Manuela Burtscher’s distinguished career reflects a remarkable trajectory of leadership, innovation and adaptability across the construction services and organizational growth sectors. In her present position as director of strategic collaboration at Classic Industrial Services, Inc., part of APi Group since 2026, she is responsible for connecting multiple brands for marketing and operational integration. Her efforts include managing culture and scalable systems across APi Group, facilitating strategic collaboration among sister companies and building awareness, alignment and action throughout operating companies. Ms. Burtscher also develops people and mentorship programs, focusing on creating sustainable and repeatable systems that drive long-term value.
From 2022 to 2026, Ms. Burtscher excelled as corporate inspection sales leader at Viking Fire Protection Group, APi Group. During this period, she achieved her most notable professional milestone by expanding her team from six representatives to more than 30, supporting over 20 branches. She introduced innovative sales methods, unified diverse company cultures and guided her team through significant change management. Her leadership was instrumental in helping team members overcome challenges such as imposter syndrome while fostering mentorship and personal growth. The systems and programs she established have contributed to the company’s ongoing success.
Between 2023 and 2026, Ms. Burtscher found success as corporate inspection sales leader at United States Fire Protection, Inc., APi Group and at Twin City Garage Door Company. From 2021 to 2023, she was active as corporate inspection sales leader at Grunau Company, APi Group. Ms. Burtscher’s earlier tenure at Grunau Company included serving as a business development professional from 2016 to 2020, inspection manager from 2018 to 2020 and service manager in Orlando from 2020 to 2022.
Ms. Burtscher’s commitment to industry advancement is further evidenced by her involvement as a founding committee member of ABC of Central Florida from 2018 to 2022. In addition, she completed the leadership development program with APi Group from 2015 to 2016. Her early career included a marketing internship with APi National Service Group in Minneapolis-St. Paul in 2014, a market research and customer service internship with The British International School in London in 2013 and an internship with Avantce Capital in 2012.
Throughout her career, Ms. Burtscher has maintained her membership in several notable organizations. She was appointed as social chair for Phi Sigma Pi National Honor Fraternity from 2013 to 2015 and co-chair for the Future Leaders Committee of the Florida Fire Sprinkler Association. A founding committee member of ABC of Central Florida, she further serves on the LCI Community of Practice Steering Committee for the Lean Construction Institute. Ms. Burtscher also contributed as a teaching assistant at the University of Florida, a member of the Florida Women in Business, a past member of Athletes in Action and the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, a graduate member of Lead Encourage Achieve Promote (LEAP), and a participant in the ACE Mentor Program of America.
Ms. Burtscher’s academic background has played a pivotal role in shaping her professional achievements. She initially completed undergraduate coursework at the Foundation for International Education in London in 2013 and the Vienna University of Economics and Business before continuing her studies at the University of Florida, where she graduated with a Master of International Business and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with concentrations in marketing and entrepreneurship in 2015. Most recently, she completed the Executive Leadership and Business Development Program through the Advanced Readiness Program at APi Group in partnership with the University of St. Thomas in 2021. Ms. Burtscher’s collegiate experience also includes competing as a discus thrower for the University of Florida varsity track and field team from 2011 to 2013.
Ms. Burtscher’s entry into her field was facilitated by participation in a rotational program with APi Group following graduation from the University of Florida. Over thirteen months, she gained exposure to various operating businesses within APi Group’s diverse portfolio, which provided her with foundational experience for her subsequent roles in business development and sales leadership. Ms. Burtscher credits her mother’s stellar work ethic, people skills and tenacity as central influences on her own drive for excellence. The competitive spirit honed through athletics, combined with financial motivation and a willingness to take risks, has propelled her forward throughout her career.
In addition to her primary pursuits, Ms. Burtscher is committed to civic engagement through involvement with Habitat for Humanity International, Marine Toys for Tots Foundation, and fire service charity events. Her dedication has been celebrated through several accolades, including selection to the Southeastern Conference Spring Academic Honor Roll in 2013, the Machen Florida Opportunity Scholarship at the University of Florida in 2011, and induction to the Dean’s List at Warrington College of Business during six out of eight semesters.
Born in Colombia before relocating to the United States as an infant with her single mother, Ms. Burtscher was raised in Naples, Florida as a first-generation immigrant. Growing up speaking Spanish within a large Hispanic family fostered an appreciation for cultural diversity and close familial bonds that continue to influence her values today.
Looking toward the future, Ms. Burtscher intends to create scalable operating systems across APi Group businesses that integrate strategy, people and technology while connecting multiple brands, industries and cultures within the enterprise to add measurable value. She also aspires to eventually establish her own business focused on sales coaching or executive coaching with an emphasis on culture transformation or consulting opportunities within leadership development for conservative industries. Her overarching goal remains leaving enterprises, customers and colleagues on an improved trajectory by addressing gaps she identifies while building up both systems and people throughout her career journey.