At iCO®, we take immense pride in the people who drive our success. Our dedicated team works tirelessly to develop cutting-edge fire suppression solutions that protect lives and property. Their expertise, passion, and commitment to excellence enable us to push the boundaries of fire safety technology, ensuring our customers receive the most reliable and efficient fire protection available.
This year, we celebrate a significant milestone: Vlad’s five-year anniversary with the company. From joining as an Assembly Technician to becoming our Production Operations Manager, Vlad’s journey is a testament to hard work, growth, and passion.
When Vlad first joined iCO®, it was a step into the unknown. Coming from a completely different background, he was looking for a fresh challenge.
iCO® presented an exciting opportunity — one he couldn’t pass up. His first role was in nozzle assembly, and he was immediately struck by the people, the potential, and the opportunities for improvement. “Great people, massive potential, and a lot of room to improve operations-wise,” he recalls. Within just three days, he knew – this was the place for him. Determined to make an impact, he quickly immersed himself in the processes, seeking ways to refine and enhance efficiency.
Over the past five years, Vlad’s career has evolved significantly. From an assembly technician, he advanced to warehouse supervisor before stepping into his current role as Production Operations Manager. Along the way, he has honed a range of critical skills: problem-solving, leadership, strategic planning, and the ability to manage complex projects across departments.
His journey has been shaped by encouragement from the iCO® leadership team. “I’m grateful that the board of directors encouraged me and allowed me to apply my understanding of managing operations,” he shares. He also extends a special thanks to Adrian, his first assembly teammate, for the skills and camaraderie they shared in those early days.
Every journey comes with challenges, and for Vlad, one of the biggest was achieving ISO 9001 certification.
“Definitely the most significant challenge,” he states. But overcoming obstacles is what drives him, and he takes pride in establishing a solid foundation in the production department, particularly through the implementation of the Acceptable Quality Level (AQL) criteria. This system has enhanced quality control and traceability within operations – a major step forward for iCO®. Through continuous trust, training, and an inspiring work environment, iCO® has provided Vlad with the support to overcome challenges and grow professionally.
At the heart of iCO® is a strong, motivated team, and Vlad thrives in this environment. “The company is on the right track,” he says, “driven by so many inspiring people. In the midterm, iCO® will be synonymous with quality, professionalism, and innovation.”
For Vlad, teamwork is everything. He enjoys the willingness of his colleagues to get things right and stay committed to daily operations. His leadership philosophy is simple yet powerful: “Don’t say NO before you try. Stay positive and professional. Don’t say ‘I don’t care.’ And if you say you’re good, prove it.”
Looking back, one of Vlad’s most memorable moments was being asked to step up as warehouse supervisor. “It was the beginning of a new era,” he reflects, a challenging yet defining moment in his career.
Describing his journey in three words – challenge, creativity, and satisfaction – Vlad brings a unique perspective to leadership, one rooted in his lifelong dedication to sports. With 28 years as a competitor, coach, team manager, and mentor, he credits his sports background for shaping his success as a manager.
As he looks ahead, Vlad is determined to continue growing. His goals include becoming an expert in his field, earning certification as an auditor, and establishing an internal iCO® staff academy to foster the next generation of talent.
On a broader scale, he sees the fire suppression industry evolving with more efficient, precise, and environmentally friendly solutions. His advice to newcomers at iCO®? “This isn’t just a Monday-Friday job – it’s an opportunity to learn new skills, develop a career, and discover your strengths and weaknesses. Face them head-on, and grow with confidence.”
iCO Products
Park House
10 Park Street
Bristol
BS1 5HX
