Sweeping Magazine- January 2016

Sweeping January 2016 VOLUME 40 #1

The Journal of Chimney and Venting Technology

The 2016 NCSG Convention Issue Differentiate Yourself in the Marketplace Convention Exhibitor Profiles Isn’t Pedigree for Dogs?

Come One, Come All: It’s Convention Time

- 27.

www.ncsgconvention.org

Registration Now Open

Departments President’s Letter 3 Editor’s Letter 5 Coach’s Corner 10 Technical Q&A 14 History Project 16 Sweeps Advantage 22 Meet a Member 25 Industry Watch 35 Progressive Perks 43 Date and Events 44 Around The Tech Center 50 Classifieds 51 Darwin Award 52

Cover illustration by David Bruce, Red2 Design Bureau.

Table of Contents Sweeping January 2016 Volume 40 Issue 1

Features Differentiate Yourself in the Marketplace

Isn’t Pedigree for Dogs?

Exhibitor Profiles

Come One, Come All: It’s Convention Time

6 20 26 40 January 2016

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 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

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 Rich Martinez Dryer Vents or Masonry (317) 203-0088 x: * Rich Rua General Sweeping or Relining (317) 203-0088 x: 0

NATIONAL CHIMNEY SWEEP GUILD BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2015-2016

TECHNICAL ADVISORY COUNCIL

Chris Prior Masonry Construction and Restoration and Priorfire Fireboxes (317) 203-0088 x: 2

2155 Commercial Drive Plainfield, IN 46168 (317) 837-1500 Fax: (317) 837-5365

Frances Kelly Excecutive Director fkelly@ncsg.org Megan McMahon Director of Finance mmcmahon@ncsg.org Debbie Cornelius Membership Development Coordinator dcornelius@ncsg.org Donna Lee Kasmer CSIA Certification Coordinator dkasmer@csia.org Claire Rutledge Program Coordinator crutledge@ncsg.org

January 2016

Darcy Marlett Director of Communications and Marketing dmarlett@ncsg.org Jordan Whitt CSIA Director of Communications and Marketing jwhitt@csia.org Ashley Edridge Director of Education ashley@csia.org Sara Sichting Office Manager ssichting@ncsg.org

COMMITTEE CHAIRS and TASK FORCES 2015 – 2016

STAFF

Resources

Region 6 Bob Ferrari (530) 941-5818 bob@flueseason.com

Vice President, Region 5 Jasper Drengler (715) 304-8934 drengler01@gmail.com

Secretary, At Large Director Gregg Boss (636) 391-2226 englishsweep@att.net

Treasurer, Region 3 Ron Rust (803) 730-5858 tophatswp@aol.com

At-Large Director Tom Hunkele (515) 249-6337 nopnotchchimney@gmail.com

Region 1 Mike Elliott (508) 987-6348 sootguy@aol.com

At-Large Director Dennis Dobbs (256) 845- 9814 info@fireplaceservicecenter. com

Region 2 Ed Ridgeway (856) 241-7999 masons@chimney-duct.com

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: 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 firsthand 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.

President, At Large Director Jeremy Biswell (913) 236-7141 fluesbrothers@yahoo.com

Region 4 Jeff Keefer 513-248-9600 info@chimneycareco.com

Supplier Representative Stuart Karanovich (765) 966-5084 stuartk@saversystems.com

Bylaws Jasper Drengler (715) 304-8934 drangler01@yahoo.com

Membership Bob Ferrari (530) 221-3331 bob@flueseason.com

Ethics Andy Raycroft (703) 836-7858 andy@rooftopchimneysweeps.con

NFPA 211 Representative Jim Brewer (757) 523-2400 jbrewer@magic-sweep.com

Governance Jay Walker (850) 562-4692 sweepingJ@aol.com

NFPA 31 Representative John Pilger (631) 863-2460 chimneyman@aol.com

Government Affairs Mike Elliot (508) 987-6348 sootguy@aol.com

NFPA 54 Jim Brewer (757) 523-2400 jbrewer@magic-sweep.com

International Relations John Pilger (631) 863-2460 chimneyman@aol.com

Technical Advisory Council Michael Segerstrom (908) 253-9190 chimneysweeps@optonline.net

Long Range Planning Jeremy Biswell (913) 236-7141 fluesbrothers@yahoo.com

Scholarship Committee Greg Boss (636) 391-2226 englishsweep@att.net

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 Layout and design by David Bruce, Red2 Design Bureau NCSG encourages industry partners to submit press releases and articles to editor Darcy Marlett at dmarlett@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 publication’s 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. © 2016 National Chimney Sweep Guild, 2155 Commercial Drive, Plainfield, IN 46168. (317) 837-1500

T

hat was the question Yakov Smirnoff asked us and the rest of the audience at the “Wake Up with Yakov” show I attended in Branson, Mo this year over Thanksgiving break. I’ll admit, I was expecting a comedy show and ended up getting some life lessons instead.

Yakov has been entertaining crowds in Branson for over 20 years. He is an immigrant from Ukraine that became an American citizen and has been in movies such as The Money Pit with Tom Hanks and TV shows like Night Court. After a suggestion from Willy Nelson, Yakov moved to Branson and eventually bought his own theatre.

According the Yakov, who has obtained a degree in human psychology, you can measure a person’s happiness by the amount of laughter they have in their life. After Yakov got divorced, he realized that while he was a comedian and was making people laugh day in and day out, he and his wife had lost the laughter they shared in their relationship. When reflecting upon this, he became obsessed with researching happiness and laughter in life.

Even though he is divorced, Yakov has a regular relationship with his 2 children. His son works with him at the show, and his daughter lives elsewhere.

He suggests that you can ensure and confirm that your children are doing well and are happy by the amount of laughter they share with you, even on a short phone call.

This show made me think. I realized that laughter is always

present during the happy times of my life. During the show, we watch a video of a couple who Yakov interviews that have been married for over 75 years! During the entire interview, the couple are making jokes and laughing. They joke that the key to a happy marriage is to never go to bed angry…stay up and fight!!!

President’s

Letter Jeremy Biswell

President

Of course they are kidding about that statement. Over 300 people showed up for their 75th wedding anniversary celebration. This is amazing to me. I don’t think I have 300 friends on Facebook!

Stories like these are inspiring to me. Sometimes life gets stressful and we search for things to make us happy. We need to remember to sit back and laugh at situations when they get out of hand. The other day, I found myself dealing with a direct vent gas fireplace that I had returned to the customers house several times to troubleshoot after we installed it just a week earlier.

I brought a replacement unit to simply just change out the original unit with. The simple change out ended up taking all day due to an ongoing influx of phone calls from my other crews on the road, all running into issues at their jobs as well.

After fielding all the calls, I went to install the surround and caught a small smell of natural gas. I had to uninstall the entire unit again and hunt down the small gas leak that I smelled.

At the end of that long day, my laughter may have been a bit of exhaustion, mixed with a tad bit of insanity, but I still laughed knowing that typically the next day would go off without a

Are You Laughing Enough In Your Life?

3 S W E E P I N G January 2016

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January 2016

hitch. The nice thing was, the next day was Friday to boot!

There is too much sadness in life. Many lose the joy in life. The loss of laughter in your life can actually age you prematurely and can affect your health. The busy season, long hours, and running our businesses can put extra stressors on our lives that can bring us down.

The other day, I had to work a Saturday to help a customer who needed a new liner for their water heater. One of my techs helped, so I decided to invite him to go see a movie that evening I was taking my dad to. When the movie got out, we took my tech home and he was talking about going out with some friends afterwards.

I laughed and told him that the old guys were going home and going to bed. After dropping him off, my dad asked how old my tech was. I told him he is 22 years old. My dad asked if I would like to go back in time and be 22 again. At that moment, I realized that I am very happy with my life where it is and really enjoy my life at this stage of it. I answered his question with what I was

realizing and it made me happy. I really am happy with my life and I do find reasons to laugh frequently and have a great surround of people I can rely on to help me laugh when I need to.

Laughter is a stress reliever, reduces blood pressure, helps you sleep better, and increases brain function. When you laugh, you can help stimulate the brain and actually makes you be more creative and make better decisions.

Laughter not only helps your personal relationships, but also helps you connect with new people in your life.

Laughter draws people to you because it is a common reaction in all people’s life.

Over this next year, take Yakov’s suggestion and find ways to laugh more.

Try making it your New Year’s resolution. Make sure there is laughter in your relationships and in your children’s lives. Make sure you are laughing daily.

Jeremy Biswell NCSG President

H

appy New Years!

The first issue of 2016 is our annual convention issue!

Be sure to read through this year’s exhibitor profiles to find out about all the wonderful companies represented at this year’s trade show. Also check out this month’s Tech Q and A about convention, get some costume ideas for the annual CSIA auction and stop by the history project for some photos from conventions past.

Not going to make it to convention this year? This issue still has plenty of great advice for your business. Taylor Hill of Spark Marketer wrote this month about how your business can differentiate itself in the marketplace and Jerry Isenhour

wrote the difference between being a boss or a leader in the Coach’s Corner column. Cam Arnold of Geny Insurance brings you an article this month on pedigree in business. You’ll also want to flip to the back for this month’s Darwin Award.

Editor’s

Letter Darcy Marlett Editor

If you haven’t already, get your convention registrations in!

There is tons of convention information at www. ncsgconvention.org including the schedule, registration, hotel information, volunteer opportunities and much more! I look forward to seeing everyone in sunny Florida!

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January 2016

5 S W E E P I N G

Differentiate Yourself in the Marketplace Taylor Hill

Spark Marketer

6 S W E E P I N G

O

ne of the best things you can do as a business in a local market is come up with a way to differentiate your business from everyone else in your industry in that market. While that sounds like an easy thing to do, most businesses are lousy at doing it, because “doing” it is not nearly as easy as “saying” it. You cannot just state what makes you different — you must show what makes you different.

Someone recently sent me this quote.

“You do not merely want to be considered just the best of the best. You want to be considered the only one who does what you do.”

- Jerry Garcia

Caring Is A Differentiator As I read this quote over and over again, I realized that with our marketing business, Carter and I set out to build a company that cares about the client first, every time. It’s the one thing everyone that works for us knows: Our clients come first.

That is not to say that we have not made mistakes, because we have. (I personally believe if you aren’t making some mistakes, you aren’t pushing hard enough.) But we can remedy mistakes — we can’t remedy not caring for a client. This one thing sets us far above many, if not most, of the other marketing service providers. We aren’t necessarily the smartest, the fastest, or the easiest choice, but we care more than anyone else in our industry that I know of.

