Why Prices Change at Borem Fire — and Why It Matters for Our Community
Source: The Capitolist
Florida voters approved themselves a pay raise back in 2020 — a law that increases the state’s minimum wage by $1 per hour every September 30 until it reaches $15 in 2026. While many probably thought they were approving “free money,” the reality is that costs ripple outward — through every supplier, vendor, service company, restaurant, grocery store, utility bill, and yes, even tacos, cheeseburgers, sodas, cigarettes, and gasoline.
When that wage floor rises, it pushes every other wage higher too. Across Florida, hourly employees groan each October about how the new rate crept “that much closer” to their pay — but not at Borem Fire.
To stay competitive and keep great people, we recently increased pay across our team — an adjustment that adds roughly $74,000 per year to our payroll just to keep pace and break even. That’s not profit; that’s simply what it costs to retain skilled, motivated employees for the year ahead. And it doesn’t stop there. Payroll costs pull everything else up with them — taxes, workers’ comp, unemployment, and general liability insurance are all priced directly from wages. When pay goes up, those bills do too.
If you run a business in Florida, you already understand the ripple effect.
Rooted Here, Giving Here
We’re not a franchise, and we don’t answer to investors in another state. Borem Fire is proudly local, born and built right here in Central Florida. Every month without fail, we sponsor or donate to community events, charities, and causes that make this region stronger. You’ve probably seen our name on banners at neighborhood festivals or local fundraisers — and if you haven’t, you probably don’t get out much.
When you choose us, your money stays right here. It pays skilled technicians, office staff, and shop employees; it supports local nonprofits; and it strengthens the same community we all share. As of this writing, Borem Fire supports 18 families on weekly payroll.
What We’ve Chosen (and What We Haven’t)
Some of our prices have stayed the same for nearly eight years — even as our own costs have climbed. We’d rather make small, predictable adjustments each year than skip a few and hit you with a big jump later. We’ve made that mistake before, and it doesn’t work for anyone.
We’ve also ended contracts with certain national accounts that demanded rock-bottom pricing. We’d rather serve local businesses fairly than let large corporations squeeze the life out of a local one.
Manufacturers — billion-dollar companies with near monopolies on fire-protection products — raise their prices regularly, sometimes multiple times per year. When that happens, some items may need adjustment outside our normal cycle. We don’t inflate those increases; we simply can’t absorb them.
Shared Reality
Our customers run businesses too. You face the same upward pressures — wages, insurance, utilities, and supplies. The only difference is the industry. All we ask is mutual respect: understand that Borem Fire invests in great people and honest service so we can keep protecting your property and your people without cutting corners.
If that’s the kind of partner you want, you’re in the right place.
Want to Lock In Your Rate?
For some of our local customers, we offer a simple monthly contract that smooths out costs and protects against annual increases. Here’s how it works:
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We calculate your annual service cost.
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You pay a fixed monthly auto-draft.
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You’re covered for two years — no surprises except repairs, which we’ll discount 10% and add to your auto-draft.
It’s optional, but it’s a great way to keep budgeting predictable while supporting a company that keeps your business safe — and your community supported — all year long.
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Our Promise
We’ll always choose fairness, quality, and transparency — even when it costs us. That’s how we’ve grown from a small startup in 2018 into one of Central Florida’s biggest and best family-owned fire-protection companies — and it’s how we plan to stay that way.