Over 35 years in firefighting, fire investigation, and fire safety have shaped his expertise in origin and cause investigations involving structural fires, vehicle fires, explosions, chimney and woodstove venting systems, commercial kitchen fires, vegetation fires, pyrotechnics, and fire suppression systems. His investigative background includes more than 2,500 fire scenes involving appliance fires, electrical failures, smoke damage, ignition analysis, burn pattern interpretation, and explosion-related reconstruction. Since 2004, he has provided consultations, depositions, and courtroom testimony in more than 1,900 fire-related matters.

Serving as Principal Fire Investigator and owner of fire investigation and consulting firms, he has also worked as a firefighter, fire apparatus engineer, fire prevention coordinator, reserve deputy correctional officer, and licensed pyrotechnic operator. Earlier professional experience included ownership of a chimney inspection and solid fuel contracting business, where he completed more than 10,000 chimney inspections for insurance and real estate purposes and developed fire prevention education programs. His work additionally includes commercial kitchen fire investigations, vehicle fire analysis, wildfire investigations, and evaluation of gas and electric appliance failures.

Technical leadership and standards involvement remain a major component of his career. He serves on multiple NFPA technical committees related to chimneys, fireplaces, vents, solid fuel-burning appliances, fireworks display, and model rocketry, while also participating on ASTM committees involving fire standards and forensic science. His credentials include multiple Certified Fire Investigator designations, Master Certified Fire Investigator status, Certified Evidence Technician certification, fireplace and chimney inspection certifications, private investigator licensure, and California pyrotechnic operator licensure.