Fire Tech Systems Inc. celebrated its 34th anniversary on Oct. 1. The company is in the Ashley Ridge Busi­ness Park, an expansive complex that includes a 6,500-square-foot office/warehouse, a 5,000-square-foot train­ing center, as well as a 4,000-square-foot addition connecting the two. That’s a long way from the 13-foot-by-32-foot construction trailer with no restroom that Linda M. Biernacki, owner and president of FTS, started with when she began her business in 1990.

FTS currently employs 100 team mem­bers, with offices in Shreveport and Mon­roe, Louisiana, as well as an office in Ox­ford, Mississippi. They are also licensed in six states: Louisiana, Texas, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Mississippi and Alabama.

“I am not sure what it is about Septem­ber and October, but these are months when great things have happened,” Linda said. “In September 2014, I opened my Monroe office. This September, I pur­chased an expansion building for that branch. And to my great delight, last Sep­tember, my daughter, Nikki Biernacki, opened a branch for FTS in Oxford, Mississippi, where she is the business devel­opment manager. To say I am overjoyed is an understatement. I am so proud of her. She is out there making the contacts and quoting the business. She also does in­spections, testing and maintenance. She is not afraid to get her hands dirty. I went to Oxford to celebrate the one-year anniver­sary. We had a great lunch and dinner with the Oxford team to celebrate the success thus far and strategize for its continued growth.”

FTS provides fire protection to commercial and industrial businesses as well as residential homes, bringing an out­standing record in designing, installing, servicing and inspecting fire protection systems.

“Taking care of my Fire Tech family has and always will be a priority for me,” Linda said. “When you take care of your team, they take care of you. My first em­ployee, David Stone, is still with me to­day. I have a large group of team members that have been with me for 20-plus years. I think that says a lot. The fire and life safety industry is an amazing career many do not know is available. It is important to me and all fire sprinkler contractors across the country to advocate for our industry, and taking care of our employees is one of our best tools. Flexibility within the work environment is also a key concept that correlates with work-life balance. The im­portance of my team being at their kids’ activities and being with family in times of need is part of our culture. We support one another. Our values at Fire Tech Systems are the same as within your typical family structure because that is what we are: family.”

In her 34 years, Linda has been dedicated to giving back and community involvement. Some of those commitments include being a member emerita of the Air Force Global Strike Command Civic Leaders Group since 2010, Athena Award past recipient and supporter, American Heart Association Circle of Red member, and a board member of the Building Owners & Maintenance Association and the Military Affairs Council. She is also heavily involved in the fire safety industry and has been recognized throughout her 34 years in business.

“It is such an honor to be recognized, and all the awards/recognitions I’ve received are very special to me. I am very proud of the work. I have placed within the AFSA (American Fire Sprinkler Association) in becoming the first female chair,” Linda added. “I joined the AFSA in 1990 and have integrated myself and my team with the training and education it provides. AFSA is a gold standard, and I am so proud of all the work they have done. After 14 years on the board, chairing committees, volunteering whenever needed, I worked my way up. As a female in a male-dominated industry, it is vital for me to show that women can succeed in any career path they choose.”

Fire Tech Systems is a Certified Women’s Business Enterprise, a certification that proves that FTS is indeed a woman-owned business. “Law requires that companies use a percentage of minority/women-owned businesses. I consider it an additional tool that can open a door,” Linda said, “but it does not mean that is what gets me the job; my team makes that happen.

“Being a woman in a male-dominated environment was and still is difficult at times. As a woman in the industry with goals to lead and make a difference, that included paving a smoother road for the generations to come.

“I have a scholarship within FTS for any daughters of my team to support their dreams. I would love for it to be at Fire Tech Systems, but I want to support all dreams.” This commitment is also a priority in Linda’s personal life. “I want to make sure that I provide all the support, love and advice to my daughters to follow their dreams and succeed in whatever they want to accomplish. I will be their biggest cheerleader.”

Linda was blessed to have people in her own life to mentor her along the way. “My mom, Alice Coleman, V.J. Bella and my late husband. I had the absolute best mentors for all elements in my life. Encouraging our next generation is key to business and providing scholarship opportunities is another benefit I provide to my FTS family.”

Even with all she has accomplished, Linda looks to the future with anticipation. “I don’t plan on slowing down. I want to continue growing the relationships and continue the growth I am seeing now. After my time as chair for AFSA is complete, I will continue to serve on the board and provide my leadership to other organizations across the country, state and Sheveport-Bossier.

“Each year, we have a summer bash for employees and their families in August, and that kicks off the beginning of the celebrations,” Linda added. “The celebration will continue with small gatherings with the team, our vendors and customers. Like our 30th anniversary, the 35th will be a highlighted year for us. Every time I say 34 years, I just think, I am so blessed.”

Fire Tech Systems Inc. can be reached locally for all your fire safety needs at firetechsystems.com and (318) 688-8800. They are at 721 N. Ashley Ridge Loop, Shreveport, La.

Linda Biernacki and daughter Nikki Biernacki