Note that I am not talking about “what” we do

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for our clients. I am talking about how we make our clients “feel”. In our business, what we do and how we do it can be frustrating to understand. It can make very smart people feel dumb and can be a huge source of anger and fear, considering what our clients don’t know or have experienced in the past.

It’s just hard to make people feel good about what they don’t understand. So why is it that we always try to do this first?

My bet is never.

Pick The One Thing

The Chimney Sweep Difference

It’s not because they don’t believe it. It’s because they can’t judge it. They can only go by what the chimney sweep says, because they don’t know enough about what they are looking at to know the difference. They are simply trusting that you will do, and are doing, what you say you will. When there is evidence that you aren’t, trust is lost, and you’ll only hear back from the client in a bad online review.

So What Are They Judging?

Want to stand out? It’s time to pick the one thing that resonates with you, and that you want your company to be known for.

What is it that you want your client to know after your crew has left their home? How do you want them to feel about your company, your service, your office staff, and your technicians? Focus on that one thing you do better than anyone else and do it consistently!

Make it more important than anything else your company does. Wrap everything else around this one thing, so everyone knows it is what makes your company what it is. Watch as you become known in your community as the only company that does what you do.

We work with close to 100 chimney sweeps, and when we first talk to the business owner, without fail, they tell us they are the best chimney sweep in their market. Every single one of them is the best! And while I believe it, I wonder — how many of their clients pick up a flashlight and shine it up into the chimney or get on the roof and shine it down into the chimney, and proclaim to everyone within earshot, “I just had my chimney cleaned by the best chimney sweep ever!”

8 S W E E P I N G January 2016

I just told you they can’t judge your work, right? But they can judge everything else, and that is where you have an opportunity to shine like no one else in your market! You can be the cleanest chimney sweep; the most punctual; the friendliest; the most caring; the most professional; the most (you fill in the blank). It’s about making them feel good about what you are doing for them.

That’s how you differentiate your business from everyone else in your local market.

Taylor Hill is Co-Founder and Crew Chief for Spark Marketer, a local online marketing company specializing in marketing for service businesses across the US. He loves the chimney industry and is passionate about helping service business owners navigate the Internet oceans filled with sharks and unsavory pirates. @sparkmarketer, facebook. com/sparkmarketer, @taylorkhill

TM

Coach’s

Corner Jerry Isenhour

I

write this in what this industry would call the BUSY SEASON. Or, perhaps we call it the FRANTIC SEASON. No matter what we call it, it is the busiest time of the year for anyone in the venting industry.

Nevertheless it’s still a good time, maybe the best time, to think about leadership.

For the years that I have networked with business owners I have heard the cries and frustration when they discuss their team members:

Boss Or Leader?

Is It One And The Same?

“I am so tired of babysitting”, or “No one can do it as good as I can,” or “I just cannot keep people,” or “No one wants to work anymore.”

If you have felt this frustration over the years, you can insert your own descriptive terms of what you felt were the frustrations of having a team that seemed to be failing you.

Would you like a solution?

Actually there are two of them, one is to determine if you are really cut out to be an employer of other people. Or, the other is perhaps, just perhaps, you are really not a good leader.

Did you endeavor to be the BOSS when actually what you needed to do was become a LEADER OF THE TEAM? You are probably thinking, “He is saying it is MY FAULT.” Yes, that is exactly what I am saying.

When anything fails in the business it is always the fault of the person at the top. If that is you, then yes, time to belly up to the bar of responsibility.

10 S W E E P I N G

Now understand, the business model you build is the right business model for you if it delivers your dreams. After all, that is the only reason your

January 2016

business exists, to provide you what you want on life. If you own a business just to have a job, then go get one somewhere else. It may be your best choice.

You are probably thinking, ‘but it was the people that failed’. But the true story is, IT WAS YOU THAT LET THEM FAIL. I write this article out of love for each of you, but the message I have to bring you is harsh. As a leader one has to step up to the plate and take responsibility for the team.

In all likelihood, your mistake was that you operated as the BOSS. So many of us do. And, what is true for you is also true for your mid-level management.

They also require the leadership skills to excite and drive the team. If they or you think being the boss rather than being a leader is the answer, you will find nothing but frustration as you try to manage your team.

What are the differences between a Boss and a Leader?

• A Boss orders people to do things • A Leader inspires people to do things • A Boss criticizes • A Leader teaches and coaches • A Boss uses fear • A Leader uplifts, encourages and accepts • A Boss cares only about himself • A Leader cares about those who follow, and he looks after them & attends to their growth • A Boss is narrow minded • A Leader has a broad perspective • A Boss does not listen • A Leader listens • A Boss speaks more than he listens • A Leader listens more than he speaks

11 S W E E P I N G January 2016

• A Boss sees failure of his people • A leader knows the team fails or succeeds based on his leadership The comparisons can go on and on, but all point to one key reality: leadership is the reason companies rise to the top. When they don’t rise, the reason is a lack of the leadership.

Take a look around you. Who is a leader? Do you see his secrets?

They are not hard to find. We may call him charismatic, we may refer to how he speaks, his innate wisdom. All that may be true. But what he truly does is earn the respect of his followers, and the followers are what builds his success.

Take it from the immortal words of Zig Ziglar, “If you simply help enough people get what they want, they will

12 S W E E P I N G January 2016

help you get what you want”.

Perhaps the wisdom of John Maxwell will inspire you “People don’t quit companies, they quit people which is why leadership matters!”

The toughest role of a leader is he must do a self-examination each and every day and be constantly working to be better and better the day he ceases to do this is the same as the super bowl winner that rests on its laurels. The next season they flounder at the bottom of the standings.

If you want to be a leader, you might begin by reading the books of the experts in the field like John Maxwell, Zig Ziglar, and Napoleon Hill.

These are the scripts by which winners live and breathe.

Listen to the true leaders and how they work, think,

behave, and relate to people.

You will come to understand why their teams will always perform at a high level and will always go the extra mile.

Whatever business model fits you, the skill of leadership will always serve you well in your business, your community and your life. Good luck, I want to see you make it, and as always let us know how we can help you reach your dreams!

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.cvccoaching.com He can be contacted at jerry@cvccoaching. com or by phone at (704) 425-0217.

You can also obtain great business tips from his Facebook page CVC Coaching and Youtube channel CVCCoaching.

THERE ARE MANY DIFFERENT WAYS TO SAY ‘THANK YOU,’ SO WE CHOSE SOMETHING A LITTLE MORE UNIVERSAL. At Olympia, we want to be the company you can always rely on for all of your venting needs and to be ‘Your Partner in the Business.’

To thank our ‘Partners’ for their loyalty and support during the past year, we are offering $100 OFF ALL ORDERS OVER $1,500, INCLUDING CUSTOM SHOP ORDERS.

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Technical

Q&A

Micheal Segerstrom

NCSG Technical Advisory Chair

T

his time of year we sometimes take a break from the normal technical questions and answers, as convention is almost upon us. We use this opportunity to look at the questions folks might have about convention.

One question that comes up is “do we get to meet and interact with the NCSG or the CSIA board members?”

The answer is yes! When I first started going to convention 10 years ago, I didn’t know who the board members were, and I put them on a pedestal.

When I would see or meet one, I was intimidated. I created this idea in my head that board members were somehow better than me, that they wouldn’t want to talk to me. I could not have been more wrong!

The members of both the CSIA and the NCSG boards are volunteers, and like you and I, they have taken time away from their businesses to attend convention. They will also take time away from their businesses, families and personal lives to serve on the boards throughout the year.

But they are just like you and I. Most are business owners, many, like myself, still work in the field sweeping inspecting and repairing chimneys.

14 S W E E P I N G

Speaking as a current CSIA board member, I look forward to the opportunity to talk to and socialize with sweeps from around the country. I enjoy hearing their input and their suggestions. I can speak for both boards when I say that we are constantly striving to improve the organizations

January 2016

and the industry. It is our interactions with sweeps from all over, which can help give us feedback we need.

The board members are often busy during the convention, but that doesn’t seem to stop them from making time to catch up with old friends and make new ones. Both boards are identified at the NCSG member meeting, and the CSIA informational meeting, so we have a chance not only to hear their names, but to put faces to the names. The NCSG board members will have ribbons on their ID badges, and often wear shirts that indicate that they are a board member.

The CSIA board members also have ribbons and shirts, and you will often find them wearing suits. But just because they are wearing suits, does not mean they are not approachable!

Both Presidents, Jeremy Biswell of the NCSG and Mark Stoner of the CSIA, thoroughly enjoy talking to and getting together with other sweeps. So if you see them in the hall, after a class, around the hotel, say hello to them or any board member! If you have a concern, tell them.

If you appreciate what they do, let them know. If you have a question, ask it. Or if you simply want to get to know them, strike up a conversation. They will be glad you did, and you will be too!

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S W E E P I N G

History

Project

By Claire Rutledge

T

his month’s history project we are taking a trip down memory lane to look at some of the photos and patches from conventions past.

Be sure to register to join us in Orlando so you can be in our 2016 photos!

16 S W E E P I N G January 2016

17 S W E E P I N G January 2016

18 S W E E P I N G January 2016

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19 S W E E P I N G

Isn’t Pedigree for Dogs?

By Cam Arnold

I 20 S W E E P I N G

’m sure everyone is somewhat familiar with what the meaning of a pedigree. If not, the definition of pedigree is the background or history of a person or thing, especially as conferring distinction or quality. Like in dogs, you always breed one pure bred with another.

If you ever stray from that process, you start getting mixed breeds and ultimately further and further away from the initial breed you were looking to have. It works the exact same when training employees/techs to grow your company.

In business, each company has a pedigree. You can always tell the companies that have a strong pedigree. Their employees are all dressed in uniform to convey professionalism, trained properly to ensure the work gets done right every time, and they seem to have a true desire to serve their customers. A pedigree is what provides you the irreplaceable, word of mouth marketing that money can’t buy. What happens when you’re in the process of building your companies pedigree?

How did the big guys do it? How do you ensure that your craftsmanship and workmanship get

January 2016

passed from employee to employee? How do you make sure someone else’s mistake doesn’t bring your company crumbling to the ground?

