In this episode, Matt and Chris sit down with two retired Air Force firefighters who turned their passion for service into thriving ventures. Mark Abrahamson, founder of Foxtrot Zulu and co-founder of Probie Fire Training, shares how he built businesses that provide consultation, training, and resources to DoD and civilian fire departments. Ashontay Owens, founder of Crimson Melt and the Folds of the Flame Foundation, shares his inspiration to launch a restaurant and the mission behind his nonprofit supporting families of first responders lost to suicide.

Together, they reflect on the military and fire service lessons that shaped their leadership, the hurdles of entrepreneurship, and the advice they’d give firefighters thinking about starting their own businesses.

55. From Firefighters to Founders: FireDawgs Building Businesses - Mark Abrahamson & Ashontay Owens

In episode 54, Chris sits down with Chief Warrant Officer Justin Barnes, Marine Corps Liaison Officer at the Joint Fire Protection Academy in San Angelo, Texas.

With over 20 years of service, Chief Barnes has served in Iraq and Afghanistan, shaped thousands of Marines as a Drill Instructor, and was recognized as the 2022 DoD Military Fire Officer of the Year.

Their conversation explores what it really means to be comfortable with discomfort and how that mindset shapes strong leaders. They also talk about the importance of trust in both combat and training environments, as well as the challenge of preparing teams for missions leaders themselves may never have faced. Chief Barnes shares how he creates space for mistakes, even in no-fail missions, while fostering growth in young leaders.

54. Building the Next Generation of Leaders - CW03 Justin Barnes

In this episode, Chris and Matt explore the power of purpose—why it matters, how it shapes our daily actions, and its deep connection to mental well-being and long-term happiness. Drawing on the work of Viktor Frankl and our own experiences in the fire service, we discuss how purpose isn't just a feel-good concept—it’s a driving force that fuels performance, resilience, and personal growth. Whether it’s in your personal life or on the fireground, having a clear purpose helps you show up as the best version of yourself, even on the hardest days.

Table Talk 08. The Power of Purpose

In this episode, Matt and Chris sit down with Master Gunnery Sergeant Marcos Martinez, the Fire Protection Training Analyst with Marine Corps Training & Education Command in Quantico, VA. With 28 years of service in the Marine Corps, Master Guns Martinez has had diverse roles, including working with an urban search and rescue team, serving as a Drill Instructor, and completing a tour in Iraq during the Battle of Ramadi. As the senior enlisted leader for Marine Corps Fire Protection, he shares valuable insights into the mission, structure, and integration of Marine Corps Fire Protection and its comparison to the Air Force.  

The conversation dives into the responsibilities of a Fire Protection Training Analyst, the differences between deployable and non-deployable units, and how Marine Corps fire protection units are structured. The episode also explores the growing partnership between the Marine Corps and Air Force fire services, the integration of civilian firefighting skills to enhance combat readiness, and the importance of Marines doing "hard things" to build resilience and prepare for future challenges. If you're interested in fire service leadership, combat readiness, and the collaboration between military branches, this episode is for you!

53. Marine Corps Fire Protection: Perspective & Integration with the Air Force - MGySgt Martinez

In this episode, Matt speaks with TSgt Quentin Patterson, an Air Force firefighter turned Air Advisor. With experience supporting partner nations across Africa and beyond, Quentin has been part of missions in Senegal, Tanzania, Ghana, Chad, France, Morocco, and Cameroon.

Quentin shares his journey in air advising including the training and his experiences, and gives insight into how his work impacts global security. He also discusses how this unique path will open doors for future opportunities within and outside the military.

52. From Firefighter to Air Advisor - Insights of a Unique Path - Quentin Patterson

In this episode, Matt is joined by three leaders who played a pivotal role in shaping the AF F&ES Concept of Employment: CMSgt (ret.) Phillip Winkelmann, CMSgt Mark Abrahamson, and SMSgt Jesse Marshall. During the Air Force’s transition to AFFOGEN, they were in unique positions to help lay the foundation for the F&ES framework we have today.

