Q&A with Andy Kaveckis, Director of Enablement & Strategic Growth
At Performance Systems Integration (PSI), every team member has taken a different path that has led them to the fire and life safety industry. Career Path Stories features PSI team members sharing their professional journeys and how they arrived at their chosen career.
Andy Kaveckis has been with PSI for 20 years. His career began in Sales, but Andy has worked in nearly every department over his time with PSI—including as a Scheduler, in Billing, and as a General Manager. Andy is now the Director of Enablement and Strategic Growth with PSI in Portland, OR.
Andy’s Career Timeline at PSI:
- 2005: Account Executive
- 2010: Sales Manager
- 2013: General Manager
- 2020: Director of Sales
- 2025: Director of Enablement & Strategic Growth
What brought you to the fire and life safety industry?
I was a sales representative for another company. I called on PSI to sell them a copier. The CEO at the time was impressed with my selling skills and offered me a job with PSI. That was back in 2005. I was PSI’s first Account Executive.
When hired, I didn’t know anything about fire and life safety. But once I started to do some research, I learned quickly, and it became clear how important this industry is. The compliance aspect of it was very exciting as a salesperson. There are a lot of reasons for buyers to frequently engage with our team and make decisions because it's required by law.
How did you learn to be successful in your positions?
I was fortunate to have good leaders who helped me. To start I would simply listen, observe, and join technicians on a ride along. I went out on inspections and service calls and really learned about our services and the industry.
I also had a supportive team in office that would help me with customer outreach. Our senior leadership team were great teachers for me. They would join me on site surveys, and we’d have discussions on the ride home of what worked and what didn't. There was a lot of trial and error and that helped teach me how to become successful.
I also spent a lot of time studying the NFPA standards, so I understood what was necessary for a business to be compliant. I learned through doing. Being in front of the customer will teach you the right way to do your job, if you listen.
What has kept you at PSI for 20 years?
For me, it's the people I work for and with. I want to work with people who trust me and are willing to make an investment in me. This support allows flexibility and freedom to get my job done without micromanagement, and I really appreciate that.
I’ve always been provided with learning opportunities and education in every role I've had at PSI. I think what makes a good leader is that you're consistently learning. Our leadership team has been a tremendous resource to provide guidance and make sure we’re on the right path.
What support for career development have you received at PSI?
A lot of support has been through direct mentorship, but I've also had opportunities for structured learning. We utilize instruction through outside organizations like NFPA and NFSA. I’ve taken countless courses and had taken advantage of several learning opportunities over the years.
PSI has always invested in great resources and tools for our team as well. We’ve harnessed the power of Salesforce to accelerate our sales growth. And our subject matter experts are available to guide our team and provide answers. Having access to experts really elevates your growth. I’ve learned so much at PSI—this support has helped me develop my career.
Looking forward, what are your long-term aspirations?
I love sales and salespeople. I want to remain in a position to impact the people around me. Whatever my role, I want to use my experience and knowledge to help others. That's what's made this career and my time at PSI so fulfilling. In my current role, I get to help people every day. By either filling the gaps in their learning or help them get to the next milestone, I really like to see someone feel accomplished. I like to know that I’ve helped them. I want to continue to do that.
I also don't want to be too far from the customer. I work a lot with our employees, but I also I still enjoy my role as a healthcare subject matter expert. I still get in front of clients because directly learning what works and doesn't from our customer base is invaluable.
What would you say to someone considering joining the fire and life safety industry?
If you're looking for something that can be a true career, it's a good choice. If you're looking for something that provides consistency and endless growth opportunities, it’s a good choice. Because compliance is not an option and the fire and life safety industry is constantly evolving, it provides employment security because your services are always needed.
It is also a purpose-driven career. Saving buildings and lives is something you can take pride in no matter where you are in the organization.
What would you say to someone considering joining PSI?
First, it would be that PSI is a great company and a good choice. If you're willing to put in the work and make the commitment, this company invests a lot in people. There are endless opportunities at PSI.
For technician roles, PSI makes the investments that a lot of other companies don't. In certifications and practical and field training. PSI provides more training than anyone else in the industry.
I think PSI is a really great place to work. We trust our employees and provide flexibility for things outside of work. I think that's still super valuable..
Want to learn more about the opportunities at PSI?
Contact careers@PSIntegrated.com if you have any questions or comments regarding career opportunities.
Ready to join an industry with purpose?
Explore the open roles at Performance Systems Integration—offering competitive pay, benefits, and industry-leading focus on training and development. Work with a supportive team while you make a difference in protecting people and property.