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A dvantage Program

Featured Coupons of the Month

The 2015 – 2016 offers with instructions on how to redeem are available in the “Members Only” section of the NCSG website at www.NCSG.org. These coupons will be good until June 30, 2015 unless otherwise noted.

Copperfield Chimney Supply | ENERVEX, Inc. | Fireside Distributors | HY-C Company LLC | My Fireplace Products Inc. | National Chimney | Spark Marketer | The Chimney Sweep News (SNEWS) | Z-Flex | Wakefield Brush These are just a few of the many offers available to you as a member of the National Chimney Sweep Guild. Visit www.NCSG.org “Members Only” to learn the complete details of each coupon and how to redeem!

Z-FLEX US SAVE UP TO $899

Buy four Stainless Steel liner kits and receive one free of equal or lessor value

SAVE UP TO $500

Buy four Flexible Oil Vent Connector Kits and receive one free of equal or lesser value

SAVE UP TO $ 191

Purchase six Z-Flex Aluminum Liner Kits and receive one free or equal or lesser value

Add your company name to the list of participating supplier members!

Contact Debbie Cornelius, Membership Development Coordinator at dcornelius@ncsg.org.

Authorized Distributor for:

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Gordonville, PA.

S W E E P I N G

Proudly serving the community since 1978 For a free catalogue, call or email: 888-768-1088 davejr@dsofpa.com January 2016

BVENT

We stock liners for: Coal Wood Gas Pellet

few simple steps that can be taken.

rules and operating procedures in place.

- Have a Plan – Never jump in head first without a plan. That is a surefire way to fail.

-Don’t Be Afraid to Make a Mistake – No one likes making mistakes. We definitely do not like reporting mistakes to management.

However, the best way to learn is from making mistakes. As long as someone doesn’t make the same mistake over and over, it is ok.

Take the mistake they made, and turn it into a learning tool for the entire company.

- Take Advantage of NCSG and CSIA Benefits – They are there for a reason. You are paying for them, use them. They want to see you succeed.

- Have a Leader! – I would imagine this being one of your first few hires. You need to have someone who can step up, take control, and handle a mess when it needs to be handled.

Think of this role as the “take no crap from anybody” role. This person should be someone who all employees listen to and respect.

- Have Written Policies/Handbook in Place – If you have written policies or a handbook in place, it is much easier for an employee to refer to it than to someone else. If they need to see how Mr. Business Owner would handle a certain situation, go to section 3, part A, number 2. (i.e. waterproofing chemical on customers car, spilling chemicals in company van) This also helps the “Leader.” If the “Leader” needs to part ways with a tech due to multiple violations, it is much easier to do so with written

- Have Standard Contracts in Place – Eugene LaFlamme recently wrote an article on the importance of contracts and what they should contain. (i.e. sub-contract agreements, service agreements, inspection agreements, etc.) Be sure to always obtain a customer’s signature.

As these will not always protect you from every exposure, they will make it look a lot better if you ever have your day in court.

- Insurance – Ah, the much dreaded insurance policy, an expense no one likes to pay. But above all else, this will keep your business afloat when the unthinkable happens. Insurance is designed to protect your business from improperly trained employees. For example, two improperly trained

The premier chimney cap for keeping smoke out of living spaces.

• Vacu-Stack® works with single wall, double wall, triple wall, or masonry.

• Solves draft problems related to hills and mountains, tall trees, and tall buildings near the chimney.

• Sizes available from 3” to 30”+; custom and oversize available.

Air cooled and non-air cooled.

Model VSA-TDW for air cooled chimney

the authentic Available from leading distributors nationwide.

• Standard construction is 100% austenitic stainless steel; also available in other alloys including copper and Type 316 for marine/coal appliances.

Improved Consumer Products, Inc. PO Box B Attleboro Falls, MA 02763 (508) 695-7000 Fax: (508) 695-4209

www.chimneycaps.com

Although there have been

many attempts to copy it over the last 40+ years, there is only one Vacu-Stack®.

Always ask for it by name and look for

the seal of authenticity on top of the cap.

100% made in USA January 2016

23 S W E E P I N G

Energy-Saving Dampers Quality = Confidence.

Gain Peace-Of-Mind Knowing You Installed the Best.

Superior Design • Permanent Cast-Aluminum Construction • Easily Mounts Atop a Flue Tile • Silicone Rubber Prevents Energy Loss • Less Fraying Due to Larger Diameter Cables • Low Profile to Maintain the Authentic Look of the Chimney

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Call your favorite Lock-Top distributor today!

AN INDUSTRY STANDARD FOR OVER 25 YEARS

January 2016

techs go perform a simple tuck-pointing task and somehow knock out a 4 foot section from the side of the chimney.

Or tell someone they can burn a fire, and their house ends up in flames. As long as your policy is written correctly, you are covered. Contrary to what many insurance agents think that are not knowledgeable about the hearth and chimney industry, all insurance policies are not the same. The hearth and chimney industry is a hard to place, complex business. Be sure your agent is educated on your exposure.

Building a strong and reputable pedigree is key when looking at business growth.

All of the above elements are just a few suggestions that could help get the ball rolling when weighing the pros and cons of growing your business. The 2016 NCSG conference in Orlando, FL would be the best place to get more information. You will have access to panel discussions, classes, tutorials, product education, and so much more. Not to mention the opportunity for 1 to 1’s with other hearth and chimney businesses. This is the best place to be for someone who is in limbo about growing their hearth or chimney business. Get out there and take advantage of what NCSG and CSIA has to offer. Let 2016 be your year!

Cam Arnold is a Commercial Risk Advisor and head of the Chimney Sweep Insurance Program for Geny Insurance Group. He is dedicated to working with associations to help business owner’s better understand the coverages they have versus the coverages they need. Geny Insurance Group helps organizations with “Navigating Today’s Risk. Anticipating Tomorrow’s Uncertainty.”

Meet a Member: Kari Stacy, SirVent of Charlotte

by Bob Spoerl

Kari Stacy’s entrepreneurial story wouldn’t be complete without a dash of serendipity.

From relocating to North Carolina to a chance encounter with the chimney sweeping and restoration industry, the Tennessee native is no stranger to the power of risk.

Stacy decided to take her entrepreneurial dreams to the next level last year by joining SirVent, a franchised chimney and venting services business. Kari and her husband Chris provide specialized solutions in fireplace, dryer vent, and chimney care to more than 200,000 homes throughout Charlotte, North Carolina. Today, as the owner of her own sweeping operation, Stacy credits the bulk of her professional success to two factors - faith and circumstance.

“Growing up, I never really knew what I wanted to do, and this decision was a leap of faith,” Stacy said. “This first year in business has been an eye-opening experience– there just aren’t that many female small business owners in general, let alone in this industry.”

Prior to joining SirVent, Kari and Chris had no prior industry experience, save for professional backgrounds in business administration and civil engineering, respectively. Kari was working as an estimator for an interior trim work company when Chris, a former sheet metal fabricator for NASCAR, began to crave a career change.

“We started this business to become financially independent,” said Kari. “Chris had been saying for a while that the sheet metal industry was changing. We wanted to make sure our family was taken care of and not hung out to dry.”

the couple to Mark Stoner, co-founder and Director of Marketing for SirVent, Chris and Kari decided that the chimney sweeping and restoration industry was right for them. Management is nothing short of a collective effort, with Kari overseeing administration and operations as the owner and Chris serving as President. While Chris learns the intricacies of chimney and dryer vent maintenance and safety, Kari has leveraged her background in construction to pursue operational excellence in SirVent of Charlotte’s first year.

“I think we’re doing pretty well for this little experiment we’re taking part in,” Chris added.

“It’s been fascinating to watch Kari master the ins and outs of business ownership – that’s a totally different world for her.”

Though the couple shares their victories as first-time entrepreneurs, Kari has savored opportunities to impact the sweeping industry as a female business owner. In addition to the support of SirVent’s co-founders, Kari enjoys gleaning insights from seasoned industry experts at national conventions and meetings.

As SirVent of Charlotte grows in the years to come, Kari looks forward to developing as a businesswoman, positioning SirVent of Charlotte as an industry leader, and creating a new vision of success for her family.

“I believe I’m showing my children that they don’t have to be a doctor or a lawyer – they can start their own businesses, too,” Kari added. “Of course, that path will be challenging, but I’m teaching them that the good days will always outweigh the bad.”

Less than four months after a relative introduced

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Sponsors highlighted in red A. W. PERKINS COMPANY 36 Curtis Avenue Rutland, Vt. 05701 800-698-7412 802-773-3600 www.awperkins.com sales@awperkins.com

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A.W. Perkins Company is the industry’s leading supplier of Professional Chimney Power Sweeping Equipment and Rotary Dryer Vent Cleaning Equipment. Our Rutland, Vermont manufacturing facility builds the unsurpassed RoVac Chimney and Dryer Vent Cleaning Vacuum which both collects dust during sweeping and picks up sweeping debris. Our RoVac Cleaning Systems pairs our RoVac Vacuums with the original ButtonLok Chimney Rods, Enforcer ButtonLok Steel Rods/Tools and ButtonLok Chimney Brushes and Medusa whips, Stinger whips and creosote removing chains.

Our spring mounted brushes for dryer vent cleaning have become industry standard, and we now offer versions for pellet stoves and air ducts. Our newest items are a video recording flashlight and a PAPR respirator.

We also make a line of high-temperature cements and mortars, high temperature silicone sealants, Hearthglass Cleaner, and Break-N-Burn fire starters. Contact us today for a catalog and look for us at industry trade shows.

Ahrens Chimney

2000 Industrial Avenue Sioux Falls, S.D. 57104 800-843-4417 Fax 605-335-1525 www.ahrenschimney.com ahrenschimney@qwestoffice.net A successful chimney professional needs products and knowledge to solve customer problems at a profit. Internationally respected for the Ahrens poured-in-place chimney lining system, Ahrens offers the products and tools to boost your bottom line. Chamber-Tech 2000, an amazing high temperature insulating mortar for smoke chamber restoration, along with our newly developed Ahren-Fire fireplace restoration system are just a couple of specialty products available as profit potential to you. Call and receive our Chim-Pro Chimney & Fireplace Restoration catalog and handbook. It contains all the tools, products and knowledge to get the job done right.

