Gear Wash - Experts & Thought Leaders

Fire-Dex, North America’s fastest-growing manufacturer of head-to-toe PPE for first responders, announces the appointment of Ben Pfahl as its Chief Information Officer (CIO). With this leadership expansion, Fire-Dex is putting weight behind its promise to lead with tech, execute with excellence and grow with intention in shaping the next generation of gear designed to serve those who serve. As CIO, Pfahl will lead Fire-Dex’s enterprise technology strategy and oversee the Information Technology team as it aims to accelerate digital transformation, enhance data security and ensure seamless integration of business systems across Fire-Dex and its subsidiary - Gear Wash. Extensive industry Experience Pfahl brings over two decades of IT and digital leadership experience Pfahl brings over two decades of IT and digital leadership experience, most recently serving as Vice President of IT & Digitalization and Regional CIO – Americas at global automotive and industrial supplier - Schaeffler Group. During his 21-year tenure, Pfahl led major technology transformation initiatives, implemented enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, such as SAP, and spearheaded cross-regional integration of IT operations across North and South America. Ben Pfahl appointed as Chief Information Officer (CIO) “Ben’s appointment marks an important milestone as Fire-Dex continues to scale its operations and invest in forward-thinking solutions,” said Lauren Burke DeVere, President of Fire-Dex. Lauren Burke DeVere adds, “His track record of aligning technology with business strategy, leading high-performing teams and driving measurable results will be instrumental as we build the next generation of tools and services for our customers.” Climbing the Ladder This leadership addition follows a period of meaningful executive transition at Fire-Dex This leadership addition follows a period of meaningful executive transition at Fire-Dex. Earlier this year, longtime CEO Steve Allison announced his upcoming retirement, with Lauren Burke DeVere set to become CEO in 2026. At the same time, John Karban, current VP of Operations, will step into the role of President, bringing decades of operational expertise to the mix. Together with Pfahl, DeVere and Karban represent the next generation of Fire-Dex leadership that balances continuity, fresh perspective and the addition of a CIO role to accelerate innovation. Joining Fire-Dex “I’m honored to join a mission-driven organization like Fire-Dex, whose values of protection, service and ingenuity strongly resonate with me,” said Ben Pfahl. He adds, “I look forward to working alongside the executive team and our dedicated IT professionals to deliver solutions that support our people, partners and customers.” A Fire Services First The appointment of a CIO further builds on Fire-Dex’s recent momentum in the digital space, including the launch of its Virtual Sizer. This AI-powered tool is the first to simplify the firefighter gear-fitting process by using a few simple inputs to generate a precise digital profile. For departments and dealers, less fumbling with tape measures and numbers means faster fittings, fewer sizing errors and a better experience for the wearer. Because Fire-Dex believes in tech with a mission: to put confidence in the hands of the people who need it most. Ready for growth With the CIO role now in place, the company is poised to accelerate this kind of forward-thinking development across the business. Pfahl holds an MBA from Ashland University and a bachelor’s degree in management information systems and international business from Bowling Green State University. He resides in Medina, Ohio, with his wife and three children, and volunteers as head coach of the Medina High School Girls Rugby Team.

Fire-Dex, a pioneer in PPE for first responders, is gearing up for its next chapter, announcing a leadership succession as CEO Steve Allison looks toward retirement in early 2027. Effective at the start of 2026, Lauren Burke DeVere, Fire-Dex’s current President, will move into the CEO position, sharing duties with Allison for 15 months as part of a phased transition. In a parallel move, John Karban, current VP of Operations, will assume the title of President. Leaning into its core values True to its roots, Fire-Dex is once again leaning into its core values by keeping its family-first culture front and center. “It’s been the honor of my career to lead this incredible team,” said Steve Allison, who has been with Fire-Dex since 2014. “We’ve built something really special here that’s driven by innovation, fueled by passion and always anchored by a deep respect for the fire service. Lauren and John are not only exceptional pioneers but also deeply understand what makes Fire-Dex ... Fire-Dex. I have full confidence they’ll take us to new heights while staying true to what sets us apart.” Climbing the Ladder Lauren brings a unique mix of fresh vision and deep personal investment in the company’s legacy Lauren’s rise through Fire-Dex has been both dynamic and personal. Joining the company in 2019 as a Metro Sales Manager, she quickly made her mark by earning the promotion to President in 2021.  Since that time, she has guided the company through transformative growth, the complexities of COVID, and major strides in innovation that include gear that caters to all body types—helping a new generation of female firefighters find their fit. As the daughter of Fire-Dex chairman and owner Bill Burke, Lauren brings a unique mix of fresh vision and deep personal investment in the company’s legacy. Steve’s footsteps “Fire-Dex is part of who I am,” Lauren said. “It’s humbling and exciting to step into the CEO role, especially following in Steve’s footsteps. We have an incredible team." "I care for our people more than anything, and I’m laser-focused on keeping our culture strong, our people supported and our mission front and center—delivering the best protective gear to the world’s bravest. We’re growing again, and I won’t stop until Fire-Dex is number one.” One Unified Vision Stepping into the President’s seat is John Karban who has been at the heart of the company’s efforts Stepping into the President’s seat is John Karban who has been at the heart of the company’s efforts for over 20 years, advancing from Plant Manager to tackling a wide scope of operational, engineering and logistics challenges as VP of Operations. Whether ramping up output, pioneering supply chain efforts or driving lean transformations, he has been a key player throughout. “I’ve worn a lot of hats here,” said John. “From running machines to running meetings, and all the tasks in between. What’s never changed is the heart of this company: our people and our purpose. I’m excited to take on the role of President and work alongside Lauren and our team to keep building on what makes Fire-Dex special. Protecting our culture is job one; pushing the company forward is job two.” Looking Ahead Fire-Dex’s succession plan reflects its deep bench of homegrown leadership and ongoing dedication to its people-first, customer-centric ethos. More than 500 associates, multiple facilities—and Fire-Dex isn’t slowing down. From AeroFlex® turnouts that are a breakthrough in breathability, to the first AI tool to size firefighters, to expanded Gear Wash clean and repair services, to new manufacturing capabilities, the mission stays clear: serving those who serve. “This is an exciting time,” Steve added. “We’re not slowing down. And I’m thrilled to support Lauren and John through this transition as they shape the future of Fire-Dex together.”

Fire-Dex, the nation’s fastest-growing manufacturer of PPE for first responders, and  Gear Wash, a subsidiary of Fire-Dex and the country’s largest Independent Service Provider (ISP) of PPE care and maintenance, have filled one position and promoted three associates over the last quarter. At Fire-Dex, Molly Moneypenny was hired as a Quality and Compliance Manager and Wyatt Eckroth was promoted to CAD Associate, while over on the Gear Wash side, Yunia Barbeira Rodriguez and Trevor Gordon were each promoted to Assistant Operations Supervisor. Multiple positions “Fire-Dex and Gear Wash continue a tradition of hiring excellence,” says Jamie Marks, Director of Human Resources, adding “We’re incredibly proud of our culture here, especially when we get to promote from within and recognize the great work our associates do every day.”  Fire-Dex and Gear Wash are currently hiring multiple positions across several locations, including remote opportunities.