Daniel Wake is the product manager of sprinklers and devices at Victaulic and is celebrating more than 20 years in the industry. He began as an apprentice in 1998 and worked as a sprinkler fitter in Australia and the United States for the next 12 years. Wake has been at Victaulic since 2010, first as an application engineer, then sprinkler specialist, and currently product manager for sprinklers, devices, fire protection valves, and Victaulic’s hydraulic control valve line. He is a member of the NFPA 13 (SSI) Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems, NFPA 120/122 Standard for Fire Prevention and Control in Mines/Standard for Fire Prevention and Control in Metal/Nonmetal Mining and Metal Mineral Processing Facilities, and NFPA 14 Standard for the Installation of Standpipe and Hose Systems committees and holds a Certified Fire Protection Specialist (CFPS) certificate through NFPA.
In his current role as a product manager, Daniel has worked with the Victaulic engineering team to provide intuitive alarm valve designs for dry, preaction and deluge applications, that simplifies installation and set-up to be as easy as “ABC”. With Daniel’s experience and guidance, Victaulic simplified the trim down to three manifold components – the air, priming and alarm manifold – maintaining the core features and benefits, while not taking away from the unique operation of the valve itself. Victaulic repositioned the components ensuring adequate clearance for installation and accessibility, while maintaining a small overall footprint. Additionally, the engineering team was able to simplify maintenance by listening to what customers were saying and addressing points of frustration.
Daniel is dedicated to listening to and understanding the customer. “I came out of the field approximately nine years ago and believe I have a clear understanding of what goes through the mind of a sprinkler fitter. Having complex installation and maintenance documents is something that a contractor is not going to read through. Conveying the information at the front of the document and in a simple single page format was key to adopting the new style of valves. For example, I know fitters are not going to take the time to read a 40-page installation, instruction and operational manual when installing a product. If it’s not in a single-page in the front section, it’s not going to be followed until something goes wrong. By that stage the acceptance and confidence in the product function has been reduced. I am proud that we have been able to do something new to revolutionize the industry when it comes to instruction and operational manuals by adding QR codes on the front of each of our valves. The QR code will allow fitters to quickly access short videos on installation, set-up, and maintenance; complete installation instructions; and access technical help with the push of a button.”
Daniel is focused on education and training, continuing his focus on access to information, he looks for opportunities to teach others about customer-focused solutions.
Daniel will be presenting on pressure control devices in fire protection systems at AFSA38 in San Diego, California, on Wednesday October 2nd from 3:30 – 5:00pm. Be sure to look for his track: Pressure Regulating Devices, Pressure-Reducing Valves, and Pressure Control Valves: Why and Where Do We Use Them? Information in this session will provide the attendees with knowledge and skills needed to efficiently communicate the necessity of pressure regulating devices. CEU credits provided after completion (CEU 0.15, CPD 1.5, CH 1.5)
For more information, go to www.victaulic.com