January 2016

Bernard Dalsin Manufacturing 5205 208th Street Farmington, Minn. 55024 800-729-9505 651-460-1080 Fax 651-460-6080

Bernard Dalsin Manufacturing Company (BDM) has been manufacturing venting and chimney accessories since 1944. The company’s niche in the marketplace is the consistent manufacture of top quality products. Quality is the driving force behind every endeavor the company has taken on and is the basis from which the company has been built.

In the last 60 years we have designed and manufactured many product lines for the venting and fireplace industry. Some of these products include: • Pro-Form™ Direct Vent Systems • “Dalsin Line”® Chimney Liners & Fittings • CHIM-A-LATOR® Deluxe Top Sealing Dampers • CHIM-A-LATOR® Chimney Caps • AIR-A-LATOR® Fresh Air Intake Devices • Insul Flue® Wall Pass Through Systems • Appliance Venting Kits and Components • Proprietary Venting Components for Partner Manufacturers

Blaze King Industries, Inc. 146 A Street Walla Walla, Wash. 99362 509-522-2730 www.blazeking.com

Sitting with your family, warm and snug beside a dancing fire, isn’t that how you’d like to spend your winter evenings? At Blaze King Industries, we’ve shared that vision since 1977. And from the very beginning, we’ve focused on one simple idea: design super efficient, eco-friendly hearth products, and build them to last. Our growing selection of wood and gas burning freestanding stoves, and inserts are a tribute to good old-fashioned values like quality and safety.

Gas or wood, we back all of our hearth products with the most comprehensive warranty in the business. We match that warranty with friendly service and knowledgeable expertise. But we’ve also never stopped making quality heating products that are efficient, environmentally friendly, and long lasting. That’s Blaze King. And that’s who we are.

Certified Chimney Professionals

Chimney Sweep News (SNEWS)

Certified Chimney Professionals has been providing an alternative in Chimney Sweeping Certification since 2010.

The Chimney Sweep News (SNEWS) is the essential publication for today’s chimney professional — timely, educational and entertaining. In six issues each year, The Chimney Sweep News features the latest information on products, business building, skills and techniques. It is an independent trade magazine with original writing and photography contributed by working chimney sweeps, suppliers and experts in related trades. There is no other publication in the world like The Chimney Sweep News, devoted to the North American chimney professional. “Nurturing, troubleshooting, self-directly learning, risky, hard working. The magazine fits the profession, doesn’t it?” wrote John Crouch. Please subscribe today — special bonus for NCSG members — call us at (541) 882-5196.

P.O. Box 300 Lemont, Penn. 16851 814-689-1576 CertifiedChimneyProfessionals.com contact@CertifiedChimneyProfessionals.com

We offer the traditional Chimney Professional Certification and the industries FIRST comprehensive Chimney Relining Certification and Certified Master Chimney Technician Certification. We set you apart from your competition.

Our certifications are designed around the needs/desires of the modern sweep. Online certification, comprehensive, & at a low cost. We save you time, travel and $$$!

Visit our website at: www.CertifiedChimneyProfessionals.com for more information or our booth for our latest Coupon Program where we have coupons you can actually use which can save you thousands of dollars!

Chimney Impact Marketing 808 Brainard St Pensacola, Fla. 32503 888-961-8885 chimneyimpactmarketing.com

12119 Lupine Ln Klamath Falls, Ore. 97603 800-474-5196 www.ChimneySweepNews.com ChimneySweepNews@aol.com

Copperfield

304 South 20th Street Fairfield, Iowa 52556 800-247-3305 www.copperfield.com customerservice2@copperfield.com

The only contract we’ll have with you is results. We don’t lock you into any contract, we have to earn your business every month. No slacking off, ever.

Copperfield Chimney Supply has been filling the supply and accessory needs of chimney professionals, hearth retailers, masons, and contractors for over 35 years. Copperfield has the privilege of serving over 80percent of the chimney professionals in America. In addition to being a one-stop wholesale shopping headquarters, Copperfield plays a major role in providing the industry with business building and marketing information.

With warehouses in Auburn MA, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, and California, all orders placed before 3 p.m. (in the customer’s time zone) are shipped the same day. Ask us about the ways you can save with our customer programs on free freight, Gift Of Time (Buy Now, Pay Later), quantity discounts and more.

Results Are Guaranteed

CVC Coaching

Chimney Impact Marketing provides full service marketing for chimney sweeps.

Dedicated Account Manager That’s right, you have a real person managing your account. From writing social posts to designing email campaigns, your account manager is a part of your team.

Absolutely No Contracts

Marketing is a science, and we’re the best scientists around.

We build a custom strategy for your business, employing all of our tools to make your business soar online.

Chimney Safety Institute (CSIA) 2155 Commercial Drive Plainfield, Ind. 46168 317-837-5362 Fax 317-837-5364 www.CSIA.org office@csia.org

The Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) is a 501 ©3 non-profit organization governed by volunteer industry professionals and technical experts across the country. Established over 30 years ago, the CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep (CCS) credential is still the best method for homeowners to measure a chimney sweeps professional education with a commitment to the elimination of residential chimney fires, carbon monoxide intrusion and other chimney related hazards that result in the loss of lives and property. CSIA devotes its resources to educating the public and related industries through its public relations efforts and its relationships with affiliated trades such as home inspectors, oil heating service managers and the media.

1715 Colfax Dr. Concord, N.C. 28025 704-425-0217 www.cvccoaching.com jerry@chimneyandventingconsultants.com CVC Coaching is a proven industry leader for coaching, consulting and training for independent retailers and service provider professionals throughout the United States. While most coaches and trainers use methods they have been taught from a book or class, our coaching and training programs were born out of one of the most successful small retail and service companies in the Southeast.

Adding the classroom and book knowledge to the “real” knowledge accumulated from doing the work has placed CVC Coaching in a class of its own. Company owners who have hired us come away with real-time goals that are not only attainable, but have actionable steps to ensure that they’re reached in a timely manner.

Duct Cleaners’ Supply

11153 S. Wilton River Rd. New Richland, Minn. 56072 800-634-2822 Fax 888-634-2822 www.ductcleanerssupply.com 4viper@ductcleanerssupply.com

January 2016

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Duct Cleaners’ Supply has the innovative products you need to get the job done and the every day items you use at affordable prices. Our Patented BuildA-Brush™ and Revolution Rods™ allow you to sweep systems with ease and give you unmatched versatility. For more information check out our website at www.ductcleanerssupply.com or call (800) 634-2822.

Enervex, Inc.

1685 Bluegrass Lakes Pkwy.

Alpharetta, Ga. 30004 800-255-2923 Fax 770-587-4731 www.chimneyfans.com info@chimneyfans.com ENERVEX, formerly EXHAUSTO, is a manufacturer of high quality chimney top mounted chimney fans that are guaranteed to assure a proper draft and to correct existing draft problems in almost any chimney. Use the fans for wood, gas, pellet, oil and coal fuel appliances—and the fans mount on any type, size and shape of chimney. To ensure correct draft and best performance of appliance, the fans are equipped with a variable speed control. Various optional controls are available to fit almost any application.

Also available is the EcoDamper Fireplace Draft Damper System for gas fireplaces. Call or email today for your free dealer package and tool kit. And be sure to be added to our preferred dealer list!

Estoban Corporation – Chim-Scan® Booth #600 1643 Old Hwy 34 W. Fairfield, Iowa. 52556 www.chimscan.net info@chimscan.net

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Esther, Tom, and Shelley, welcome you to Orlando, and look forward to seeing you at our booth # 600, just outside the entrance to the trade show floor. Estoban Corporation is celebrating 32 years of providing specialty vision equipment to the chimney industry for both residential and commercial applications. Chim-Scan® is designed to produce imagery from inside the chimney structure; record jpeg photos or video and send those wireless to a free app. Ask about our “FLEET” units and LED lighting and financing. We custom design equipment for your company’s requirements.

Estoban has also developed a lean approach to report writing and provides training for companies at their facility in Iowa 641-472-7643 or send text messages or photos to cell# 641-919-4896; visit www.facbook.com/ EstobanCorportion

Firesafe Industries 5335 Ritchie Road Bealton, Va. 22712 800-545-6607 Fax 504-439-6700 www.firesafeinc.com

Firesafe Industries is a corporation involved in extensive research and development in the chimney restoration industry. Since 1980, Firesafe has restored thousands of chimneys, developed numerous specialized products to restore and protect chimneys, developed numerous specialized tools for the chimney restoration contractor. Our dedication, ethics, and insatiable drive to explore and develop more efficient methods and higher quality product ring us to the forefront of the chimney restoration industry. Our commitment to research and development has led to vast improvements with products such as the Guardian S. C. R. smoke chamber restoration, CrownGuard crpwn sealants, FireGuard™ flue sealant, Guardian cast-in-

January 2016

place chimney liner®, and the Terminator encased flue liner removal tool.

Fireside Distributors 4013 Atlantic Ave Raleigh, N.C. 27604 866-880-3473 FiresideAmerica.com info@firesideamerica.com

Fireside Distributors is a specialty distributor serving the specialty hearth and service dealer for over 50 years. Known for our customer service and deep inventory, Fireside offers perhaps the largest selection of hearth accessories, gas, electric and wood appliances, and venting in addition to a complete line of outdoor living products from a single source. Stocked products include: Tool Sets; Folding Screens; Wood Burning Fireplaces; Wood Burning Stoves; Gas Fireplaces; Gas Stoves; Gas Inserts; Venting and Fireplace Maintenance Products; Gas Logs; Zone Heaters; European Hearth Products; Fire pits and so much more.

Geny Insurance Group 992 Davidson Drive Suite 108 Nashville, Tenn. 37205 615-330-3843

Understanding the intricate nature of the chimney and hearth industry is a difficult task. At Geny Insurance, we have developed close relationships with carriers to place this unique risk. It is imperative that your agent understand the different facets of a chimney and hearth professionals daily operations. We ensure that your policy is tailored for your business, whether you are sweeping from the roof, performing different levels of inspections, engaging in masonry work, or selling and installing gas/wood appliances.

When it comes to protecting your business, being insured incorrectly is not an option. Trust our risk advisors to protect what you’ve spent a lifetime to build. At Geny Insurance we specialize in tailored programs, and “Navigating Today’s Risk. Anticipating Tomorrow’s Uncertainty.”

Hearst Digital Marketing Services 61 John Muir Dr Buffalo, NY 14228 716-491-7433 www.hearstmediaservices.com gnorthway@localedge.com

Hearst Media Services is your one-stop solution for affordable, turn-key marketing campaigns. No matter the size of your businesses, we can develop and manage sophisticated marketing packages that increase your customer base and grow revenue.

