J.M. Carden Sprinkler Company is the longest running privately owned fire sprinkler company in Los Angeles entering its 66th year of continuous operation.
San Fernando and Fletcher in 1936. The same intersection JM Carden calls home.
Beginning in 1953, J.M. Carden has grown to become one of the oldest most respected fire sprinkler companies in Southern California.
One of the many milestones in our history occurred in 1983 with the purchase of our current location, a 48,000 sq.ft. office/fabrication facility located on three-acres. Designed in 1932 by architect Ted R. Cooper, our facility is an excellent example of Art Deco industrial architecture and is located across from the recently restored historic Van de Kamp’s Holland Dutch Bakery.
With the passing of Michael J. Carden in 2016, JMC transitioned into an employee owned ESOP corporation.
Our Team
Ron Eastman – President
Ron Eastman is Director of Sales & Marketing and a Contract Sales / Senior Project Manager who provides client support for real estate development projects from inception through occupancy. This includes consulting, budget pricing, and proposals, along with quality project management until completion. Internally, he keeps projects on a profitable track by coordinating efforts between Sales, Accounting, Engineering, Fabrication and Installation.
Ron began his career with Gulf Fire Sprinkler Co. in San Antonio, Texas in 1981. While there he became proficient in Computer Aided Design and Drafting. Capitalizing on that experience, he joined Carden Co. as a CADD Operator in 1986. Over the next 10 years Ron spearheaded the engineering department’s transition to individual pc’s with AutoCAD software integrated with third party industry software.
In 1998, Ron became an Estimator / Jr. Project Manager and later promoted to Contract Sales / Senior Project Manager. Other than a 2-year stint as a freelance engineer in 1996, Ron has been a member of the Carden team for 33 years.
Ron attended San Antonio Junior College where he studied architecture and mechanical engineering and is the qualifier on the C16 – C34 Contractors License held by J.M. Carden..
Doug Whisman – General Manager
Doug Whisman brings 20 plus years of fire sprinkler experience to J.M. Carden as our new General Manager. He has been involved in many varied project types from thoroughbred horse barns to nuclear submarine bays to high rise buildings to million square foot distribution centers.
Doug is an Eagle Scout, was Captain of his college rugby team, refereed and played men’s rugby for many years, and is a father of triplets.
Doug has a degree in Fire Protection Engineering Technology from Eastern Kentucky University. Doug started at American Sprinkler in New Orleans as a sprinkler fitter in 2001 and spent 5 years as a fire sprinkler designer. He moved on to sell and manage sprinkler projects all across the southern United States. Doug started and operated Fireshield Sprinkler in Savannah, GA where he sold and managed Department of Defense and port projects. He is NICET IV certified in Water-based Systems Layout, NICET II Fire Alarms and NICET I Special Hazards. Doug moved to California in 2016 to manage the Brea, CA branch of Shambaugh & Son.
Curt Dowling – Vice President of Operations
Curt Dowling is the Operations Manager supporting efforts between the Sales, Accounting, Engineering, and Service departments, and between the Fabrication Shop and Installation groups.
Curt promotes systems and processes helping our employees and departments to perform more accurately and efficiently.
Curt has been in the Fire Protection Industry for 37 years. He has been the Operations Manager with J.M. Carden since 1998 and a family with multiple generations of fitters.
Curt has been in the Fire Protection Industry for 37 years. He has been the Operations Manager with J.M. Carden since 1998 and a family with multiple generations of fitters.
Curt is on the Fire Sprinkler Industry Promotion Board. He has held a Series 7 Securities License and was the qualifier for a C-16 Contractor’s License. Curt also holds a California Teaching Credential and taught Foremanship classes at the Los Angeles Sprinkler Fitter’s Union Apprentice School for 8 years.
Curt earned a Juris Doctor degree from Western States University College of Law in 1995.
Gary Blaskavitch – Project Manager
Gary P Blaskavitch is Contract Sales / Project Manager. Formerly was Chief Engineer, responsible for coordinating the engineering process from conception to project completion.
Gary has been in the sprinkler industry for 31 years with projects spanning several continents. Beginning his career in Canada, Gary designed several high-profile developments including the fire sprinkler system for BCE Place Toronto with renowned Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava along with Bregman + Hamann Architects.
Gary relocated to the US in 1998 to take a position with JM Carden Company as a sprinkler designer where he quickly moved through the ranks to lead designer. Gary ventured out to run his own engineering firm in 2007.
