Andy Bozzo, co-founder of Tablet Command, shares his journey from firefighter to tech entrepreneur. Tablet Command is a software company that provides incident management, response notification, and situational awareness tools for public safety agencies across the United States and Canada.

The idea for Tablet Command was born out of tragedy. In 2007, Bozzo's fire department lost two firefighters in the line of duty. This incident highlighted the need for better incident management and personnel accountability tools. Inspired by mobile gaming technology, Bozzo and his co-founder Will Pidgeon set out to create a digital solution to replace the analog methods traditionally used in firefighting.

Developing the product wasn't without challenges. The team had to navigate the complexities of integrating with various computer-aided dispatch (CAD) systems and overcoming resistance from IT departments skeptical of iOS-based solutions. However, their persistence paid off, and they eventually secured partnerships with major fire departments across the country.

Bozzo discussed the challenges of raising capital for a niche product in the public safety sector. Unlike consumer-facing tech startups, Tablet Command had a longer sales cycle and a more limited market. This made it difficult to attract traditional venture capital. Instead, they relied on friends, family, and investors who understood the value of their mission to provide initial funding.

Throughout the interview, Bozzo emphasized the importance of staying true to the mission of enhancing firefighter safety and effectiveness. He advised aspiring entrepreneurs in the public safety space to seek authentic, altruistic investors who understand the unique challenges of the industry.

Tablet Command continues to grow, with a focus on maintaining high uptime and responsive customer service. Bozzo, who still works as an active firefighter, sees this dual role as crucial in keeping the product aligned with the needs of first responders.

As the company looks to the future, they aim to expand their presence across more fire departments in the U.S. and Canada, always with the mission of creating life-saving software at the forefront., purpose, and customer-centricity, it’s a touchdown that will keep scoring for decades.

Connect with Tablet Command: https://www.tabletcommand.com/

Connect with our team:

· 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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Brian Kelly has been a firefighter for over 20 years. But when COVID-19 hit and he found himself with more downtime, he discovered a new passion: sharing his love of food and cooking over social media. What started as a hobby making cooking videos on TikTok has now turned into a thriving business and side hustle for this entrepreneurial first responder.

Kelly first got into social media just for fun. Approaching his 40th birthday, he started watching cooking videos on TikTok during his time off from teaching fire classes and other firefighter duties due to COVID-19 restrictions. He decided to try it out himself and was surprised when he quickly started gaining followers. Companies even began reaching out asking him to showcase their products.

While he already owned a consulting company called Kelly Fire and Emergency Services Consulting, the social media thing was new and fun. And it was bringing in money to help fund his new hobby without having to tap into his savings. Soon "East Coast Kellys" was born as a DBA.

Kelly takes the "good, bad, and real" approach with his social media, showing the human side of cooking outdoors. He'll showcase when recipes fail to turn out as expected - not everything looks perfect like on Food Network in real life.

Showing authenticity has helped him connect with an audience that wants realistic content. Followers can relate to the everyday person who may burn some eggs or doesn't have the most flawless lighting or editing.

Over time, Kelly has refined his business model with a focus on sponsored content and brand deals. He reviews products related to outdoor cooking and negotiates contracts for video promotions. The brand exposure he delivers through platforms like TikTok and Instagram is valuable for smaller businesses targeting consumers who want transparency from influencers.

While his social media business continues to take off, Kelly still has a "day job" as a full-time firefighter and fire marshal. He says the key is being willing to go wherever momentum takes you. The same conviction firefighters have to extinguish every last ember translates for him into conviction for making his business work.

Kelly has needed to learn so much - editing video, optimizing platforms, negotiating deals. But his drive to keep improving comes from the pride he takes in whatever he puts his name on. Just as in the fire service, integrity and trust are paramount. As he continues to juggle all these passions, Kelly relies on support from his family to make it all possible.

The world of being a social media influencer is very different from his decades in firefighting. But first responders interested in entrepreneurship can draw encouragement from Kelly's story. With hustle and authenticity, you can build a whole new career and life for yourself if you put in the work.

Connect with East Coast Kelly’s: https://linktr.ee/eastcoastkellys

Connect with our team:

· 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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Russell had been working as a firefighter for over 13 years when the idea for his business was sparked. It all started when his captain gifted the crew some hose koozies.

Within days, Russell took a leap of faith, buying his first embroidery machine to see if he could turn firehose material into koozies and hats himself. Working out of a bedroom in his home turned "arts and crafts area," he taught himself embroidery and slowly formulated some initial product ideas like hose hats.

The hobby was paying off, as Russell remembers the first day his side business covered their mortgage payment. His wife had jokingly referred to his tinkering as "arts and crafts time," but now those arts and crafts were generating essential household income.

As Russell started getting larger custom orders that pushed his home setup to the limits, he borrowed money from his business partner to invest in better equipment. This allowed him to scale up and fulfill jobs like custom hats for the local Greenville Triumph soccer team.

