This 2013 Braun Chief XL Type I ambulance is built on a 2014 International TerraStar chassis.
Author: Braun Ambulances
Ambulances Remounted for Central EMS
Central EMS in Fayetteville AR recently received two Express modules remounted onto 2014 Chevy G-3500 chassis. The remount process included these upgrades:
- Remounted module on a Chevy G-3500 Chassis (Original chassis – Ford E-350)
- Installed an additional cabinet with 110v and 12v outlets for refrigerator storage
- Removed front and rear light bars, installed top mount front condenser on module front wall
- Upgraded all Warning, Scene, Brake/Tail/Turns/Backup lights to Whelen M-Series LED
- Upgraded Interior Lighting to LED
- Installed USB Charging Ports
- Custom Graphics Package to match fleet
New Braun Ambulance Dealer for Missouri and Kansas
Braun Industries is excited to announce that we have a new ambulance dealer serving Missouri and Kansas. Pinnacle Emergency Vehicles is a startup dealership owned by Justin Jarvis and his wife, Lisa Jarvis. We are thrilled to have them in our dealer network, and as part of the Braun family we’re looking forward to watching them grow and expand as a business.
While Pinnacle Emergency Vehicles is a new company established this year, owner Justin Jarvis has a long history working in the industry. For over 14 years, he worked in emergency vehicles sales with another company before going into business for himself. More importantly, he has over 22 years of experience as a firefighter, EMT, and Paramedic. He is currently a Missouri licensed paramedic.
As a Paramedic, Justin has always had a strong interest in emergency vehicles and transitioning his career to the sales side of the industry was a natural fit. An incredible asset to his customers, Justin is able to articulate what is needed from the manufacturer and customer side of purchasing to make the most of a new ambulance budget.
Partnering with Braun Industries will allow Justin to offer his customers the premier ambulance lineup in the industry. “During our initial factory visit, everyone from the office staff to the production workers were very welcoming and enthusiastic,” says Justin. “It was very evident that the team members at Braun have a great deal of pride in their product and understand the importance of what they are building. The SolidBody Construction of the module and the completely welded aluminum interior cabinets are very impressive features of a Braun ambulance. I believe the structural integrity of the entire package is unmatched. We are looking forward to working with a company that is focused on one brand and dedicates their resources to continuous product improvement.”
Out of the seven ambulance models we design and build, Justin believes most departments in his region will be drawn to the Braun Chief XL. Available in both a Type I and Type III configuration, the well-equipped model offers more exterior and interior storage capacity than comparable models from other brands. Departments can contact Justin at (417) 540-0600 or justin@pinnacle-ev.com to set up a time to discuss the model in person or check out a demo unit.
“When forming Pinnacle Emergency Vehicles, we had many choices in which brands of emergency vehicles to represent. Our goal was to partner with a premium brand and company that most closely aligned with our own business principles. During our evaluations of various companies, Braun not only met, but far exceeded our expectations. It was a logical choice for us to partner with Braun and we are very excited to represent the entire Braun product line in the states of Missouri and Kansas,” says owner, Justin Jarvis.
Chad Brown, Vice President of Sales & Marketing for Braun Industries has the following to say about the new partnership with Pinnacle. “We are extremely excited to have Pinnacle Emergency Vehicles join our family of best in class dealerships! Justin has years of experience in this industry and his dealership will provide the world class sales and service that our customers have become accustomed to.”
For more on Pinnacle Emergency Vehicles, visit their website at www.Pinnacle-EV.com or follow them on Facebook. You can also visit them at the following tradeshows throughout the year:
- Missouri Winter Fire School – February
- Missouri EMS Association Spring Break Conference – April
- Kansas EMT Association – April
- Missouri EMS Conference & Expo – July
- Kansas EMS Association Conference – August
On behalf of everyone at Braun Industries, welcome to the Braun family Pinnacle Emergency Vehicles. We are looking forward to great things from your dealership!
Kodiak Emergency Vehicles on Being a Braun Ambulance Dealer
Braun Industries is a family-owned and operated ambulance manufacturer focused on building quality products, and long-lasting relationships. Our dealer network is an integral part of our success and we do our best to support them. They are an extension of the Braun family, and it is important to us to help them achieve their business goals and serve their customers to the best of our ability.
Representing Braun since July 2013, Kodiak Emergency Vehicles is one of our newer ambulance dealers. Located in Lansing, Michigan – just 2 hours away – their close proximity to our plant has made them an ideal partner. We have an open door policy, and this is something that Kodiak and their customers take advantage of often, getting a behind-the-scenes look at our products and internal processes. “I try to get every potential customer to the Braun facility to see the product, as well as how the company itself functions,” says Kodiak’s Vice President of Sales and Operations, Ahren Taszreak. “When a customer has this experience, it always closes the deal.” This has also allowed Ahren to gain market-share in his territory and a competitive advantage. Knowing that the ambulances are manufactured here in the US, in a mid-west state, has also proved important to Kodiak’s customers.
