Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Certification
Timeline
Generic

Ralph Thoren

La Crosse,Wisconsin

Summary

Dynamic Fire Suppression Manager with proven success in team leadership, decision-making, and goal setting. Expertise in staff training and development, driving engagement, and enhancing operational efficiency.

Overview

1
1
Certification
40
40
years of professional experience

Work History

Fire Suppression Manager

Summit Fire Protection
Rochester, MN
04.2024 - Current
  • Oversaw daily operations to ensure compliance with safety regulations and company standards.
  • Managed team performance through regular training sessions and feedback to enhance service delivery.
  • Developed strategies for improving workflow efficiency, resulting in streamlined processes across departments.
  • Coordinated project schedules, ensuring timely completion while maintaining high quality of work.
  • Managed and motivated employees to be productive and engaged in work.
  • Accomplished multiple tasks within established timeframes.
  • Maintained professional, organized, and safe environment for employees and patrons.
  • Developed a strong company culture focused on employee engagement, collaboration, and continuous learning opportunities.
  • Built high-performing teams through effective recruitment, onboarding, and talent development initiatives.
  • Boosted employee morale and reduced turnover through development and implementation of comprehensive rewards and recognition program.
  • Facilitated team brainstorming sessions that led to innovative solutions for long-standing operational challenges.
  • Maintained positive customer relations by addressing problems head-on and implementing successful corrective actions.
  • Maintained professional demeanor by staying calm when addressing unhappy or angry customers.
  • Set aggressive targets for employees to drive company success and strengthen motivation.
  • Enhanced customer satisfaction by resolving disputes promptly, maintaining open lines of communication, and ensuring high-quality service delivery.
  • Resolved staff member conflicts, actively listening to concerns and finding appropriate middle ground.

Firefighter Captain

French Island Fire Department
French Island, MN
01.2009 - Current
  • Led emergency response teams during high-stress situations, ensuring safety and efficiency in operations.
  • Developed training programs for new recruits, enhancing skill levels and operational readiness.
  • Coordinated fire prevention initiatives, reducing potential hazards within the community.
  • Conducted risk assessments and inspections to ensure compliance with safety regulations and standards.

Town Board Supervisor

Town Of Campbell
French Island, WI
05.2017 - 07.2026
  • Coordinated staff schedules, optimizing workforce efficiency and coverage for municipal services.
  • Implemented process improvements, reducing response times for community service requests.
  • Supervised daily operations, ensuring compliance with safety regulations and operational standards.
  • Mentored team members, enhancing skills and promoting professional development within the department.
  • Conducted performance evaluations for staff members, identifying areas of improvement and guiding professional development plans.
  • Worked alongside other board members to incorporate our community as a Village after a 30 year plus battle with the city of La Crosse.
  • Worked through high stress

high dollar PFAS water contamination and started the process of building our own water system.

FLS Sales Associate

Summit Fire Protection
Rochester, MN
11.2014 - 04.2024
  • Delivered exceptional customer service, resolving inquiries and enhancing client satisfaction.
  • Trained and mentored junior staff, fostering a knowledgeable and efficient sales team.
  • Worked to ensure that "all" customers were set up into a service agreement.
  • Built relationships with customers to encourage repeat business.
  • Grew customer base and and cross sold customers to put them in "The Wheel."
  • Aggressively pursued the Kwik Trip account adding over 700 and new locations.

Service Technician/Installer Sales Specialist

Advanced Fire Protection
Rochester, MN
05.2006 - 11.2014
  • Diagnosed and resolved system malfunctions, improving response times for service requests.
  • Conducted routine inspections and maintenance of fire protection systems to ensure compliance with safety standards.
  • Collaborated with team members to develop efficient service protocols and enhance operational workflows.
  • Trained and mentored junior technicians, fostering skill development and promoting best practices in fire safety.
  • Led troubleshooting efforts during critical incidents, ensuring swift resolution while maintaining safety protocols.
  • Installed new equipment and explained operation and routine maintenance protocols to customers.
  • Inspected equipment to diagnose operational issues.
  • Effectively communicated technical information to non-technical clients, ensuring proper understanding and utilization of equipment features.
  • Responded to customer inquiries quickly and professionally to increase satisfaction.
  • Stayed up-to-date on industry advancements through continuous learning initiatives, enhancing overall skillset and expertise.
  • Received consistent positive feedback from customers, reflecting dedication to delivering exceptional service quality.

Owner

Tri-State Fire & Safety
La Crosse, WI
01.1997 - 05.2006
  • Oversaw daily operations, ensuring compliance with safety regulations and quality standards.
  • Developed and implemented training programs to enhance employee skills and safety awareness.
  • Managed inventory control processes, optimizing stock levels and reducing waste.
  • Established strong relationships with vendors, negotiating favorable terms for supplies and equipment.

Service Technician

Fairmont Fire Systems
Fairmont, MN
05.1991 - 01.1996
  • Conducted routine inspections of fire suppression equipment, identifying potential issues proactively.
  • Learned how to inspect various kitchen fire protection systems.
  • Won a hood filter sales program.
  • Doubled the service work by knocking on doors and starting to network.
  • Awarded an Ansul Distributorship.
  • Left company to start my own business.

Enlisted Soldier

Minnesota Army National Guard
Minnesota
01.1987 - 01.1995
  • Attended basic training in Ft. Benning Georgia.
  • Learned what it means to serve our country.
  • Learned the chain of command.
  • Learned the proper use of the words "yes sir" and "yes ma'am."
  • Trained in small arms, anti-armor and indirect fire weapons.
  • Worked in dirty and uncomfortable conditions.
  • Maintained required level of proficiency in use of firearms.
  • Upheld code of conduct and maintained professionalism in stressful situations.
  • Trained in infantry tactics, weapons and medical procedures for well-rounded field support.
  • Assembled, disassembled and maintained various weapons for operational readiness.

Education

High School Diploma -

Fairmont High
Fairmont, MN
05-1989

Skills

  • Policy implementation
  • Staff training and development
  • Safety compliance
  • Budget oversight
  • Financial management
  • Fire safety compliance
  • Decision-making
  • Employee training
  • Team management
  • Task assignment
  • Objective setting

Accomplishments

Successfully operated fire protection service's in SE Minnesota for 35 years.

Landed and maintained the Kwik Trip account valuing over a half a million a year.

Generated over 1,000,000 cleaning grease for over 3 years creating one of the first successful hood cleaning branches at Summit Companies.

Worked to start a new water system which will bring water with no contamination to thousands of residents.

Worked to establish our community as a Village locking it's borders to annexation.

Certification

University of Madison manager training program.

Years of Ansul, CaptiveAire, Kidde, Pyro Chem and other classes dating back to 2001.

Wisconsin Certified Firefighter 2

U of M Rochester Fire Officer Training Certificate

Timeline

Fire Suppression Manager

Summit Fire Protection
04.2024 - Current

Town Board Supervisor

Town Of Campbell
05.2017 - 07.2026

FLS Sales Associate

Summit Fire Protection
11.2014 - 04.2024

Firefighter Captain

French Island Fire Department
01.2009 - Current

Service Technician/Installer Sales Specialist

Advanced Fire Protection
05.2006 - 11.2014

Owner

Tri-State Fire & Safety
01.1997 - 05.2006

Service Technician

Fairmont Fire Systems
05.1991 - 01.1996

Enlisted Soldier

Minnesota Army National Guard
01.1987 - 01.1995

High School Diploma -

Fairmont High