The new machinery also led Russell to connect with an embroidery expert named Lori. She voluntarily took Russell under her wing, teaching him the digitization process that made hats easier to produce at scale. With her guidance, his products improved as he honed in the optimal embroidered patch shape and size.

After years of growth, West Broad Apparel was at a crossroads, needing more attention than Russell's limited spare time. He decided to leave his firefighter job to focus on the business full-time. This transition gave him breathing room operationally, though he found he missed the camaraderie and satisfaction of firefighting.

Within 6 months he made the call to return to a new department, balancing his passion for the work with his drive to keep expanding the business. This balance enabled the next stage of progress for his company and personal fulfillment.

The road from side hobby to full-time business owner has had its share of highs and lows. But by taking risks, investing in relationships, and applying the dedication inherent in firefighting, Russell built West Broad Apparel into an internationally recognized brand rooted firmly in serving the fire service community. Though it wasn't the path he originally envisioned, his entrepreneurial journey reflects the spirit and work ethic of firefighters everywhere.

Connect with West Broad Apparel: https://www.westbroadapparel.com/

· Website: https://williamskey.com

Connect with our team:

· 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/

Follow our podcast on social:

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If you want to help us support first responder-owned businesses, help spread the word by subscribing to the podcast and leaving us a 5-star review!

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Unlocking Opportunities: Trevor Williams of the Williams Key

Trevor Williams has lived an extraordinary life. Born in Virginia to missionary parents, his family moved to Africa when he was just 4 years old. Living in Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of Congo), Williams experienced the dangers of civil unrest firsthand during the Rwandan genocide. His family later moved to Haiti to continue their missionary work, where Williams witnessed government upheaval and violence.

After evacuating to California, Williams decided to pursue his dream of becoming a firefighter. Despite applying to over 60 departments, it took years before he was finally hired by the Los Angeles County Fire Department. While working as a volunteer firefighter and carpenter, Williams also founded a nonprofit building homes for Haitian earthquake victims.

On the job, Williams was dismayed to see firefighters continually forced to break down doors, causing costly damage. Drawing on his carpentry skills, he developed a simple tool - the Williams Key - that allowed first responders to swiftly bypass locks and enter buildings.

As word of the Williams Key spread among LA firefighters, demand skyrocketed. Williams improved the design and began selling engraved, customized versions of the tool. Viral social media videos helped drive sales even further. Today the Williams Key is used across all 50 states and over 30 countries.

The successful Williams Key brand has allowed Williams to expand his product line to a range of specialty tools for first responders, including a door hanger, slip knife, and custom door wedge. However, Williams still handcrafts some tools himself as rapid scaling remains challenging.

When asked what he needs to continue growing the business, Williams acknowledges that funding is a constant limitation. However, he hopes to maintain the Williams Key's "small business community" feel, personally handling many customer interactions.

Williams has no plans to leave his firefighter job anytime soon. Despite tremendous entrepreneurial success, he remains committed to public service and helping people in need.

Connect with The Williams Key:

· Website: https://williamskey.com

Connect with our team:

· 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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If you want to help us support first responder-owned businesses, help spread the word by subscribing to the podcast and leaving us a 5-star review!

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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

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

Connect with our team:

· 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/

Follow our podcast on social:

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If you want to help us support first responder-owned businesses, help spread the word by subscribing to the podcast and leaving us a 5-star review!

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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

Jonathan Tate had an idea sparked by a phrase he kept hearing on the fireground - "slow your response, it's just food on the stove." This led to the realization that the food firefighters are eating is negatively impacting their health.

The motivation behind Food on the Stove is alarming statistics about firefighter health. 44% of line of duty deaths among firefighters are cardiac related. And studies show firefighters live up to 15 years less than the average American.

As Tate points out, firefighters are the only occupation that cooks all 3 meals at work. While firehouse meals are often delicious, they aren't always the healthiest options, especially for the price.

Food on the Stove aims to put healthier meals on firehouse tables through nutrition education and supplemental funding. They've already provided over 60,000 meals to area firehouses.

One program is called Farm to Firehouse, modeled after meal kit delivery services. Donations provide the ingredients and recipes to create healthy, affordable meals right at the fire station.

Food on the Stove also partners with restaurants and sponsors to deliver fully prepared healthy meals. Their goal is to bring the enjoyment of dining out to shift meals at the fire station.

In additional to providing meals, Food on the Stove hosts events that promote awareness around firefighter health. Their recent DMV Fire & EMS Week in July featured a charity golf event and midnight 5K run.

The nonprofit also creates content to share firefighter stories and impact. This builds engagement and support from both the fire service community and the general public.

While Food on the Stove currently relies on donations and sponsors, founder Jonathan Tate ultimately envisions a self-sustaining model. The goal is to convert unused firehouses into community spaces and local markets. Revenue funds meal support and other firefighter health initiatives.