Clients trust our team of knowledgeable media experts to navigate an increasingly complex multi-media world. They know that Hearst Media Services will simplify the marketing process while helping them track the impact of their campaigns and understand their advertising options.

Discover how Hearst Media Services can give you the latest solutions to make today’s marketing easy, efficient and affordable.

Hy-C Company

10950 Linpage Place St. Louis, Mo. 63132 314-241-1214 www.hy-c.com sales@hy-c.com HY-C has been protecting homes and families since 1947 with home improvement products including chimney covers, stove boards, firewood management solutions, nuisance wildlife control screens, and cast iron fireplace accessories. Recent additions to the lineup include the LintEater

and SootEater dryer vent and chimney cleaning products. The Magic Heat UL-listed heat reclaimer and Flame Genie pellet fire pit also have recently joined the HY-C family. Because we manufacture almost all of our products here in the United States, we provide what you need when you need it.

HY-C people are passionate and committed to high performance. We are here to provide safety, security and sustainable living products to improve your life and the life of your home.

room.

ICC Industrial Chimney Co.

Lindemann Chimney Co.

400 J-F Kennedy J7Y4B7 Canada 450-565-6336 info@icc-rsf.com

ICC was established in 1991 by a small group of partners with over 75 years combined experience in the chimney industry. From the beginning our objective has been to engineer products which enable better, faster installations while using fewer parts. All ICC products are engineered in house. Innovation in design is something rare in today’s chimney business, but it is the only true way to continually improve the quality and safety of installations. The strong support of dealers and distributors looking for innovative products has allowed ICC to grow dramatically over the years.

Our 120,000 ft2 factory is filled with state of the art machinery, runs 24 hours a day, twelve months a year. We employ over 200 people.

Improved Consumer Products PO Box B Attleboro Falls, Mass. 02763 508-695-7000 Fax 508-695-4209

More than 35 years ago, we built our business in a small New England town and that’s where we’ve stayed.

In that time, ICP has developed and offered unique products for solving difficult chimney draft problems. Our strong background in chimney technology and metallurgy has resulted in ICP being recognized as one of the country’s most respected and trusted sources for chimney products and problem-solving information.

In an effort to maximize venting efficiency while minimizing the threat of dryer fires, our patented products continue to benefit homeowners and add value to your product/service offerings. Overall, we’re a niche business focused on dryer venting accessories and we can help improve your reputation and strengthen your bottom line.

110 Albrecht Dr. Lake Bluff, Ill. 60044 800-722.-230 LindemannChimneySupply.com supplyinfo@lindemannchimney.com Lindemann Chimney Supply delivers supplies and tools to the chimney and fireplace industry with unparalleled customer service and trade experience. We are the first supplier in the industry to offer a true free shipping program along with an easy to use online ordering system. We partner with businesses, learn how they operate, and listen to how we can help. We leverage our talents and years of hands-on experience in our service company to help fellow chimney cleaning businesses grow. We’ve helped coach hundreds of service companies and work with the industry’s top professionals reach their full potential. If you are serious about your profession and share similar values as us we would love to partner with you.

M&G DuraVent

Address: 877 Cotting Court, Vacaville, Calif. 95688

Golden Flue The Cure For The Flue

• Golden Flue Cast Masonry Liners

Our engineers are ready to speak with you at any time about your special requirements, to resolve particular needs, or to troubleshoot difficult chimney draft problems. Please call whenever we can be of assistance.

• Stainless Steel Insulating Mix

In-O-Vate Dryer Products

• Reline Fireplace & Smokechamber • Reline Oil Or Gas Flues Reduce Creosote / Increase Draft

810 Saturn Street, Suite 20 Jupiter, Fla. 33477 561-744-0473 www.dryerflex.com cliff@dryerflex.com

For nearly two decades, In-O-Vate Dryer Products has manufactured dryer venting products that have primarily been used by builders in new construction nationwide.

Recently, we’ve opened our sales channels and are proud to partner with duct cleaning companies nationwide to introduce a NEW line of premium, innovative solutions for the laundry

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GF Cast Masonry Mix

GF SS/Insul Mix • Offer Exceptional Protection Over Wrapped Insulation

TO ORDER CALL 1-800-468-1052 Visit: www.goldenflue.com

January 2016

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800-835-4429 www.duravent.com customerservice@duravent.com M&G DuraVent is a recognized technological leader in the venting industry. Consistently the first to market with new innovations in venting systems, DuraVent has captured a leadership position in emerging markets. With patents for several products, DuraVent continues to design safe and technologically advanced venting. Scientifically proven materials and unequaled engineering make DuraVent products the only choice for professional quality venting. DuraVent’s Engineered Excellence is a commitment to continue this trend, providing the industry with cutting-edge products and refinements to existing products that go beyond the demands of today’s heating products market. Learn more at www.duravent.com

MAHPBA (Mid-Atlantic Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association)

904 Hanover Street, Suite #3, Manchester, NH 03104 603-669-2744 www.mahpba.com admin@mahpba.com

MAHPBA is the regional trade association for the hearth, patio & barbecue industries covering the states of DE, MD, NJ, PA and the District of Columbia.

My Fireplace Products

2818 Laurier blvd, T4 #1805 Quebec, QC, Canada G1V 0E2 www.myfireplaceproducts.com info@myfireplaceproducts.com My Fireplace Products Inc. is a Quebec City based company that specializes in the distribution of parts and accessories for stoves and fireplaces. We offer fast delivery and flexible payment options.

Technology has enabled companies to accelerate the introduction of a large range of heating appliances. For the end user, obtaining the right accessory or replacement part can become a very complicated task. My Fireplace Products, with its qualified personnel and valued manufacturing partners, is able to offer a fast and reliable service everywhere in North America. In all cases, My Fireplace Products will honor the manufacturer’s warranty.

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NEHPBA (Northeast Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association) 904 Hanover Street, Suite #3, Manchester, N.H. 03104 603-669-2740 www.nehpba.com admin@nehpba.com

NEHPBA is the regional trade association for the hearth, patio & barbecue industries covering the states of CT, MA, ME, NH, NY, RI & VT.

National Chimney

3 Green Tree Drive South Burlington, Vt. 05403 800-897-8481 www.nationalchimney.com gsalem@nationalchimney.com National Chimney is a leading U.S. manufacturer of chimney liner, custom chase covers, damper caps, and other products used by chimney professionals worldwide. With manufacturing facilities and distribution

January 2016

points from Phoenix in the west to Sanford, FL in the south and five other locations throughout the Midwest, Mid-Atlantic, and Northeast, we can fulfill orders and deliver products quickly and cost-effectively.

National Chimney has a complete line of products—with outstanding guarantees—for Chimney Sweeps, Roofers, Masonry Contractors, General Contractors, and HVAC & Plumbing Professionals. Founded in 1994, National has a long history of producing high-quality products and providing excellent customer service for its U.S. and international customers.

Contact National Chimney at 800.897.8481 or visit us at www. nationalchimney.com.

National Fireplace Institute

1901 N. Moore St. Suite 600, Arlington, VA 22209 703-524-8030 www.nficertified.org info@nficertified.org The National Fireplace Institute® is the professional certification division of the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Education Foundation (HPBEF), a 501(c)3 non-profit educational organization for the hearth industry. NFI’s objective is to increase public safety by establishing meaningful credentials for professionals involved in planning and installing residential hearth appliances and venting systems. NFI certifies planners and installers in three hearth product categories based on fuel type: NFI Gas Specialist, NFI Woodburning Specialist, NFI Pellet Specialist The National Fireplace Institute®, an independent, non-profit certification agency, has created the standard for certification in the hearth industry.

Only those who pass a rigorous examination covering fundamentals of proper installation receive NFI Specialist Certification.

New England Chimney Supply 280 Commerce St. Williston, Vt. 05495 888-900-8106 www.newenglandchimneysupply.com ps@nesbestflex.com

Individually we are all unique with different talents and come from many backgrounds & experiences.

Together we make a powerful team that will create an experience for you that is unparalleled in the industry.

From telephone support, manufacturing, shipping, and sales, we strive to “make it happen!”

New England Chimney Supply is always striving for a “higher level” in everything we do as a company.

From internal employee growth to external customer relationships, we are continually nurturing the right path.

In order to establish the right path, all great companies need guidance & values in which all decisions are based upon.

We present New England Chimney Supply’s unwavering set of Company Core Values. They set our path, and you can count on them!

• Honesty & Integrity • Committed & Hard Working • Pride in Our Company & Our Products • Growth & Self Improvement Oriented • Excellence in Service

Olympia Chimney Supply

600 Sanders Street ​Scranton, PA 18505 800-569-1425 ​Olympiachimney.com customerservice@olympiachimney.com Olympia Chimney Supply Inc. located in Scranton, PA is a manufacturer of

Stainless Steel Class-A Chimneys, Pellet Pipe, Gas Direct Vent, Chimney Liners, Chimney Components and Single and Double Wall Black Stove Pipe.

Its quality products are backed by a Forever Warranty that is transferrable to the next homeowner and are tested and UL listed by Underwriters Laboratories. Olympia also distributes many other chimney related items for your convenience; such as chimney restoration products, tools, brushes & rods and much more. It has a Custom Shop in-house that will fabricate anything to your specifications and a Customer Service Department that is comprised of CSIA certified techs who are able to assist you with any technical questions that you may have. Olympia, better known as Your Partner in the Business, strives to provide exceptional customer service to put the needs of your business first and foremost. Call us today; visit us on the web or like us on Facebook!

Regency Fireplace Products 1710 Afton Road Sycamore, Ill. 60178 815-756-3110 Fax 815-756-3130 krutherford@regency-fire.com www.regency-fire.com

For over 35 years, Regency products have been proudly made locally in North America. We use only the finest materials in our manufacturing facilities; taking pride in building a reliable, quality product. Our state of the art facility spans over 240,000 square feet and is constantly being upgraded with the latest tools of the trade. Our commitment to quality is practiced at every step of the process, including a final inspection before anything is approved for shipment. All Regency Wood Stoves and Inserts have been certified by the Environmental Protection Agency. Regency engineers have carefully designed the firebox to create airflow around the wood so that it burns completely, resulting in very little ash and next to no polluting smoke into our environment. We are committed to your satisfaction. Our Regency, Hampton, and Excalibur products are sold through a carefully selected network of over 2000 professionally trained specialty fireplace retailers.