He rejoined Carden’s team in early 2017 as Chief Engineer of JM Carden Sprinkler Company. His current position is in Contract Sales. His numerous projects range from high hazard foam hangers, to million sq.ft. warehouses, along with multiple high-rise projects including the LA Live tower mega complex in downtown Los Angeles, The Source shopping plaza Buena Park, Movietowne Guyana, and Trincity Village Centre Mall – Trinidad and Tobago.
Gary strives to keep on top of developing technology and trade ideas. He co-authored the FireAcad Fire Sprinkler Design software. He was published several times in the Sprinkler Age & Fire Protection Contractor trade magazines.
Angel Vitela
Angel Vitela is one of the newest members of our sales team, he currently serves as an estimator and Jr. project manager. Started as a designer, moving on to estimating and currently working assisting the sales department. With a BS in architecture and knowledge in different drafting and hydraulic calculation programs, he has over 10 years’ experience in fire protection.
Kristen Maciel
Kristen Maciel is our newest Project Manager to join the Carden Team. Kristen came to us with 7 years’ experience of contract management of commercial construction and tenant improvements projects. Working with notable world renowned media companies consisting of standard and special hazards systems, insuring efficiency from permitting process through completion of project.
Bryan Lamb
Bryan Lamb has been with Carden for 15 years, 13 of those as the manager of the service / daywork department.
Bryan handles smaller sprinkler jobs, such as tenant improvements and repair work. Bryan also handles all of Carden’s service contract work – including all inspection, testing, and maintenance per NFPA 25 Ca of fire pumps and sprinkler systems. He supervises the service fleet, which consists of specialized trained foremen – who perform work all throughout Southern California. Bryan also works face to face with much of Carden’s clientele, directly working in sales for the company’s service workload.
Bryan attended The Citadel in Charleston, South Carolina and has a degree in Civil Engineering.
Priscilla Herrera – Purchasing Agent
Priscilla has been working for Carden Sprinkler for ten years. Born and raised in Los Angeles, only a few miles from Carden, she oftentimes found herself shopping or dining only a few hundred feet from where she would develop her career. Originally hired as the company’s courier, getting our fire protection plans approved from Ventura Co. Fire down to Riverside Co. Fire, she acquired knowledge that helped her growth within the company. From working diligently alongside our Accounting Manager to assisting the Sales Department, she grew into her new position as the company’s Purchasing Agent.
Darryl Glynn – Senior Engineer Manager
Darryl Glynn is the Design Manager and is responsible for coordinating the engineering process from conception to project completion.
Darryl provides support to project managers, designers and field crews. He balances the information from each department through the engineering process by implementing unique design methods, scheduling engineers, permitting projects, and production of fabrication reports.
Darryl began his career as a designer in the fire sprinkler industry over 33 years ago in Southern California with projects ranging from residential, hotels, correctional facilities, high-rise hospitals, million sq. ft. warehouses and as the lead designer of the multi-use Warriors Sports Arena, San Francisco.
Newly returned to J.M. Carden, Darryl has been with JM Carden a total of 11 years.
Allison White – Accounting Manager
Allison White has worked at J.M. Carden for 32 years. She began as Accounts Payable and was promoted from Asst. Accounting Manager to Accounting Manager in 2019.
As Accounting Manager she supervises Accounts Receivable, Accounts Payable & Payroll. She is responsible for all accounting functions and creates the in-house financial statements.
Thomas Donovan – Chairman of the Board
Thomas Donovan is a seasoned CPA with over 40 years of experience in the field. He joined Carden Sprinkler as an outside accountant, actively involved in the company’s financial activities. Following the passing of Michael Carden in 2016, he assumed the roles of Chairman of the Board and President. Thomas holds a Bachelor of Science Degree from Loyola Marymount University, graduating cum laude. He began his career at Simonis Moreland Accountants, Inc. and eventually became a principal in the firm, now known as The Donovan Company. As a Certified Public Accountant in California, he is a member of the California Society of Certified Public Accountants and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. Thomas continues to contribute his expertise to Carden Sprinkler on a part-time basis.
Brian Pulliam
Brian Pulliam has worked in the fire sprinkler industry for 44 years. 36 of those years have been with J.M. Carden. Brian was promoted from Field Foreman to Field Superintendent in 2001.
