Body language can tell you all sorts of things. Like someone is having a stroke.
SPEECH DIFFICULTY
FACE DROOPING
ARM WEAKNESS
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TIME TO CALL 911
Know the sudden signs.
Spot a stroke F.A.S.T.
July 2013 Volume 37 #6
Table of Contents Features 13 A Stay on Furnaces
P.16
14 Feeling Uncomfortable is an Important Step to Success
16 Do or Do Not – There is No Try 18 The Privilege of Competition 21 Wedding Wishes P.21
Departments 3
President’s Report
6
Editor’s Letter
8
Industry Watch
10 The Coach’s Corner 12 Technical Q&A P.29 Sweeping: The Journal of Chimney and Venting Technology (ISSN# 10416692) is published 11 times annually, by the National Chimney Sweep Guild, 2155 Commercial Drive, Plainfield, IN 46168. Annual dues to the National Chimney Sweep Guild are $459 for Voting Member Companies and $689 for Supplier Member Companies, of which $80 goes toward a subscription to Sweeping: The Journal of Chimney and Venting Technology. Additional annual subscriptions are available for $80 by contacting the National Chimney Sweep Guild at the office of publication (NCSG, 2155 Commercial Drive, Plainfield, IN 46168). POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: Sweeping: The Journal of Chimney and Venting Technology National Chimney Sweep Guild 2155 Commercial Drive Plainfield, IN 46168
22 New NCSG Members 27 Progressive Perks 28 Dates & Events 29 Perspective 31 Darwin Awards 31 Display Ad Index 32 Classifieds JULY 13 SWEEPING 1
ResourcePage
NATIONAL CHIMNEY SWEEP GUILD
Committee Chairs and Task Forces for 2013-2014 Bylaws Jeremy Biswell (913) 236-7141 fluesbrothers@yahoo.com
Government Affairs Phil Mitchell (603) 659-7776 sootski@aol.com
NFPA 211 Representative Randy Brooks (805) 646-8961 hearthhunter@aol.com
Convention Site Selection Diane Pilger (631) 863-2460 chimneygal@aol.com
International Relations John Pilger (631) 863-2460 chimneyman@aol.com
NFPA 31 Representative John Pilger (631) 863-2460 chimneyman@aol.com
Ethics Mark Stoner (615) 459-2546 ashbusters@aol.com
Long Range Planning Jeremy Biswell (913) 236-7141 fluesbrothers@yahoo.com
NFPA 54 Jim Brewer (757) 523-2400 jbrewer@magic-sweep.com
Governance Jay Walker (850) 562-4692 SweepingJ@aol.com
Membership Bob Ferrari (530) 221-3331 bob@flueseason.com
Technical Advisory Council Michael Segerstrom (908) 253-9190 chimneysweeps@optonline.net
TECHNICAL ADVISORY COUNCIL To contact any member of the Technical Advisory Council, please call (317) 203-0088 and select the extension for the person who is best qualified to answer your question: Chris Prior Masonry Construction and Restoration and Priorfire Fireboxes 317-203-0088 x: 2 Jim Brewer Gas Venting and NFPA 54 317-203-0088 x: 3 John Pilger Oil Flue Sizing, Relining or NFPA 31 317-203-0088 x: 4
Fred Joy Installation and Venting of Pellet Stoves 317-203-0088 x: 7 Jay Walker Dryer Vents 317-203-0088 x: 8 Rett Rasmussen Vented and Vent Free Gas Logs and Controls 317-203-0088 x: 9
Randy Brooks IRC, NFPA 211 or Customer Communications 317-203-0088 x: 5 Bart Ogden Stainless Steel Lining, Video Scanning and Narrative Report Writing 317-203-0088 x: 6
Rich Martinez Dryer Vents or Masonry 317-203-0088 x: * Rich Rua General Sweeping or Relining 317-203-0088 x: 0
Be advised that advice given by NCSG’s Technical Advisory Council (TAC) reflects best practices of the chimney sweeping industry. However, we are unable to account for any particular type of situation since regional variations in construction practices and additional environmental, physical and geographical factors necessarily vary the level of service appropriate for a particular fireplace and/or chimney. Additionally, local laws and ordinances may govern and/or supersede the information and any recommendations provided. Final determinations are the responsibility of a local professional with first-hand knowledge of the situation, and the local Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ). Neither NCSG nor any member of TAC will be held liable for any damages whatsoever resulting from the use of or reliance on information provided by anyone associated with TAC. By your use of this member benefit you acknowledge acceptance of these terms.
ADVERTISING RATES for Sweeping: The Journal of Chimney & Venting Technology may be obtained by contacting Malisa Minetree at (317) 815-4688 or sweepingads@me.com Design by Laura Houser Design • laurahouser.com • (317) 213-7497 NCSG encourages industry partners to submit press release and articles to Melissa Heeke, Sweeping Editor at mheeke@ncsg.org. Submissions should contain items of interest or importance to the chimney and venting industry. Submissions should not contain direct solicitations, prices, or a call to action on the part of our readers. Submissions may contain images or artwork attached in a .jpg format. In all cases, NCSG reserves the right to edit submissions to fit space limitations, keep the release and publish at a later date, or refuse to publish the release for any reason. Neither publishing, nor refusing to publish the submission should be considered a statement of NCSG’s opinion regarding the release. NCSG further reserves the right to reject at any time any advertising determined not to be in keeping with the publications’ standards. Acceptance of advertising by Sweeping magazine does not necessarily constitute endorsement of products or services advertised. NCSG does not make any effort to review or substantiate claims made by advertisers. © 2013 National Chimney Sweep Guild, 2155 Commercial Drive, Plainfield, IN 46168 (317) 837-1500
2 SWEEPING JULY 13
NCSG BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2013-2014 President, At-Large Diane Pilger (631) 863-2460 chimneygal@aol.com Vice President, At-Large Jeremy Biswell (913) 236-7141 fluesbrothers@yahoo.com Treasurer, Region 2 Bob Fleer (410) 544-7600 bobfleer@aol.com Secretary, At-Large Fred Joy (785) 986-6432 joyfredm@live.com Region 1 Phil Mitchell (603)659-7776 sootski@aol.com Region 3 Ron Rust (803) 730-5858 tophatswp@aol.com Region 4 Ken Hoelscher (937) 833-0505 ken@abbeyroadchimneysweeps.com Region 5 Jasper Drengler (715) 304-8934 drengler01@gmail.com Region 6 Bob Ferrari (530) 941-5818 bob@flueseason.com At-Large Director Gregg Boss (636) 391-2226 englishsweep@att.net Supplier Representative Edmund Poplawski (570) 504-7107 epoplawski@olympiachimney.com
STAFF 2155 Commercial Drive Plainfield, IN 46168 (317) 837-1500 Fax: (317) 837-5365 Interim Executive Director Ashley Eldridge, COI, CPP Director of Education ashley@ncsg.org Melissa Heeke, CAE Director of Communications & Marketing mheeke@ncsg.org Candice Bradbury Director of Finance cbradbury@ncsg.org
Megan McMahon Office Manager mmcmahon@ncsg.org Debbie Cornelius Membership Development Coordinator dcornelius@ncsg.org Donna Lee Kasmer CSIA Certification Coordinator dkasmer@csia.org Sharon Anderson Program Coordinator sanderson@ncsg.org
President’s Report
DIANE PILGER NCSG PRESIDENT
M
y husband John and I recently returned from a trip to Germany and Romania. While we were invited by the Romanian chimney sweepers to share the American chimney sweeping experience with them, it’s worth mentioning that our company, Chief Chimney Services, financed this trip. Both John and I felt that it was important to visit to share the missions of the National Chimney Sweep Guild and the Chimney Safety Institute of America with our European friends. We arrived in Germany on May 18 in time for John and German Master Sweep Andreas Gartner and several of Andreas’ friends to attend the BVB football game (soccer in America). John had a wonderful time and was presented his own Jersey by Andreas. Sunday and Monday were considered a national holiday in Germany, so we spent time being entertained by Andreas and his wife Silvana who were our hosts. On Tuesday we were taken to a local bakery where we learned to make bread. In the afternoon, a local news reporter arrived to interview John and myself about chimney sweeping in America. On Wednesday, we were given a VIP tour of the Wohler facility in Germany. It was a very impressive building, which was streamlined to have very little waste of time and materials. We saw the Viper and many of the components for their testing equipment being manufactured. It is truly amazing how they program the computer to create a part and run the machine for just what they need. They asked John to do a video with their Viper to show how it is used.