Like Braun Industries, Kodiak Emergency Vehicles is family-owned and operated. Our commitment to our heritage and dedication from our 3rd generation of leadership was another key reason Ahren decided to carry Braun ambulance models. “When other manufacturers are becoming more and more ‘corporate’ and treating the customer like a number, Braun brings the customer into the family,” says Ahren. “This is very important to us, not only because we are family-owned and like dealing with a company that has very high standards and a history, but also because the Fire & EMS industry is very family ‘centric.’ A trip to Van Wert highlights how committed Braun is to their legacy, with no signs to sell in the future, and allows one to see the tenure of the employees manufacturing the units.”
When asked how a partnership with Braun Industries has impacted his business, Ahren answered with the following. “At Braun, they are not just focused on numbers. They look at long-term growth and the profitability of our company. They help to develop plans to grow our business, as well as the market-share for both Braun and our dealership. They understand that we are an extension of them, and do all they can to help develop dealerships to represent them.” Ahren has had the opportunity to spend time in the field demonstrating our products with all levels of management, and conduct one-on-one meetings with the VP of Sales & Marketing.
The ability to completely customize a Braun ambulance is another important factor for Kodiak. We have worked with the dealership to deliver completely customized design prints to their customers. In addition, beneath our features and innovations is the best built module in the industry. “It is wonderful to have an ambulance manufacturer that understands that Fire and EMS departments have the need to customize their ambulance to fit specific equipment, and to also have a layout that is close to their other vehicles. With Braun understanding the need for customization, building the safest module in the industry, their location in Ohio, and Braun being a third generation family-owned company, it is a perfect match for Kodiak Emergency Vehicles,” says Ahren.
Just as pleased as Kodiak Emergency Vehicles is to be working with Braun, we are honored to have them as a partner as well! “Our partnership with Kodiak Emergency Vehicles has been tremendous thus far. Ahren and his team have gone out and uncovered business in the Michigan territory, providing a positive representation of our brand that we could not be more proud of. The entire Kodiak family has a passion for this business that is second to none. We have enjoyed working with them and look forward to continue to work with them to grow our mutual market share in the Michigan territory,” says Chad Brown, Braun Industries VP of Sales & Marketing.
Braun & Kodiak Deliver Two Emergency Vehicles to Allied EMS
As a custom ambulance manufacturer, we truly enjoy working with our customers to design emergency vehicles specific to their needs and budget. Always focused on quality, safety, and innovation, we were especially excited about the recent opportunity to work with Allied EMS Systems, Inc. and our Michigan dealer, Kodiak Emergency Vehicles. With safety at the top of their list, we worked closely with representatives from Allied EMS and Kodiak to design a vehicle that would keep occupants seated and belted while inside working, as well as offer enhanced visibility and functionality on the outside.
Identical in design, we delivered two Braun Chief XL ambulance models mounted on a GMC 4500 chassis. Inside the unit, there are 3 “captain’s chairs” with 4-point harnesses, and drawers, cabinets, and electrical control panel located within reach for easy access while seated. There is also a Stryker PowerLoad System, Multispec painted walls, angled and ceiling mounted LEDS for shadowless lighting, and brackets to hold down equipment.
The exterior of the ambulance features an 02 compartment sized just to fit the 02 bottle, a transverse compartment for backboards with access from either side – away from traffic, a sliding door to allow the crew easy access when parked on the shoulder or tight areas, and a roll-up door to access the ALS compartment from standing outside of the vehicle. There is also a reflective graphics package to catch the eye both day and night, making it highly visible on scene and providing peace of mind for the first responders that work out of it.
Michael Wolf, Operators Area Manager for Allied EMS Systems, Inc. had the opportunity to work with our staff and Kodiak Emergency Vehicles to translate the organization’s specifications into a reality. With 21 years of Emergency Management Services experience, here’s what he had to say about the process of designing and building their newest units with Braun:
The experience was exactly what I expected it to be, perfect. We had our initial meeting with Braun and Kodiak, explained what we wanted to accomplish in regards to safety for our crew and patient, and the team went to work. Ahren Taszreak [Owner of Kodak Emergency Vehicles] worked with the Braun engineers to translate all of our needs, and once we received the prints for the vehicles, it was not long until we had them dialed into exactly what we were looking for. It is great to work with an ambulance manufacturer that will design a vehicle to meet our needs – instead of a manufacture telling us what they think we need.
Braun Industries extends a sincere “Thank You” to Allied EMS Systems, Inc. for their business, as well as Kodiak Emergency Vehicles for their exceptional partnership.
Durable Emergency Vehicle Flooring Materials
Here at Braun Industries, the engineering and production team take great care in selecting each and every material that goes into our units. For example, each model is fitted with Thermo-Lite Board from Space Age Synthetics to be used as the composite sub flooring.
View our video on this flooring material and our production process:
Thermo-Lite Board is made with cross-linked polymer foam and fiberglass, offering high specific strength and toughness. During production, the sub-flooring is hand cut to ensure a precise fit and full coverage of the entire module floor. This unique product offers two main benefits:
- It is lighter than wood, enhancing the available payload;
- It does not absorb moisture, reducing bacteria growth.
Providing a durable sub structure also means extended service life for your vehicle. In addition, if you ever decide to remount a Braun unit, no replacement of the floor is needed, which offers additional cost savings.
