CertaSite launches charitable giving arm

Don Hennessy Courtesy CertaSite

A life safety and fire protection company launched a charitable giving arm that is kicking off with a COVID-19 food drive.

Indianapolis-based CertaSite, which has a Grand Rapids location, said it launched CertaSite Serves, a charitable giving arm that will give back to communities across the Midwest where it has offices, including in Grand Rapids.

CertaSite Serves’ first initiative is a companywide food drive in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Nine CertaSite offices, including the one in Grand Rapids, will collect a minimum of 400 pounds of food and essential items, for a total of 3,600 pounds. In Grand Rapids, Feeding America West Michigan will receive the food.

The food drive runs now through Aug. 21.

“We’ve got the people who have the hearts for this kind of work, which is why we are committed to rallying as a company and mobilizing to make the biggest impact,” said Don Hennessey, Grand Rapids market leader. “During this very challenging time, we are proud to come together and show our communities that we are more than fire extinguishers. We are a compassionate hand to those in need.”

CertaSite Serves is also offering the public an opportunity to get involved with the food drive. For every new follower on Facebook and LinkedIn, CertaSite will donate $1 toward the local community to buy more food. Additionally, members of the public can donate at CertaSite offices in their community.

“At our core, our company’s purpose is to protect and enhance as many lives as possible,” said Jeff Wyatt, CEO of CertaSite. “CertaSite Serves supports that purpose and enlarges our wingspan beyond the life safety systems that we install, inspect, repair and maintain by offering a helping hand and providing a meaningful impact to those in critical need throughout our communities.”

CertaSite

Founded in 2018, CertaSite is a commercial fire protection and life safety company that serves 13 locations in the Midwest with plans to strategically grow in new markets in 2020, including Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky and Tennessee.

CertaSite has made eight acquisitions since its inception: ABC Fire Extinguisher Co. in Youngstown, Ohio; Approved Protection Systems in Kalamazoo; Approved Safety and Security in South Bend, Indiana; Company One Suppression in Illinois and Iowa; County Fire Protection in Ohio; Erlich Protection Systems in Farmington Hills; Field’s Fire Protection in Grand Rapids; and Spears Fire & Safety in Jackson.