RLH Industries, Inc. 1574 Calkins Drive Gaylor, MI 49735 800-289-2446 Fax 866-353-9329 www.chim-flex.com

RLH Industries, Inc. is a service centered, factory direct source for premium UL listed stainless steel and aluminum chimney lining systems since 1983.

In addition, we manufacture our exclusive line of beautiful direct vent terminations: the Homestyle and Eurostyle Collections. We understand your frustrations when suppliers over-promise then fail to deliver. In contrast, we have the right people, systems and company culture to guarantee your expectations are not just met, they are exceeded. Our commitment to innovation, service, safety and the highest manufacturing standards make us an industry leader. With RLH Industries, Inc. you can “Expect More!”. Call for your free catalog today.

Royal Chimney Supply

28 N 4th Street Gouldsboro, Penn. 18424 866-235-0302 www.royalchimneysupply.com Justin@royalchimneysupply.com Royal Chimney Supply is a family owned and operated company. We manufacturer high quality flexible and rigid chimney liners and components.

We take great pride in our products and are always looking for new ways to improve. We have a great metal shop that can tackle any custom part you

Regional Chimney Supply

8045 Snouffer School Rd, Gaithersburg, Md. 20879 301-740-3488 www.regionalchimneysupply.com sales@regionalchimneysupply.com

31 S W E E P I N G

Regional is in its 11th year now, and Dale is in his 38th since starting as a sweep in 1978.

We’re a smaller operation so it feels sort of like going into an old hardware store when you deal with us (so I’ve been told anyway) which is good because that’s basically who we are.

We carry all the “familiar stuff” (big brands are DuraTech, Ventinox and BestFlex) and we get orders out the same day. Prices are fine, maybe less than one guy but maybe more than some other guy (i.e. little price danger) We don’t make too many mistakes, hopefully maybe less than competitors. Give us a call; it’ll be nice to do business with you.

January 2016

may need. We hope you join us as we continue to grow.

Rutland Products, Inc.

100 Europa Dr., Ste. 565 Chapel Hill, N.C. 27517 800-544-1307 www.rutland.com sales@rutland.com

RUTLAND PRODUCTS has been the resource for homeowners and professional chimney sweeps for over 130 years. With over 700 premium products, Rutland’s full line of Chimney, Fireplace, Hearth and Professional Grade Products include high temperature silicones, cements, mortars, paints, polishes, brushes, rods and other great tools. They also offer creosote removers, glass cleaners, gasketing, fire starters, gas log maintenance products, masonry cleaners and more!

Find out how RUTLAND can increase your business by checking them out at their booth at the NCSG Trade Show.

Sand Hill Wholesale & Mfg., Inc. 1955 Alum Creek Drive Columbus, Ohio 43207 800-258-5496 Fax 800-958-5497 www.sandhillwholesale.com info@sandhillwholesale.com

Sand Hill is America’s oldest national distributor of fireplace, wood and gas heating products. We are pleased to offer you over 2,200 quality products featured in our 118-page color catalog. We offer the Sweeps Perfection™ line of chimney caps, Homeowners Choice™ relining systems, a complete line of sweeping tools, chimney brushes, custom chimney caps, replacement catalytic combustors, custom-ovalized chimney liner, and much more.

Sand Hill provides customer satisfaction by giving excellent service. We ship the same day when orders are received by 3:00 P.M. Eastern Time.

We offer the best dating programs in the industry and give Free Freight on qualified orders.

SaverSystems

32 S W E E P I N G

800 S 7th St Richmond, Ind. 47374 800-860-6327 Fax 765-935-4999 www.chimneysaver.com info@chimneysaver.com SaverSystems has manufactured the ChimneySaver line of repair and maintenance products since 1987. ChimneySaver Water Repellent is the industry standard for eliminating water penetration in chimneys.

CrownCoat, CrownSeal and FlashSeal offer long-term, cost-effective solutions for repairing damaged crowns and flashings. SaverSystems also manufactures two listed products for smoke chamber repair: Heatshield Chamber Coat, which is trowel-applied, and Cerfractory Foam for spray application (videos available on chimneysaver.com). In 2015 they introduced PCR, which removes 3rd degree glazed creosote without rotary cleaning.

See our PCR video for homeowners and our instructional video for sweeps at chimneysaver.com under Chimney Sweep Resources. Call or email us today to request samples or to learn more about our many problem solving products for chimney professionals.

January 2016

Selkirk Corporation

5030 Corporate Exchange Blvd. Grand Rapids, Mich. 49512 616-656-8200 www.selkirkcorp.com tfabris@selkirkcorp.com During the 1920’s, Robert Williams and William Wallace began manufacturing stovepipe along with many other metal products and invented a lightweight metal chimney that would become one of the most popular chimneys for nearly a century.

The company name has changed over the years, but the commitment to providing high-quality venting products remains steadfast. Today, Selkirk Corporation manufactures venting and chimney products all across North America and is still well respected as one of the leading manufacturers of innovative venting solutions.

Products available from Selkirk Corporation include several models of all-fuel chimney systems, Direct-Temp direct vent, Direct-Temp venting for pellet stoves, type-b gas vent, and aluminum and stainless steel chimney liner systems. The latest innovations, the Ultimate ONE all-fuel chimney system and the Ultimate Pellet Pipe, have been engineered to exceed industry standards.

When it comes to venting solutions, Selkirk Corporation is the company to trust.

ServicePal

541 Jefferson Avenue Redwood City, Calif. 94063 650-394-5484 support@servicepal.com We make it easier for your team to get the job done.

We are a team of passionate rock star developers located in Silicon Valley.

We also have a few located in the happiest country on earth.

We aim to provide simple and compelling software that helps you run your business. Our goal is to WOW you with a service that your team can use, every day, whereever they are. Our commitment is simple – 100% customer satisfaction and cultivating solid, long lasting business relationships.

We are a privately held company, founded in 2011.

Service Titan

801 N Brand Blvd. Suit 700 Glendale, Calif. 91203 855-899-0970 ncutler@servicetitan.com Ara and Vahe, sons of residential contractors, started ServiceTitan in 2012 to help their fathers manage their growing home service businesses. They wanted to make their fathers proud, and help thousands of their peers in home services.

Today we are humbled that so many of the world’s best home service companies use ServiceTitan to better manage their businesses, improve sales, and provide an extraordinary customer experience. Our mission is to champion the underserved home services industry. We are fortunate to have the world’s best team paving the way.

Sleepy Hollow

85 Emjay Boulevard Brentwood, N.Y. 11717 800-553-5322 Fax 631-231-2364 sleepy_hollow_sply_@prodigy.net Founded in 1977 by three chimney sweeps, Andy, Ray and Fred, our vision and quest were to become an innovative service company on the cutting

edge. This vision led to a small supply company with industry-first products like Super-Flex® and components in 1980, Cera-foil® ceramic blanket in 1985 and North America’s largest specialty selection of chimney cleaning equipment and tools. We have become a formidable fabricator of high temperature stainless alloys and manufacture the Bellfires® Refractory Fireplace, since 1986. As our industry grew, we were at the forefront addressing wood, oil, coal and gas fuel venting solutions, educating through classic hands-on workshops coast to coast.

Spark Marketer

604 Gallatin Ave., Suite 113, Nashville, Tenn. 37206 855-646-3538 sparkmarketer.com info@sparkmarketer.com

Southeast Hearth, Patio, Barbecue Assn PO Box 2766 Easley, S.C. 29641 Office: 864-850-1445 Fax: 866-903-0386 www.sehpba.org

NEHPBA is the regional trade association for the hearth, patio & barbecue industries covering the states of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia.

Thermo-Rite Manufacturing

Spark Marketer is a full service online marketing company working with over 100 companies in the chimney, hearth & venting industries along with other home services. Be on the forefront of the ever changing world of online marketing with a company that cares about you & your business.

It starts with your website & the right content then branches out to the internet in multiple places. You will have a dedicated account manager that knows & trains not only in local marketing but in the chimney & hearth industries each year. Come see what our clients have to say about us; how we keep up with what’s happening so they can concentrate on their business.

Sweeping_Smoothcore Z-Max 7.35x4.875_January 26, 2013.pdf

1

1355 Evans Ave Akron, Ohio 44205 330-633-8680 Fax 330-633-8701

Every Thermo-Rite product, without exception, is made in the U.S.A. Since 1942, the name Thermo-Rite has stood for elegance, quality and superior craftsmanship in glass fireplace enclosures.

Founded in 1942 in Akron, Ohio, Thermo-Rite Manufacturing originated the tempered glass fire- place enclosure. In fact, Thermo-Rite was awarded the first United States Patent for tempered glass fireplace enclosures… a patent held exclusively by Thermo-Rite from 1946 to 1963. Even today, every Thermo-Rite product… without exception… is produced in our Akron, Ohio facility. From our founding to the present, Thermo-Rite has been a market pacesetter.

13-01-26 9:30 PM

Triple Lock® Smoothcore™ All Fuels Chimney Liner • Eliminates the turbulence that’s inherent with corrugated liners, improving draft • Resists corrosive attack by not impeding the flow of condensate down the liner and less opportunity for soot to accumulate

C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

Z-Max Rain Cap & Lock ‘N Go Base Tee • Z-Max Rain Cap with protective ember screen shields chimney from snow, driving rain and animal intrusions. Quick removal for easy cleaning

33 Suitable For All Fuels

• Z-Max Lock ‘N Go Base Tee installs in half the time of standard tees, with no special installation tools required • All products cULus tested and listed by UL to UL1777 and ULC S635

CHIMNEY & VENTING SOLUTIONS

Pellet

Wood

Gas

Oil

TRIPLE LOCK® SMOOTHCORE™ & Z-MAX U.S.A.

T 1.800.654.5600 F 1.888.889.3539 sales@z-flex.com

CANADA

T 416.679.0045 F 416.679.0051 www.z-flex.com

SPECIALIZED VENTS, HOSES DUCTS & CONNECTORS FOR ANY USE, ANY INDUSTRY.

January 2016

S W E E P I N G

Timburn Inc.

