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
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.
Shannon Sampson
Installations and Engineering Manager
Shannon L. Sampson began his professional career journey with Wilson Fire Equipment in 1994 follow his dedicated service in the US Navy during the Persian Gulf War. He began his service as a technician, Shannon’s unwavering commitment, diligence, and allegiance propelled him through various positions within the company.
In 2010, Shannon assumed the pivotal role of Installation & Engineering Manager, a strategic move aimed at bolstering the support structure for Wilson Fire Equipment’s growth. His tenure in this role has been mark marked by his adeptness in training and growth the Project Manager, Project Coordinator, and Engineering Teams, thereby enhancing the company’s capabilities to meet diverse construction needs effectively.
A dedicated professional, Shannon actively engages with the National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies, holding esteemed certification such as NICET LEVEL IV Special Hazards, NICET LEVEL IV Fire Alarm, and NICET LEVEL I Sprinkler System. These certifications underscore his proficiency and commitment to maintaining the highest standards in his field.
Beyond his professional endeavors, Shannon finds profound support and joy in his family – his pillar of strength. He cherishes spending quality time with his children, actively participates in community church activities, and finds fulfillment in coaching USAV Girls’ Junior Volleyball, fostering not just athletic skills but also leadership and teamwork among young athletes.
Shannon embodies a blend of dedication, expertise, and strong commitment to both professional excellence and community engagement. His multifaceted contributions stand as a testament to his unwavering dedication and leadership with the industry.
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!