What Kistler O'Brien Fire Protection does

Kistler O'Brien Fire Protection (KOB) is a commercial fire protection services contractor founded in 1933 by George W. Kistler Sr. in Allentown, Pennsylvania, now headquartered in Bethlehem, PA and operating across the Tri-State area of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware. The company offers a full-service life-safety portfolio — design, installation, inspection, maintenance, repair, and training — across fire alarm and detection systems, fire sprinkler systems (wet, dry, pre-action, deluge, standpipe), portable fire extinguishers, clean agent suppression (FM-200, NOVEC 1230, Inergen), commercial kitchen suppression, spray booth suppression, vehicle suppression, explosion protection, CNC machine suppression, and Bi-Directional Amplifier / Emergency Responder Communication Enhancement Systems (BDA/ERCES).

KOB operates from three regional offices (Allentown, Reading, and Paoli) with a fleet of more than 100 service vehicles and over 210 employees, including a Sprinkler Division carrying more than 300 years of combined staff experience. Its go-to-market is direct enterprise and mid-market field sales, supported by free site surveys, factory-trained and industry-certified technicians (NICET, NAFED), 24/7/365 emergency response, and an online scheduling portal at kobfire.com. In late 2023, the company entered a strategic partnership with Encore Fire Protection while preserving the KOB brand, installing Scott Guzzo as Executive Vice President.

The business model combines one-time installation and design revenue with code-mandated recurring inspection, testing, and maintenance revenue on an installed base of more than 10,000 commercial customers spanning healthcare, manufacturing & industrial, hospitality, commercial real estate, education, heavy equipment operations, and data centers. Pricing is quote-based and customized by facility type, system complexity, and regulatory exposure; certifications span NFPA, OSHA, NICET, NAFED, and Pennsylvania COSTARS cooperative purchasing.

Name

Kistler O'Brien Fire Protection

Legal name

Kistler O'Brien Fire Protection

Website

https://kobfire.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1933

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

251–500 employees

Short description

Kistler O'Brien Fire Protection is a Tri-State (PA/NJ/DE) commercial fire protection services firm founded in 1933, offering design, installation, inspection, maintenance, and training for fire alarm, sprinkler, suppression, and BDA/ERCES systems to over 10,000 business customers from three regional offices.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Commercial Fire Protection Services

NAICS

Security Systems Services (56162), Security Systems Services (except Locksmiths) (561621)

akta.pro primary industry

Fire Protection Systems Contracting (Sprinklers, Alarms, Suppression) (IMAFALAD)

akta.pro secondary industries

Fire & Life Safety Services (Inspection/Testing/Sprinklers/Alarms) (IMAIAAAI), Fire Alarm Systems (Inspection/Testing/Monitoring/Service) (IMAIAJAC), Testing, Inspection, Maintenance & Compliance Services (NFPA/Local Code) (HSAHAFAG)

Keywords

• Commercial fire protection
• Fire sprinkler systems
• Fire alarm inspection
• Fire suppression systems
• Emergency lighting services

Headquarters

HQ city

Bethlehem

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices4 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Fire Protection Services: Recurring revenue from inspection, maintenance, and repair services on fire protection equipment. Services include monthly, quarterly, semi-annual, and annual inspections as required by NFPA, OSHA, and local fire codes.
2. System Design and Installation: One-time revenue from design, installation, and commissioning of new fire protection systems including fire alarms, sprinklers, suppression systems, and emergency lighting.
3. Fire Safety Training: Training services offered to businesses for employee fire safety education, including classroom, simulator, live burn, and virtual training options.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Kistler O'Brien Fire Protection is a full-service commercial fire protection company that designs, installs, inspects, maintains, and repairs fire alarm systems, commercial sprinkler systems (wet, dry, pre-action, deluge, standpipe), fire suppression systems (clean agent, CO2, foam, kitchen, spray booth, vehicle, CNC), and emergency communication systems (BDA/ERCES). It also provides fire safety training and 24/7/365 emergency service to commercial customers across Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware.

Product overview

Kistler O'Brien Fire Protection is a full-service commercial fire protection company offering a comprehensive portfolio of fire safety products and services. Their core offerings include fire alarm and detection systems, fire extinguishers, commercial sprinkler systems (wet, dry, pre-action, deluge, and standpipe), clean agent suppression (FM-200, NOVEC 1230, Inergen), and specialized suppression systems for kitchens, spray booths, vehicles, CNC machines, and explosion protection. They also provide BDA (Bi-Directional Amplifier) systems for emergency communications. Services include expert design and installation, inspection, maintenance and repair, and fire safety training programs. Founded in 1933, the company serves the tri-state area (PA, NJ, DE) from three regional offices with over 210 employees and more than 300 years of combined sprinkler division experience.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• KOBe: Company mascot introduced in 2019, serving as KOB's life safety ambassador.