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service. This is mandated by the government. They are way ahead of America when it comes to this. We then went to the German Chimney Sweeper Guild for lunch and another newspaper interview. The school is very interesting. They have many different types of units in place, and learn how to service and test each one. There was a class in session while we were there and we were introduced to the class. In Germany you go to school for four years. You work out in the field for four days and attend school one day a week. You cannot own a company unless you go to school for three additional years to become a Master Sweep. On Thursday we left for Romania with Silvana and Andreas. When we arrived at the Transylvania airport we were met by Master Chimney Sweep, Mircea Balsoianu, his wife Dorina, our interpreter for the trip Cristian Virgil Simion, and his wife Mihaela. We were then taken to lunch and to meet out tour guide for a tour of a castle and church in Sighisoara, Mures. The day ended with us having dinner in the Brasov’s Center where we were interviewed by a television newscaster. We did not reach Vila Doi Ponei in Busteni until almost midnight. The next day were taken on a tour of the Palace of the Parliament. As we drove in I realized their security procedures are very different than ours in America. They checked the license plate and then we drove right up to the front of the building. What a building! They checked our passports which, when we were 15 minutes into the trip, I discovered I left back at the hotel. Then we went through a metal detector while they checked our bags. That was it. Even with the passport snafu, we managed to be on time for our VIP tour of the building. The building is the second largest government building in the world after the Pentagon. The one thing that I noticed is they rent out rooms not being used, to groups that need conference space. They do this to subsidize the income needed to support the building needs, electric, heat, etc. The tour and information imparted to us was interesting and the history behind the building of it even more so.
own fat). This was also served with an array of cheeses and vegetables. Next we had soup (with a bowl of onions) and pizza. Romanian pizza is not like American pizza. It is crust with cheese and toppings with the sauce served on the side. The traffic in Bucharest is like New York City on steroids. Cars, taxis, buses, bikes and donkeys all on the same roads. The following day was Romanian Chimney Sweepers Day with televised events scheduled all day long. Early in the day, we presented them with a Friendship Plaque on behalf of NCSG and CSIA. John and Andreas were given the honor, along with Cristian, of being judges for the truck competition. Andreas and John also swept the chimney at the Vila Doi Ponei using the largest Viper I even seen. We had a news conference later that day with Andreas, Mircea, the mayor of the town, John and myself. We answered questions regarding chimney sweeping in Germany and America. We also explained the function of the National Chimney Sweep Guild and the Chimney Safety Institute of America. Andreas explained the process of becoming a sweep in Germany. Everyone was very interested in what we had to say. We were the top news story that evening in Romania. The rest of the day was filled with food, drink, dance, food, cake and more food. The next day we were off to Dracula’s Castle in Bran where we had a great time. Chimney sweeping in Romania is much different than anywhere else I been. Many of the chimneys need major repairs. Many were made of brick and mud (yes, mud!) and unlined. Sweeping many of the chimneys would result in damage. Many are not swept, as very few can afford to fix them. I’m hopeful as the country moves forward in the future and they get some assistance from the government, fire departments and other organizations they will be able to repair the chimneys and educate the public as to the need for maintenance. They are on their way but have a long road ahead of them. Respectfully Submitted,
We then went to a Pizzeria in Bucharest, where Mircea services the pizza ovens. We were served the traditional staple in every Romanian meal. Onions, bread and grease (pork fried in its
4 SWEEPING JULY 13
Diane Pilger NCSG President
Editor’s Letter
MELISSA HEEKE, CAE NCSG DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS
T
his month, our country celebrates its independence and I encourage you to celebrate yours as well. As small (some would even use the word “micro”) business owners, you are decidedly creating a cause for celebration every day your doors are open for business. Supporting local business owners is something that each of us can make an effort to do. Instead of dinner at the chain restaurant, how about visiting the restaurant down the street that’s owned by your neighbor? You know the phrase “When in Rome, do as the Romans.” Well, when in Maine, skip Red Lobster and look for the vintage lobster shack! You may not experience cookie-cutter consistency from visit to visit, but chances are good that you will experience the flavor of quality ingredients that have never been frozen, have been assembled into a meal with care by someone on-premises who knows what people living in your area will appreciate. As a small business owner, knowing that your food dollars are staying in your community can also make your meal even more satisfying. If you’re solidly in your routine at home, give this a try during a vacation or a convention trip. Skip the usual and try the local flavor. Sweeping_Pellet_7.35x4.875_May 1, 2013_HR.pdf
1
13-05-02
This month our authors will give you even more food for thought as we wrap our heads around energy efficiency issues. Diane Pilger shares her culinary adventures in Romania, while Jerry Isenhour asks you to question your message to your customers and Brian Noe encourages you to get more comfortable feeling uncomfortable. This month we also welcome the Guild’s new Technical Advisory Council chair, Michael Segerstrom, to the magazine. Michael kicks off his tenure with a fantastic article on reasons to scan the flue before a reline and another on the Department of Energy’s gas furnace standards. Finish your lobster, find your hammock and settle in for a great read this month! Until next time,
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Industry Watch
National Chimney Acquires Kennedy Skylights National Chimney is pleased to announce the recent acquisition of Kennedy Skylights and welcome this brand to their family of products. Kennedy Skylights is now a National brand. With this acquisition, National Chimney will assume operations of the Sanford, FL factory turning it into a Southeast Distribution Center for the company. In addition, the acquisition will enable National Chimney to better serve the industry and continue our commitment to provide superior-quality products, backed by exceptional customer service.
Tom Powers Joins Wohler USA Wohler USA is pleased to welcome Tom Powers as their new Technical Service Manager. “I look forward to becoming an integral part of the success of Wohler USA and assisting in their future growth,” says Tom. Tom’s strong mechanical background includes nearly 15 years as an engineering technician in the semiconductor field. He focused on equipment development and metrology. He also demonstrated new products to customers. Peter Cullen, Wohler’s Chief Operating Officer, notes, “Tom’s experience and technical skills will greatly benefit our customers. We pride ourselves on the talent of our growing team.” Visit www.wohlerusa.com for more information about Wohler USA.
President/Owner Darin Bibeau welcomes Lee Walls, the Founder of Kennedy, and his Sales Team of 16 employees to National’s Sales and Manufacturing team and National also welcomes Rob Mills as he serves as Regional Sales Representative for the Southeast region. With these great additions to the National team, Dennis Sickmen will be relocating to Florida to head up the vision of National, to support the industry in any and every way possible. Share our Vision. American Manufacturing creates American Jobs! Join the National team, this is just the beginning! For more information about National Chimney, please visit www. nationalchimney.com or contact Ghayas Salem, Director of Business Development at (570) 561-3647.
Industry Watch Policy NCSG encourages industry partners to submit press releases to Melissa Heeke, Sweeping: The Journal of Chimney & Venting Technology editor, via email at mheeke@ncsg.org. Submissions should contain items of interest or importance to the chimney and venting industry. Submissions should not contain direct solicitations, prices, or a call to action on the part of our readers. Submissions may contain images or artwork attached in a .jpg format. In all cases, NCSG reserves the right to edit submissions to fit space limitations, keep the release and publish at a later date, or refuse to publish the release for any reason. Neither publishing nor refusing to publish the submission should be considered a statement of NCSG’s opinion regarding the release.
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2012 – 2013 Sweeps Advantage Coupon Program A very special thanks goes out to the NCSG Supplier members who participated in the 2012 – 2013 Sweeps Advantage Coupon Program! Airjet, Division of Continental Industries • Alpha American Company • Canterbury Enterprises • Condar Company • Copperfield Chimney Supply • Duct Cleaners’ Supply • Dynacote LLC • Earthcore Industries, LLC • ENERVEX, Inc. • Firesafe Industries • Fireside Distributors • HY-C Company • Lifetime Chimney • Lindemann Chimney Supply • Matters of the Hearth • Meyer Machine & Equipment • National Chimney Supply • Olympia Chimney Supply • SaverSystems • Smoktite LLC • SNEWS – The Chimney Sweep News • Stove Builder International Inc. (SBI) • Ventech Industries, Inc. • Wakefield Brush • Wohler USA, Inc. • Z-Flex
The 2013 – 2014 offers are being added daily in the “Members Only” section of the NCSG website at www.NCSG. org. So start checking for these new offers each week. These coupons will be good until June 30, 2014.
