Our Approach
Our Approach
At AEST Fire & Safety, we provide top-quality products, unmatched service, and a knowledgeable, experienced sales team. Our goal isn’t a one-time transaction—we strive to build lasting relationships. Repeat business is the greatest compliment we can receive, and it’s what drives everything we do. With exceptional service and loyal customers, we’re committed to serving our communities for many years to come.
Our Story
AEST Fire & Safety was founded to address a critical gap in the Southeast: access to high-quality firefighter training, rescue training, and OSHA safety education. In our region, emergency services professionals often had to travel significant distances to receive reliable, compliant instruction. Recognizing this need, we established AEST to deliver professional fire service training, emergency response education, and safety consulting locally.
From the outset, our company experienced rapid growth. We expanded into Confined Space Rescue training and standby rescue services, followed by comprehensive OSHA training, workplace safety consulting, and environmental health and safety (EHS) programs. As we built strong relationships with our clients, their needs evolved—leading us to provide trusted fire and rescue equipment, PPE, and safety solutions to support their operations.
What began as a small, community-focused business has grown into a leading provider of firefighter training, safety services, and emergency response equipment across the Southeast, including North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, and Florida. Today, we proudly serve a diverse client base ranging from local fire departments and municipalities to industrial organizations and Fortune 500 companies, while maintaining the same commitment to our original customers.
In July 2024, AEST Fire & Safety reached a significant milestone with the opening of our ISP Gear Services facility in Laurinburg, North Carolina. This state-of-the-art firefighter PPE cleaning, inspection, and repair facility is equipped with advanced technology to service both the gear we supply and all major brands. This expansion reinforces our dedication to NFPA-compliant gear services, firefighter safety, and operational readiness, while providing a critical resource for departments and organizations throughout the Southeast.
At AEST Fire & Safety, we remain committed to delivering exceptional service, industry-leading training, and trusted safety solutions—helping protect those who serve and the communities they protect.
Meet the Team
Our company would not be where it is without great employees.
David Laviner
Founder & President
Raised in the fire service for many years, I built my career on leadership, training, and service. With a background as a Fire & Rescue Officer and certified instructor across multiple disciplines, I transitioned into business ownership in 2009. Today, I remain committed to supporting first responders and helping organizations operate safely and effectively.
Nicholas Arrington
Vice President & Sales Manager
Nick has been a very vital part of the team here at AEST Fire & Safety since the early years of our operation. Nick comes from the Fire Rescue Service and has worked in every part of our operation. His knowledge of field applications for all of our products allows Nick to manage all of our sales staff with great knowledge. We are proud to have Nick on our team!
AEST Fire & Safety Staff
NC Sales
Chad Donaldson - NC Supervisor, Megan Locklear, Jonathan Sowers, Logan Neff
SC Sales
Chris Howard - SC Supervisor,
Susan Duncan
GA Sales
Jeff Thibodeau - GA Supervisor,
Brad Taylor,
Spence Huici
Florida Sales
Ron Givens
Alabama Sales
TBA
No one can beat this great team of customer oriented sales staff. They each have a strong passion for customer service and excellence before, during, and after the sell!