From Knight to Entrepreneur: Andrew Stoner

When you walk through iconic landmarks like the U.S. Capitol, sprawling Amazon warehouses, or the majestic State Forum Building, there’s a layer of safety that often goes unnoticed—until it’s needed. And behind that layer, Central Penn College alumnus Andrew Stoner and his company, GDS Controls, are quietly safeguarding lives.

As the owner of GDS Controls, a rapidly growing fire protection company serving seven East Coast states, Andrew ensures that the most critical fire suppression systems remain ready to spring into action. His journey, however, started much closer to home, within the halls of Central Penn College.

From the Classroom to the Boardroom

Andrew’s path to entrepreneurship began with a passion for leadership and education. After earning a degree in Business Management, he joined Central Penn College’s first cohort of master’s degree students. Balancing a demanding job at GENCO Logistics with evening classes, he learned the art of time management and built strong connections with classmates who were high achievers in their fields.

“Central Penn taught me how to manage my time, build meaningful relationships, and become a better leader,” Andrew recalls.

Those lessons fueled his entrepreneurial spirit. After selling his first business, S and K Fire Protection, Andrew eventually took ownership of GDS Controls—a company with over 50 years of history—this past April.

A Mission That Matters

GDS Controls provides essential services to keep fire pump systems operational in buildings across New Jersey, Virginia, Delaware, and beyond. These systems ensure that water flows where it’s needed most in the event of a fire.

“If our systems aren’t up and running, the people under that roof are relying on us,” Andrew explains. “Our team understands the gravity of what we do—it’s not just about equipment; it’s about protecting lives.”

With five technicians in the field and a dedicated support staff, GDS is growing rapidly. But Andrew acknowledges a challenge familiar to many entrepreneurs: “We have too much work and not enough skilled labor.”

Still, he prides himself on a team culture rooted in trust, care, and excellence. Whether it’s traveling three hours for a 10-minute repair or troubleshooting for competitors, GDS’s reputation speaks for itself.

Beyond Business

Despite his packed schedule, Andrew prioritizes family and community. He’s a devoted husband, father to three children, and a passionate youth sports coach. A diehard Baltimore Orioles fan, he also enjoys the outdoors and lives by a leadership philosophy inspired by Dave Ramsey: “Take care of your people, and everything else will fall into place.”

Advice for Future Knights

For current and future students of Central Penn College, Andrew’s advice is simple:

“Get in touch with leaders in any aspect of your life. Be a sponge. Listen to them. Watch how they interact with people, and focus on communication.”

Andrew’s journey from Central Penn College to business ownership is a testament to the power of education, leadership, and relentless drive. His work at GDS Controls doesn’t just keep buildings safe—it’s a shining example of how sparks of opportunity can ignite a future filled with success.

Ready to take the next step in your career? At Central Penn College, we help students turn ambition into action. Discover how we can prepare you for your dream career today.

Read Andrew’s full story in our latest issue of PennDulum Magazine by clicking here.