Blair Fire Protection LLC – Saving lives and keeping property safe With 13 years of experience as a journeyman fitting automatic fire sprinklers, Blair Burkette saw his dream come true in June 2008 when he launched his own business, Badger State Fire Protection LLC, later renamed Blair Fire Protection LLC. Soon after launching his business in Germantown, he discovered his biggest challenge was learning to be a business owner. He found the help he needed at UW-Milwaukee Small Business Development Center (SBDC). Burkette enrolled in the SBDC’s Entrepreneur Training Program and Business Plan Development class, which enabled him to expand his business plan and his knowledge of marketing, competitive analysis and financials. “The class went beyond my expectations. I could have never learned all this on my own,” says Burkette. Blair Fire Protection provides installation, service, inspection, testing and maintenance of fire sprinklers and fire extinguishers for all types of buildings. “Our mission is to save lives and property from the destructive powers of a fire with our fire protection services,” says Burkette. Owning his own business has enabled Burkette to have more direct involvement with customers and to respond quickly to their needs. Blair Fire Protection utilizes electronic inspection forms, making it convenient for customers to send reports to local fire departments, insurance carriers or their own company. Blair uses sprinkler fitters for servicing all fire protection equipment, which means one service professional can service multiple types of equipment. Burkette currently employs four people and is considering adding a full-time sales person. He also teaches apprenticeship classes in sprinkler fitting and other subjects including human relations, economics of the fire sprinkler industry, calculation, soldering, brazing, CPVP installation, and multiple code classes for MATC and Sprinkler Fitters Local 183 in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin. Business is good. Business is growing. And Burkette is treating his customers the way they want to be treated.