For over 20 years, Cox Fire Protection, Inc. has been providing a full range of fire protection services to customers throughout the state of Florida. The company was founded in 1984 by Ron and Linda Cox. Both Ron and Linda are licensed contractors, and Cox Fire is now proud to be a state certified Minority Business Enterprise.
Born from a vision which began to take shape in 1976, Cox Fire was formed to design, fabricate and install fire protection systems of all types and has grown to become one of the southeast’s most respected fire sprinkler contractors. In April of 2000, the company moved to its current 2-acre site in East Tampa.
From the beginning, Cox Fire has endeavored to maintain the basic fundamental principle of providing the best quality products and services to its customers that are available. As a supplier of products and services to the fire sprinkler industry, Cox understands that it is imperative to understand its customers' needs and provide solutions adding value, and deliver profitable results to their operations. Our model management goal is built around four basic values: speed, cost, quality and on time delivery/completion.
Cox Fire’s first branch office opened in 2009 in Ocala, FL, and that branch is managed by Jacques McMillan. Jacque has over 20 years of very diverse experience in the fire sprinkler industry, and is licensed fire sprinkler contractor. The Ocala branch has a strong inspections and service base and is constantly looking for ways to better serve their customers.
In January of 2010, a second branch office was established in Jacksonville. Evans Fire Protection, who for many years has enjoyed a stellar reputation along the east coast of Florida and in southern Georgia, is now a division of Cox Fire Protection. Tucker Evans agreed to remain on staff, and continues to provide leadership and manage that office. A graduate of Florida State University, Tucker joined his Father in the fire protection business in 1986, providing the third generation of continuous service in this industry. Having held positions in systems fabrication, field installation, design, sales, and as President of Evans Fire Protection until its acquisition by Cox Fire Protection, Tucker brings a wealth of experience to the Cox Fire Protection family. He holds a NICET III Engineering qualification and is licensed in Florida, Georgia, Tennessee and Alabama.
Key Contacts
Ronald Cox
President
Ron began his career in the fire sprinkler industry in 1976, as an apprentice. He enrolled in ABC's Apprenticeship School, and very quickly became empassioned by the industry. After working as a fitter, Ron became a skilled designer, then moved into sales. During this same time, Ron enrolled in the College of Engineering at the University of South Florida. In the early 1980's Ron's dream to own his own business began to take shape, and in 1984, Cox Fire Protection was incorporated. Ron's vision was to develop a company based on his personal values, which would provide excellence across the board to his customers, and within which, his employees could progress as quickly and as far as possible according to their own merit. This past September, Cox Fire celebrated its 25th anniversary under Ron's leadership and the company continues to operate based on its original principles.
Linda Cox
CEO
Linda Cox is CEO of Cox Fire Protection. Linda has earned her Master of Science degree from the University of South Florida in Tampa. She has over 10 years experience in the Fire Sprinkler Industry, developing and leading the business strategies and development of the company. Ms. Cox is the major shareholder and qualifies Cox Fire as a Woman Owned Minority Business that holds several WBE certifications with government agencies.
Jimmy McLellan
General Manager
Jimmy McLellan is General Manager for Cox Fire Protection. He possesses extensive management and leadership skills earned from over 26 years experience in several arenas within the construction industry. Jimmy received a Bachelor of Business Administration from Belhaven College. Jimmy has been with Cox Fire since 2007 overseeing the sales, construction and service departments as well as project quality control and safety management.
Tucker Evans
Branch Manager
A graduate of Florida State University, Tucker joined his Father in the fire protection business in 1986, providing the third generation of continuous service in this industry. Having held positions in systems fabrication, field installation, design, sales, and as President of Evans Fire Protection until its acquisition by Cox Fire Protection, Tucker brings a wealth of experience to the Cox Fire Protection family. He holds a NICET III Engineering qualification and is licensed in Florida, Georgia, Tennessee and Alabama.
Jacques McMillan
Branch Manager
Jacques began his career in the Fire Protection in 1987. He’s holds an Associate’s Degree in Applied Sciences, a NICET Level III Certification and is a State of Florida Fire Sprinkler Contractor’s License holder for Cox Fire Protection. Unafraid to pull up his own sleeves, Jacques literally digs deep into finding Fire Protection solutions. His passion and no nonsense approach helped him maintain a history of success for many customers. For Jacques, understanding the need, is only the first step in providing the most economical and practical benefit for our clients.
