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Owner/President
Originally from West Virginia, Troy joined the US Navy after graduating from high school. During his seven year term, he served in the Gulf War. The US Navy is how he got into firefighting and fire protection. The trade has been his passion since 1987. Troy has worked his way up the ladder to be a small business owner that allowed him to start Fortitude Fire Protection, LLC. They say, “Great things happen when you involve yourself with the right people”. There is not a better feeling than having the chance to save the lives of others.
Troy enjoys spending time with family and friends, riding his Harley and playing the drums in his band.
Vice President
Stephanie is not a native to Florida but pretty close. She was born in South Carolina and moved to Florida in 2000, starting her career in the fire protection industry in 2002 as an administrator in the service and inspections department. As her knowledge grew, Stephanie started handling new construction contracts and moved up as office manager. Stephanie spent several years raising her family until Troy approached her to start this adventure we called “Fortitude Fire Protection, LLC”!
Her life outside of work is spent enjoying family. She is married and has 4 children and a dog who thinks she is human. She loves to spend her free time outside by the pool or at the beach, reading a book and watching college football (Go Clemson Tigers). Family is the most important thing in her life which is what draws her to the fire industry. There is nothing more satisfying at the end of the day than knowing you are helping protect lives and property.
Field Manager
As a native of Jacksonville Florida, TJ began his career in the Fire Protection Industry in 2004 after realizing that college was not for him. He started out as a helper in the service and repair side of the industry eager to learn all that he could. TJ worked my way up to fitter and then service foreman as his experience grew. He expanded his knowledge and skills to include new construction and inspections at several different local companies until finding his home with Fortitude Fire Protection, LLC in 2016. It did not take long to realize that this is where he wanted to build his career. TJ currently holds NICET III Inspections along with TREEO Backflow inspection and repair certifications. He continues to maintain and improve his knowledge with continued education classes. The fire protection industry is ever-changing and this helps TJ to teach and grow the next generation of sprinkler fitters and inspectors.
When not at work, TJ enjoys his free time on a boat fishing, in the woods hunting or watching college sports. TJ roots for the West Virginia Mountaineers and the Florida State Seminoles. He spends the majority of this time with his wife Linda, whom he married in March of 2021.
Sales Representative
Ricky is a local born guy from Green Cove Springs, Florida. He started out his career in the Reprographics Industry. Ricky soon learned he had a desire to save lives and needed more meaning in his career. He found his calling in 1994 in the Fire Protection Industry, with the sole purpose of saving lives through the education, installation and repair of fire sprinkler systems. Ricky graduated from a 4 year apprentice program at FCCJ. He’s OSHA 30 certified and holds a backflow certification through TREEO. He has 3 daughters, 4 granddaughters and 1 grandson. In his spare time, he is a little bit of a thrill seeker. He has been sky diving, zip lining, loves fishing in the ocean on his kayak and riding his horse named Chase. When you can’t find Ricky, he is usually working in his garden or doing some yard work.
Sales Representative
Tyler began his career in the fire sprinkler industry in 2010 and has been involved in many aspects of the trade. He has experience in design and installation of fire sprinkler systems and now specialize in sales. Tyler has managed hundreds of fire sprinkler projects, taking them from inception to completion. His projects have spanned a wide array from residential and commercial to industrial systems protecting high hazards. Tyler holds several certifications in the industry and currently holds a NICET level III certified for Water Based Layout.
When not helping customers or spending time with his wife and children, he enjoys playing golf, tennis and long distance running.
Inspections Manager
Born and raised in Jacksonville. Travis found his calling to the fire sprinkler industry in 1996. He started as a helper in the service department and earned his way to service foreman. Travis decided to go into the inspections portion of the Industry. He currently holds TREEO certification in backflow preventer testing and NICET Level lll for Inspection Testing and Maintenance of Fire Sprinkler Systems. Travis has worked for different companies until finding his home at Fortitude Fire Protection. Travis is married with 3 children and 2 grandchildren. He enjoys spending time with family and loves both hunting and fishing.
Florida Licensed Contractor # FPC15-000041
Georgia Licensed Contractor # CL 000621
South Carolina Licensed Contractor # FSC.1855
Alabama Licensed Contractor # 3988
NICET Certified #105918
TREEO Certified
US Navy Veteran Owned
Member of NFSA/FFSA
Employees hold professional certifications and have been background screened.
Fortitude Fire Protection is a drug-free workplace.
