if it was necessary there would be proof to fall back on later, and we could avoid trouble
- Helped Journey Homes install systems in over thousands of multi family buildings , custom homes and even the owners private residence all across Northern Colorado for 8 years.
- Single handedly organized and ran the team responsible for all the work start to finish. I communicated with other trades, GCs , employees, owner's, fire marshalls, and kept my boss aware of any changes that needed his attention.
Journeyman/ Foreman Spinkler Fitter
Excel Fire Protection
06.2010 - 09.2012
- Learned how to use all hand tools, power tools, lifts, forklifts, machine, groover, grease, hangers,90s,Ts, all the basic pipe fitting tools and intro materials.
- Ensured timely completion of projects with effective time management
- Inspected equipment and tools used for job
- Reviewed project details to specify correct materials and equipment for job
- Facilitated seamless handovers between shifts by maintaining clear documentation of completed tasks and outstanding items requiring attention.
- Trained new employees to learn new systems, and apply best practices and comply with protocols and regulations.
- Observed as mybsupervisor collaborated with project managers in planning stages, advising on schedule adjustments and potential obstacles
- Addressed issues proactively, resolving problems quickly to minimize delays in project timelines.
- Inspected completed work to verify quality standards and compliance with criteria.
- Trained newer workers in proper methods, equipment operation and safety procedures.
- Provided feedback to workers on job performance and safety procedures.
- Created and implemented plans to maximize efficiency of workers.
- Directed projects, mostly just followed directions according to schedule and quality demands.
- Documented construction and extraction workers' hours, wages and other pertinent information. Kept my own time card and log.
- Achieved deadlines consistently, planning resources effectively and adjusting priorities as needed.
- Mitigated risk, identifying potential issues early and developing contingency plans.
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
- Worked effectively in fast-paced environments. Faster the better
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations. Got many compliments from my seniors about my ability to grasp concepts quickly when I was a new Apprentice.
- Passionate about learning and committed to continual improvement. Loved doing my books.
- Worked flexible hours across night, weekend, and holiday shifts. 50+ hours. Whenever I was needed.
- Paid attention to detail while completing assignments. Especially since I was a newer guy.
- Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions and make decisions, this helped me learn whybI was doing what I was doing.
- Listened and took a lot of direction from more experienced fitters. This taught me a lot. Tricks of the trade.
- I learned the importance of keeping a professional demeanor, especially while working in the ski towns. They expect what they pay for.
- I Learned alot of the basics and more challenging pipe fitting mechanics that I have used in my career while I worked for Excel. I had a lot of really good experienced fitters that took the time to teach me things, tricks, old secrets passed down from one generation to the next, and make me the fitter I have become today.
- I truly believe in raising up the next generation of apprentices and try to make myself available for help and to answer questions as often as possible.
Spinkler Fitter Apprentice
Excel Fire Protection
06.2005 - 06.2010
- Learned to Read and interpreted blueprints and schematics to determine locations, quantities, and sizes of materials required
- Assisted with day-to-day operations, working efficiently and productively with all team members.
- Passionate about learning and committed to continual improvement. Started my books.
- Paid attention to detail while completing assignments.
- Enhanced system efficiency by troubleshooting and repairing malfunctions in a timely manner.
- Demonstrated adaptability when working on diverse projects, including commercial, industrial, and residential buildings.
- Filled pipe systems with water and air to determine location of leaks.
- Participated in ongoing education opportunities to continuously improve skills as a Sprinkler Fitter Apprentice.
- Operated drill motors, grinders, chop saws, hack saws, and burning torches to perform tasks.
- Measured, threaded, and cut materials to correct angles.
- Cut and drilled holes in walls to permit passage of pipes.
- Planned pipe system layout, installation and repair according to specifications.
- Eliminated risks by correctly identifying potential safety hazards.
- Secured rising mains and boiler piping to structural supports in new construction and remodeling projects
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
- Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
- Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed.
- Managed time efficiently in order to complete all tasks within deadlines.
- Worked flexible hours across night, weekend, and holiday shifts. 50+ hours. Several over nights.
- Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions and make decisions.
- Followed the directions given by my Foreman and did things the way I was shown for the first few months. I caught on quickly and loved the work
- Excel taught me a lot and I got a lot of experience with all kinds of systems and pumps and diversity that really kept my interest in the trade and made we want to grow and learn more.