To learn more about the Space Age flooring found in Braun ambulance models, contact us today at (866) 511-3745. Or, leave us a comment!
Braun Emergency Vehicles at FRI 2014
Next month, Braun representatives will be heading to The Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas, Texas for Fire-Rescue International 2014. Hosted by the International Association of Fire Chiefs, the event will take place August 13-16, 2014. Exhibits will be open August 15-16, 2014; Friday hours are 10:00 am to 5:00 pm and Saturday hours are 9:00 am to 2:00 pm. We will be located in booth #3806.
As an exhibitor, we are very excited about the upcoming show. Not only will we have some awesome units on display and a great group of representatives there, we will also be debuting our latest innovation – a “top secret” feature being revealed first to show attendees.
Booth visitors will have to look hard to find this new innovation on our Braun Chief XL Demo Unit #6400. The 2014, Type III ambulance is mounted on a Chevy G-4500 chassis. The unit includes the E-Z 02 Lift and backboard storage in the right rear compartment, extended CPR seat with slide out drawers, and custom accommodations for stair chair storage. There is also 02 bottle storage in the stepwell, a clean sweep aluminum interior, Pro-Air Heat/AC system, and MasterTech IV Electrical System. The exterior includes a custom graphics package designed by our interior Graphics Engineer, as well as a Whelen LED warning light package.
On behalf of Braun Industries, Chad Brown, Eric Wilcox, Jim Ham, and Jerry Jones will be in attendance. Chad, Braun Vice President of Sales & Marketing, has the following to say about FRI 2014: “We are excited to be a Ruby sponsor again this year at the FRI/IAFC show in Dallas. We are looking forward to seeing our existing customers and meeting with potential new customers. We are launching a top secret innovation at the show, and are excited about the customer interactions and feedback we will receive on it!” In addition to Braun direct representatives, our following dealer reps will be attendance as well: Tim Hutchens and Travis George from Lone Star Emergency Vehicles, Kelly Baumgartle and Doug Glick from Glick Fire Equipment, and Jeff Kuntz and Brian Lee from Emergency Equipment Professionals.
Aside from the excitement taking place in our booth #3806, the expo itself has lots to look forward to! Highlights include the Firefighter Throw Down, 9/11 Stair Climb, FRI Street Party, and much more. For all the latest updates and show information, be sure to follow the International Association of Fire Chiefs on Facebook. If you are planning to attend, make sure you have booth #3806 on the top of your list! We’d love to see you in person.
Drawers for Ambulance Equipment Storage
Drawers: This layout includes custom drawer sizes and a slide out laptop work station. Custom storage options are available to match the customer’s specific needs.
- All Aluminum Construction with Heavy Duty Slides
- Locking Southco Flush Pull Latch
- Slide-out laptop work station with gas shock to hold in the open position
- Custom Solid Surface Acrylic Countertops top the cabinet area
2014 Braun Family Coloring Contest Winners Announced
Under our third generation of Braun family leadership, Braun Industries believes in aligning family values with core business values. Our commitment to our employees, our customers, and the Braun heritage echo throughout everything we do. Growing up in the business helped make Kim Braun, President, and Scott Braun, Executive Vice President, the successful leaders they are today, and they are now nurturing the fourth generation to come on board.
To celebrate our commitment to family, we sponsored our first Braun Family Coloring Contest from April 1, 2014 through May 16, 2014. Entry forms were given out at FDIC 2014, along with a kids’ coloring pack. Coloring pages were also available for download on our website.
We received some great submissions, and were excited to engage our staff in helping select the winners. Today, in honor of National EMS for Children Day, we are pleased to announce the winners. Each child will receive a $50 Toys ‘R Us gift card for their hard work.
Congratulations…
Ella Kodicek
Category: Age 3-5
Rachel Rolfsen
Category: Age 6-8
Claire Haberli
Category: Age 9-12
As any parent knows, every child is a winner, and we wish we could have given prizes to them all. We also appreciate all of the awesome parents that helped their children enter!
2014 Annual Service Technician Training Course Dates Announced
Anyone wishing to attend the 2014 Annual Service Technician Training Course should save the following dates. The course will be held October 21 – 23, 2014 in Van Wert, Ohio. The Service Department is anticipating the event will be held in the new Braun Industries Service Building, with confirmation and exact location details to be released prior to the class.
As with years past, the course is free and will include breakfast and lunch each day. A detailed course schedule and list of presenters will be announced closer to the training. However, attendees can expect a good mix of classroom sessions and hands on training. The course will also include electrical troubleshooting and a plant tour. Knowledgeable vendor representatives will be joining us to help conduct training sessions on their specific products. Classes will begin each day at 8:00 am EST, and go to approximately 4:00 pm.
Accommodations in Van Wert include the Holiday Inn Express and the Comfort Inn. Discounts will be available at both hotels at the time of check in; more information will be provided closer to the course. Transportation to and from the airport will be available if needed. Those flying in should check flights to Fort Wayne International Airport (FWA).
To reserve a spot now, or for more information, please contact Shannan Boroff at 419.232.7035.
