Jim Kidd retires after dedicating 48 years to our industry
Jim Kidd is smiling and he is content.
Retirement is in sight at the end of this year, but he continues to work as hard now as he did on his first project. Jim is smiling and content because he is one of those rare professionals who loves his work and is passionate about his industry.
In a recent phone interview, Jim said “I just cannot cruise into retirement. There are a few new projects starting up and a few older ones that I want to see to completion.”
Looking back over his career, Jim says there was never a time when he did not enjoy his work. “I truly love the industry and it has treated me well. It is never boring because I have had the opportunity to work on so many unique and varied projects.”
Those projects are all so diverse. They include the special agent protection systems ranging from the newspaper presses at the Boston Globe … to the entire Pusey rare books library at Harvard University.
The beginnings of a career
Jim Kidd has a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from Northeaster University. He is also one of the first in the country to achieve a National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technology (NICET) Level lV, Senior Engineering Technician (SET), in Fire Protection Engineering Technology, Special Hazards Systems Layout.
Throughout his career Jim has worked on projects where Hiller’s specialties apply but his first four years were spent as a systems designer and field technical representative for the FYR-FYTER CO. (Norris Industries). The following 29 years he served as Executive Vice President and Chief Systems Engineer for a Massachusetts-based fire systems reseller.
Jim has now worked in the Special Hazards, HPR, and Fire Protection business for a total of 48 years. 14 years ago, Jim partnered up with The Hiller Companies to open up the New England office, where he is vice president.
The Hiller Companies, who has existed for more than 90 years, are specialists in the special hazards, HPR fire protection business. They are a nationally known company with 8 offices throughout the US.
Jim says that this field is a very interesting and exciting specialized industry, which offers an abundance of opportunities for new engineering graduates. Jim feels this has certainly been a very productive and gratifying career for himself and is grateful for the myriad of opportunities it has presented him over the years.
Committees
The work Jim did in the industry exposed him to several different industry committees and associations. Jim is a 25-year member of the NFPA 12 Technical Committee on Carbon Dioxide Systems, and he was appointed to the NFPA 2001 Committee on Clean Agents in 2005.
“I will continue to represent The Hiller Companies on with the NFPA Committee work. I feel it is important to have a voice in the creation of the industries’ codes and standards,” he says.
Jim is also a founding director and was a 25 year member of the Technical Committee of the Fire Suppression Systems Association (FSSA). He is also a member of the Society of Fire Protection Engineers (SFPE), National Association of Fire Equipment Distributors (NAFED) and the New England Chapter of Fire Protection Systems Designers Association.
The Future
Jim’s experience will continue to be shared with his valued and competent colleagues at The Hiller Companies. Jim hopes to continue to offer training and be available for special projects.
“I am leaving Hiller New England with the utmost confidence that all my colleagues will continue to provide professional, expert fire protection services to our customers.”
What I’ll miss the most, though, are the wonderful colleagues and friends I’ve made throughout my years in the business. I especially will miss the incredible group of people I’ve worked with at Hiller New England, some of them for more than 35 years. The many friends, too, at The Hiller Companies have been so supportive and encouraging and I’ve very much enjoyed their friendship and camaraderie throughout the years.
I’ll also miss the many friends I’ve made because of my involvement on the many committees I’ve had the privilege of serving.
What about retirement? I am excited about pursing my favorite hobby, photography, as well as spending more time with my seven grandchildren. I hope to enjoy some traveling with my wife, Nancy, also. In addition, a new puppy is definitely in our plan!!