Chief Winkelmann, the former Air Force Fire Protection Career Field Manager, along with Chief Abrahamson and Senior Marshall, discuss and offer insights into how the Concept of Employment came together.

Readiness Series 2. From Bar Napkin to Combat-Ready: Shaping the AF F&ES Role in the Future Fight - CMSgt (ret.) Phillip Winkelmann, CMSgt Mark Abrahamson, and SMSgt Jesse Marshall

In this episode, Chris Bauchle and Chief AJ Kehl [https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewkehladdsvalue/] explain why negotiation skills are essential for fire service leaders - especially for DoD firefighters, officers, and chiefs. Drawing on principles from Never Split the Difference [https://www.amazon.com/Never-Split-Difference-Negotiating-Depended/dp/0062407805] by Chris Voss, Chief Kehl explains that negotiation isn't just about securing pay or resources - it's an essential tool for everyday leadership. Whether you're coordinating with other agencies, resolving shift disputes, advocating for equipment upgrades, or building trust with the community, negotiation plays a crucial role in effective leadership.

The conversation also dives into the power of influence in leadership. Effective leaders know that giving orders isn't enough - they influence to get results. From understanding incentives to building trust, this episode equips you with tools to lead with empathy, foster collaboration, and drive high performance in your fire service team.

Tune in and level up your leadership and negotiation game!

51. Essential Negotiation & Leadership Skills for Fire Service Leaders - Chief AJ Kehl

This Readiness Series focuses on all aspects of Air Force firefighter waretime preparedness. Throughout the series, we will explore key military doctrine, techniques, tactics, and procedures, examine equipment packages, and much more. While the series emphasizes topics related to wartime readiness, all information shared is unclassified, publicly available, and free of sensitive content.  

In this episode, Matt is joined by CMSgt Geoffry Wilson, the Air Force Fire Protection Career Field Manager. Chief Wilson and Matt delve into the origins of the Air Force’s Force Generation Models, as well as the Agile Combat Employment (ACE) model, which outlines how the Air Force plans to operate in a contested environment. They also explore the reasons behind the Air Force’s evolving strategies and how the Fire Service integrates into these new frameworks. Please note, the information shared is current as of December 2024 and may evolve as the Air Force continues to refine its approach.

Readiness Series 1. Origin & Evolution of Air Force Force Generation - CMSgt Geoffry Wilson

In this episode of the Table Talk Series, Chris shares a real-life story from Indianapolis about a firefighter who took a big risk and successfully made a daring rescue. He and Matt break down the "Risk vs. Reward" threshold—when should you risk a lot to save a lot, and when should you pull back? Every firefighter has their own approach, but one thing is certain: preparation, training, and discipline are key. Tune in to hear how Chris and Matt explore where that line falls and why being ready for any challenge is crucial in the fire service.

Table Talk 07. Risk vs. Reward: When to Push Forward, When to Hold Back

In this episode, Chris and Matt have the privilege of speaking with Chief Jason Hoevelmann, Fire Chief of the Florissant Valley Fire Protection District in North St. Louis County, MO.

Chief Hoevelmann has 28 years of experience in the fire service. He has held various positions including Company Officer, Battalion Chief, and now Fire Chief. He is also the author of two books: No Exceptions Leadership: The Leadership Handbook and The New Company Officer. He is also the creator of The New Fire Officer Facebook page which some of you may be familiar with; the page has 40,000 followers. Most recently, he was a keynote speaker at FDIC (Fire Department Instructors Conference), where he addressed the critical need for change and adaptation in the fire service.

In our conversation, Chief Hoevelmann shares his insights on leadership, discusses his books, explores the balance between higher education and ground competency, and discusses the importance of change and adaptation among other important topics.

50. Leadership, Education, & Change in the Fire Service - Chief Jason Hoevelmann

The FireDawg Podcast is rooted in the United States Air Force and serves to foster connection, learning, and growth within all ranks of the American fire service. Topics covered include fire service best practices, lessons learned, leadership, firefighting tactics, history, and much more.

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