06/09/2026
Long Post, But Worth It. For the last couple of days, Wyatt, 6, and Mason, 5, have both wanted to spend their time riding along with me, learning about the business, and being involved in whatever they could. They wanted to climb into the service truck, go from stop to stop, help carry things, ask questions, and just be where Dad was.
And if I’m being honest, I don’t know if they realize what a gift that is.
There will come a day when they won’t be 6 and 5 anymore.
There will come a day when they won’t be fighting over who gets to sit closest to me in the truck. A day when they won’t be holding my hand walking into a customer’s building. A day when they won’t think riding around with Dad is the greatest adventure in the world.
That’s what hits me the hardest.
As parents, we spend so much time wishing for the next stage that sometimes we forget we’re living in the moments we’ll miss the most.
Over the last few days, I’ve watched Wyatt’s determination and curiosity. I’ve watched Mason’s excitement and endless questions. I’ve watched them both try to help in ways that probably slowed me down more than they helped, but I wouldn’t have changed a thing.
Because what I saw wasn’t just two little boys.
I saw my whole world.
I saw the reason I get up every morning.
I saw the reason I keep pushing through the long days, the stress, the uncertainty, and the sacrifices that come with owning a business.
Everything I do is for them.
Every mile on the service truck.
Every late night.
Every early morning.
Every risk.
Every sacrifice.
It’s all for Wyatt and Mason.
The truth is, they are growing up way too fast. It feels like yesterday I was holding them as babies, and now they’re asking questions about work orders, fire extinguishers, customers, and how the business works.
And while I was teaching them these last few days, they were teaching me something too.
They reminded me to slow down.
To enjoy the little moments.
To laugh more.
To appreciate the journey.
To remember why all of this matters.
I thought a lot about my dad these last few days.
I thought about the time we spent together. The lessons he taught me. The things I didn’t fully understand until years later. I thought about how much I wish he could have seen Wyatt and Mason riding around in the truck, asking questions, wanting to learn.
I know he would’ve loved every second of it.
Sometimes I catch little glimpses of the future and it takes my breath away. Watching those boys walk through the shop, seeing their excitement, hearing them talk about helping Dad someday—it makes me realize that this business has never really been about fire extinguishers.
It’s about family.
It’s about legacy.
It’s about creating something worth passing on.
Whether they decide to carry on Irwin Fire Equipment one day or choose a completely different path, I don’t care.
What I care about is that they know they are loved.
That they know their dad would do absolutely anything for them.
That they grow up understanding the value of hard work, honesty, kindness, and keeping your word.
The last few days weren’t about business.
They weren’t about inspections.
They weren’t about work orders.
They were about a dad making memories with his boys.
And one day, when they’re grown men with families of their own, I hope they remember these rides in the service truck the same way I remember riding with my dad.
Because the business can be replaced.
The money can be earned again.
The work will always be there tomorrow.
But these moments with Wyatt and Mason?
Those are the things I’ll treasure forever. ❤️🔥 Here’s Just a few pictures of them out in the field!