211 River Ridge Circle South, Suite 103 Burnsville, Minn. 55337 877-439-7400 Fax 952-513-2088 www.timburn.com jcook@timburn.com Timburn Firestarter & Kindl-Stone Creosote Modifier in a One Match Firestarter System The ideal leave behind. Keeps your name on the clients hearth and keeps everything in the chimney brushable so that your next sweeping goes smoothly and on schedule. Timburn’s firestarters do NOT contain chlorides that may damage fireplace and stove systems with either metal or masonry chimney flues. Clients will love the one match starting of nearly any wood and at just $0.60 per light/treatment it is a great value. FREE labels with your company information and NSCG affiliation included with every order.

It’s the Chimney Sweep’s Refrigerator Magnet!

Total Hearth

PO Box 1247 Mount Sterling, Ky. 40353-5247 800-874-0791 859-498-7457 www.totalhearth.com stoveparts@aol.com

Veracity Insurance is a national wholesale broker and program manager.

We have been working with the chimney sweep industry for over a decade and are the endorsed insurance provider of the NCSG. Veracity’s business model is to be a niche and specialized market for hard to place casualty risks. We continually strive to expand our appetites in our core products while providing our clients a positive experience in every aspect of the insurance transaction.

Wakefield Brush

160 Freedom Court Elyria, Ohio 44035 800-264-7007 Fax 800-525-3427 www.wakefieldbrush.com sales@wakefieldbrush.com Wakefield Brush manufactures a variety of traditional English chimney sweeping equipment to maintain and care for fireplaces, chimneys and wood burning stoves. Products include hand crafted poly brushes with a complete line of rods, fittings and accessories.

Wakefield Brush has been supplying England’s chimney sweep trade for more than 60 years. Our handmade equipment ensures the finest quality that sweeps have experienced for decades.

Valor Radiant Gas Fireplaces

Wohler USA

Miles Industries is North America’s exclusive designer, manufacturer and distributor of Valor Radiant Gas Fireplaces. Warming homes since 1890, Valor continues to set new standards in gas fireplace efficiency, comfort control and fashionable design.

Wöhler has been a synonym for quality and progressive innovations in the field of measuring instrument, visual inspection systems and cleaning equipment for heating, ventilation, facility management and industrial applications. We develop and manufacture a variety of practical cleaning systems for chimney stacks, boilers and ventilation systems to meet the needs of professionals. Our line of cleaning products include Wohler Vipers and Wohler Rotary Viper Vents that easily navigate sharp turns, and our durable GRP (glass fiber reinforced plastic) rods are built to withstand tough jobs.

Ventech Industries

S W E E P I N G

260 South 2500 West, Suite 303 Pleasant Grove, Utah 84062 866-395-1308 Fax 801-763-1374 www.veracityins.com

From hard to find replacement stove parts to exclusive hearth appliance lines, Total Hearth is the “one stop shop” for all your hearth appliance needs. We invite you to “Experience the Total Hearth Advantage”.

190-2255 Dollarton Hwy North Vancouver, BC, Canada V7H 3B1 800-468-2567 www.valorfireplaces.com info@valorfireplaces.com

34

Veracity Insurance Solutions, LLC

384 Harold L Dow Hwy, Unit One Eliot, Maine 03903 866-439-0069 Fax 207-439-0269 www.ventechindustries.com info@ventechindustries.com Ventech Industries is the originator of spray ceramics for the chimney industry. Our products are designed to make restoration and repair faster, easier, and more profitable! Spray Thermocrete™ to increase safety and performance while adding strength and durability to both residential and commercial flues. Thermocrete is listed and labeled and carries a Lifetime Warranty. Easy to use Smoktite™ will conveniently coat, seal and improve the operation of smoke chambers, reaching even the hardest to get areas without ever removing the damper frame. Dynacote™ with Emisshield® will enhance the firebox by returning up to 30% more heat to the room while extending the life of the firebrick. Accept no imitations. Use the original ceramic products with the finest precision machined equipment that have stood the test of time.

January 2016

5R Hutchinson Drive Danvers, Mass. 01923 978-750-9876 info@wohlerusa.com www.wohlerusa.com

Z-Flex

20 Commerce Park North Bedford, N.H. 030110 800-654-5600 www.Z-Flex.com sales@z-flex.com Z-Flex, part of the Novaflex Group of companies, is the leading manufacturer of specialty venting systems for furnaces, boilers, water heaters, oil heaters, fireplaces, and more. Z-Flex has been pioneering flexible answers to gas, oil, pellet and wood venting applications since 1979. Included are our flexible chimney liner solutions, and special gas vent (AL29-4C). We are a family owned business and pride ourselves on our well trained technical service, and helpful customer service staff.

ComfortGeni now Built in the USA!!

ComfortGeni, LLC has moved their booster fan assembly to Indiana. The move from Asia greatly enhances our ability to serve customers with build to order assembly and same day order fulfillment.

In addition to improved operations and customer service, products are NAFTA compliant.

The ComfortGeni model Geni 6xr is easy-to-install through-wall fan that increases airflow from room to room or level to level, enabling consumers to enjoy the warmth from their fireplace or pellet stove in any room. Engineered to increase the area that wood, pellet and gas appliances heat, the ComfortGeni uses no more electricity than a 14-watt light bulb and costs less than $5 a year to operate.

Named “Best Hearth Accessory” in Hearth & Home magazine’s 2012 Vesta Awards, the ComfortGeni can also be used to enhance a home’s existing HVAC system. When used as a register booster fan, the three-speed ComfortGeni improves the central heating and cooling in that room.

The ComfortGeni also features a built-in temperature sensor that will automatically shut the fan off when the source air temperature is insufficient to create the desired temperature in

™

The Choice of Chimney Professionals

Industry

Watch

the room, providing greater energy efficiency than standard through-wall fans. When the source air again exceeds the desired temperature, the sensor kicks in and the fan turns back on.

The powerful, but quiet ComfortGeni runs at a soft whisper, and can be easily operated from any position or location in the home using the remote control. The ComfortGeni is ideal for improving the effects of central system registers, wood stoves, fireplaces, space heaters, window air conditioners and split systems.

Currently available for $134.95 in almond color, the ComfortGeni model Geni 6xr blends into any décor and fits flush to the floor, wall or ceiling. To find a retailer near you, please visit http://www. comfortgeni.com/retail-dealer-information.html Retailers interested in carrying the ComfortGeni should visit http://www. comfortgeni.com/distr-information.html and contact a distributor in their area.

Visit us # 101 at Booth

-200

Don’t waste any more time removing dampers and dealing with material that has you stuck inside the chamber for hours.

About ComfortGeni ComfortGeni was founded in 2004 and provides affordable, high-quality and highperformance home comfort products that enhance indoor air quality and save energy and money. ComfortGeni products are currently available through retail outlets.

For more information, visit http://www.comfortgeni.com.

S W E E P I N G

If you’re not a Smoktite™ user and want to make your day and job go smoothly, give us a call.

Let us put a smile on your face and more importantly on your customers face.

Call today!

(207) 439-0069 | Toll Free (866) 439-0069 | www.smoktite.com

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January 2016

New England Chimney Supply (866) 513-2378

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January 2016

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NCSG 2016 National Convention February 24-27, 2016 Orlando, FL Get ready for our 2016 Keynotes: Story Musgrave Story Musgrave, M.D. is a physician and retired NASA astronaut. Over the course of his career with NASA he became only the second astronaut to record six spaceflights and is the most formally educated astronaut with six academic degrees. Additionally he is an author, public speaker, and a consultant for both Disney’s Imagineering group and Applied Minds in California.

During his keynote "From Farm Kid to Rocket Man: Design a Life for Yourself One Little Step at a Time" Story will be presenting on how to reach your goals and achieve your dreams with lessons and stories from his own life.

Mark Stoner Mark Stone is the owner and founder of Nashville-based, multi-million dollar service business, Ashbusters Chimney Service, and a mentor to hundreds of business owners across the nation.

Mark is also one of the founders of SirVent Chimney & Venting Franchise, the President of the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA), a professional public speaker, and recently, an author. He will be sharing lessons from his book Blue Collar Gold: How to Build a Service Business from the Dirt Up.

Thank Our Sponsors!

M&G Duravent

RLH Industries, Inc.

www.ncsgconvention.org

NCSG National Convention 2016 February 24-27 • Orlando, FL Schedule as of 12/15/2015. Schedule Subject to Change.

Tuesday, February 23 Pre-Convention Events 8:00 AM 1:00 PM 3:00 PM 6:00 PM 6:00 PM 6:00 PM

CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep & CSIA Certified Dryer Exhaust Technician Review & Exam Sessions – Additional Registration Required NCSG Board of Directors Meeting CSIA Board of Directors Meeting Committee Meetings State Guild President’s Meetings Chimney Sweeping Around the World

Wednesday, February 24 9:00 AM 9:45 AM 10:30 AM 11:00 AM

NCSG Annual Membership Meeting CSIA Information Meeting Coffee Break Opening Keynote: From Farm Kid to Rocket Man: Design a Life for Yourself One Little Step at a Time w/ Story Musgrave 12:15 PM Group Photograph 2:00 PM Claims, Pains & Arbitration w/ Chris Van Leeuwen & Eugene LaFlamme 2:00 PM Eliminate the Slow Season- A Change in Chimney Business Perspective w/ Bill Ryan 2:00 PM Meet and Greet w/ Story Musgrave 3:30 PM Soda Break 4:00 PM Claims, Pains & Arbitration w/ Chris Van Leeuwen & Eugene LaFlamme 4:00 PM Advancements in Venting Technologies w/ John Pilger and Andreas Gartner 4:00 PM Professional Communication of Prior Defects w/ Russ Dimmitt 6:00 PM Opening Night Reception

Thursday, February 25

8:15 AM Aging with Fire & Grace w/ Brandi Biswell 8:15 AM In Home Sales w/ Mike Ruehrdanz 8:15 AM NFPA Codes Updates w/ Jim Brewer & John Pilger

10:00 AM General Session: Industry Technology Panel 10:00 AM New Sweep Seminar & Trade Show Sneak Preview 1:00 PM Opening Trade Show Session

Friday, February 26 9:00 AM 1:30 PM

Closing Trade Show Session Beyond the Multimeter: Basic Electricity & Electronics for Venting Technicians w/ Stuart Karanovich 1:30 PM So you Think You Know Homeowners w/ Terra L Fletcher 1:30 PM Salary AND a 20% Return- Yes You Can! w/ Patty Lawrence 3:15 PM Beyond the Multimeter: Basic Electricity & Electronics for Venting Technicians w/ Stuart Karanovich 3:15 PM So you Think You Know Homeowners w/ Terra L Fletcher 3:15 PM Salary AND a 20% Return- Yes You Can! w/ Patty Lawrence 8:00 PM CSIA Benefit Auction

Saturday, February 27 8:00 AM 8:30 AM 8:30 AM 10:00 AM 11:00 AM 11:00 AM 11:00 AM 2:00 PM 6:00 PM 7:00 PM

Job Site Safety w/ Bob Priesing Beyond the Codes: Regulations That Affect What We Do and How We Do It w/ Rick Vlahos Bypassing the Media with Social w/ Darcy Marlett and Jordan Whitt Coffee Break Job Site Safety w/ Bob Priesing Videos You Can Do On a Budget w/ Darcy Marlett and Jordan Whitt Introduction to Masonry Heaters" w/ Chris Prior Blue Collar Gold- How to Build a Service Business from the Dirt Up" w/ Mark Stoner Cocktail Hour NCSG Annual Banquet and Awards Ceremony

Seek to WIN! At the NCSG 2016 Trade Show When you visit all of the trade show exhibitors participating in the SEEK to WIN! Program, you can enter to win prizes like an Apple Watch, iPad, PlayStation, exclusive NCSG gear,!