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JULY 13 SWEEPING 9
The
Coach’s Corner
BY JERRY ISENHOUR OF CHIMNEY & VENTING CONSULTANTS IN CONCORD, NC
What is Your Pitch?
T
his month’s issue is keyed towards the EPA and efficiency. A great subject for sure! A train of thought that can open up your business thrust to new offerings, new business opportunities and new profits.
When I had the privilege to serve as the President of NCSG and CSIA, I had the opportunity to attend ESCHFOE (the association of the Guild officials from many of the European countries) meetings. In those meetings, my eyes were opened to new areas of opportunity for chimney service companies in this country. I also visited many of their educational facilities. (It was through the previous attendance by two of my predecessors, Pete Luter and Victor Imgarten that the impetus came to open our own school here in the USA.) Prior to going on my first trip to Europe, my belief was that I was in the safety business, that the role of our company was to cut the fire losses in this country due to chimney fires and the devastation to the homeowner as a result of these. I still know that this is one of the roles that the chimney service company plays. However my travels opened my eyes tremendously because the European chimney sweep no longer had safety as his main concentration. In fact we were even told in Germany that there were no unsafe chimneys. As it turns out, Germany has the highest rate of chimneys being relined per capita of any country in Europe. But as I listened, I discovered that the European chimney sweep had come to realize that his entry into the future was not founded solely on safety. Rather, the European chimney sweeps were expanding their role into increased appliance efficiency, the lower emissions produced by oil, gas and solid fuel appliances, and the betterment of the environment by the lowering pollution levels. I was astounded as I began to see the work of the chimney sweep was, in many cases, no longer based on the use of
10 SWEEPING JULY 13
brushes, ropes and rods. The “new” chimney sweep was often dressed in a lab coat and armed with the new technology of his trade, such as meters and other resources to test the emissions, fuel consumption and performance of the heating systems in use. It was amazing to learn that in Europe chimneys were red flagged, and linings required, not due to safety issues, rather due to the need to resize the flue for more ideal and efficient performance. I still remember a question posed to me in my first visit, “Who regulates the chimneys in the USA?” The reference to “regulate” was translated to mean who checked that the appliances were operating properly and with maximum efficiency and lowered pollution. It took years to grasp the implication of this turn around in Europe completely, and I also learned an interesting statistic on my final trip to an ESHFOE meeting in Denmark. In this meeting, the amount of pollution produced by each citizen was drastically higher in America than any of the European countries. I do not recall the exact percentages but it was multiplied many times. Today as we view the thought process of the American consumer and the American construction market, we find a market where the word “green” has become commonplace. In our own country we now see where new construction is commonly awarded “LEED” points for the construction process and the way the construction is done. As one reviews the requirements to obtain the “LEED” points one can also see where new approaches in their marketing efforts which illustrate how the service provided can help homeowners maintain a higher quality of life with the elimination of so many bad things and the addition of so many good things. Along with the protection of the environment, we can also be a huge help in bettering the indoor air quality of the consumer. It is common knowledge that the move to more energy efficient housing has also lowered the air quality of the average American home, due to the lowered amount of fresh air that commonly enters the living quarters. The reckless matter of sealing all entry areas,
replacing windows, doors, insulating and other weatherization steps has had the adverse effect of lowering the quality of the air our clients breathe inside their own homes.
other European countries. It is related to performance, and the word “performance” includes increased efficiencies and lowered emissions.
So where does this play out? How does the chimney service company benefit from this? It’s simple and obvious, we must change the thrust of our marketing efforts to include appliance efficiency and all that goes with it. This can start in the beginning by focusing on the classic summer issue, “STINKY CHIMNEYS”. This is an indoor pollution issue, this is an indoor air quality issue, this can even be considered as a quality of life issue! And this is one issue that with knowledge of pressures and with knowledge of masonry and metal chimney construction methods, deficiencies and issues can be easily addressed, and corrective action provided. Be on the lookout for chimneys with marginal draft issues. These are the issues the consumer is not even aware of but the trained eye can detect, just as the trained eye detects water entry and other issues that the consumer is ignorant of.
One of the best pieces of advice I have ever heard from a marketing genius is that folks have to “stay the course”. There is seldom an overnight success with any marketing program. One has to use it and implement it in all areas of marketing outreach efforts. But perhaps this may be a new thought process that can help carry your company to the next level you have envisioned for it.
Now, the move to the promotion of your company not just for fire safety, but for increased efficiency, lowered emissions, better indoor air quality and all the good things that you provide will not be an overnight success. It will involve a change in the total marketing outreach efforts. I have stressed for years the need for a concentration on the areas of performance, this is the reason that there are so many chimneys lined in Germany and
My best to you and yours and my wish is for you to experience the true success and that your business dreams become your business realities. About the Author: Jerry Isenhour is an industry consultant, educator and coach who authors a monthly article in Sweeping as a service to the industry. For more information about Jerry and how his team can assist you individually and your business in your quest for success and your ascent to the next level, take a look at his web site www.chimneyandventingconsultants.com He can be contacted at jerry@chimneyandventingconsultants. com or by phone at (704) 425-0217. You can also obtain great business tips from his Facebook page Chimney & Venting Consultants.
JULY 13 SWEEPING 11
Technical Q&A
Q
BY MICHAEL SEGERSTROM, NCSG TECHNICAL ADVISORY CHAIR
Why should I scan the flue first if I am relining it?
A
Let’s set aside the NFPA 211 requirement of completion of level 2 inspection and consider some more practical reasons. There are several reasons to perform an internal camera inspection of a flue before installing a metal liner. These may apply if the flue is unlined, tile lined or if a cast in place liner has been installed. In no specific order, here a few things to consider: Combustibles in the flue. Though uncommon, we have seen it. Framing that passes through a flue, 3 sided chimneys where one side is a combustible wall, the ends of framing members exposed in the flue. If we don’t address these defects, combustibles in contact with the metal liner may ignite. Installing a metal liner may actually create a hazard, while trying to eliminate one! Unsealed or Improperly Sealed Thimbles. It’s not uncommon to see thimbles on upper floors of older chimneys. These may have been locations where stoves were connected years ago. Sometimes these thimbles are not sealed or closed properly, with the required nominal 4” thick solid masonry. They may only be covered with a metal plate, or filled with a variety of materials ranging from insulation or newspaper, to blocks of wood or coffee cans. If combustible materials are used, or are adjacent to the thimble, these materials may be exposed to excessive heat and may ignite. And as with combustibles in the flue, a metal liner adjacent to combustibles in a thimble may actually create a hazard! Excess Mortar. Excess mortar can turn even the easiest of installs into a problem and even a nightmare. And sometimes the mortar can be
12 SWEEPING JULY 13
hiding in an offset area that can’t be seen from the top or bottom. Excess mortar can stop a liner from going in, but can also cause a liner to get stuck to the point it can’t even be removed! Scanning first lets us know if it’s there, and gives us a chance to deal with it before the liner is damaged or stuck! Misaligned Tiles and Offsets. These conditions can sometimes be equally as problematic as excess mortar. With both misaligned tiles and offsets, removal of the clay liner in areas may be necessary beforehand to accommodate the liner. Scanning first gives us a closer look at these areas to help determine if removal is necessary. Other Items and Materials. From time to time we also see other things in the flue that require corrective action or removal before installing a liner. These include but may not be limited to gas piping (copper or steel), electrical conduit pipe (metal or plastic), unprotected wiring and PVC piping (for appliances, plumbing and/or radon). Installing a liner without first scanning the flue and seeing conditions like these, may result in hazardous conditions at the time of installation, hazardous conditions over time, or both. This is not a complete list of reasons, besides Level 2 Inspection requirements, to scan a flue before installing a metal liner. There may be other reasons or conditions. Finding out if additional aspects are present is also helpful to prevent surprising the client with additional charges after the job is started. The client may not be thrilled that the plumber ran the gas pipe through the flue, or the mason installed plywood in the flue, but they would much rather know about these things ahead of time! The cost of a scan is far less than the cost of a liner, and less than the cost of someone’s home! In the end, scanning first may save a lot of headaches, time and expense, and may also prevent property damage, personal injury or worst of all, loss of life.