Education
CO Fire Spinkler Fitter License-active -
State of Colorado
State Of Colorado Licensure Test-passedForklift & Lift Certification OSHA 1910.178 - Forklift, Scissor Lift, Boom Lift, Vertical
Safety Services
2026
Active 2026 - OSHA 30
OSHA
Fire Sprinkler Fitter Extended Education
Continuing Education
669 Union Classes2024
Certificate/Associate Degree - Fire Sprinkler Fitter Apprenticeship Program
Washtenaw Community College
Ann Arbor, MI2017
Certificate - Fire Sprinkler Fitter Apprenticeship Program
Americam Fire Sprinker Association
2008
Skills
- I have been employed as a Fitter for 18 years, and with the local 669 for 10 years I have my state of Colorado license and plan to take the CSA after the new year I previously had a Denver license but was advised not to renew it, due to the CSA replacing it
- My job responsibilities as a Foreman were management of all day to day, trade meetings, safety meetings, material orders and runs, assignments for apprentices and helpers, inspections, answering phone calls, putting up pipe and trimming, answering questions from crew mates, talking to other trades, keeping track of hours, laying out pipe for others, marking where to drill holes, taking measurements to take back to shop, looking at prints and trying to make them line up with other trades, change orders, checking the work, cleaning up and loading up truck for the next day
- I am experienced in working at residential, commerical, and industrial sites
- I believe strongly in cost effective material management and constantly encourage others to do the same It's one of the first things I try and teach my apprentices The less pieces you can use the better
- I pride myself in finding and carrying out all change orders to completion and billing the correct trade for the mistake, or going through the proper channels to fix the issue correctly and permanently
- I have worked with Hydraulic systems, pre action, deluge, dry, and double preaction systems So I am up for pretty much any task
- I am experienced with fire pumps, foam systems, FM200 and clean agent systems
- I have experience working at residential, commerical, and industrial sites I have done over thousands of multi-multi family buildings these last 8 years I don't even know the exact number !
- Copper soldering experience
- Expertise in glue with plastic
- Experience with steel, pvcp, copper and underground pipe systems
- Employee Management
- Decision-Making
- Worker Supervision
- Materials Management
- I have taken the backflow certification course and few years back and I have tested backflows in the feild
- I have Installed and flushed undergrounds for various jobs
- Attention to detail allows me to spot potential issues before they become expensive problems (Leaks, trapped water, missing heads, cold spots, loose pieces, etc) Also watch for the weather to freeze because then we may have to drain down depending on the situation
- Effective communication with supervisors and other trades allows for jobs to flow smoothly and everyone to be on the same page This makes everyone happy and leads to a better work environment
- I have a dedicated work eithic with over 18 years experience, and 10 years in the 669 union I look forward to retiring with the union one day
- Critical thinking and planning before and during construction phases allows me to avoid simple issues Like are the prints right ? Do we have our pipe fabbed correctly? Do we have a plan w the duct guys? Does everyone understand what they should be doing ? Just the few minutes to look something over one more time can save a lot of headache in the future
- I take measurements at the job and have them fabbed at the shop This saves on material and time
- Following safety regulations when it comes to working on homes with people inside in order to keep, then and myself safe For instance, do not go in alone, and keep the door open
- Teamwork and collaboration with team members and other trades is necessary in order to keep the job going to everyone's comfort
- Heavy Lifting, I experience unloading and loading materials alone, by hand, with a partner and by forklift
- OSHA Compliance is vital on all jobs and I am OSHA 30 certified
- I have experience in construction supervision over other fitters as a Foreman,and a Journeyman
- I have scheduled and conducted many inspections with the fire marshall's as needed for each phase, I've had the pleasure of meeting many of them here in NOCO
- Interpretation of schematics and blueprints, communication with other trades to make sure everything will flow together cohesively
- I believe catching mistakes on prints and meeting with the designers before systems are installed saves time, money, and material
- Safety policies and procedures followed according to each job, knowing what each individual job needs All the time, but rspecially on OSHA heavy jobs, ALL PPE must be in order
- Technical knowledge of how a fire system is ran and coordinates with other systems to become a cohesive unit
- Project deadlines are important, I tend to stay ahead and get done before the deadlines in order to stay on schedule and finish on time, or early
- I have seen many projects through all phases and have experience with inspections at all levels, start to finish
- Job site management, management of medium sized crew experienr
- Dependable and hardworking I always give 100% and am willing to get the job done, whatever it takes I am used to 50 hours a week to get things done
- I have been told I have a unique view when it comes to how a system should go in I use the least amount of material, while maintaining a working, dependable system that can hold water, doesn't leak, and looks clean
- Experienced with all hand tools, power tool operation, machine operation, nail gun use, forklift safety, lift safety, OSHA safety
- Following Instructions given by owners/ supervisors, isninportant, following ideas from trade meetings to allow the job to flow better with each trade is too, thus allowing for less things needing to be done more than once
- Self Control and Integrity are my strong suits I try not to let what happens on the jobsite effect me negatively and I pride myself in my work ethic, my honesty and loyalty I am not one for gossip or rumors When people first meet me they think I am quiet, but I am just an observer I have plenty to say when the time is right
Timeline
Journeyman/ Foreman Sprinkler Fitter
Assurance Fire Systems
06.2024 - 10.2024
Journeyman/Foreman Sprinkler Fitter
Front Range Fire Protection
06.2014 - 05.2024
Journeyman/ Foreman Spinkler Fitter
Excel Fire Protection
06.2010 - 09.2012
Spinkler Fitter Apprentice
Excel Fire Protection
06.2005 - 06.2010
CO Fire Spinkler Fitter License-active -
State of Colorado
Forklift & Lift Certification OSHA 1910.178 - Forklift, Scissor Lift, Boom Lift, Vertical
Safety Services
Active 2026 - OSHA 30
OSHA
Fire Sprinkler Fitter Extended Education
Continuing Education
Certificate/Associate Degree - Fire Sprinkler Fitter Apprenticeship Program
Washtenaw Community College
Certificate - Fire Sprinkler Fitter Apprenticeship Program
Americam Fire Sprinker Association
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