We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Phil Ambrose a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Phil thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.

I am a firefighter who saw a critical need for realistic, hands-on hazardous materials training that could safely simulate real-world conditions. While working in the field, I noticed that traditional hazmat training methods often lacked the ability to provide a fully immersive, realistic experiences. Many training exercises relied on lectures or static simulations that didn’t adequately prepare responders for the dynamic, high-pressure environments they would face during an actual incident.

My goal was to create a training tool that would replicate real-time scenarios without exposing participants to dangerous substances or impact the environment. I combined his knowledge of hazardous materials with my experience as a first responder to develop HazSim, a system that provides real-time simulation of hazmat detection using sensors and readings similar to those on actual equipment. This allows trainees to make decisions and practice their skills as if they were in the middle of a real incident, all within a safe environment.

The idea for HazSim was born out of the recognition that emergency responders needed better training tools—ones that could offer the same pressures and challenges of a real hazmat situation without the risks, thus bridging the gap between classroom theory and field application.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Sure! My name is Phil Ambrose, and I’m the founder of HazSim, a company that specializes in creating realistic, hands-on hazardous materials (hazmat) training solutions. Before starting HazSim, I spent many years working as a firefighter and hazardous materials specialist. Through my time in the field, I saw firsthand how crucial proper training is for emergency responders, especially when it comes to dealing with hazmat incidents, where every second counts and decisions can mean the difference between life and death.

I got into this industry because I noticed a major gap in the way hazmat training was conducted. Traditional methods often involved static exercises or classroom sessions that couldn’t fully simulate the fast-paced, high-pressure environment of a real hazmat situation. I wanted to create something that bridged that gap and provided responders with a safe yet realistic way to train—so HazSim was born.

At HazSim, we offer a unique combination of hardware and software that simulates real-time hazardous materials detection, allowing trainees to use equipment and respond to virtual scenarios just like they would in an actual incident. Our system is designed to replicate the critical aspects of hazmat detection without the risks of exposure to dangerous substances. This means responders can practice identifying, measuring, and managing hazmat threats in a controlled environment.

What sets us apart is the realism of our simulations. Many training systems rely on simplified or theoretical exercises, but HazSim gives users an immersive experience where they’re interacting with the same types of sensors and data they’d encounter in real life. This allows for better decision-making under pressure, building the confidence and skills needed to respond effectively in a real emergency.

One of the things I’m most proud of is how HazSim is helping organizations across the country, from fire departments to federal agencies, improve their training programs. Our product not only enhances safety but also saves time and money by offering a more efficient way to conduct drills.

The main thing I want potential clients and followers to know is that HazSim is about more than just technology. We’re here to solve real problems and save lives. Our mission is to provide the most effective training possible to ensure that when first responders face dangerous situations, they have the knowledge, skills, and confidence to manage them safely. We’re always evolving, staying ahead of industry needs, and incorporating new technologies.

At the end of the day, it’s about ensuring that when it’s time to act, responders are fully prepared—and that’s what HazSim is all about.

Can you open up about how you funded your business?

When I started HazSim, I bootstrapped the company from the ground up while continuing to work full-time as a firefighter. Balancing both was incredibly challenging, but my work in the fire service was the driving force behind the idea for HazSim. I saw firsthand the need for realistic, hands-on hazmat training that could safely simulate real-world scenarios. Using my savings and personal income, I launched HazSim without external investors, allowing me to keep full control of the business’s direction. This approach, while rewarding, required a lot of hard work, smart budgeting, and wearing multiple hats.

Throughout this journey, I continued advancing in my fire service career and have since been promoted to Battalion Chief. Staying in the field has given me crucial insight into the daily challenges first responders face, which I’ve used to improve HazSim’s product offerings. As demand for our solutions has grown worldwide, we’ve reached a point where raising external funding is necessary to scale the business and meet the needs of more organizations. The experience of bootstrapping while advancing in my career has given me a unique perspective, and I’m proud of how far HazSim has come in both industries I’m passionate about: safety and service.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

Building an audience for Hazmat Nation on social media was all about providing valuable, relevant content and creating a space where hazmat professionals could connect and engage. From the beginning, I focused on sharing content that resonated with the community, whether it was highlighting teams, showcasing the latest innovations, or sharing insights on real-world incidents. I kept the focus on providing practical, informative posts that added value to hazmat responders’ daily work. This approach helped build trust and organically grew our following.

One key aspect that boosted engagement was involving the community directly, like hosting an annual Hazmat Nation party, which gathers hundreds of responders, and sending merchandise around the world. These real-world connections translated into more interaction online, as people shared their experiences and took pride in being part of the community. Additionally, integrating HazSim into the platform’s content allowed us to build interest in our product naturally, without feeling too sales-driven.

For those just starting to build their social media presence, my advice is simple: focus on your audience’s needs and create content that’s relevant and useful to them. Be authentic, engage with your followers, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of content. Whether it’s highlighting teams, sharing new technologies, or organizing events, make it about them—and the audience will come.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.hazsim.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hazmatnation
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HazSimTraining
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/phil-ambrose-82461b2b/
• Twitter: https://x.com/hazmatnation
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@HazSimTraining
• Other: https://www.hazmatnation.com

Image Credits

Phil Ambrose