J.M. Carden Sprinkler Company is the longest running privately owned fire sprinkler company in Los Angeles entering its 66th year of continuous operation.
San Fernando and Fletcher in 1936. The same intersection JM Carden calls home.
Beginning in 1953, J.M. Carden has grown to become one of the oldest most respected fire sprinkler companies in Southern California.
One of the many milestones in our history occurred in 1983 with the purchase of our current location, a 48,000 sq.ft. office/fabrication facility located on three-acres. Designed in 1932 by architect Ted R. Cooper, our facility is an excellent example of Art Deco industrial architecture and is located across from the recently restored historic Van de Kamp’s Holland Dutch Bakery.
With the passing of Michael J. Carden in 2016, JMC transitioned into an employee owned ESOP corporation.
Our Team
Ron Eastman – President
Ron Eastman is Director of Sales & Marketing and a Contract Sales / Senior Project Manager who provides client support for real estate development projects from inception through occupancy. This includes consulting, budget pricing, and proposals, along with quality project management until completion. Internally, he keeps projects on a profitable track by coordinating efforts between Sales, Accounting, Engineering, Fabrication and Installation.
Ron began his career with Gulf Fire Sprinkler Co. in San Antonio, Texas in 1981. While there he became proficient in Computer Aided Design and Drafting. Capitalizing on that experience, he joined Carden Co. as a CADD Operator in 1986. Over the next 10 years Ron spearheaded the engineering department’s transition to individual pc’s with AutoCAD software integrated with third party industry software.
In 1998, Ron became an Estimator / Jr. Project Manager and later promoted to Contract Sales / Senior Project Manager. Other than a 2-year stint as a freelance engineer in 1996, Ron has been a member of the Carden team for 33 years.
Ron attended San Antonio Junior College where he studied architecture and mechanical engineering and is the qualifier on the C16 – C34 Contractors License held by J.M. Carden..
Eric Behrse – Operations Director
Eric Behrse serves as Operations Director at J.M. Carden Fire Sprinkler Co., Inc., where he oversees company-wide operations for one of Southern California’s leading fire protection contractors. In this role, he is responsible for project execution, communication systems, fleet management, and process improvements that strengthen accountability and efficiency across the organization. Eric works closely with project managers, engineers, and field supervisors to ensure projects are delivered on time, on budget, and to the highest safety standards.
With more than 20 years of experience in the construction industry, Eric has built a career on leadership, technical expertise, and hands-on problem solving. He has held his General Contractor’s license for seven years and has successfully managed multimillion-dollar developments, coordinating with multiple trades and teams from design through completion. His background spans both general contracting and specialized compliance work, giving him a comprehensive perspective on what it takes to deliver high-performing, code-compliant projects.
Martin Vertido
Martin Vertido brings over a decade of experience in the fire protection industry, having started his career in 2013. As a Project Manager and Estimator, Martin has a proven track record of successfully leading complex commercial projects—consistently delivering them on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards.
With expertise spanning every phase of project management, Martin oversees scope development, design coordination, execution, budgeting, and stakeholder communication with precision and professionalism. He is also highly skilled in preparing accurate, well-structured estimates and proposals for stipulated price, design-build, and construction-formatted projects, ensuring clients receive timely and comprehensive solutions tailored to their needs.
Martin’s commitment to excellence and his ability to balance technical detail with big-picture project goals make him a trusted partner for clients and colleagues alike.
Angel Vitela
Angel Vitela is one of the newest members of our sales team, he currently serves as an Estimator and Project manager. Started as a designer, moving on to estimating and currently working assisting the sales department. With a BS in architecture and knowledge in different drafting and hydraulic calculation programs, he has over 10 years’ experience in fire protection.
Cody Block – Project Manager
Kristen Maciel – Day Works Manager
Kristen has been a valued member of our team for over three years. She began as a Project Manager and now leads as our Day Works Manager. With more than seven years of experience in contract management for commercial construction and tenant improvement projects, Kristen brings a wealth of knowledge and leadership to her role.
She has managed projects for world-renowned media companies, overseeing both standard and special hazard systems. From navigating the permitting process to ensuring smooth project completion, Kristen is dedicated to efficiency, safety, and quality in every detail. Her background and commitment make her an integral part of delivering exceptional results to our clients.
Carlos Marroquin – Engineering Manager
Carlos oversees our team of design engineers and is responsible for developing and maintaining an engineering company standard that satisfies construction code compliance across all governing agencies, and streamlines our pipe fabrication and installation processes.
Born and raised in the San Fernando Valley, Carlos’ career in fire sprinkler design began in 2007, working on small tenant improvement projects in Los Angeles. Seeking a greater challenge, Carlos moved to San Francisco, where he got the opportunity to work on larger projects such as high rises, warehouses, and schools. Carlos joined JM Carden’s Engineering Department in 2016 and was quickly entrusted to design some of the company’s biggest projects to date.
Carlos studied Computer Aided Drafting & Design at Los Angeles Valley College, and is NICET Level II Certified in Water-Based Systems.
Allison White – Controller
Allison White has worked at J.M. Carden for 32 years. She began as Accounts Payable and was promoted from Asst. Accounting Manager to Accounting Manager in 2019.
As Accounting Manager she supervises Accounts Receivable, Accounts Payable & Payroll. She is responsible for all accounting functions and creates the in-house financial statements.
Thomas Donovan – Chairman of the Board
Thomas Donovan is a seasoned CPA with over 40 years of experience in the field. He joined Carden Sprinkler as an outside accountant, actively involved in the company’s financial activities. Following the passing of Michael Carden in 2016, he assumed the roles of Chairman of the Board and President. Thomas holds a Bachelor of Science Degree from Loyola Marymount University, graduating cum laude. He began his career at Simonis Moreland Accountants, Inc. and eventually became a principal in the firm, now known as The Donovan Company. As a Certified Public Accountant in California, he is a member of the California Society of Certified Public Accountants and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. Thomas continues to contribute his expertise to Carden Sprinkler on a part-time basis.
Richard Wallace
Hired by our founder, Jim Carden, and joined J.M. Carden Sprinkler Co., Inc. in 1964. Dick is our most senior employee. With the passing of Michael Carden in 2016, Dick came back to the company on a part time basis to help with the transition to an Employee owned company.
Dick joined our company as a young engineer more than five decades ago. He quickly progressed through the ranks and earned a Professional Engineer (PE) designation.
Dick became Vice President in 1970. Over the years he has managed most of the company’s departments. This includes the field, engineering, and sales departments.
While Dicks role has greatly reduced, he is an important part of Carden Sprinkler
Morris Wright – Shop Manager
With more than 30 years of experience, Morris is a skilled builder and fabricator known for his craftsmanship, work ethic, and collaborative approach. His expertise spans project management, welding, fabrication, and carpentry, with career highlights including leadership roles at Project Creations in Santa Clarita and earlier work at Wet Design, where he contributed to world-renowned installations such as The Fountains of Dubai, The Mirage Volcano, and The Waters of Americana at Brand.
Passionate about his craft, Morris continues to refine his skills through ongoing training and education, bringing dedication and precision to every project he takes on.
Preston Downey – Superintendent
We are currently active in the southern half of the state with open contracts ranging from industrial buildings to high rise structures and large commercial/institutional facilities.
