This year was one for the books. From expanding our team and strengthening our operations to celebrating major milestones and meeting so many of you out in the field, 2025 reminded us exactly why we do what we do — because the fire service deserves our very best.
Everywhere we went, every event we attended, every hallway we watched crews cool with our hose… it all added up to a year defined by progress, partnership, and pride. Here’s a look at what was on tap in 2025 — and why it meant so much to us.
1. A Year Full of Events, Collaborations, and Fire Service Connections
This year took us everywhere — classrooms, drill grounds, fire academies, conferences, and training facilities across North America. We trained alongside some of the most dedicated instructors and firefighters in the industry, supporting HOT sessions, rescue conferences, and live-fire engine company ops.
Proud doesn’t begin to cover it.
We teamed up with Crafty American for one of the most epic flag giveaways of the year, kept the momentum going with Jobtown Graphics, and supported meaningful missions like Next Rung, Brothers Helping Brothers, and the new HEN Foundation. Our team hit major events like Firemanship, Great Lakes HOT, Joey D, the For Them Conference, and the very first Engine Crew Clinic with HEN Nozzles and Ray McCormack — each one reminding us just how hungry the fire service is for real talk, real training, and real performance.
Every time we get to talk shop, flow water, and put our hose in your hands, we’re reminded how special this industry is. Your curiosity, your passion, and your commitment to doing the job right push us to keep raising our own bar.
2. Major Wins in Production: More Output, New Capabilities, and a Bigger Montreal Footprint
Behind every length of hose is a team — and this year, our production team proved once again that they’re the heartbeat of what we do. 2025 was huge for operations.
Our production staff increased output significantly, reduced turnaround times, and helped departments get the hose they needed when they needed it. We brought new looms online, added a new test table, and completed a major expansion of our Montreal plant — giving us more capacity, more capability, and more control.
Their work isn’t just impressive — it’s foundational. It sets the stage for an even stronger 2026, as we start seeing the return on our recent investments in equipment, staffing & beyond.
3. Growing Our Team: The Right People in the Right Roles
2025 wasn’t just about growing our equipment lineup — it was about growing our people.
This year marked Kevin Pfluger’s first full year in sales as our west coast rep, and he brought unmatched fireground insight and passion into every conversation he had across the country. We also welcomed Capt. Jordan Hempker to our demo crew, whose experience as the founder and owner of Western Buckeye Training and deep roots in fire service education have already strengthened our demo and training reach.
Our team lives and breathes the job. They understand the work because they’ve done the work. And most importantly — they’re here to serve the firefighter first. Building the right team matters, and this year proved just how transformative that can be.
4. A Milestone Worth Celebrating: Krakenexo Turns 15
Fifteen years ago, KrakenEXO hit the market and quickly became a standard — known for its durability, strength, and reliable performance on the fireground. This April, we celebrated KrakenEXO’s 15th anniversary at FDIC, surrounded by the firefighters who made it what it is today.
That celebration meant a lot to us — a product only becomes legendary when the people who use it trust it completely. And next year?
Let’s just say KrakenEXO won’t be the only one making a splash at FDIC. We’ve got something new joining the lineup in 2026, and we're excited to share it with you. Stay tuned as we start rolling out more details in February.
5. And Finally: YOU! if you aren't on the job, neither are we.
Everything we do begins and ends with the firefighter on the end of the line.
Every hose we weave, every improvement we engineer, every test we run is done with one thought in mind: Someone out there is going to depend on this. That mindset has guided our company for decades and remains the reason we push so hard for excellence.
Here’s the truth: without you, none of this exists.
Your willingness to run toward the danger others run from… your trust in the tools you bring with you… your dedication to the people you serve… that’s what fuels us.
We’re honored that our hose becomes part of your world — stretched down hallways, advancing through heat, cooling rooms, protecting communities. You are the heart of the fire service, and we are grateful to support you every step of the way.
If 2025 taught us anything, it’s that growth happens when passion, people, and purpose collide. We’re proud of what we built this year, but even more excited about where we’re headed next. With new capabilities, new team members, and something new coming to FDIC 2026, we’re stepping into the new year with confidence, energy, and a renewed commitment to serving the firefighter. The best is still ahead...