BY MICHAEL SEGERSTROM, NCSG TECHNICAL ADVISORY COUNCIL CHAIR
Got the Cable Blues?
Chim-ScanÂŽ goes
A Stay on Furnace Rules
I
n what would seem to be an attempt to improve the overall efficiency of a residential home, the Department of Energy developed new standards for non-weatherized gas furnaces in 2011. These standards were to take effect on May 1, 2013. A portion of the standard requires that new non-weatherized gas furnaces must have an Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) rating of 90% or better in 30 northern states.
This could impact the chimney service professional, as many of us install chimney liners for chimney vented gas furnaces with lower AFUE ratings. Many of us install and/or replace B vent for these appliances too. This could also result in natural draft gas fired water heaters venting into oversized chimneys, as the 90% efficient furnaces would be direct vent units. There has also been much concern in other organizations over the pending adoption of these standards. The APGA (American Public Gas Association), the AHRI (Air-conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute), the ACCA (AirConditioning Contractors of America) and other groups opposed these standards and were involved in costly legal efforts. Tenuous fruit of these efforts was reached in January of 2013 when a settlement was reached with the DOE to rescind the rules for these furnaces. As the May 1, 2013 compliance date drew closer, the courts had not yet ruled on the settlement. The AHRI filed an emergency motion, and the U.S. Court of Appeals ruled in favor of a stay of the May 1, 2013, compliance date. Officially the compliance day of May 1 is off the table, but that doesn’t necessarily mean the standards are off the table completely. If the courts approve the settlement, the DOE will have to begin work rewriting the standards. If the settlement is rejected, a trial will likely follow and the result of that trial could put the standards in effect as early as 6 months after the conclusion of the trial. This type of legislation and rule making, though not always specific to the chimney and venting industry, could have significant effect or impact on many of us. Though its intent is presumably good, improving energy efficiency, reducing operation costs for the end user, and a reduction in natural gas use, we as chimney service professionals may have to prepare for changes like this, that could dramatically change what some of us do and the way we operate our businesses.
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BY BRIAN NOE OF MW FINANCIAL GROUP
Feeling Uncomfortable is an Important Step to Success
I
came back to work from Branson, MO rejuvenated after enjoying a well-run and informative NCSG Innovation 2013 – I was ready to “kick it”.
However, being away from work can lead to a sense of an overwhelming work load upon our return. After back to back trips to the Hearth and Patio Expo in Orlando, FL and the chimney sweep Innovation in Branson, MO I was experiencing this overwhelmed feeling. My first “comfortable” instinct was to put my head down and “work in my business”. I can always get back to “working on my business” later. Fortunately, I did not forget the lessons of Branson and continued to work on my business. I made the uncomfortable decision to spread out my work schedule and ensure I continued several projects including social media marketing, developing a series of educational presentations, a book, magazine articles, and other similar activities. My rationale being - why not create 2 to 5 hours a week to take advantage of the time and money spent attending a great event like Innovation 2013 and see how that impacts your daily operations? It is working! I continue to work on my business and in my business at the same time. We are certainly surrounded by discomfort. Is it me or does the media make us feel like we have no control over our world? Feeling uncomfortable about adapting to the “new normal” economy, whatever that may be, is a necessary step to success. You may have a very long wait if you are hoping that the “old normal” economy of the 1980s and 90s will return any time soon.
14 SWEEPING JULY 13
It is important to pinpoint the reasons for our discomfort so we can face them and make the appropriate changes. The discomfort may be family related – who will receive what assets from your estate? How do you balance children working in the business with key employees and with children outside the business? How do you define the role of multiple children in the business? What are the additional complications of a partner, spouse, or children? The discomfort may involve your key employees. How do you define their role relative to others and keep the peace? How do you develop your people to be a possible buyer of your company? Or them a part of your business exit plan? The discomfort may be your business systems, transitioning to electronic processing, implementing policies and procedures, etc. The discomfort may be customers, vendors, the economy, politicians, whoever or whatever. Regardless of where you perceive the source of your discomfort we only know this for certain – the source of the discomfort we feel comes from inside of us. So, how do we remove those discomforts? Face it, and prepare a plan to deal with it. Once you have a plan to look forward to, (preferably a plan that can be easily modified,) your discomfort should fade, and you should be able to sleep easy and enjoy your life. So, how can you do this with minimal time (2 to 5 hours a week) so you can continue to run your business? Find people you trust who have the knowledge and ability to make you uncomfortable in a judgment free zone to help you define your discomfort.
Open your mind and thinking to new perspectives. You do not need to spend countless hours seeking other opinions on the internet or with others. If you get an opinion on a truck repair from your mechanic how much time would you spend with your electrician, mason, doctor, attorney, guy next door, guy at the bar, in-laws, online, etc. to see if there was a different opinion, a ‘cheaper price’? How do you feel when your customers do that to you? If you have multiple advisers (not a bad idea) with a topic that requires the expertise of several specialists get all of us in the same room or conference call at the same time and let us work together for you. There may be some ruckus and commotion, but in the end you should have a well thought out plan. When you are presented a new concept and your discomfort fades you know your concern has been dealt with. But, beware of just seeking out what you want to hear. Open your thoughts and if possible your heart to your advisors – we cannot develop the best plan for you if we do not know what your discomfort is. Avoiding discomfort leads to burn out. Deal with your discomfort to help you be more successful and productive. About the Author: Brian Noe of MW Financial Group, Ltd. has a background in business, economic analysis, education, and is a national speaker with a focus on the closely held family business. Brian was a guest speaker at the NCSG 2011 convention held in Hartford, CT where he discussed How to Get Out of Business and The Economy and Animal Spirits. When working with business owners, Brian helps coordinate your current advisors or helps you identify new advising resources that match the stage of your business cycle. With a Business Resource Center (BRC) team behind him, your complex personal and business planning needs can be identified and addressed (sometimes in a matter of just several hours). Brian thoroughly enjoys helping others spend more time with their families and friends while becoming financially independent. He can be reached at (860) 606-0834 or Brian_Noe@ MWFinancial.com
Registered Representative and Financial Advisor of Park Avenue Securities LLC (PAS), 197 Scott Swamp Road, Farmington, CT 06032, 860-677-2600. Securities products/services and advisory services are offered through PAS, a registered broker-dealer and investment advisor. Financial Representative, The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America (Guardian), New York, NY. PAS is an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of Guardian. MW Financial Group, Ltd. is not an affiliate or subsidiary of PAS or Guardian. PAS is a member FINRA, SIPC. Guardian, its subsidiaries, agents or employees do not give tax or legal advice. Individuals should consult a qualified professional to evaluate their individual circumstances. GEAR 2013-6600
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Do or Do Not – There is No Try
O
ne of the best examples of this phrase is to simply “try” and stand up. You can’t. You either stand up or you don’t.
It’s a great lesson to learn in life because it makes you admit that whatever you are doing, good, bad or indifferent; you are choosing to do it. When I think “I tried to exercise today” I am forced to admit that exercise today took a backseat to work or TV or whatever else I chose to do instead of exercising. It makes me accountable… well, to me. There is a book I read a few years ago by Jeffrey Pfeffer and Robert Sutton called The Knowing-Doing Gap: How Smart Companies Turn Knowledge into Action. What I learned from this book is pretty much summed up in Yoda’s quote above. If you need to do something then you have to do it. I would make a bet that many of you find this to be true in your business and/
16 SWEEPING JULY 13
BY TAYLOR HILL, SPARK MARKETER
or personal lives as well. If you don’t do it, it simply doesn’t get done. And guess what? When you actually “do” something you open yourself up to make mistakes and sometimes, just plain fail. Most of us find failure a very bitter pill to swallow and will do just about anything to avoid it; including not doing what we know must be done. It is here that we must be willing to pay the price, to learn the lessons we need to learn in business and in life. Personally, once I figured out that failure does not mean death but instead opens up a labyrinth of opportunities, I realized what is really holding most of us back from doing the things we know we need to do is good old fashioned fear. The quote from FDR was true back then and still today, “The only thing we have to fear is fear itself”. It’s true for me because I have found fear to be a paralyzer to action and once I stop doing, I am finished.