As Field Superintendent, his job is to hire, train, schedule and supervise the field personnel responsible for installing fire sprinkler systems. Brian works with the sales department to provide labor factors for the more difficult jobs. He also assists the Engineering Department in their approach to mechanically challenging installations.
Brian is the qualifier on the C-16 and C-34 Contractors License held by J.M. Carden. Brian attended Fullerton College where he majored in architectural illustration.
Mark Berru
Mark Berru is the Chief Financial Officer responsible for the company’s accounting, administrative and information technology functions. Mark has served in various staff and management accounting positions for 35 years in the real estate development and construction industry. Mark has been with Carden for 20 years serving originally as its Accounting Manager to his current position of CFO. Mark has utilized his extensive industry experience ensure the company’s focus on planning, cost control and success.
Mark holds a Bachelors of Arts degree in Economics from the University of California Los Angeles.
Richard Wallace
Hired by our founder, Jim Carden, and joined J.M. Carden Sprinkler Co., Inc. in 1964. Dick is our most senior employee. With the passing of Michael Carden in 2016, Dick came back to the company on a part time basis to help with the transition to an Employee owned company.
Dick joined our company as a young engineer more than five decades ago. He quickly progressed through the ranks and earned a Professional Engineer (PE) designation.
Dick became Vice President in 1970. Over the years he has managed most of the company’s departments. This includes the field, engineering, and sales departments.
While Dicks role has greatly reduced, he is an important part of Carden Sprinkler
Morris Wright – Shop Manager
Morris Wright is a highly skilled and dedicated professional builder and fabricator that has traveled the world with a passion for his craft. With more than three decades of experience in the industry, he has built a successful career marked by his exceptional work ethic, attention to detail, and collaborative approach.
Throughout his career, Morris has demonstrated his expertise in project management, welding, fabrication, and carpentry. His commitment to delivering high-quality work and his ability to work seamlessly with others have earned him a reputation as a valuable asset in the field.
Morris’s career highlights include working as a Shop Manager, Project Manager, Welder, and Fabricator at Project Creations in Santa Clarita, CA. In this role, he has managed custom fabrication and welding projects, overseeing notable projects such as Javier’s Cantina, the Manifold Microsoft Convention Campaign, and the Universal Simpsons Christmas project. His strong project management skills, combined with his technical proficiency in welding and fabrication, have been instrumental in delivering successful outcomes.
Prior to his role at Project Creations, Morris honed his skills as a Set Builder at Tribal Scenery in Burbank, CA. Here, as Metal Shop Manager he specialized in creating custom film and stage sets and props for various shows, including Toyota’s AD Campaign, Infinite’s AD Campaign, and The Biggest Loser. His expertise in set construction, rigging, welding, fabrication, and operating heavy equipment contributed to the creation of visually stunning and immersive sets.
Morris has also made significant contributions as a Welder and Fabricator at Acme Made in America, where he worked on custom props and exhibits for notable shows such as the Red Bull Campaign Ad, Nintendo Christmas Mall exhibits, and Simpsons Christmas at Universal. His proficiency in welding, carpentry, and electrical work, coupled with his attention to detail, ensured the successful execution of these projects.
Additionally, Morris’s experience as a Set Builder and On-Set Props specialist at CZ Design allowed him to showcase his skills in carpentry, scenic painting, prop wrangling, and set dressing. His contributions were crucial in bringing shows like Penn & Teller at the Rio, Purina Dog Food’s AD Campaign, and Good Nites’ AD Campaign to life.
Earlier in his career, Morris served as an R&D Technician and Fabricator at Wet Design, where he played a key role in the successful installation of renowned projects such as The Fountains of the Dubai, The Mirage Volcano, and The Waters of Americana at Brand. His expertise in project management, welding, fabrication, and proficiency in carpentry, plumbing, and electrical work were vital to the completion of these large-scale installations.
Morris’s dedication to his craft extends beyond his professional achievements. He continuously seeks to enhance his skills and knowledge, having pursued education at the Art Institute of Los Angeles and undertaken training in agile management and flawless execution.
With his impressive career trajectory and a proven track record of delivering exceptional results, Morris Wright continues to make his mark as a respected professional in the building and fabrication industry.
We are currently active in the southern half of the state with open contracts ranging from industrial buildings to high rise structures and large commercial/institutional facilities.
