From Fire Service to Radio Service: Lee and Jessica Jones of 10-8 Technology

Lee Jones has firefighting in his blood. Growing up, he immersed himself in the local volunteer fire department where his father served. He got his EMT certification and went through the fire academy while still in high school. At age 18, Jones began pulling shifts at his local department and found his passion fighting fires across the Chicago mutual aid box alarm system.

However, Jones was also fascinated by radios from a young age. He obtained his amateur radio license in middle school and spent time fixing radios and installing communication systems for the railroads and local fire departments.

In 2016, Jones decided to combine his love of radios and firefighting and launch 10-8 Technologies with his amateur radio friend. They started small, mainly doing radio repair and service work for local agencies.

As the business grew, Jones left his job as a full-time fire dispatcher to focus on 10-8 Technologies. However, in 2020 his business partner stepped away, leaving the operation entirely in Jones' hands. Fortunately, his wife Jessica brought crucial business knowledge to the table and came onboard to manage sales and marketing.

Since then, 10-8 Technologies has expanded across Northwest Indiana, providing radio and emergency vehicle equipment to both career and volunteer fire departments. They have built a reputation for quality work and deep understanding of both radio systems and fireground operations.

However, it has not always been an easy road. Jones has grappled with PTSD from a line-of-duty death call he handled as a dispatcher. Jones persevered through these challenges, allowing 10-8 Technologies to emerge even stronger, now winning business from departments all over the Midwest.

As 10-8 Technologies continues growing, Jones aims to give back by supporting fellow first responders—whether through quality radios to keep them safe on calls, training to maximize radio effectiveness, or assisting organizations like that provide PTSD treatment at no cost. He says his purpose is serving people over profits.

Jones also wants to pay forward the knowledge and support he received early on from "Elmers" or mentors in the amateur and fire radio services. He believes openly sharing information makes the whole community stronger and better prepared to serve the public.

Whether equipping rigs locally or shipping pagers and batteries to departments nationwide, 108 Technologies demonstrates how first responders can leverage expertise, grit and service-mindedness to launch meaningful businesses alongside their duty to community.

Connect with 10-8 Technologies:

· Website: https://www.108-technologies.com

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· Sam Massa, CEO & 24/48 Host: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sammassa/

· Chelsea Lassen, Marketing Director & Producer: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chelsea-lassen/

· Spencer Carter, Videographer: https://www.instagram.com/spencervisual/

· Marina Hunter, Graphic Designer: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marina-hunter/

· Allison Saxon, Marketing Specialist: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tabithasaxon/

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“The 24/48” is brought to you by HiViz LED Lighting // Produced by Chelsea Lassen // Assisted by Spencer Carter, Marina Hunter, and Allison Saxon