So what does this have to do with marketing you might ask? Everything would be my answer. How many of you came back from the latest NCSG convention with marketing ideas and plans to implement and have not done one thing toward actually doing it? Why not? What’s stopping you?
I figured out that failure does not mean death but instead opens up a labyrinth of opportunities
How many of you are terrified of “being online”? Don’t laugh. I talk to business owners all the time that don’t want to be online because they “heard about this guy”, they don’t have time, it costs too much, etc. However, when you really dive in and discuss the core issue it’s because they don’t understand it. That means they need to take a class, dig in and read, talk to a teenager. The fact is their customers and clients are finding their competitors online because their competitors were not afraid to try. The choice is yours. You can either take a deep breath and get a website up and start doing everything you can to learn what
it takes to be successful in marketing your business online or, decide it’s never going to be something you do and be happy with losing business year after year because the bulk of your customer base will continue to use computers, laptops, tablets and smartphones to find your service. This is not my prediction. It’s a fact.
Steve Mariucci, a former NFL coach once said, “I never wear a watch because I always know it’s now, and now is when you should do it”. This is so true as Google, Bing and Yahoo continue to make some broad changes in the local search space. The sooner you get established the better and there is no time like now. The truth is Do or Do Not – There is No Try ~ Yoda About the Author: Taylor Hill is smart about marketing and about people. He is the Crew Chief at Spark Marketer where he is in charge of sales, client relations and client on-boarding and oversees all of the optimization process while keeping up with the latest from Google and the other search engines.
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BY VERITY SCHRAMM
The Privilege of Competition: Strategies to Harness the Strength of a Free Market
A
s a sweep business owner, my past enjoyment of the coming spring has been replaced by an odd delight in a frosty March. This strange affinity for late freezes that nip off the early bloom, must be attributed to the fact that cold weather means business. Winter, for a sweep, is the harvest, a time of abundant work, even camaraderie between competitors. There’s almost a sprite de corps among the brush-wielding set. But enter the balmy breeze of summer - when the phone is increasingly silent and the cream in our coffee turns to skim milk - and we find ourselves scowling in rivalry at any other sweep in the territory. Competition! It is the impetus for innovation. It spurs creative solutions to problems that may otherwise be left to roost. It can also be haphazardly handled, creating more difficulties than more business. During these next few months, when we feel
18 SWEEPING JULY 13
the most competitive (and the most vulnerable), it is important that we plan, not panic.
Is He Really an Oaf, or do You Just Want Him to Be? Remembering the Golden Rule. David Sarnoff, founder of RCA, once said, “Competition brings out the best in products and the worst in people.” When surviving the slow months, it is tempting to discredit your competitor. Don’t. For two reasons. One, if it is true that your competitor is an unethical, incompetent buffoon, many times in an effort to alert the world, it is you that comes across sounding desperate and untrustworthy. Remember the phrase, “Don’t shoot the messenger?” Customers seem to be skeptical of gossips. I know I am. Gently caution a client, with factual information. Be tactful, diplomatic and skip the melodrama.
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1. Is it true? a. If it isn’t or you are not sure, then be quiet. b. If it is, move to question 2. 2. Is it good? a. If it is, feel free to share it. b. If it isn’t, move to question 3. 3. Do they need to know? a. If they do, then share it tactfully. b. If they don’t, then zip your lip. Let the incompetent buffoon sink himself. We have seen at least two sinking buffoons in our years in business. The second reason not to discredit your competitor is that they may not be as bad as you hope and you may undermine a potentially beneficial relationship. When our company receives a call from a dissatisfied customer of a competitor, we often refer them back to the competitor, giving them the opportunity to make it right. If it were us, we would appreciate the opportunity to repair a customer relationship. Treat others the way you want to be treated. Sometimes, the competitor does make it right, and sometimes, the client eventually becomes ours. Staying on good terms with other sweeps, not only makes us look good to our customers, but competitors will often give us referrals during a particularly busy winter. Now, just because we don’t discredit our competitors does not mean we can’t compete! Capitalism demands competition. It is the mechanism by which prices are made fair, quality is maximized, new things are invented and profits are maintained.
Econ 101 Two bags of potato chips are on the shelf, which one will the customer buy? Are they identical, or is one different somehow? Differentiation is the core of competition, and there are many ways to differentiate your service, price being the most obvious. All else being equal, a customer will usually choose the lower price. Lowering the price can be an effective way to differentiate, however it has drawbacks. Unless you have found a way to lower your costs, lowering your price directly lowers your profit. Subconsciously, I have been in denial about that fact. I will repeat it in case you have been, too. Lowering price, without lowering cost, REDUCES profit. That is why there are no winners in a price war, only survivors. Nobody is making any money! Prices should be set according to your costs and within market standards. Price competition works when a company discovers how to provide a good or service at a lower cost, and they can pass on that savings to the customer. Henry Ford once said, “Competition is the keen cutting edge of business, always shaving away at costs.” Pricing low, however,
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where your costs demand that you charge a higher price, can undermine the market and eventually your own business. However, you can compete with a lot more than just price. Let’s go back to the economic principle above: All things being equal, a customer will choose a lower price. Aha! All things being equal. In non-price competition, the goal is to make things NOT equal. Two bags of potato chips on the shelf, same flavor, but not the same quality and the lower quality one is on sale. A customer may indeed ignore the sale and buy the higher quality potato chip. There are at least three major ways to differentiate other than price: increase quality, advertise your value and expand your market.
Quality • Are your techs CSIA certified? • Are you licensed and insured? • Do you use drop cloths and booties?
a fireplace, instruct them to whip out the NFPA 211 or a manufacturer’s installation guide for credibility. Photographs that show the customer their need for a CrownCoat or new liner adds value and worth to your service. Advertise your worth. Clients will feel as if they have received something for their money, which they have.
Expand your Market Base You should be making a profit. Do you want to pay to go to work? Remember, you have to pay your own taxes, health insurance and most likely you don’t get overtime. Sometimes, as small business owners, we make the excuse that it doesn’t matter what the quality or value of our business is, but that the market is not capable of sustaining a fair price. And as talked about before, we price ourselves too low. If you cannot make your sweep business successful with appropriate compensation, factoring in fixed and variable costs, profit, etc., you need to answer some hard questions. Are your costs too high, is your labor too slow, or do you not have enough customers? If you do not have enough customers, then expand your market base.
• Do you take time to explain things to your clients? • H ave you considered uniforms, depending on your client demographics? • How thorough is your pellet stove cleaning?
• S trategically Expand Your Advertising - Is there an underserved nearby area that needs sweeps? We have had great success in small nearby mountain communities by advertising in their local community newspaper. Are you advertising online, in an area that is tech-savvy? Begin to study the market and advertise accordingly.
• Are you competent with gas stove diagnosis? • Are you embracing technology? All of these are areas in which to differentiate yourself, and there are many more. A customer feedback card can highlight areas that need improvement.
Advertising your Value Educate clients on your services and show them the value of it. Your service may be worth every penny, but nobody knows it. Show the value of your service in three areas; on your website, on the phone and at the client’s house. Talk about the quality of your service on your website, complete with details on the different levels of inspections and sweeps. Mention you are a fully-licensed, employing certified employees who abide by the particular laws of your city and state (workers comp, etc.). Train the person answering the phone to show the value of your service by describing the details. Instead of saying that your sweeps clean a pellet stove, explain that they remove and clean the exhaust and convection blower, clean the internal ash traps and sweep the vent. At a client’s house, your technician can educate the client in the service just provided. If the technician must condemn
20 SWEEPING JULY 13
• S trategically Expand Your Service - A big way to differentiate yourself in a saturated market is to expand your services. Consider adding duct cleaning, dryer vent cleaning or installation and diagnostic work. Is there a downtown area with lots of gas fireplaces? Train your technicians in gas fireplace installation and repair. Make sure you are connecting with your local hearth and HVAC retailers for referrals. Seek out new life and new civilization for your business. In our free market system, competition encourages quality, customer satisfaction and innovation. A little rivalry may be just what your business needs. “The heights by great men reached and kept, were not attained by sudden flight, but they while their companions slept, were toiling upward in the night.” From The Ladder of Saint Augustine by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow About the Author: Verity Schramm co-owns a chimney sweep business in California and Colorado and has a BA in Economics. She resides in California with her husband and two growing sons.
