Wilson Fire Leadership

George Wilson

Past President / Board of Directors

George Wilson, the third Wilson to lead Wilson Fire Equipment, began his career in 1972. Following the family tradition of learning the business from the ground up, he started as a fire extinguisher technician before moving into kitchen suppression, sales, and marketing.

While in Sales, George identified the potential of Halon suppression technology and championed the company’s early entry into that market. His vision and persistence helped establish a new division that propelled Wilson Fire Equipment onto the global stage and reshaped the company’s future.

As President, George continued to drive growth, technical excellence, and market leadership. His commitment to innovation and service helped position Wilson Fire Equipment as a respected leader in fire alarm, security, and life‑safety systems. Under his guidance, the company celebrated its 100‑year milestone and remains one of the largest privately owned fire protection companies in the industry.

A devoted family man, George enjoys spending time with his wife, children, and grandchildren. He also loves cooking, the outdoors, and traveling to experience the beauty of the world.

Bob Wilson

President

As a native Houstonian raised in a small-town west of Houston, Bob has watched the city and the surrounding areas grow and change into what they are today. He began his career at Wilson Fire Equipment in 1998 as a sales/design consultant focusing primarily on the new construction market. Since then, he has helped Wilson Fire Equipment expand their portfolio beyond fire systems and into security, intercom and critical communication systems. Bob received his BBA in Marketing from Texas State University in 1994 and holds an FAL license from the State of Texas as well.

While he is away from the office, Bob enjoys spending time with his wife and two children. He loves to travel, spend time in the outdoors, and may even be found on the golf course from time to time too! He has served as the Lay Leader on the Board of Directors for the Houston West Emmaus Community. He and his family are also active in their church and community.

Donald Schatte

Controller

Donald has served as Controller of the Company since April 2011. Mr. Schatte oversees the Finance, Accounting and Human Resource aspects of the Company along with Information Technology and Material Procurement. He has worked in the Service/Construction industry for the past 25+ years and has progressed from an Assistant Controller to CFO. He received his Bachelor of Science in Business and Commerce, Accounting from The University of Houston – Downtown in December 1989 and earned his Certified Public Accountant designation in September 1992. Additionally, Mr. Schatte has been heavily involved with the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo since 1994 and enjoys spending time in Galveston with family and friends.

Jerry Wittorp

Service Manager

Jerry was born and raised in the Chicago area and relocated to Houston in 1982. He began his career at Wilson Fire Equipment in 1986 as a Fire Suppression Systems installer. Through the years, he has worked as an installer, project manager, Installation Manager and Service Manager. Jerry’s leadership and dedication has helped to shape Wilson Fire into what it is today.

Jerry is the proud dad of two wonderful kids and loves spending time with them any chance he gets. Jerry is also a huge baseball fan and was fortunate to coach his son’s NW45 Little League teams from 2006-2012 and was on the Board of Directors as the Umpire in Chief from 2008-2010. His hobbies include golfing, going to live sporting events, taking trips up to the hill country, and riding Segways.

Aaron Holmes

Installation Manager

Aaron Holmes joined Wilson Fire Equipment in 2018 and brings nearly three decades of fire alarm and life safety experience to the team. He began his career in the fire alarm industry in 1997 and has built a reputation for technical expertise, leadership, and a commitment to delivering high-quality life safety solutions. Aaron is certified in a wide variety of fire alarm systems, enabling him to oversee a broad range of commercial and industrial fire alarm projects. He also holds a Fire Alarm License (FAL) issued by the State of Texas.

With more than 11 years of Project Management experience, Aaron has successfully led complex installations, system upgrades, and large-scale construction projects throughout Texas. His leadership philosophy is built on teamwork, accountability, communication, and developing strong relationships with customers, coworkers, and industry partners. He is passionate about mentoring others, improving processes, and making a positive impact on every project and every person he works with.

As Installation Manager for Wilson Fire Equipment, Aaron is dedicated to ensuring every project is completed safely, efficiently, and to the highest industry standards while continuing Wilson Fire’s tradition of protecting lives and property.

Outside of work, Aaron enjoys spending time with his wife and their two daughters. A lifelong musician, he enjoys writing and performing music and believes that creativity, dedication, and teamwork are just as important on stage as they are in the workplace.

Juan Vela

Industrial Solutions Manager

Juan brings an almost unmatched dedication to his job at Wilson Fire Equipment. Beginning as a technician in the Industrial Solutions Department in 1999, he quickly singled himself out by learning complex system architecture and by troubleshooting niche and specialty suppression systems. His skills progressed so rapidly that soon he was entrusted with priority client services on a global scale. He has traveled to dozens of countries on several continents to design, install, service and commission fire and gas detection and suppression systems for industrial applications. He is known both within the industry and among the market as one of the finest fire and gas technicians in the world. He now leads the Industrial Solutions Division at WFE, focusing on innovation and expansion.

Juan enjoys spending time with his wife and two children, as well as restoring classic and off-road vehicles. In addition to his hobbies, he and his family are active in their church and in their community.

Glenn Allen

Safety Manager

Glenn began his career at Wilson Fire Equipment in 2004, working as a portable fire extinguisher technician. Based on his excellent work ethic and focus towards the growth of his fire protection knowledge, within 5 years he was offered, and accepted, the role of Department Manager. In 2014 he was again promoted, this time to the position of Safety Manager for the entirety of WFE, where his continued dedication to his responsibilities is evident on a daily basis. He holds an FEL from the State of Texas, multiple OSHA certifications, and has extensive training in both practical and safety-related areas.

When not at work, Glenn enjoys spending time with his wife and two children. He loves working out, watching his kids at lacrosse, and is a huge Alabama Football fan. Roll Tide!