Products and services

• Fire Alarm and Commercial Fire Detection Systems Comprehensive fire alarm systems providing audible and visual signals through manual or automatic initiating devices including pull stations, smoke detectors, and heat detectors. Includes voice evacuation, public address systems, air sampling detection, area of rescue communications, elevator recall, and smoke/gas detection for commercial facilities.
• Fire Extinguisher Services Full-service fire extinguisher support including annual inspections, 6-year maintenance, hydrostatic testing, and recharging. Covers Class A, B, C, D, and K extinguishers for various fire types including ordinary materials, flammable liquids, electrical equipment, combustible metals, and cooking media.
• Commercial Exit and Emergency Lights Emergency lighting solutions ensuring proper visibility during evacuations. Services include design, installation, inspection, and maintenance to meet NFPA Life Safety Code 101, Building Code, and OSHA requirements.
• Commercial Fire Sprinkler Systems Inspection, repair, and testing of wet, dry, pre-action, deluge, and standpipe sprinkler systems. The Sprinkler Division offers more than 300 years of combined staff experience. Includes fire pump testing, hydrant inspection, backflow testing, and hydrotesting.
• Clean Agent Fire Suppression Systems Fire suppression using environmentally safe, non-toxic agents (FM-200, NOVEC 1230, Inergen) for sensitive environments like server rooms, data centers, control rooms, museums, libraries, and power plants. Leaves no residue, protecting sensitive equipment.
• Commercial Kitchen Suppression Fire suppression systems for commercial kitchens using wet chemical agents to protect against flammable oils, greases, power and gas lines, and high-efficiency heat sources. Includes hood and duct integration for restaurants, campuses, and nursing homes.
• Spray Booth Fire Suppression Industrial fire suppression per NFPA 33 Standards for spray booths handling flammable chemicals. Includes design drawings, permits, installation, inspections, maintenance, repair, UL testing of sprinkler heads, and NFPA 25 inspections.
• Vehicle Fire Suppression Pre-engineered vehicle fire suppression systems for heavy equipment, mining, landfill, quarry, and port operations. Protects operators and equipment while minimizing downtime for excavators, compactors, bulldozers, and front-wheel loaders.
• Explosion Protection Systems Industrial explosion protection systems to decrease risk during manufacturing processes. Systems require proper inspection and maintenance to prevent devastating consequences including injuries, business halts, and insurance increases.
• Bi-Directional Amplifier (BDA) Systems Emergency Responder Communication Enhancement Systems (ERCES) ensuring first responder radio communication in buildings with poor signal coverage. Partnered with Siemens and Radio Solutions (RSI), providing UL-Listed, code-compliant solutions.
• CNC Machine Suppression Fire suppression for CNC and EDM machines using FireTrace systems with clean agent suppression. Protects precision machine shops with oil-based lubricants, detecting and extinguishing fires quickly with no residue.
• Fire Safety Labels and Equipment Safety signage, stickers, and compliance materials for clear communication during emergencies. Ensures fast and reliable response with properly labeled and easy-to-use equipment.
• Expert Design and Installation Services Turnkey fire protection design and installation services with experienced certified engineers, project managers, and life safety experts. Includes free site surveys and coordination with general contractors, architects, and code officials.
• Inspection, Maintenance and Repair Services Best-in-class inspection, maintenance, and repair services on commercial fire protection equipment. Monthly, quarterly, semi-annual, and annual inspections with 24/7 emergency service availability. Services any manufacturer's product.
• Fire Safety Training Programs Five training options including Indoor Classroom Training, Indoor Simulator Training, Outdoor Live Burn Training, Outdoor Live Flame Bullex Training, and Live Virtual Fire Training. Educates employees on proper handling of extinguishers and suppression systems.

Quantifiable outcome

• 94% of structural fires with sprinklers are contained to the room of origin (NFPA)
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments7 records

Ideal customer profiles7 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Encore Fire ProtectioncoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 30 November 2023In late 2023, Kistler O'Brien entered a partnership with Encore Fire Protection, strengthening the organization by aligning with dozens of other partners across the region. This new chapter brought additional resources and regional expansion capabilities.
• Shankweiler's Drive-In TheatreminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPartnership announced in 2023 makes Kistler O'Brien the Official Fire Protection Provider for Shankweiler's Drive-In Theatre, a historic Lehigh Valley business celebrating its 90th anniversary in 2024.
• American Fire Alarm Association (AFAA)minorOthersIndustry affiliation and membership organization for fire alarm professionals
• American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA)minorOthersIndustry association membership for fire sprinkler industry professionals
• COSTARSminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPennsylvania state purchasing program allowing government entities to purchase fire protection services
• Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA)minorOthersIndustry association membership for healthcare financial management professionals
• Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM)minorOthersIndustry association for real estate and property management professionals
• National Association of Fire Equipment Distributors (NAFED)minorOthersIndustry association membership. Kistler O'Brien's technicians are NAFED certified and the company references NAFED standards for certifications
• National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)minorOthersNFPA is the primary standards-setting organization for fire protection. Kistler O'Brien follows NFPA codes including NFPA 25, NFPA 33, NFPA 101, and others
• National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET)minorOthersTechnician certification organization. Kistler O'Brien employs NICET certified technicians for fire alarm and sprinkler systems
• New Jersey Electrical Licensing Board (NJELSA)minorOthersNew Jersey licensing board for electrical and fire alarm work
• Pennsylvania Fire Education and Safety Foundation (PAFED)minorOthersPennsylvania fire safety education and training organization

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Market position

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks1 record

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/playlist?list=PLnyuGqtbD39rBT6V6OjegSJa2W9U6D8bq
• Xx.com/kobfireprotect
• Facebookfacebook.com/KistlerOBrienFire

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Kistler O'Brien Fire Protection