Twice the Luck on Walker’s Wedding Day Joe Sauter of Your Chimney Sweep in Indianapolis (left) and Kevon “Doc” Binder of Doctor Flue in Techumseh, MI ensured an auspicious wedding day for Jay and Candy Walker.
History says that chimney sweeping is among the luckiest professions. Did you know that a wedding story is thought to have been the start of it all? NCSG Past-President Jay Walker and his bride Candy Mulholland were twice as lucky as lucky can be with two chimney sweeps appearing on their wedding day in May.
The Legend of the Chimney Sweep Sometime early in the nineteenth century, in the bustling streets of London, a chimney sweep was busy at work on one of the steep rooftops surrounding the town square. This was a particularly cold and nasty day and ice was present.The young man lost his footing and began to slide down the steep roof. Much to his surprise, as he fell, his tailcoat was caught on the gutter of the house. He was left hanging precariously above the crowded street directly in front of the bedroom window of a most beautiful young maiden. She opened the window and pulled him to safety. Being a somewhat dirty but very handsome young lad, the maiden gave him a kiss and fell in love with him instantly. As he and the maiden went out into the street to retrieve his tools that had fallen off the roof, they were met by several people who had witnessed this course of events. The men
exclaimed; “I want to shake the hand of the luckiest man in all of London”. The women on the street wanted to kiss him on the cheek, hoping that his good fortune would rub off on them. Word of these events quickly spread across London and soon the chimney sweep became a symbol of good luck. As a result, shaking the hand or kissing a chimney sweep is to bring good luck and fortune to those that come into contact with them. The young chimney sweep and the beautiful maiden were soon married. Many townsfolk attended this blessed event in order to gain even more luck. So began the tradition of seeing a chimney sweep on your wedding day will bless your marriage and always bring good luck to your home when the groom shakes the hand of the sweep and the bride kisses him on the cheek. JULY 13 SWEEPING 21
NewNCSG Members
NCSG REGIONS
REGION 3 NORTH CAROLINA Jerry E. Isenhour, Jr. • The Hearth doctor, Inc. • Concord FLORIDA Cliff Budnick • In-O-Vate Technologies, Inc. • Jupiter
REGION 1 REGION 4
ILLINOIS Ryan O’Donnell • Hearth and Home Inc. • Prospect KENTUCKY Billy S. Bailey • Bailey’s Masonry Inc. • Elizabethtown
REGION 5
Connecticut, Vermont, Massachusetts, New York, Maine, Rhode Island, New Hampshire
REGION 2 Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania
OKLAHOMA James F. Wilhelm Jr. • Cedar Ridge Chimney Sweep • Ripley
REGION 3
NEBRASKA Randall C. Redding • The Chimney Doctor • Fremont Kent Severns • The Woodway Inc . • Fairbanks
Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia
REGION 6 WASHINGTON Scott Downes • Mr. Chimney • Spokane
REGION 4 Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, Ohio
CALIFORNIA Michael Springer • Springer & Son Chimney Sweep • Campo
REGION 5 Arkansas, Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Minnesota, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, Wisconsin
NCSG Charter Members Paul Bourque Huntsville, AL
John Cline, Menlo Park, CA
Don Leavitt San Diego, CA
Dale Meisinger, N. Augusta, SC
David Harris Broken Arrow, Oklahoma
Eva B. Horton, Greenwich, CT
Dan Wheeler Santa Rosa, CA
22 SWEEPING JULY 13
Alan Hisey, St. Louis, MO
Harry Richart, Hasbrouck Heights, NJ
REGION 6 Alaska, Arizona, California, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington, Wyoming
CSIA Update Publication for CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep®s New CEU Requirements for CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep renewal Effective June 1, 2013, the requirements to renew your CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep credential with CEUs have changed so that only eight CEUs must now be earned in the Codes and Standards category instead of the previous twelve. The new breakdown is: • 12 - Technical • 8 - Codes and Standards • 6 - Health and Safety • 6 - Communication and Liability • 16 - Any Additional Category (including Business) TOTAL 48 CEUs Read more about the CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep renewal requirements online at www.CSIA.org.
It’s now Easier to Renew your CSIA Certified Dryer Exhaust Technician credential Great news coming out of the last CSIA board of directors meeting! Effective May 10, 2013, to renew the CSIA Certified Dryer Exhaust Technician (CDET) credential, an individual may either complete an official CSIA CDET review course, either online or in-person, or pass the CDET exam. Learn more about the C-DET credential online at www.CSIA.org/CDET.
New! FREE eLearning Course with your CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep renewal You know that CSIA offers the industry’s favorite seminars in a self-paced online format that is more convenient than ever. You get the education that fits your schedule at a price you can afford. Now CSIA Certified Chimney Sweeps can try one eLearning course (with up to 2 CEUs) for free! We’ll include your certificate for a free eLearning course in the mail with your updated photo identification card.
www.CSIA.org
Did you know? When renewing a credential earned after September 1, 2009, a CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep® is required to: • Submit a minimum of 9 CEUs earned within the preceding 3 years (in any category) before testing. NOTE: This requirement will not apply to CSIA Certified Chimney Sweeps already holding the credential on September 1, 2009 until their next 3-year certification cycle. • Pass a one-hour exam based on Successful Chimney Sweeping (2009) and NFPA 211 (2010) • Pass a ninety-minute open-book exam based on the 2006 IRC® • Agree to pay the Annual Certification Fee. • Sign CSIA Code of Ethics. OR • Submit appropriate number of Continuing Education Units (CEUs) in the relevant categories. • Agree to pay the Annual Certification Fee. • Sign the CSIA Code of Ethics. CSIA has incorporated an online CEU record sheet for all CSIA Certified Chimney Sweeps®. While this record is based on the information received in the CSIA office you are still required to keep your own record. This automated service may or may not be a complete and accurate record. Any inaccuracies should be reported to the CSIA office at the time your renewal is due for research. Continuing Education Audits may be performed randomly at the discretion of CSIA after the submission of CEU renewal forms. If randomly selected for audit, you will receive a written notification requesting that you submit documentation of your continuing education for the previous credentialing cycle. Documentation can include but is not limited to receipt of payment, completion certificates, copy of sign in sheets, etc. Once your CEU documentation is received and reviewed you will receive written notification of the results. If you are unable to provide documentation of your Continuing Education Units upon request, or an audit results in an unsatisfactory finding, you will be required to take and pass the certification examination and either submit a minimum of 9 CEUs (need to be obtained in the previous ADVERTISEMENT
3-yr. cycle) or complete a CSIA Review within 60 days of notification. CSIA Certified Sweeps that accumulate 12 credits or more over the minimum of 48 will receive an additional “Over & Above” patch. Participants that do not accumulate the required minimum of 48 CEUs during the three-year period will forfeit the credits. In order to renew your credential, you must take the CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep® Certification Exam. Once a credential has been renewed, all CEU credits acquired during the three-year renewal cycle will be forfeited. There will be no carryover of accumulated CEU credits. See more at: http://www.csia.org/CCS
Congratulations to Our New CSIA Certified Chimney Sweeps Kentucky Blake Giles • Barnhill Chimney Company • Lexington New York Keith Kulsha • Doctor Soot Professional Chimney Service, Inc.• Wappingers Falls Pennsylvania Thomas S. Noble • Finch Services Inc. • Hanover James Daley • Fireplace & Chimney Professionals LLC • Ottsville Josh Sanders • Fireplace & Chimney Professionals LLC • Ottsville Nick Etze • Estates Chimney Sweep, Inc.• Chalfont Virginia Peter Cosier • Rooftop Chimney Sweeps, Ltd • Alexandria Dylan Raycroft • Rooftop Chimney Sweeps, Ltd • Alexandria
CSIA 2013 Education Calendar As of 5/31/13 - Schedule subject to change. Please contact the Chimney Safety Institute of America prior to making travel arrangements.
CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep® Review & Exam
Chimney Physics
May 3 | Olympia Chimney Supply - Scranton, PA
June 6-7 | MCSC - Taunton, MA
May 18 | Regional Chimney Supply - Gaithersburg, MD
June 10-11 | VACHP - Fredricksburg,VA
June 7 | CSIA Technology Center June 28 | Richmond, VA July 8 | Oceanside, CA August 2 | CSIA Technology Center August 9 | Memphis, TN September 13 | Atlantic City, NJ
August 9-10 | PAGPCS - State College, PA Diagnosis and resolution of chimney performance problems, solving air pressure problems, identifying the symptoms of indoor air pollutants, determining combustion air requirements for vented appliances. CSIA CEUs: 3-T 3-CS 3-HS 3-CL NFI CEUs: 4 E
October 18 | Latham, NY
Installing and Troubleshooting Gas Hearth Appliances
November 15 | CSIA Technology Center
July 15–19, 2013 | CSIA Technology Center
In-person intensive review sessions help candidates prepare for the exams. The review sessions are not a substitute for advanced study. CSIA CEUs: 1.25-T, 1.25-CS, 1.25-HS, 1.25 CL NFI CEUs: 6 T
Service and installation, including appliance standards, combustion requirements, pipe sizing and installation, troubleshooting, carbon monoxide testing and fuel conversion. CEUs: 4-T 4-CS 4-HS 4-CL NFI CEUs: 16 T
National Chimney Sweep Training School
Inspection and Report Writing
April 29 – May 4, 2013 | CSIA Technology Center
May 3-4, 2013 | NYCSG - Albany, NY
June 24 – 29 , 2013 | CSIA Technology Center August 12 – 17 , 2013 | CSIA Technology Center September 30 – October 5, 2013 | CSIA Technology Center Fundamentals of sweeping and inspection of chimney systems, equipment operation, health and safety considerations and step-by-step instruction in codes, clearances, standards and practices. CCS CEUs: 4 T, 4 C&S, 4 C&L, 4 H&S NFI CEUs: 16 T
CSIA Certified Dryer Exhaust Technician® Review
Chimney inspections and evaluations, report writing including regional and environmental influences, effective photo documentation, digital organization and admin procedures. CSIA CEUs: 6-T, 6-CL NFI CEUs: 12 T
Masonry Repair for Chimney Professionals May 16-17 | SACP and Ashbusters - Smyrna, TN An intensive class combining a short period of classroom theory followed by hands-on projects relating to the theory lessons. CSIA CEUs: 12 T (2 day) or 16T (3-day)
May 19 | Rutland, VT July 31 - August 1 | CSIA Tech Center In-person intensive review sessions help candidates prepare for the CSIA Certified Dryer Exhaust Technician® exam. The review sessions are not a substitute for advanced study. CSIA CEUs: 1.25-T, 1.25 CS, 1-HS, 1-CL NFI CEUs: 4 E
Hate to travel? CSIA’s online education is now offered weekly! CSIA Certification Review Sessions, Chimney Physics, Lining Masonry with Stainless Steel and eLearning!
Register today at www.CSIA.org or call us at (317) 837-5362.
Good for you, your business, and your busy schedule. eLearning sessions include topics lke: • Accident Investigation • 10 Most Common Masonry Chimney Defects • Darwin Awards and Code References • Extreme Customer Service & Marketing • Fundamental Service of Pellet Appliances • Gas: Developing a Troubleshooting Mindset • And dozens more...
Now you can access more of the industry’s favorite seminars in a self-paced, online format. It’s easy with CSIA’s eLearning program — offered every week! Need to renew your CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep credential? You can now earn all of the CEUs entirely online. We offer individual sessions in affordable bundles so you can earn just the CEUs you need: $39 per session, $99 for 3 sessions or $149 for 5 sessions.
Online review sessions also available weekly!
Ready to get started? Learn more and register right now. QR code generated on http://qrcode.littleidiot.be
W W W. C S I A . o r g / E L E A r N I N g (317) 837-5362
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How to navigate the International residential Codes. Chimney performance problems: understanding draft and flow, diagnosing down drafts, flow reversals, inadequate flow, stack effects, updrafts, pressure effects and gauges. Health and safety equipment and methods.
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Register today at www.csia.org or call us at (317) 837-5362.
BY DEBBIE CORNELIUS MEMBERSHIP DEVELOPMENT COORDINATOR
Progressive Perks
7 Reasons Why You Should Join NCSG to Succeed! First and foremost, why go it alone when you can be part of an organization of individuals in your same position, individuals that are taking the biggest risk of their lives in the same industry? This is one of the very reasons that NCSG exists, to help grow the industry to which you belong and to help our members become better at running their businesses. NCSG membership provides one of the best opportunities for networking and information and one that can produce inspiration and affirmation unavailable anywhere else.
5. Resources encompasses industry-specific information, current legislative or regulatory activity
Here are 7 reasons to join:
7. Fun – all work and no play makes for boring, tired and
1. Information – learn about new regulations and legislation, key industry trends and vendors.
2. Inspiration – some of the best places to find inspiration are at a meeting or convention where you can think about your business’ future and spend time with others in the trade that are facing similar challenges and problems.
3. Support – as an NCSG member you will have access to many individuals and vendors who can act as unpaid consultants offering support in many ways to help you succeed.
down to industry-specific insurance, at a significant discount available to NCSG members.
6. Affirmation – maybe you are the one that knows something valuable when you thought you knew less than everyone in the room. Hearing a colleague acknowledge your input says it all.
unhappy small business owners. Enjoyment can come from involvement through the NCSG. Enjoy great cities and nice resorts attending the national convention and tradeshow, but most important, make life-long friends and meet interesting colleagues. The chimney sweeping trade can be exciting and fun, especially when you become a member of the NCSG and join the family of sweeps. Just one NCSG convention and tradeshow will have you coming back for more – trust me – I’ve seen it happen more than once!
4. Referrals and Other New Business Opportunities – may be a result of a colleague you met at a meeting or convention
JULY 13 SWEEPING 27
Dates & Events July 17-19, 2013 NCCSA Summer Meeting Havelock, NC For more information, visit www.ncchimneysweeps.com July 22-26, 2013 CSIA (online) - Chimney Physics - CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep Review - CSIA Certified Dryer Exhaust Technician Review - CSIA eLearning - Health & Safety Multi-User Courses - Lining Masonry Chimneys with Stainless Steel For more information, please call (317) 837-5362 or visit www.CSIA.org July 26 – 28, 2013 Duct Cleaners’ Network 10th Annual Conference St. Louis, MO CDET Exam – July 27 For more information call 800-467-3878 or visit www. ductcleanersnetwork.org
-Hands-on Installation of a Plusaire System -Flashing 101 -Scaffolding Safety -Codes and Standards Update -NFI Woodburning Review and Test August 9, 2013 CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep® Review & Exams Memphis, TN For more information, please call (317) 837-5362 or visit www.CSIA.org August 9-10, 2013 CSIA Chimney Physics Sponsored by PA Guild of Professional Chimney Sweeps State College, PA For more information, please call (317) 837-5362 or visit www.CSIA.org August 12-17, 2013 CSIA National Chimney Sweep Training School CSIA Technology Center For more information, please call (317) 837-5362 or visit www.CSIA.org
July 29th - 30th Hope Stevenson & Rick Vlahos Business/Technical Seminar Sponsored by Olympia Chimney Supply Golden, CO For more information please contact Mark Calomino at mcalomino@ olympiachimney.com To register visit www.olympiachimney.com
August 12-16, 2013 CSIA (online) - Chimney Physics - CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep Review - CSIA Certified Dryer Exhaust Technician Review - CSIA eLearning - Health & Safety Multi-User Courses - Lining Masonry Chimneys with Stainless Steel For more information, please call (317) 837-5362 or visit www.CSIA.org
July 29- August 2, 2013 CSIA (online) - Chimney Physics - CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep Review - CSIA Certified Dryer Exhaust Technician Review - CSIA eLearning - Health & Safety Multi-User Courses - Lining Masonry Chimneys with Stainless Steel For more information, please call (317) 837-5362 or visit www.CSIA.org
August 19-23, 2013 CSIA (online) - Chimney Physics - CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep Review - CSIA Certified Dryer Exhaust Technician Review - CSIA eLearning - Health & Safety Multi-User Courses - Lining Masonry Chimneys with Stainless Steel For more information, please call (317) 837-5362 or visit www.CSIA.org
August 1, 2013 CSIA Certified Dryer Exhaust Technician® Review & Exam CSIA Technology Center For more information, please call (317) 837-5362 or visit www.CSIA.org August 2, 2013 CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep Review and Exam CSIA Technology Center For more information, please call (317) 837-5362 or visit www.CSIA.org
August 26-30, 2013 CSIA (online) - Chimney Physics - CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep Review - CSIA Certified Dryer Exhaust Technician Review - CSIA eLearning - Health & Safety Multi-User Courses - Lining Masonry Chimneys with Stainless Steel For more information, please call (317) 837-5362 or visit www.CSIA.org
August 5- 9, 2012 CSIA (online) - Chimney Physics - CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep Review - CSIA Certified Dryer Exhaust Technician Review - CSIA eLearning - Health & Safety Multi-User Courses - Lining Masonry Chimneys with Stainless Steel For more information, please call (317) 837-5362 or visit www.CSIA.org
September 2-6, 2013 CSIA (online) - Chimney Physics - CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep Review - CSIA Certified Dryer Exhaust Technician Review - CSIA eLearning - Health & Safety Multi-User Courses - Lining Masonry Chimneys with Stainless Steel For more information, please call (317) 837-5362 or visit www.CSIA.org
August 8 - 10 Midwest Chimney Safety Council Workshop and Meeting Independence, Missouri www.mcsc-net.org 816-461-3665 margepadgitt@comcast.net -Diagnosing and Solving Negative Pressure Issues
Please send notice of your events for NCSG Dates & Events listings at
28 SWEEPING JULY 13
mmcmahon@ncsg.org for inclusion here, in weekly posts to the discussion list and online at www.NCSG.org/dates. The event must be considered educational or informative for the industry (sales events and open houses will not be listed).
