Based in Troy, Michigan, FireCatt uses patented technology to provide precision service testing for fire hose, ground ladders, nozzles, and appliances, helping keep fire departments, agencies and industrial companies safe from injury and liability.
Formed nearly a decade ago, FireCatt was created to ensure the best available technology was employed to create the most accurate and safest process for hose testing. During the prototype validation of the Mobile Test Lab, Zachary Savas was asked by the lead engineer to manually release 400 pounds of pressure trapped in a fire hose through a manual valve. “I realized the new Mobile Test Lab still wasn’t safe enough,” said Savas. “So we looked at other methods and came up with the idea for a remote, automated pressure release system.”
Savas teamed up with leading hose manufacturer Snap-Tite to develop this breakthrough technology. A Snap-Tite board member at the time, Savas also solicited the expertise of engineers, firefighters and industry experts. The end result is FireCatt’s patented state of the art technology, which has revolutionized fire equipment testing and is now considered the gold standard in the industry.
Today, while others are still using stopwatches, needle gauges and hand-stenciling numbers on hoses, trained FireCatt technicians are in Mobile Test Labs using the only computerized, automated and objective hose testing technology in the nation, along with a unique barcoding system to track and document performance.
Many of FireCatt’s greatest achievements and advancements have been built upon firsthand experiences and a need to do more for the firefighters that selflessly serve and protect our communities, added FireCatt co-owner Marc Radecky. “We saw others manually turning dials and estimating their data and thought testing should be more accurate,” said Radecky. “We decided the best technology wasn’t available to the fire service, so we created it ourselves.”
Proven, patented and fire chief approved, FireCatt is now a technology leader and precision authority in fire equipment testing.
Marc Radecky is president and co-owner of FireCatt. An initiative-taker, business owner and man dedicated to quality and customer service for his entire career, Radecky was vice president of a tier two automotive supplier (1987-2004), growing the company twenty times during his 17 years. In 2004, he founded his own tier two automotive company, focused on short run painting and assembly. In 2008, Radecky joined the FireCatt team and quickly took on a sales leadership role, increasing FireCatt’s client base in Michigan and other markets. In 2010, Radecky became president and co-owner of FireCatt. Enthusiastic about providing exceptional customer service and protecting our first responders, Radecky believes every process can be improved through technology, employees deserve growth opportunities, and the highest quality is a requirement, never an option.
Radecky graduated from Michigan State University with a degree in communications and marketing. Radecky is also an enthusiastic father who played an active role in coaching his children in baseball, soccer, mountain bike racing and alpine ski racing and now continues to coach and encourage them in life. His favorite past time is alpine skiing with family and friends. Through his church, he has been on missions to Nepal and enjoys serving others especially those less fortunate in Detroit. Radecky is also an active participant in two local charities: www.fbfkdetroit.org and www.ourdaughtersinternational.org
Zachary Savas is founder and co-owner of FireCatt. A financial expert, entrepreneur and patent creator, Savas began his career in 1985 with Citicorp Mergers and Acquisitions. Since that time, he has been fortunate to have a diverse experience in a number of industries from manufacturing to information technology to financial services. He has served as a member of the board of directors for hose manufacturing leader Snap-Tite (2002-2010), Tecumseh Products Company (2009-2014) and was part owner and president of Andover Industries (1996-2000), a tier 1 manufacturer to the automotive industry.
Today, Savas also owns and operates Cranbrook Partners & Co. and creates value for employees, customers and all stakeholders through the active ownership of private business.
Someone who has long respected firefighters and what they do for our communities, Savas is the driving force behind FireCatt’s patented testing technology and continued growth as a leading authority in precision fire equipment testing.
Savas graduated with honors from the University of Michigan, School of Business Administration (B.B.A.). He is a member of the YPO, sits on the board of St. George Greek Orthodox Church and co-chaired the Capital Campaign for The Roeper School. He is married with three children.