Maximum Fire Protection is a family-owned and operated full-service commercial sprinkler company in Milford, Ohio. In 2013, after nearly 30 years in the sprinkler business, Renee Hoderlein and her husband, Nick, teamed up to build their own company. Their mission was to provide superior, personalized service and value by working closely with customers from project design to completion.

Over the past decade, Renee and Nick have grown in many ways as leaders and business owners. According to their own testimony on their website, they’ve “learned through experience, consulted with mentors and other business owners, and persevered through long days and sleepless nights”. A key factor in their success has been implementing professional management, which has allowed them to assemble a great team and foster a company culture built on mutual respect and teamwork. We connected with Renee as she reflected on their journey over the last 11 years.

Learning the Ropes of Business Ownership

Despite Nick’s expertise in fire sprinkler systems, both Renee and Nick both felt unprepared for the challenges of running a business when they initially launched Maximum Fire Protection. “We didn’t really know how to run a business,” Renee recalled.

From the beginning, Renee and Nick knew they wanted a roadmap to success, not just a haphazard approach to running a business. A family friend recommended Aileron’s flagship program, Course for Presidents, which kickstarted their professional management journey.

Nick was the first to take the Course for Presidents. The positive impact was immediate, prompting the couple to continue their journey with Aileron. Over the years, both Renee and their son also participated in the Course for Presidents, along with other services focused on financial strategies, conscious leadership, and more.

“The mentorship and guidance through the course were so valuable from the beginning,” Renee said. The mentorship provided by Business Coaches played a crucial role in their development. They worked with several coaches over time, each of which brought unique insights that empowered Renee and Nick to learn from multiple perspectives and evolve the organization.

“”Working with a coach takes you out of the day-to-day grind and makes you really think about the bigger picture,” Renee shared.

The guidance and support they got in their coaching sessions addressed their most pressing needs at each stage of growth, from basic financial modeling concepts and job costing to more mature strategic planning and hiring decisions.

“Looking back, our questions and curiosities seem basic now,” Renee reflects. “But that’s what we were tackling at the time.”

Building a Strong Business — and a Strong Team to Run it

Renee shared a significant benefit of working with Aileron was the development of a strong team aligned to the company’s goals and values. By setting goals and making them visible, implementing repeatable processes, and empowering their team, Maximum Fire Protection cultivated a culture of responsibility and continuous improvement.

“Our long-term team members credit Aileron with shaping our business for success. One team member, a detail-oriented engineer, initially struggled with the broader strategic approach. However, he sees the value of professional management tools in achieving long-term goals, not just focusing on every detail. All team members especially enjoy participating in activities at the Aileron Campus, which offers a unique environment for learning. They really see the value in it.”

“Our long-term team members credit Aileron with shaping our business for success. One team member, a detail-oriented engineer, initially struggled with the broader strategic approach. However, he sees the value of professional management tools in achieving long-term goals, not just focusing on every detail. All team members especially enjoy participating in activities at the Aileron Campus, which offers a unique environment for learning. They really see the value in it.”

Renee’s experience with Aileron has transformed not only their business but also instilled a sense of confidence and control in her approach as a business owner and leader.

“Aileron gives you perspective, empowerment, and confidence.”

The skills and knowledge Renee and Nick gained through investing in both professional management and conscious leadership have enabled them to tackle challenges with resilience and foresight.

A Bright Future Ahead

“Before Aileron,” Renne reflected, “we were constantly caught up in the day-to-day. We were good at reacting to situations but lacked a clear roadmap for the future.” Aileron helped Renne and Nick shift their focus. “Now we understand the power of working on the business, not just in it.”

“Working on the business means taking a 10,000-foot view. It’s about stepping back from daily tasks to focus on the bigger picture. This includes understanding our company culture, how it feels for employees and customers, and how our processes work together to achieve long-term goals. It’s easy to get bogged down in details, but neglecting the big picture hinders growth. Aileron helped us prioritize strategic thinking, and that’s made all the difference.”

Today, Maximum Fire Protection stands as a testament to the power of professional management and continuous learning. With 23 employees and a clear vision for the future, the company is well positioned for sustained growth and success. Renee attributes much of their progress to the invaluable support and mentorship provided by Aileron.

“I continue working with Aileron because I see the value of it. I see the results. I see the impact that it’s had and it’s very real.” With a solid foundation, empowered team, and strategic mindset, Maximum Fire Protection is poised to continue thriving in the years to come.

“Aileron gave us the tools and confidence we needed to take our business to the next level,” sayid Renee. “If you’re a business owner looking to achieve sustainable growth, I highly recommend considering Aileron.”