Employee Stories
Dedicating 20+ Years to the Fire Protection Industry: Sonya’s Success Story
At Viking Fire Protection, we believe in showcasing our dedicated workforce. We are proud to be the employer of choice for the industry’s most experienced and knowledgeable fire protection professionals. Because we value our exceptional specialists, across Canada, we dedicate a segment of our blog, the “Join the Fire Protection Best!” series, to share their unique stories.
For this article, we have chosen to highlight an Operations Manager at our Viking Fire Ottawa branch: Sonya Robinson. This story is about an exceptional professional whose journey epitomizes growth, expertise, and unwavering commitment, as a woman, in a male-dominant industry.
Sonya is a dedicated mother of two teenagers, balancing family life with her passion for fastpitch softball, where she excels as both a first baseman and shortstop. Her love for the game is matched by her commitment to professional excellence, recently being elected as a Director for the Eastern Ontario Chapter of the Canadian Fire Alarm Association (CFAA). This new role reflects her leadership and drive, qualities she brings to all aspects of her life, from the softball field to her professional contributions in fire safety.
In an interview published by the CASA Journal, concerning her career in the construction industry she stated: “Having a seat at the table in the fire protection industry, alongside both men and women, is a significant step towards greater diversity and inclusion. It not only enriches the industry with a wider range of perspectives and talents but also sends a powerful message that anyone, regardless of gender, can contribute meaningfully to fire and life safety efforts.”
Photo: Sonya Robinson, Operations Manager Fire Alarm division – Viking Fire Protection Ottawa
The Climb up the Fire Protection Ladder
Sonya’s work experience in the fire protection industry began as a coordinator, and with the mentorship and support of her manager, she advanced her career up to a supervisor position.
At Viking Fire, she began working as an Inspections Supervisor: this role helped to shape her understanding of the field, allowing her to develop a meticulous approach to inspections and a deep appreciation for the critical nature of fire protection services. A few years later, Sonya was promoted to her current role: Operations Manager, for the service and inspections department of the fire alarm division.
Part of the foundation for her career was laid at the Algonquin College of Applied Arts and Technology, where she acquired a Certificate in Business Administration and Management, and, more recently she completed a management program, which provided a solid grounding in business principles, critical thinking, and management strategies: instrumental in her professional achievements.
A Journey of Passion and Purpose: Insights from an Operations Manager at Viking Ottawa
Sonya is proud that her career in fire protection, of over twenty years and counting, enables her to make a positive impact by helping clients ensure the safety of their properties, communities, and buildings occupants. The sense of purpose derived from keeping people and property safe is a major motivator. Knowing that her work at Viking Fire directly contributes to the safety and security of the Ottawa community, clients, and their assets, gives her a deep sense of fulfillment.
In an interview published in the 2nd edition of the CASA Outstanding Women of The Canadian Fire Sprinkler Industry, Sonya mentioned that the opportunity to collaborate with professionals from diverse trades, including electrical contractors, AHJs (Authorities Having Jurisdiction), engineers, and manufacturers, enriched her work experience. “This cross-functional collaboration not only broadened my knowledge but also enriched my work experience, as I learned to navigate different perspectives and expertise in the industry.”
Furthermore, Sonya is convinced that building strong relationships with clients and colleagues is fundamental in her line of work: “What drives me to get up and do this every day is the sense of pride I have in my team and the journey we are on together. Seeing the growth and success of our team is an ongoing source of motivation,” she pointed out.
Photo: Sonya Robinson, Operations Manager, and the Viking Fire Protection Ottawa Team
Join the Best in Fire Protection
Sonya emphasizes the value of mentorship and guidance, which was pivotal in shaping her career. Moreover, she acknowledges the importance of not only challenging staff to learn and grow, but also to foster new talent in the industry to encourage knowledge sharing and professional development.
“What drives me to get up and do this every day is the sense of pride I have in my team and the journey we are on together. Seeing the growth and success of our team is an ongoing source of motivation.” – Sonya Robinson
If you have completed your fire alarm training and wish to enhance your skills and develop your professional experience with the best technicians in the industry, visit our careers page and contact us today.
At Viking Fire Protection, you will find a work environment that fosters your professional development and allows you to become tomorrow’s expert.
Come learn and develop your job experience with the best in the fire protection industry. At Viking you will find a work environment that will support your professional growth, so that you can become the expert of tomorrow. Viking Fire Protection is always on the lookout for the most qualified alarm technicians whose trade skills and experience match our job posting requirements.
Attracting the Best Talent in the Industry
At Viking, we take pride in employing the most qualified alarm technicians in the industry. We value and reward our outstanding specialists, reflecting a high employee retention rate.
By choosing a career as an alarm technician at Viking, you gain access to extensive expertise and solid professional guidance from our staff. We employ top technicians, recognized across Canada, who share their skills to shape the next generation of experts.
Apply today and join one of the most respected fire protection companies in Canada!
Source: CASA Notes, Outstanding Women of The Canadian Fire Sprinkler Industry, 2nd Edition