BY ASHLEY ELDRIDGE, INTERIM EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Perspective
Sweeps Week & Summertime
A
s I write this in June, we prepare for Sweeps Week and are looking forward to the continued construction of the fireplace and bake oven at the back of the Tech Center. This gives volunteers a chance to contribute to the facility. The annual project has evolved from simple maintenance of the building to major projects. Some of the things we have done over the years include, but are certainly not limited to, painting the classroom, installing doors and even creating a wall for the front offices, the removal of the block chimney and new construction of the chimney used to demonstrate a chimney fire for every National Chimney Sweep Training School. This has been a part of CSIA’s training school from the beginning and something that provides valuable insight to those that have never experienced a chimney fire. We now have four small chimneys that demonstrate a variety of terminations and liners located at the rear of the parking lot. They were built originally for the ESCHFO conference a couple
of years ago but remain as teaching tools. There is a full-sized fireplace that represents traditional construction methods and can be used to train new sweeps when it comes to removing the damper and evaluating the smoke chamber. During Sweeps Week we split wood for the masonry heater and waterproofed chimneys, repaired flashing leaks and installed a large rain cap over the chimney in the lab. One year we actually built the twisted chimney that serves the masonry heater that has become an icon representing the headquarters for the two organizations. The work done does not begin to reflect the camaraderie one experiences when attending this awesome event. The interaction is similar to what one experiences when attending convention, but without the fast pace. Hearty meals are provided by donors and Renee Brigman always cooks a feast for every meal, breakfast, lunch and dinner. It is a great opportunity to get some hands-on masonry time under the expert oversight of Chris Prior. There is no charge for attending this annual event and CEUs are routinely provided. If you attend the annual convention you JULY 13 SWEEPING 29
have probably noticed that vendors and sweeps alike donate articles at the CSIA auction like chimney liner and local beer in an effort to help fund Sweeps Week. I continue to be impressed with the willingness of NCSG members to contribute and share their time and experience for the benefit of the associations. What a great group of folks. It is that willingness to share that makes this Guild such a great benefit to our members. I would like to personally thank everyone that takes an active role in supporting the NCSG. There are many different ways this can be done, and Sweeps Week is just one of the more obvious. We all benefit from the efforts of the individual. There are many specific benefits available to NCSG members. How many of them have you investigated? Do you use the online access to installation manuals? Have you checked out the liability insurance? Most of our supplier members have contributed to the program in one way or another. There are discounts for chimney covers, lining systems and much more. Do you have a log-in and password to access the members- only
area at www.NCSG.org? If not, I would encourage you to call the office and get signed up. Remember to participate in the NCSG discussion list where any and all questions you might have will be addressed. These benefits all come with your membership. Those that participate more, get more. Were you aware that we still have a program where members that get new members are awarded a discount for their own membership? This Member-Get-A-Member arrangement has been going for several years and some sweeps are able to get their membership greatly reduced for their efforts. While most of the sweeps I have spoken with are seeing an improvement due to the economic climate don’t forget to take this time to improve systems in your office. Focus on efficiencies and ways to raise the level of service you provide your customers. You want to be able to provide the best service when the season cranks up again this autumn. Summer is here and everyone should be taking precautions while working in the heat. Take your time, stay hydrated and be safe out there!
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Darwin Awards Have you snapped a photo of a peculiar chimney in your area that made you shake your head in disbelief? Send it to Melissa Heeke at mheeke@ncsg.org for publication in Sweeping. Or, mail it to NCSG, 2155 Commercial Drive, Plainfield, IN 46168.
- Submitted by Joe Sauter of Your Chimney Sweep in Indianapolis, IN
Display Ad Index Page #
Advertiser
Phone
Email or Website Address
3
Ahrens Chimney Technique
800-582-1392
ahrenschimney@qwestoffice.net
24-26
Chimney Safety Institute of America
317-385-4042
www.csia.org
11
Estoban Corporation
641-472-7643
info@chimscan.net
30
Firesafe Industries, Inc.
800-545-6607
www.firesafeinc.com
17
ICP
508-695-7000
www.chimneycaps.com
BC
Lifetime Chimney Supply LLC
877-234-7473
www.lifetimechimneysupply.com
15
Lindemann Chimney Company
800-722-7230
www.lindemannchimney.com
8
Meyer Machine & Equipment
800-728-3828
www.meyermachine.com
5
National Chimney
800-897-8481
www.nationalchimney.com
6
Novaflex
800-654-5600
www.novaflex.com
7
Olympia Chimney Supply
800-569-1425
www.olympiachimney.com
19
Sand Hill Wholesale
800-258-5496
www.sandhillwholesale.com
10
SaverSystems, Inc
800-860-6327
www.saversystems.com
9
Smoktite
866-439-0069
www.smoktite.com
JULY 13 SWEEPING 31
Classifieds Gotta chimney question? Sizing? Codes? Call Royal Edwards! Make Royal your tech department. CALL NOW 813-982-0219 for on-call tech support. Continuing Education special bonus – ask how you can get the Friday morning E-Blast for FREE. CALL NOW 813-982-0219
Chim-Scan Color remote focus Camera, 6.7” LCD monitor, whisker for centering, add on halogen light, Case, cord, tools, extra light bulbs for camera. NO RODS. Buyer to pay shipping charge. $225.00 843-293-1131
GasVent Software for Sizing Chimneys only $195. Call 1-800-648-9523 for more info and visit www.elitesoft.com to download a free trial version.
Established chimney restoration company located in the beautiful countryside of Virginia is seeking an experienced chimney professional to join our team. Pay commensurate with experience. Firesafe Industries in Bealeton, VA Phone: 540-439-6900 or email resume to peggy@firesafeinc.com
Operations Manager. Growing Hearth Retailer, Full service chimney company is seeking a candidate to oversee field operations. Installation, service, and repair. Must have minimum 5 Years’ experience in the industry and possess a CSIA certification, as well as NFI, MHP or specific certifications. Please send resumes to Bobsmith@chesterchimney.com.
CLASSIFIED ADS FREE FOR NCSG MEMBERS Members can run one 35 word classified free each year! Regularly classified ads are $2/word or $1/word for NCSG members. Classified ads are non-commissionable and must be pre-paid. To place a classified ad, please contact Megan McMahon at mmcmahon@ncsg.org or (317) 837-1500.
NCSG now offers REFERRAL REWARDS for State Guilds and Non-Profits FMI: Contact Debbie at (317) 8371500 or membership@ncsg.org. 32 SWEEPING JULY 13
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National Chimney Sweep Guild 2155 Commercial Drive Plainfield, IN 46168
1306
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