Two hours on I-65, two thriving regions with strong construction momentum – and now one trusted partner for fire protection solutions. Ryan Fireprotection has acquired Kentuckiana Sprinkler, teaming up to offer commercial contractors, building owners and developers in Central Indiana and Louisville a full-service partner as the summer construction season heats up.
The merger of the two family-owned businesses, Ryan and Kentuckiana Sprinkler will offer a trusted, “one stop shop” for the design, fabrication, installation and service of fire protection systems for commercial and industrial buildings in Indiana, Kentucky and beyond.
“We see a great match between our two companies,” said Ryan Fireprotection President Dan Ryan. “By joining forces with Kentuckiana, we can offer prompt, personal attention to customers in Central Indiana, Louisville, across the river into southern Indiana, offering design and fabrication of total systems – alarms and detectors, extinguishers, hydrants and more – to businesses that already depend on Kentuckiana for sprinklers.”
Current Kentuckiana owner Richard Barber started the company in 1971 and has been eyeing a succession plan after 45 years of installing and maintaining high quality fire sprinkler systems. Barber added that the acquisition by Ryan Fireprotection gave him ‘peace of mind’ about the future of the company he built and its employees.
“Ryan is a family company and does business like one,” Barber noted. “But they also bring more resources and capabilities to the table, so Kentuckiana will grow into a ‘one stop shop’ for local customers. I’m looking forward to retirement, but I’m also excited to watch this business grow.”
With the acquisition and Barber’s retirement, the rest of the Kentuckiana team will remain intact – customers will continue to work with the same inspection and service technicians that meet their needs currently. To lead the Louisville operation, Ryan Executive Vice President Kevin Ryan is moving to Louisville and will manage the office with the support of newly-hired Sales & Operations Manager Mike Bogard. Bogard joins Ryan Fireprotection with more than 20 years of experience in fire protection in the Greater Louisville area.
“I’m excited to come to Louisville, and bring Mike on board to join the Kentuckiana team as we start a new chapter in our business,” said Kevin Ryan. “We’re looking to grow in Indianapolis, Louisville, and across the Midwest; for customers here in Louisville it means continuity – the great service they’re used to – with the added convenience of a partner with expanded services, expertise and resources.”
Ryan noted that the familiar Kentuckiana name will continue to be used for the near future, reiterating his commitment to Louisville employees and desire to be engaged in the community.
“We believe in working closely with professional organizations, helping our employees grow professionally, and also giving back to the communities we serve,” he finished. “In Indianapolis, we support civic events like IrishFest, local food pantries and other charities, and are proud to help area fire departments with training programs – we’ll be looking for ways to build on Kentuckiana’s heritage here and get even more involved.”