Employee Spotlight: Steve Hall

Posted on July 10, 2023 by Katie Meehan

Every now and then an employee comes around and changes how you look at quality. For VSC Fire & Security, one of those employees is Steve Hall.

Steve, a legendary member of our Richmond Sprinkler Division, is celebrating 42 years of service this year with VSC. He works as a designer and has readily adapted to new technology and advancements in sprinkler infrastructure. Steve is truly a master of design, and we wanted to highlight him in our Employee Spotlight this month. So, let’s get to know Steve! 

Q: When did you start at VSC?
A: I started on August 12, 1981.

Q: Why did you initially apply to work for VSC? 
A: My cousin was a sprinkler designer at the time and told me that they needed a part-time person to help lay out buildings for the designers. Back then, all sprinkler plans were hand drawn. 

Q: What is your favorite part about working at VSC? 
A: Being around co-workers. It truly is like a family. We work together well and work as a team. 

Q: What part of the VSC mission do you connect with the most?
A: Providing our customers with quality sprinkler systems from design to installation.

Q: What was one of the greatest challenges on the job? 
A: Learning how to use a computer. I went from drawing by hand to designing on the computer. I didn’t have any knowledge about computers and it was a big learning curve for me.  

Q: What is your proudest achievement at VSC?
A: It may sound cliche, but working at VSC for 42 years has been my proudest achievement.

Q: How have you grown professionally since starting here?
A: Back when I started designing, all I was interested in was making money. Now, money is still important, but I focus more on taking pride in our work. My goal for each project I work on is to provide a quality sprinkler design.

Q: What’s one thing that has surprised you about working at VSC?
A: Just how big the company has become.

Q: What’s your favorite local restaurant?
A: My favorite local restaurant is the “Crazy Greek.” They have the best baked spaghetti.

Q: Tell us about a hobby of yours outside of work.
A: I love to play golf, but don’t get out as much as I would like to.

Q:  Coffee or tea?
A: I love both!

Q: What’s the best advice that you have ever heard?
A: Do the best at what you like to do and never give up.

Q: Name one of the items on your bucket list.
A: Hit the lottery, so I can retire.

Q: What was your first job?
A: My first job was in high school. I worked at Kings Dominion pizza restaurant in the summertime.

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Notes from Steve’s Supervisor:

On George MacKenzie’s  first day at Virginia Sprinkler, way back in 2001, he met Steve. Immediately, George noticed that Steve was polite and knowledgeable, a winning combination at VSC’s Richmond Sprinkler division. 

“Steve has always been the go-to designer in our department. He’s consistently been that way for the 20-plus years I’ve known him,” said George

George described Steve as a steady, quiet and unshakeable worker. Steve gives every project his all and makes sure the job is done right the first time, a workplace integrity he’s maintained in his 42 years with VSC. 

“I tell all of our young designers that you want to model yourself after Steve Hall,” laughed George. “Anytime we have a job that has some sort of deadline or tight construction schedule. Steve is the man we give it to. He consistently goes above and beyond to get the job done right.”  

When asked to describe Steve with a song title, George suggested “Like a Rock” by Bob Seger. 

Steve has been with us for 42 years and we know that retirement is probably in his future. When that day comes, he will be greatly missed. Steve is a valuable member of the Richmond Sprinkler division and has helped contribute immensely to the legacy of VSC. 

Thank you for all you do and all you’ve done, Steve.