The key is continuing to advocate for firefighter wellness, bring awareness to the issues they face, and better support the communities protecting ours. Groups like Food on the Stove provide a bridge to involve more citizens in the fire service mission.

Connect with Food on the Stove:

· Website: https://foodonthestove.org/

· Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/foodonthestovedc/

· Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/foodonthestovedc

· YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCL4lInYm1UO9jLgBp5YfccQ

Connect with our team:

· 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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· YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL8fHLgmlsaUbQp-0l_U1qWZx0EdlQDRCB

If you want to help us support first responder-owned businesses, help spread the word by subscribing to the podcast and leaving us a 5-star review!

Thank you for listening!

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

James Wessel's journey in the fire service began in 1995 when he saw a volunteer firefighter respond to a car accident with a flashing dash light. He was mesmerized by the light and asked the firefighter how he could get one. The firefighter told him that he had to join the fire department, so James did just to get the dash light.

Over the next few years, James progressed to becoming an officer and treasurer in his volunteer fire department. In 1999, his department had a terrible experience purchasing a used fire truck, which gave James the idea to start a business buying and selling used fire trucks to give other departments a better purchasing experience.

James purchased his first used fire truck with a $10,000 loan from his mother. As the business grew, he had to constantly balance hiring more staff, expanding facilities, and maintaining enough capital to purchase trucks and fund operations.

While buying, selling, and repairing used fire trucks is James' core business, he has expanded into other services over the years: ARFF truck refurbishment and leasing, building and leasing fire stations, private fire protection services for communities, and operating leases for fire department vehicles.

Giving back to the community and fire service has always been important to James and his employees. Whether it’s helping families displaced by fires, volunteering on department calls, going on international aid trips, or supporting underfunded fire departments, James aims to make a positive impact alongside running his business.

James expressed gratitude for his staff, customers, and opportunity to buy and sell used fire trucks for the past 20+ years. His story illustrates how a volunteer firefighter's passion can grow into an thriving business that gives back.

Connect with Brindlee Mountain Fire Apparatus:

· https://www.instagram.com/firetruckmall/

· https://www.facebook.com/firetruckmall

Connect with our team:

· 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/

Follow our podcast on social:

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· Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the24_48/

· LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-24-48-podcast-by-hiviz-leds/

· YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL8fHLgmlsaUbQp-0l_U1qWZx0EdlQDRCB

If you want to help us support first responder-owned businesses, help spread the word by subscribing to the podcast and leaving us a 5-star review!

Thank you for listening!

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

Aaron's journey started early on; he recounts memories of playing with his father's little Kubota tractor and backhoe in the backyard. “I was 6 or 7 years old. I would get home from school, grab the keys, and go dig a hole,” he fondly recalls. His early exposure to heavy machinery laid the foundation for his future career.

The fire service also played a significant role in Aaron's life. Growing up in a family with a strong history in public service, he naturally gravitated towards firefighting. Joining the fire department at 14 as a junior member, he followed in the footsteps of his father and great uncle. “It was about helping the community and doing something good,” Aaron explains.

After spending numerous years driving trucks and working in fire service roles, Aaron made a pivotal decision to start his business. This decision was significantly influenced by the desire to spend more time at home following the birth of his son. “I was on the road 12, 13 hours a day. I wanted to be home more,” he says.

Word quickly spread about Aaron’s new endeavor. Leveraging the power of social media, particularly Facebook, he started getting job requests ranging from storm cleanups to driveway repairs.

The business growth was rapid, and soon he found himself needing to formalize operations with insurance, workers’ comp, and the establishment of an LLC. Despite the complexities, Aaron managed to navigate through them with support from fellow entrepreneurs and fire service colleagues.

Aaron’s journey wouldn’t have been possible without the support of his family and fire service community. His wife, Jenea, played a crucial role in managing the business's backend, setting up invoicing systems, and handling administrative tasks. “She does all my computer work. I just punch in the numbers,” Aaron notes with appreciation.

Balancing his full-time job as a firefighter with running a growing business was challenging, but the supportive environment in the fire service allowed him to manage both. “I work 10 days a month at the fire department, and my schedule allows me to run the grading business on my days off,” he explains.

To those firefighters contemplating starting their own business, Aaron’s advice is simple: “If you think you want to do it, bite the bullet and do it because it will pay off in the end. You never know if you're going to be successful until you try it.”

Aaron's story is a testament to the incredible spirit of entrepreneurship within the fire service community. It highlights the importance of passion, perseverance, and support from family and colleagues in achieving success.

Connect with Aaron:
https://www.facebook.com/martingradingexcavating

Connect with our team:

· 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/

Follow our podcast on social:

· TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@the24_48podcast?lang=en

· Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the24_48/

· LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-24-48-podcast-by-hiviz-leds/

· YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL8fHLgmlsaUbQp-0l_U1qWZx0EdlQDRCB

If you want to help us support first responder-owned businesses, help spread the word by subscribing to the podcast and leaving us a 5-star review!

Thank you for listening!

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