With clients in South Africa, Spain, Canada and all fifty states, Action Training Systems, Inc is another example of a local business with a worldwide presence. George A. Avila Jr., Founder, President and CEO, moved his business to Poulsbo in August of 2002 after buying out his retiring partner. Action Training previously operated in Seattle and Vancouver, but Avila who had been living in Poulsbo since the mid-90’s, wanted to move the company closer to his home. “I was concerned that some of the key staff wouldn’t want to move to Poulsbo,” said Avila. After visiting Poulsbo most agreed to move.” Action Training employs 18 full-time and one part-time employee.

Started in 1988, Action Training Systems, Inc (ATS) provides standards based learning programs for firefighters and other emergency responders. ATS uses the standards of The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) to provide a full range of video and interactive courseware for fire fighters. The ATS training library is available in three formats: interactive computer based, DVD and VHS. Training series in the library include: Firefighter 1 and Firefighter 2, Pumping Apparatus, Aerial Apparatus, Rescue, Fireground Support Operations, EMS HazMat, Mass Casualty and WMD training. ATS titles teach to current NFPA standards and are recommended teaching companions to International Fire Services Training Association’s (IFSTA) manuals and curricula. They provide excellent certification and re-certification test preparation.

ATS also distributes the ESIS (Emergency Services Interactive Simulator) Fire Scene Simulator Software application. This simulator allows users to take pictures of hazards and buildings in their area, download the pictures to the computer and virtually set the hazard on fire. The program scales the fire and smoke animations to the exact size needed for a realistic effect. Fire commanders can make street diagrams and place apparatuses to develop pre-fire plans or they can use the simulator to conduct post-fire analysis. The simulator can be networked so that users in different locations can work together on various training scenarios. “Our simulator can be used to train scene commanders and operational responders with video and sound to add to the training environment,” said Avila. “I am very proud of the simulator and the value it can provide to a fire service.”

Avila has been busy the last few months bringing his latest company, Iluminar Technologies, on-line. “ATS needed a more robust training software platform,” said Avila. “We looked around, but in the end decided to develop our own platform to make sure our needs as well as our customers needs were met.” Iluminar Technologies was born when Avila decided to separate the software from the content. “Right now ATS is Iluminar’s only client,” noted Avila. “Iluminar is quickly attracting the attention of other training content providers. The Air Force is really interested in the platform.” Avila predicts that Iluminar will grow to employ seven to ten people within two years.

Currently Avila is the head of both ATS and Iluminar. He admits that sometimes it’s confusing as to which hat he should be wearing when making a business decision. He is currently seeking a management team to run the day-to-day operations of Iluminar. Finding enough office space in Poulsbo to house both companies under one roof is also a goal. “That may be difficult to do,” says Avila. “There is a shortage of large commercial space here in Poulsbo, and I may have to consider a build to suit option.”

One thing that Avila is certain of is his desire to remain in the Poulsbo area. “I love it here,” stated Avila, “and I would prefer not having to move to another part of the county.”

Action Training Systems, Inc.
1040 NE Hostmark St #100
Poulsbo, WA 98370
Tel: 360.394.4270
Web: www.action-training.com