About Phnix Fire
Company Overview
Engineering Confidence. Defending Legacy.
At Phnix Fire, we believe no home should be left vulnerable to the escalating threat of wildfires. Born from decades of engineering for defense and refined in the crucible of real-world disaster, our mission is clear: deliver the most advanced, autonomous wildfire defense system on the market—built to protect your home, your family, and your future.
Our Story
Phnix Fire was forged at the intersection of military-grade innovation and wildfire urgency. As a recent commercial spinout of GBL Systems Corporation—a leading Department of Defense (DoD) contractor specializing in autonomy, sensor fusion, and mission-critical systems—we inherited more than just cutting-edge technology. We inherited a mindset: when failure isn’t an option, innovation must lead.
Through our acquisition of HotShot FPS, a pioneer in off-grid wildfire suppression with successful real-world deployments, including during the devastating Woolsey Fire in 2018, we combined practical field experience with tens of millions in federally funded R&D. What emerged was a next-generation platform for wildfire defense that draws on deep expertise in GPS-denied environments, sensor autonomy, and high-reliability systems. And while GPS denial may sound like a military concern, the same conditions exist when smoke, ash, and fire interrupt satellite, cellular, and power infrastructure—exactly when conventional alert systems fail.
Our Mission
To redefine residential wildfire defense by bringing military-grade autonomy, off-grid resilience, and intelligent sensing to the home, transforming decades of Department of Defense innovation into life-saving civilian protection. We empower families and communities to defend what matters most, even when infrastructure fails and the fire arrives without warning.
Our Vision
To make wildfire protection intelligent and reliable so families can feel confident knowing their homes are always protected, even when they are away.
Our Values
Invent Relentlessly: We challenge assumptions and build what doesn’t exist yet. Innovation is our default setting.
Own the Outcome: We take full responsibility for the work, the results, and the impact on our customers and communities.
Act with Urgency: Wildfires don’t wait, and neither do we. We move fast, prioritize what matters, and have a bias toward action.
Operate with Integrity: We do the right thing—even when no one is watching. Our word is our bond.
Safety Above All: Every decision we make, from code to components, puts human safety first—starting with our own team.
Better Together: We collaborate openly and bring diverse skills together to solve hard problems. No egos, just outcomes.
Our Team
Our team brings diverse expertise across multiple engineering fields and extensive technical experience. We are proud members of The Society of Fire Protection Engineers and contributors to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).
James Buscemi
Founder/CEO
Jim Buscemi is an accomplished entrepreneur and technology leader, serving as Founder/CEO of both Phnix Fire and GBL Systems. With over 30 years of experience in advanced systems engineering, Jim has led GBL Systems to become a key provider of cutting-edge solutions for defense, aerospace, and commercial applications. As CEO of Phnix Fire, he leverages deep expertise in automation, software, and engineering to deliver groundbreaking wildfire defense technologies. Jim is passionate about using innovation to safeguard communities and infrastructure against today’s most critical challenges.
Jerry Meyer
COO
Jerry Meyer brings extensive executive and operational leadership to Phnix Fire. Formerly CEO of ICON Aircraft, Jerry has led companies through growth, product innovation, and operational transformation. A former U.S. Navy pilot, he brings a mission-driven focus to advancing wildfire defense solutions. At Phnix Fire, Jerry oversees operations, strategy, and market execution, driving the company’s mission to protect homes and communities from climate-driven risks.
Sabre Buttner
Founder/Operations Manager
Sabre Buttner is a Founder and Operations Manager at Phnix Fire, bringing hands-on expertise in project management, system design, and field operations. With a strong background in electrical systems and fire safety, Sabre plays a critical role in system design, management of Phnix Fire’s certified installer network, and quality control, ensuring every Phnix Fire system meets the highest quality and performance standards. Sabre’s commitment to excellence and safety helps drive Phnix Fire’s mission to protect homes and communities from the growing threat of wildfires.
James Dziadulewicz
Founder/Director of Engineering
James “Jimmy D” Dziadulewicz is a Founder and the Director of Engineering at Phnix Fire, where he leads the development of the company’s advanced wildfire defense systems. A seasoned engineer and inventor, James is the original co-creator of the Hotshot Fire Protection System that successfully protected homes during the 2018 Woolsey Fire. With deep expertise in off-grid power, automation, and fire suppression technologies, he drives innovation and continuous improvement across Phnix Fire’s product portfolio. James is passionate about creating solutions that empower homeowners to safeguard their properties against today’s escalating wildfire threats.