At the start of 2026, I’ll officially step into the CEO role at Fire-Dex, working alongside Steve Allison during a thoughtful transition until his retirement in 2027.
Our long-time VP of Operations, John Karban, will take on the role of President and I’m grateful to continue partnering with him and with my sister, Taylor Burke Gilman, President of Gear Wash—two leaders I trust deeply and lean on.
What motivates me every day is simple: our people. I feel accountable to them—for the work we do, how we do it, and the impact it has on the fire service. Fire-Dex is growing fast and we have no intention of slowing down.
Lauren Burke DeVere
I feel ready to take on this new chapter because we’ve built a strong team over the past several years.
I feel responsible in my new role because the fire service deserves leaders who listen, learn and back up their words with action.
When I started as a Metro Sales Manager, I never aimed for a corner office or prime parking space—I was learning that real success comes from the pride and confidence we build in those who rely on us.
That’s the kind of leadership I was raised on, it’s what I’ve come to value most and it’s why I believe the next few years will be something truly special.
My leadership style is focused on giving the team autonomy and space to lead. Our VPs don’t need handholding, and I want each person to feel like they can run their own business.
I’m a sounding board; I ask questions; I’m not afraid to challenge someone. We all have our titles, but we work as equals and always together.
That’s how we win. We get there through our people and their passion, whether that’s making the next leap in gear design, working harder to earn a department’s trust, growing our Fire-Dex and Gear Wash family or even growing through acquisitions where it makes sense.
Looking back, I realize that every smart choice I made began with a conversation and not a spreadsheet.
That’s why I walk the floors, sit in on the training and try to learn what inspires us.
I take those answers into design reviews and strategy sessions as part of the constant conversation we’re having between our factory and the field. It’s real dialogue that keeps us grounded and helps us get better.
The reasons we succeed have always been clear to me because our mission is clear: we serve those who serve.
Lauren Burke DeVere
Everything we make at Fire-Dex, from turnouts and boots to helmets and gloves, exists to protect firefighters and first responders.
In turn, Gear Wash ensures that everything is clean, inspected and in top condition to ensure compliance and most importantly safety.
Safety will always come first, of course, but shipping gear to our customers quickly and efficiently—or returning a firefighter’s favorite turnout before they even have time to miss it—is all part of what it means to serve the fire industry in an authentic way.
So, what am I most excited about moving forward? That starts with our AeroFlex turnouts that are aimed squarely at reducing heat stress, which is the leading risk to life in the line of duty.
We introduced AeroFlex almost two years ago and the response is more than we imagined.
It uses a unique ventilation system that was years in the making, but it has all been made worthwhile when we hear firefighters talk about how well it breathes, or how they’ve never felt cooler wearing structural gear.
I can’t think of a better example that goes straight to the heart of our mission to serve.
At the same time, we’re focused on expanding our options for all firefighters, or what we call “gear that gets her.”
Women have served for decades, but still today, too many are wearing what wasn’t built for them. Proper fit means comfort, yes, but it’s about providing safety in the most critical moments.
Lauren Burke DeVere
Our team has put real energy behind tailored patterns and better sizing tools, so we can bring forward jacket and pant options that match how all types of bodies move.
That’s why we built an AI sizing tool that helps dealers and departments find their best fit. Our Virtual Sizer can take a few simple inputs, build a “digital twin,” and be as accurate, if not more so, than standard measuring.
Again, it’s about serving busy departments that can now size their crews in a matter of minutes.
Our philosophy is to build gear worthy of the people wearing it, and to never waste their time waiting for it. We’ve invested in lean automation and supply chain resilience so we can deliver on that promise.
As John says, “Protecting our culture is job one; pushing the company forward is job two.”
Climbing the ranks in a family-owned company has taught me that culture is the air people breathe when they walk through the door. We know people as individuals; we celebrate promotions, babies and anniversaries.
That kind of support feels good and it’s good for our business, because when your team knows you’ve got their back, they’ll go to the mat for your customers.
We play the long game because we don’t have to chase short-term wins at the expense of doing the right thing.
It’s the reason I’ll never back down from putting people first. We’ve stood up to LEAD (Lead, Engage and Accelerate Development), to promote from within when we can and to build our mid-management bench with quarterly meetings, outside speakers and a formal leadership network.
We also started a women’s network at Fire-Dex. These are quarterly events that provide our women with resources and community.
Mentorship also matters deeply to me. I recently attended the inaugural Camp Ignite hosted by Orange County Fire Rescue.
Lauren Burke DeVere
It’s a retreat for girls ages 14–18 that showcases firefighting skills. We talked about confidence, about speaking up in rooms where you might be the only girl and about setting standards instead of waiting for them.
Watching them tackle ladder work and practice rescue scenarios reminded me why we do what we do. It’s important for young women to meet these heroes and know they can become one too.
If even one girl walks away believing she can lead, then we’ve succeeded. I leave those days inspired and a little humbled, that the future is not waiting for permission.
Today, our average employee tenure is nearly a decade across more than 700 associates, so it says a lot about who we are. Looking forward, the goal is to keep growing at a double-digit clip year after year.
We can do this by continuing to build organically and by adding great companies to the Fire-Dex and Gear Wash family.
We’re also asking where our manufacturing and service models should go next, globally, because firefighters everywhere face the same risks and need the same protection.
One of my favorite sayings is that “culture is the system you build on your worst day.” Ours is family first and mission first.
Lauren Burke DeVere
People take care of people, managers clear roadblocks, meetings start on time and end when the work is done. Feedback is direct and kind.
We promote from within when we can, and we welcome fresh eyes when a new view will make us better. It’s this mix that keeps us sharp.
Change shows up as a crew that ends a shift with less fatigue, or a recruit who looks around a classroom and feels like she belongs.
Other times it’s a captain who opens a box, checks the labels, and smiles because everything matches the roster.
January will come fast, but I’m stepping in with a simple promise to keep growing the right way. And if we do our jobs the way I know we can, Fire-Dex will keep climbing until “number 1” isn’t a goal anymore; it’s who we are.
And my family will be right there with me.
