In this episode of the Hazard Class Podcast, Jake talks with Eric Guida, a retired Fire Captain from Sacramento Fire Department and now Sales Director at HEN Nozzles. With more than 30 years of experience, Eric opens up about his early inspirations, firefighting culture, leadership lessons, and why the future of fireground safety lies in innovation. It’s a candid conversation bridging tradition and technology, with advice that resonates far beyond the firehouse.
Segment Breakdown & Timestamps
- (0:00–1:13) – Welcome & Guest Intro
- Host introduces Eric Guida and gives context to his 30-year career and current role with HEN Nozzles.
- (1:15–3:20) – Wheel of Stupid Questions: Talking Dogs
- Eric shares a lighthearted moment about the one animal he’d want to talk to if he could—his family dog.
- (3:20–12:44) – From Vet School Dreams to Fire Service Reality
- Eric recounts his unexpected journey into firefighting, including a pivotal moment with a bottle of ouzo and a phone book.
- (12:45–17:47) – Adjusting to Big City Firefighting
- From Fair Oaks to Sacramento, Eric discusses the cultural shift, increased call volume, and lessons from his early mentors.
- (17:48–20:36) – When Firefighters Should Start Speaking Up
- Exploring leadership from the backseat and the reality of who gets heard—and why.
- (20:37–27:03) – Promotion, Influence & the Value of Ideas
- Eric reflects on his motivation to promote and the challenges of filtering good ideas in a data-driven world.
- (27:04–30:39) – Engine Company Ops: What's Being Missed?
- Advice on fundamentals: line deployment, water application, and the importance of not rushing at the cost of effectiveness.
- (30:40–36:18) – Captain Lessons: If I Knew Then What I Know Now
- Eric shares what he would tell his newly promoted self about finding rhythm, style, and staying adaptable.
- (36:20–39:20) – Combating Pride in the Fire Service
- The importance of humility and asking questions, and why firehouse culture must be safe for learning.
- (39:22–42:15) – Saying Goodbye: The Reality of Retirement
- An emotional look at transitioning out of the fire service and what Eric misses the most about the job.
- (42:15–46:08) – Firehouse Marriage Advice from 37 Years
- Eric offers wise and empathetic advice on marriage, parenting, and showing up at home while serving the public.
- (46:08–50:59) – Joining Henn Nozzles: From Retirement to Reinvention
- A LinkedIn message leads to a second career helping shape the future of firefighting tools.
- (50:59–56:43) – The Bladed Stream: Rethinking the Fire Nozzle
- Eric explains the science and field testing behind Henn’s groundbreaking nozzle design.
- (56:43–End) – What’s Next for Henn & A Mission to Give Back
- New innovations, expanding reach, and Eric’s drive to make the fire service safer for the next generation.
Key Moments & Insights
- “You can lead from all rungs of the ladder.”
- “Fail in training, not on the fireground.”
- “I wasn’t looking to retire—but it was time.”
- “This is the best firefighting nozzle ever made.”
Guest Info: Eric Guida
- Former Role: Fire Captain, Sacramento Fire Department
- Current Role: Sales Director, Henn Nozzles
- Career: 30+ years in fire service
