Our Core Team
Sanj Patel Principal
Sanj Patel has spent over 25 years developing expertise in the Fire and Life Safety industry. He’s now applying his extensive industry knowledge to Ignis Building Solutions.
Sanj always provides practical guidance to a multitude of Fire and Life Safety issues. He has a reputation for going the extra mile and puts his customers’ needs first.
He built the Ignis Building Solutions team from people he has worked with over the years, which has allowed the company to develop quickly.
Sanj is active in industry associations such as CFAA, BOMA, NFPA and CANASA, to stay on top of developments in the industry. He is a licensed CFAA (Canadian Fire Alarm Association) Technician.
He spends his free time with his family, including two young daughters. Otherwise, you’ll find him working on lowering his handicap.
Blake Smith Senior Technical Consultant
Blake started in the industry in 2010 as a Fire Alarm technician who oversaw installations and verifications on large and smaller-scale projects. He moved into Sales and Project Management in 2014. Today, Blake is a Senior Technical Consultant with Ignis Building Solutions and a Professor at Seneca Polytechnic School of Fire Protection Engineering Technology.
Blake’s technical background is essential when he is looking out for the best interests of Ignis’ clients and their projects as well as overseeing other consultants and project managers. He supports the consulting side of the business with the technical know-how needed to tender projects, review reports and manage accounts.
Blake is a graduate of Seneca College’s Fire Protection Engineering Technician 2-year program and a registered CFAA Technician. Blake has also been a programmer for Notifier by Honeywell fire alarm systems.
Like a lot of tech-minded people, Blake has always been hands-on and fascinated by how things work. Since he was a kid, he enjoyed taking things apart to put them back together again. Today, he still likes to DIY on home renos and car repairs.
Michael Sequiera Senior Estimator / Consultant
Michael Sequeira brings over 15 years of experience in the fire alarm and life safety industry. This includes design and project management of fire alarm installations, special hazards detection and protection in facilities ranging from condominium towers, schools, arenas, data centres, telecom facilities, office buildings, aircraft hangars, and large storage freezers.
Currently based in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, Michael has previously worked in Southern Ontario and Alberta. This wide range of environments allows insight into the varying challenges and requirements throughout the different regions. He has a firm understanding of Building and Fire Codes throughout Canada.
With an original background in fast-paced world of airline operations management, Michael understands mission-critical aspects of businesses and the need to avoid down time.
Michael enjoys his free time by being near the ocean, with family or doing renovations around the house.
Tania Barnes Office Manager/ Executive Assistant
Tania Barnes has not only worked with Fire Alarm & Sprinkler systems, but also HVAC, Electrical, and Security. She has been involved in inspection, testing, and maintenance through various sales roles over the past 20 years.
She has known and been mentored by Sanj Patel for many years. Tania has also crossed paths with Blake Smith before Ignis Building Solutions. He provided her with technical support on fire alarm systems sales calls.
Tania brings a well-developed set of customer service skills to the company. She enjoys being part of a team that sees education in codes and standards as an industry-wide responsibility. You can always reach out to Tania, no matter what the issue.
She took an abnormal route to Fire and Life Safety via art school, taking courses at both at OCA and Sheridan. The only artwork she fits into her schedule these days is crafts with the kids and the odd tattoo design.
Victoria Boltsis Technical Services Manager
Victoria been in the fire alarm industry for many years. She started her career as a junior fire alarm technician in 2013 and became a CFAA technician in 2015.
In 2018, Victoria transitioned into an estimating and project management role. She continues to pursue qualifications and certifications.
Kirstyn Baratto Office Administrator
Kirstyn Baratto graduated from the University of Guelph in 2018 with a bachelor of commerce degree focusing on Human resources. As the Office Administrator at Ignis, Kirstyn focuses on building out various processes to do with Operational Planning and Human Resources, as well as maintaining the Accounts Payables and Accounts Receivables.
Elizabeth Ellis Consulting, Fire Safety Plan Specialist
Liz has been an industry Fire Safety Plan leader since 1983 when, together with her husband Glenn, started AGE Group. She set the stage for Fire Safety Plan development even before Plans existed!
She transformed the industry and made Fire Safety Plans easier for Fire Inspectors to review by pioneering colour Plans and by producing them larger (11x17”).
Liz has produced hundreds of Fire Safety Plans over the years (including the first Plans in Toronto’s Hockey Hall of Fame and Roy Thompson Hall) - earning herself a reputation of unparalleled skill, experience and reliability.
Since 2022, Ignis has been proud to include Liz as a member of their core team.
Nick Di Marco Senior Fire Protection Consultant
With over 25 years of experience in the fire protection industry, Nick is a highly skilled professional in designing, evaluating, and optimizing fire protection systems for commercial, industrial, and residential properties. His expertise includes fire hazard assessments, engineering audits, and ensuring compliance with building codes and safety regulations.
Nick has played a key role in developing standards and specifications for fire safety systems, providing strategic guidance on fire protection design and implementation. He has successfully led complex projects, managed business development efforts, and built lasting client relationships.
With a strong technical foundation and an analytical approach, Nick is committed to enhancing fire safety through innovative, reliable, and code-compliant solutions that protect people and property.
Dylan Inthof Junior Fire Prevention & Safety Consultant
Dylan is a graduate of the Pre-Service Fire Fighting and Training program from Algonquin College. He has a passion for Fire and Fire safety as he spent two years in Manitoba Fighting forest fires.
He continues his career growth in Fire Safety while being a Junior Fire Prevention & Safety Consultant with his CFAA course.