Solving complex challenges in the field.

Alex Woods, Fire Life-Safety Supervisor, has nearly nine years of experience and a practical, problem-solving approach to his work at Velocity BTS. Since joining the team just over a year ago, he has built a strong foundation across both testing, adjusting, and balancing (TAB) and fire and life safety (FLS). He recently earned the Seattle Fire Department SC-1 certification, further expanding his expertise in complex building systems.

Originally from Leavenworth, Washington, Alex grew up in a one-room cabin surrounded by the outdoors. Today, he still lives that lifestyle, now in the mountains with his wife and their two huskies. Outside of work, he spends his time skiing, mountain biking, fishing, hunting, and hiking.

Alex didn’t take a typical path into the industry. He first pursued outdoor guiding and wilderness medicine in Alaska, followed by time exploring wildland firefighting. After returning to Washington, he found his way into the trades, following family members who had built careers in the unions. He started in industrial fabrication, moved into sheet metal installation, and later transitioned into design and detailing before specializing in TAB and FLS.

In his current role, Alex supports both TAB and FLS work, including testing and balancing systems, performing fire and smoke damper inspections, and supporting smoke control work.

Alex is currently focused on Swedish’s Nordstrom Tower, where he recently completed a major fire and life safety survey in preparation for upcoming inspections. Working in hospital environments brings an added level of complexity, from coordinating work around active patient care to meeting strict containment requirements.

One of his favorite projects to date has been Jefferson County Hospital, which provided early hands-on experience and a chance to learn Velocity’s workflows while building strong team connections.

For Alex, the most rewarding part of the job is working through complex challenges.

“Projects that take more planning and require a deeper level of problem solving are the most rewarding,” he said. “When the team comes together with different perspectives and finds a solution, that’s when you see the best results.”

Alex continues to build his experience across both TAB and FLS and looks forward to supporting future projects, including additional travel work.