William Brown
Swanson Fire, LLC
Arlington,VA
41
years of professional experience
Fire Sprinkler Design and Management, Operations & Purchasing Manager | 40-Year Expert | SprinkCAD, HASS, Navisworks with over 40 years of hands-on experience in the fire sprinkler industry, my career is built on technical excellence and a steadfast commitment to loyalty, honesty, and fairness. I have progressed from a permit runner to a Design, Operations, and Purchasing Manager, successfully leading a talented team of 15 designers through complex engineering challenges. My core strength lies in deciphering intricate design obstacles and delivering highly efficient, cost-effective solutions utilizing SprinkCAD, HASS, and Navisworks. While my primary expertise remains rooted in design leadership, I seamlessly bridge the gap between engineering, daily operations, and material procurement to support overall project success.Outside of work, I am a dedicated family man and a music enthusiast. I bring this unique blend of creativity and analytical skill to every project. Let’s connect to explore how we can collaborate and optimize your next project!
Work History
Director of Purchasing
3 Months- Analyzed purchasing data to identify cost-saving opportunities and optimize inventory levels.
- Developed and maintained supplier relationships to ensure consistent product quality and delivery timelines.
- QC Shop drawings / Designs
- Reviewed and validated material requisitions to ensure alignment with field installation plans.
- Sourced vendors, built relationships, and negotiated prices.
- Coordinated paperwork, updated spreadsheets, and maintained permanent records.
- Implemented policies to reduce cost and eliminate waste.
- Wrote standard operating procedures for department.
- Negotiated pricing and terms with vendors to secure best value for company.
- Cultivated strong relationships with vendors to maintain and improve levels of customer service.
- Submitted material orders to vendors for pricing
- Released material and coordinated deliveries
Operations / Design Northern Region
11 Months- Demonstrated respect, friendliness, and willingness to help wherever needed.
- Assisted with day-to-day operations, working efficiently and productively with all team members.
- Worked flexible hours across night, weekend, and holiday shifts.
- Developed and maintained courteous and effective working relationships.
- Provided professional services and support in a dynamic work environment.
- Versatile professional with strong problem-solving skills and history of adapting to diverse challenges. Applies innovative solutions and technical expertise to deliver exceptional results. Committed to streamlining processes and advancing organizational objectives.
- Developed comprehensive fire sprinkler plans tailored to diverse building specifications and hazard classifications.
Operations Manager
6 Months- Developed and maintained comprehensive construction and project schedules to facilitate effective resource allocation.
- Executed proactive planning strategies aligned with project requirements.
- Streamlined communication of material needs to ensure alignment between design and field operations.
- Evaluated project tracking metrics, including WHIP reports, to enhance project oversight.
- Managed preparation and submission of monthly job billings, ensuring compliance with accounting standards.
- Assisted in design projects within quality control department. Supported team efforts in design processes. Contributed to project timelines through effective communication.
- Assisted in sales activities and estimation processes. Supported team members in achieving sales targets. Contributed to accurate project estimations.
- Collaborated with sales staff to review and refine estimates for accuracy and clarity.
- Delivered technical assistance by interpreting codes and standards for compliance.
Design Manager
16 Years 1 Month- Led design team in developing innovative fire protection solutions, enhancing safety standards and compliance.
- Managed project timelines and resources, ensuring timely delivery of design projects within budget constraints.
- Conducted design reviews to maintain quality control and adherence to applicable codes, standards, specifications and best practices.
- Mentored junior designers, fostering skill development and promoting collaborative team dynamics.
- Implemented design software tools to streamline workflows, resulting in improved project turnaround times.
- Developed training materials for staff on new design methodologies, ensuring consistency across all projects.
- Spearheaded design process to align with client specifications and budget.
- Provided cost-effective technical solutions.
- Optimized internal processes by establishing clear guidelines for file organization, version control, and asset management.
- Oversaw mentorship and development of junior designers, enhancing team skills and performance.
- Collaborated with sales team to address technical inquiries and resolve issues.
Senior Layout Technician
14 Years 8 Months- Engineered comprehensive layout drawings for wet, dry, deluge, and pre-action fire sprinkler systems utilizing AutoCAD SprinkCAD.
- Conducted detailed hydraulic calculations to optimize pipe sizing and meet water supply requirements utilizing SprinkCAD and HASS.
- Executed 3D coordination processes via Navisworks, effectively addressing spatial conflicts between HVAC, plumbing, and structural components before fabrication commenced.
- Prepared and submitted detailed submittal packages to local authorities having jurisdiction (AHJ) to secure necessary building trade permits.
- Generate precise material fabrication stock lists to optimize procurement and minimize material waste.
- Conduct on-site field surveys of new or existing facilities to map out renovation and installation requirements.
- Collaborated with AHJ during project reviews to support timely approvals and enhance project outcomes.
- Coordinated interactions with GC and clients to support project objectives and maintain strong relationships.
- Supported peers and junior designers through training initiatives.
Provided guidance to junior team members on design principles.
Assisted colleagues in developing their design skills.
Layout Technician
5 Years 2 Months- Draft detailed layout drawings for wet, dry, and pre-action fire sprinkler systems using Autocad and Sigma Design
- Perform hydraulic calculations to determine accurate pipe sizing and water supply demands using Sigma Hydraulics
- Prepare and submit comprehensive submittal packages to local Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) to secure building trade permits.
- Generate precise material fabrication stock lists
- Conduct on-site field surveys
Layout Technician
6 MonthsTrainee - Layout Technician
1 Year 9 MonthsPermit Expediter / Courier
8 MonthsEducation
NICET III - 97331 - 1996 To 2024 (expired)
Associate of Arts - Music Performance
High School Diploma
Skills
Supplier relationship management
Negotiation expertise
Supply chain optimization
Strategic sourcing
Purchase order management
Supplier negotiation
Operations management
Supplier relations
New vendor setup
Cost controls
Quality assurance standards
Value engineering
Interests
Outdoor Recreation
Travel
Gym Workouts
Cooking
Hiking
Music (Semi Professional Musician
Multi Instrumental)
Singing
Writing (Poetry)
Timeline
Director of Purchasing
Swanson Fire, LLC
03.2026 - 06.2026Read More
Operations / Design Northern Region
RCFP, LLC
04.2025 - 03.2026Read More
Operations Manager
VSC Fire & Security
09.2024 - 03.2025Read More
Design Manager
VSC Fire & Security
08.2008 - 09.2024Read More
Senior Layout Technician
VSC Fire & Security
11.1993 - 07.2008Read More
Layout Technician
United Sprinkler Company, Inc
09.1988 - 11.1993Read More
Layout Technician
Roger Wood & Associates
03.1988 - 09.1988Read More
Trainee - Layout Technician
United Sprinkler
06.1986 - 03.1988Read More
Permit Expediter / Courier
United Sprinkler Company, Inc
10.1985 - 06.1986Read More
Professional Certifications
NICET III - 97331 - 1996 To 2024 (expired)
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NVCC
Associate of Arts from Music Performance
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Potomac Senior High School
High School Diploma
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