meet our team

  • A male firefighter in uniform standing in front of an American flag.

    tom evenson

    Owner (aka “Da Boss”)

    Tom and his wife Melissa, owners of Fire Equipment Specialties, bring decades of dedication to the fire service industry. With over 38 years of experience, Tom currently serves as a Battalion Chief with the Plymouth Fire Department.

    At FES, their mission is simple: “Customer service the way it used to be.” When you call, they answer. When they promise something, they deliver.

    Tom and Melissa have two kids, and when Tom’s not working, you’ll probably find him out fishing or boating.

  • A woman with shoulder-length reddish-brown hair, glasses, and a smile, wearing a dark top with a patterned neckline, posing against a gray background.

    MELISSA EVENSON

    Client Services / Account Management 

    Melissa Evenson is the co-owner of Fire Equipment Specialties. While she hasn’t served as a firefighter herself, she’s been proudly married to one—Battalion Chief Tom Evenson—for 34 years.

    While raising their two children, Melissa dedicated 17 years to working as a Special Education Paraprofessional, a role inspired by her experience growing up with a brother who has Down Syndrome.

    In 2023, Melissa and Tom became the new owners of Fire Equipment Specialties, beginning a new chapter of service—this time, to firefighters and their departments.

  • A male firefighter in a black uniform sitting with an American flag in the background. He has a badge and name tag on his uniform, and his arm patch indicates he is part of the Plymouth Fire-Rescue in Minnesota.

    JOE BOLSTAD

    Joe is a Captain with the Plymouth Fire Department, bringing over 10 years of firefighting experience and 1.5 years in fire equipment sales. His on-the-job insight helps him provide practical, reliable solutions to departments.

    Joe values strong relationships, clear communication, and follow-through, focusing on long-term partnerships built on trust. Outside of work, he enjoys hunting, fishing, working out, and spending time with his daughter.

  • A man in a black police uniform smiling at the camera, standing in front of a grey curtain.

    ADAM DULLINGER

    Adam joined FES Inc. out of a strong commitment to ensuring that firefighters and EMS professionals have access to high‑quality equipment that supports both their efficiency and safety. He has served on the Cold Spring Fire Department for 16 years.

    Alongside his wife, Stephanie, Adam raises three children and manages a small hobby farm north of Cold Spring. In his spare time, he enjoys hunting, fishing, and—like many Minnesotans—battling mosquitoes.

  • A man dressed in a firefighter's uniform, standing in front of an American flag. He is smiling slightly, with short reddish hair, and has a badge on his shirt. The uniform displays patches on the arm and pins on the chest.

    Blaine Duncan

    Blaine has been a sales representative for Fire Equipment Specialties since November 2023, serving Hennepin, Carver, Wright, McLeod, Meeker, and Stearns counties.

    With 21 years in the fire service, he began as a volunteer with the Loretto Fire Department and now serves as a Battalion Chief with the Plymouth Fire Department. Outside of work, he enjoys hunting, fishing, and playing sports with his six-year-old son. He and his wife are expecting their second child soon. Blaine is committed to supporting customers with their fire equipment and PPE needs.

  • A smiling man in a black fire department uniform sitting in front of an American flag.

    Bryce Gilbertson

    Bryce joined Fire Equipment Specialties in 2023 and has been in the fire service since 2019 with the Oak Grove Fire Department. He also began working as a duty crew firefighter with SBM in July 2025.

    A St. Cloud State graduate with a degree in business management, Bryce understands the challenges smaller departments face when working with larger vendors. His goal is to provide the kind of personalized service they deserve.

    Outside of work, he enjoys hunting, fishing, and spending time with his wife and young daughter—with another baby on the way. Bryce is committed to supporting your fire equipment and PPE needs.

  • TAYLOR HAYES

    Taylor is a volunteer firefighter in Alexandria with 9 years of experience in the fire service. He has a deep passion for firefighting and training, and is committed to ongoing growth in the field.

    Taylor is recently married to his wife, Kristie, and is the proud father of two young boys who are active in sports. An avid outdoorsman, he’s always up for a new adventure and loves traveling to explore new places.

    Taylor takes pride in delivering exceptional customer service and building strong relationships.

Group of four people standing in front of a display booth for fire equipment at a trade show, with firefighting gear and apparel on display, including jackets labeled FDNY, Houston Fire, and St. Paul Fire, and a fan in front.