Blazing His Own Trail
GA Fire Proofing, LLC puts customers and culture first
Candido Hernandez loves his job. In 2015, he started GA Fire Proofing, LLC with the ultimate goal of building relationships and creating a culture of putting people first. He wanted a work environment different from those he had experienced when working for other firms—one that would be molded from his own foundational beliefs and values. He continues to build a company that values input from its employees, emphasizes the importance of ongoing education and training, and gives back to the community.
Hernandez set out on his own with the idea that business isn’t solely about the bottom line; it’s about strong relationships and seeing the customer’s point of view. Four years later, he’s off to a good start. He says, “I love the people, and I love coming to work every day. I really think that’s a feeling not a lot of people have.”
Today, the firm based in Marietta, Georgia, specializes in both residential and commercial fire protection services, including blown-in and spray foam insulation.
Having worked both in the field and now in management, Hernandez understands the importance of customer satisfaction. In the construction industry, that translates to getting the job done right and on time. He says, “If I have to take a loss on a job because I made a mistake, I own up to that, no matter what it costs…and staying on time is important. Get in and get out when they need you.”
Building Integrity
Hernandez stresses the importance of integrity in all relationships, whether with customers, staff or manufacturers. “We tell people what we’re going to do, and then we do it,” he says.
A case in point is GA Fire Proofing’s biggest project, and proudest accomplishment to date: the cinema in the Halcyon multi-use development in Forsyth County, Georgia. The general contractor faced orders from the fire marshal to remove 300 feet of a block wall that was 40 feet high. Due to its unique design and placement of structural members, the wall could not be properly fireproofed using traditional measures. GA Fire Proofing reached out to Carboline, the manufacturer that supplies its products, and they worked together over a weekend to engineer a solution using a sprayed material that met the fire marshal’s approval and also saved the client both time and money. Hernandez attributes this success to maintaining loyal relationships with his company’s manufacturer.
“This was a big victory for us and everyone involved in the project. We are the first line of defense in a fire and in keeping people safe. It’s a life safety issue, and I wouldn’t want my family in that building if I didn’t do it right,” Hernandez adds.
Integrity also plays a big role within the GA Fire Proofing staff, which he describes as special because of their commitment to listening to and helping out one another—keeping the lines of communication open. Hernandez meets with his office staff of seven on a weekly basis to discuss goals and to-do lists and to identify problems, solutions and answers. The office staff and the company’s seven subcontractors meet monthly to learn what problems are being seen in the field and to find ways to address them. Hernandez believes in making sure employees know they are valued and that he wants to hear their problems and make them part of the solution.
Hernandez describes an employee by the name of Matthew, a guy he characterizes as an old friend who has faced some challenges in the past. Matthew came on board earlier this year when others wouldn’t give him a chance. He has since overcome obstacles in his life and become a tremendous asset to the company. Hernandez attributes this partially to the GA Fire Proofing culture. He says, “He takes every single thing I say and makes changes. He drives it home and makes it happen.”
Emphasis on Education
Hernandez’ commitment to his staff also extends to their professional development, as he believes that education keeps the company competitive and gives it an edge when helping general contractors solve tough problems. “Education is what separates us. We as a group spend a lot of time learning, and that’s what makes us really good at what we do,” he says.
Hernandez has a love of learning and enjoys sharing what he learns with his staff, in addition to giving them outside opportunities to further their personal growth and development. While processes in the fire proofing industry do not change dramatically, he believes there is always something to be learned or methods to improve upon. His staff frequently attends conferences and training programs across the country to learn about changes their manufacturers are undergoing. Hernandez says, “I am an advocate of learning every day. We complete training courses and continue to develop both as individuals and as a team. I like to learn and share my knowledge with my employees. I like to think that I bring personal growth and development to them on a daily basis.”
Another priority is providing staff members with the right tools to do their jobs the best way possible. One way GA Fire Proofing has enhanced communication and streamlined processes is by using Asana, an app used to track and manage projects and workflows among team members, thereby ensuring everyone has access to the same information.
Hernandez describes his staff’s collective knowledge and their drive as individuals as what has allowed him to transition from working in the business to working on the business, resulting in greater overall growth.
A Culture of Giving Back
Helping his community is also a passion for Hernandez, a seed that was planted at a young age. The oldest of five children, Hernandez describes a time when strangers knocked on the door during the holidays and presented gifts to his family. “That had a big impact on me, and I decided that if I was ever in a position to do the same thing for someone else, then I would,” he adds.
Hernandez remained true to his word. Both his own family and the company adopt families in need each year during the holiday season. In addition, he sponsors children housed at The Center for Children & Young Adults, a shelter serving the Atlanta metro area and surrounding counties. He gives gifts and essential items along with a copy of “Rich Dad Poor Dad,” a book that Hernandez says was impactful for him as a young person. Hernandez recognizes that the needs of his community are year-round, and plans to expand his company’s volunteer efforts in the near future.
Leaving a Legacy
For Hernandez, leaving a legacy is about helping people do the right thing. This philosophy permeates every area of his business, from customer service and building relationships to office culture and supporting his community. And it seems to be working well. After four years in business, Hernandez sees the company turning a corner where more and more business comes from referrals.
“We’re getting to a point where we’re getting the phone calls, and not the other way around. If someone refers you and they have nothing to gain from it, that means something, especially in the construction industry,” he says.
Hernandez also attributes this success to a willingness to learn and change. He says, “Look at many other small businesses—they don’t change. Are they happy? You have to have the drive to change. I’m never content—I’m always looking to be better. We aren’t going to just be stable.”