Flame-Sim LLC was founded in February of 2007 to develop an interactive training system for individual firefighters working together as teams in realistic virtual scenarios. Located in the Chicago suburb of Hoffman Estates, IL, Flame-Sim brings to bear; over 130 employees, and the experience of over 300 shipped products, to fire service training. The 32,000 square foot headquarters campus features a 6,000 sq. ft. motion capture studio and 26,000 sq. ft. of programming, recording and testing suites.
We're often asked "How did a video game company get involved in training programs for fire departments?"
The concept really just came out of a bit of community service: we had a good relationship with our local fire department and invited them to our company picnic. They brought an in service engine, ladder truck and heavy squad for the kids to inspect and explore. After our kids (and some of our employees) were done sitting in the driver's seat and sounding the siren, we invited the department in to the studio to see what we did. As we were showing the guys the latest and greatest games, one of the firefighters said "I wish we could do something like this for our training". The rest is history.
Kerry J. Ganofsky
Chief Executive Officer
Kerry J Ganofsky possesses many distinctions: Founder of HVS, Chief Executive Officer, and former programmer. There is one distinction, however, that truly sets him apart in his field: vision. Mr. Ganofsky has spent twenty two years as a small business owner and has constantly led his companies to success through his vision and his ability to visualize products for his client. Mr. Ganofsky used to program on the Bally as well as the original Apple Computer. In 1985 he formed Kergan Consulting, a PC/Macintosh programming firm, which focused on the architectural, legal and medical fields. In 1988 he moved to California and Co-Founded Visual Concepts with 5 other individuals. After moving back to Illinois in 1989, he continued his education at Northern Illinois University majoring in Computer Science. In 1993 Mr. Ganofsky started High Voltage Software with 4 employees and managed the growth, development and business aspects of the company. After releasing more than 30 titles across multiple platforms he is focusing his creative juices on an original concept project. He continues to monitor and maintain the lofty development standards that clients have come to expect from High Voltage Software, Inc. And he still likes to play.
John Kopecky
President
Mr. John Kopecky started his career as a police officer with the Darien Police Force. Mr. Kopecky chose to change careers for a more business related field and started at High Voltage Software in 1996. Mr. Kopecky brings a wealth of skills with him from his days as a police officer. The fact is that there are some unique skills that law enforcement teaches future executives, especially when they combine that experience with budgeting skills, human resources skills and 5 years as a top game producer to boot. With 10 years in the industry, Mr. Kopecky has worked his way from outside game consultant to producer, to Executive Sports Producer, then to VP-Business Development and finally into his current business position. Mr. Kopecky's more than four years of producing generated such titles as NBA Inside Drive 2000 and All-star Baseball 2001. His experience in law enforcement, finance and video game production brings a diverse collection of talents to the organization. Mr. Kopecky graduated from Northern Illinois University in 1990 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science, minor in Economics.
Eric Nofsinger
Chief Creative Officer
Mr. Eric Nofsinger leads all of our departments and guides the creation of all of our products. Since joining the company in 1994 he has served the company in all of these roles and more. Mr. Nofsinger has helped transform the six-person collective into a full-fledged development empire, complete with state of the art technology and partnerships with the top publishers in the industry. When High Voltage decided to create its own motion capture studio, Mr. Nofsinger led Red Eye Studio through their growing pains. When High Voltage decided to spin off a DVD creation company, again Mr. Nofsinger led Sock Puppet Studios through over 30 DVD releases. Mr. Nofsinger has been successfully running companies for longer than most game developers have been in the industry.
Doug Seebach
Vice President of Simulations
Douglas R Seebach joined High Voltage in 2007 to head the simulation/government division. Mr. Seebach's 15 years of business management experience encompass managing departments and divisions from 12 people to 2,000 people with yearly revenue of up at $200 million. As VP, Simulations, Mr. Seebach will be responsible for the business development of the simulations and government projects at High Voltage Software with a goal of doubling the revenue of the company within the next two years. Mr. Seebach has recently relocated to Illinois from Idaho to Join HVS.
Erin Farrelly
Sales Support
Erin Farrelly joined the FLAME-SIM team in May 2009 after graduating from The University of Dayton with a Bachelors of Science Degree in Business Administration. She was introduced to FLAME-SIM when she worked as the Receptionist for High Voltage Software during the summers throughout her college career. Ms. Farrelly is now responsible for a variety of FLAME-SIM operational and marketing activities including inventory, tradeshows, press releases and advertising.