Some leaders find their careers in the boardroom. For David Ronsen, president of Acela, Inc., the path started on the fire line. With nearly two decades in emergency response and more than 30 years designing custom vehicles, Ronsen has carved out a unique space where innovation meets service. 

His work has led to the development of high-water rescue trucks, mobile command centers, and even mobile morgues, all with one goal in mind: making sure first responders have the tools they need when disaster strikes.

A Firefighter Turned Innovator

Ronsen’s journey began in California in the late 1980s.

“I started my career in the late 80s with CAL FIRE as a firefighter, moved on and became a private contractor to the Forest Service and the Department of Interior. So, my firefighting career spanned about 17 years. During that time, I started building custom trucks. We cut our teeth building custom brush trucks or wildland fire trucks. I’ve been at that now for over 30 years and have been involved in some really, cool projects building everything from fire trucks to mobile command centers, mobile medical clinics, bookmobiles, buses, and other custom vehicles as well,” Ronsen said.

The blend of firsthand firefighting experience and mechanical creativity became the DNA of Acela. And while much of his work involves heavy-duty emergency response vehicles, one project still makes him smile.

“Bookmobiles were some of my favorite,” he admitted with a laugh. “Fire trucks and then bookmobiles.”

Responding When the World Changes

Years of front-line service gave Ronsen a unique perspective on how communities react when disaster strikes.

“You know, when I was a firefighter, it was a much more forgiving time,” he recalled. “I think people had more patience. People were much more appreciative of the response or the level of response that they got. Resources are very, very limited.”

But today, he’s seen expectations shift.

“They expect that somewhere behind some hidden curtains are tens of thousands of responders that can just be there the next morning,” Ronsen explained. “And so, some of the biggest challenges that I faced in my career were being one of the earlier responders or even being one of the first responders to a very, very large-scale event and then just waiting for reinforcements to show up and being able to get a handle on the incident and start making some significant progress.”

Those realities shaped his approach to designing vehicles that can bridge the gap when resources are stretched too thin.

Innovation Born from Necessity

Sometimes, the best ideas come out of the toughest situations. When COVID-19 hit in March 2020, Acela’s production line was at risk as vendors shut down and parts became scarce. Then came an unusual request from a long-term client: the Veterans Administration’s Office of Emergency Management.

“The VA wanted us to build 56 morgue trailers,” Ronsen recalled. “We put together a bid spec for them. We bid and were awarded the job. And we delivered. We delivered 45 of the trailers within 35 days after we were given the contract.”

That whirlwind project became the foundation for Paladin, Acela’s division focused on mortuary surge response.

“We grew the Paladin Division over the years… to one of the country’s only medical grade morgue trailer and morgue storage solution manufacturers. So, it’s still a very, very strong business for us,” he added.

The Power of Simple, Collaborative Design

For Ronsen, innovation doesn’t mean over-engineering. It’s about solving the right problem in the simplest way possible.

“I employ the KISS method. Keep it simple. Where I’ve succeeded the most is finding a need and finding the simplest solution to resolve the requirements,” he explained.

That philosophy proved especially valuable when Acela developed mobile command centers after 9/11. Many agencies were investing in high-tech, multimillion-dollar trucks that required specialized training to operate.

“The biggest complaint we heard… was if someone was on vacation, nobody knew how to use any of their stuff,” Ronsen said.

By simplifying the design and involving end users in the process, Acela delivered cost-effective units that firefighters and police could operate on day one. Collaboration, he emphasized, is just as critical.

“Collaboration is absolutely paramount,” he said. “I invite people that I trust to poke holes in any idea and any product that we’re developing or wanting to bring to market.”

Preparing for a New Era of Disasters

When Acela first introduced its high-water rescue trucks, many didn’t see the need.

“Three quarters of the firefighters that walk the trade shows we were at would laugh,” Ronsen said. “They just couldn’t figure out why somebody would need a truck like that. That sentiment has changed 180 degrees. We literally are having trouble keeping up with orders.”

As climate-driven events become more common, Ronsen has seen demand for his vehicles grow.

“We have communities getting 100-year floods every single year. And in some cases, we’ve got one client in Texas who is experiencing 100 and 500-year floods two or three times a year now,” he noted.

His advice for fleets is straightforward:

“You don’t have to call it climate change, right? Just call it flooding or hurricanes or earthquakes or snowstorms or whatever the case may be,” he explained. “And there’s no question they’re getting more severe. So, if anything, just prepare.”

A Career Driven by Passion

Even with a client base that spans industries from mining to utilities, Ronsen said his purpose is rooted in one thing: supporting the people on the frontlines.

“My passion is supporting first responders first and foremost,” he said. “Designing tools and improving tools for first responders is definitely my passion and I think that passion has really spread through our organization.”

From fire trucks and flood rescue vehicles to mobile morgues and yes, even bookmobiles, Ronsen’s career is proof that when innovation is grounded in simplicity and collaboration, it can truly change lives.