NCSG Convention 2016 • February 24-27 • Orlando, FL NCSG Member Rates

Until 12/15/15

12/15/151/24/16

After 1/24/16

Standard Rates

Primary

$399 (299)

$449 (349)

$499 (399)

Spouse

$199

$249

$299

$349 ($249) $299 ($199) $249 ($149) $179 $69 $39 $49

$399 ($299) $349 ($249) $299 ($199) $179 $69 $39 $49

$449($349) $399($299) $349($249) $179 $69 $39 $49

1st Additional 2nd Additional 3+ Additional Single Day Banquet Only Child Banquet 5-12 Tradeshow Only Senior Category Guild Member

$100

$100

Until 12/15/15

12/15/151/24/16

After 1/24/16

Primary

$499

$549

$599

Primary- 1st Time Attendee Spouse 1st Additional 2nd Additional 3+ Additional Single Day Banquet Only Child Banquet 5-12 Tradeshow Only

$199

$199

$199

$299 $449 $399 $349 $279 $89 $39 $79

$349 $499 $449 $399 $279 $89 $39 $79

$399 $549 $499 $449 $279 $89 $39 $79

$100

NOTE: First Time Attendee prices for members are in parenthesis ( ).

Company _________________________________________ Address __________________________________________ City, State, Zip _____________________________________ Phone ___________________________________________ Email ____________________________________________ Check here to opt-out to emails from exhibitors

- Opening Night Reception at the Rosen Plaza Join us for heavy appetizers, a cash bar, and comradery following classes on Wednesday before heading out on the town to explore Orlando, FL. Best of all it’s FREE, just RSVP.

REGISTRANT INFORMATION Please write your name as you’d like it to appear on your badge.

Check if wanting an additional information packet mailed (primary packet emailed with registration confirmation)

Name _____________________________________________________________ Registrant Type ______________________________________________________ $ ___________________ Name _____________________________________________________________ Registrant Type ______________________________________________________ $ ___________________ Name _____________________________________________________________ Registrant Type ______________________________________________________ $ ___________________ Registration Total $ ___________________ Attending Opening night reception? Yes No 2016 Convention Patch ($3/each - Pickup on-site.) Qty: ________ Patch Total $ ___________

MAIL TO: National Chimney Sweep Guild 2155 Commercial Drive, Plainfield, IN 46168 FAX TO: (317) 837-5365 CALL: (317) 837-1500 REGISTER ONLINE at www.NCSG.org/convention

Office Use Only O2CR C2F AUTH__________ Org ID___________ Profile ID____________ Rec’d By__________ Date ____________

GRAND TOTAL $ ___________ PAYMENT INFORMATION Payment Method: □ Check # ___________ □ Visa □ MC □ AmEx Account # ________________________________________ Card Security Code ______________ Exp. __________ Name on Card ____________________________________ Signature ________________________________________ Refund policy: Prior to 12/15/15, 90%; 12/15/15-1/24/16, 75%. No refunds are available after 1/24/16.

Come One, Come All: It’s Convention Time Eugene M. LaFlamme

40 S W E E P I N G

T

he annual NCSG convention is once again upon us.

It is a time to reconnect with old friends and network with new ones.

Perhaps even more importantly, however, is the opportunity to partake in the training and education courses that are offered at the convention.

Once again, the NCSG has put together an impressive schedule of training and education courses. The courses range from industry advancements, sales, code issues, best business practices, safety, marketing, financial, legal,

January 2016

insurance, and social media just to name a few.

All of these topics address important issues that are integral to running a successful business.

As the readership may have noticed, education and training are topics that I often write about. I do this because these activities are vitally important to running a successful business, especially when it comes to the areas that I have the most involvement with – liability exposure and safety issues. I have represented a number of hearth and chimney companies throughout the country on these issues and the companies that take education and training seriously are typically better run businesses and put themselves in a better position to defend against any liability claims.

Sweeps that are actively involved in the NCSG and take advantage of the training and education it offers generally have better skilled employees, maintain better records, and face less claims and lawsuits.

Unfortunately, however, mistakes do happen and those mistakes sometimes result in a claim or lawsuit. While human error can never be completely eliminated, it can be greatly reduced through a comprehensive training and education program.

Even the best trained and educated sweeps, however, can find themselves involved in a liability claim or litigation.

This is in large part because litigation continues to expand and increase in the U.S. Consequently, sweeps need to always be prepared to defend their business should it come under such scrutiny. Due to this reality, the education and training offered by the NCSG is something that all sweeps should consider taking advantage of.

have an appropriate education and training program, it would follow that it may be somewhat sloppy in its work. Sweeps that actively participate in ongoing training and education are able to stop this tactic in its tracks.

Consequently, education and training is not only important to minimize the number of mistakes that may be made, but also is an important part of a liability defense.

Eugene M. LaFlamme is a partner at McCoy Leavitt Laskey LLC, a national defense firm specializing in fire and explosion cases. Eugene’s practice focuses on the defense of companies involved in the hearth and chimney industries.

He can be contacted at elaflamme@ MLLlaw.com or (262) 522-7000.

In closing, I will be attending and presenting at the NCSG convention again this year. I look forward to seeing everyone there.

Once involved in a lawsuit, a sweep’s training and education will undoubtedly be extensively questioned. The reason plaintiff attorneys love to scrutinize these issues is because it may provide them with more ammunition to lob at the sweep. If the plaintiff attorneys can show that a sweep does not take education and training seriously, they can then present that evidence to a jury to support their argument that the sweep was negligent in its work.

In essence, the plaintiff will argue that if a sweep does not

41 S W E E P I N G January 2016

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G

randy & Associates is combining the Profit University Audio Series and Live Webinars into what is now the Business Advantage program. Each live webinar will be recorded and automatically archived within the Profit University Audio series as a “special category”.

This will allow you to view past webinars 24/7/365.

An announcement will be emailed to you a few weeks prior to the live webinar to be presented. All you will need to do is click the announcement you wish to attend and you will be automatically registered (you will receive an email confirmation that you are registered). Reminders will then be sent the week of, the day prior and the day of the presentation.

Webinars will be recorded and posted to the Webinar section of the Profit University Audio Series along with other archived webinars.

Introduction to Succession Planning — Presenter: Gene Heacock February 16, 2016 (10am CT) You Know How To Market — Do You Know How To Close The Sale?

Presenter: Debbie Sardone

Progressive

Perks Debbie Cornelius

Membership Development Coordinator

March 15, 2016 (10am CT) Five Customer Buying Principles — Presenter: Bill Kinnard April 19, 2016 (10am CT) Providing Great Customer Service…In The Trenches — Presenter: Bill Kinnard I look forward to seeing many of you at the 2016 NCSG Convention and Tradeshow. Be sure to stop by the NCSG booth at the Tradeshow and say hi!

New Resource For More Education!

Upcoming Webinars: January 19, 2016 (10amCT)

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• Chimney is closed when the fireplace is not used • The draft is never excessive which saves fuel • Perfect operating conditions eliminate unnecessary emissions.

For more information on how to save money and make your fireplace safer, please visit www.chimneyfans.com or call 800.255.2923

January 2016

43 S W E E P I N G

Dates and

Events

44 S W E E P I N G

January 4-10, 2016 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 January 6-7, 2016 Olympia Winter Workshops - Business Development Seminars Valley Forge Casino – Kings of Prussia, PA For more information visit www.olympiachimney.com January 11-17, 2016 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 January 13-14, 2016 Olympia Winter Workshops Business Development Seminars Doubletree Suites – Bentonville, AR For more information visit www. olympiachimney.com January 15, 2016 CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep® Review & Exams CSIA Technology Center- Plainfield, IN For more information, please call (317) 837-5362 or visit www.CSIA.org January 18-24, 2016 CSIA (online) - Chimney Physics - CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep Review - CSIA Certified Dryer Exhaust Technician Review - CSIA eLearning - Health & Safety Multi-User

January 2016

Courses - Lining Masonry Chimneys with Stainless Steel For more information, please call (317) 837-5362 or visit www.CSIA.org January 20-21, 2016 Olympia Winter Workshops - Business Development Seminars Holiday Inn – Marlborugh, MA For more information visit www.olympiachimney.com January 25-31, 2016 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 February 1-7, 2016 CSIA (online)

Serving Sweeps for 35+ Years!

- 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 February 3-4, 2016 Olympia Winter Workshops - Business Development Seminars Drury Inn & Suites – Columbus, OH For more information visit www. olympiachimney.com February 8-14, 2016 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 February 15-21, 2016 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 February 23, 2016 CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep® Review & Exams

Rosen Plaza Hotel – Orlando, FL (NCSG Convention) For more information, please call (317) 837-5362 or visit www.

CSIA.org February 23, 2016 CSIA Certified Dryer Exhaust Technician® Review & Exams Rosen Plaza Hotel – Orlando, FL (NCSG Convention) For more information, please call (317) 837-5362 or visit www.

CSIA.org

A Division Of Fireside Distributors ~ Raleigh, NC

Your COMPLETE Source For: FIREPLACES: • Wood Burning • Direct Vent • Vent Free

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February 12, 2016 – March 3, 2016 CSIA Exams NO PAPER EXAM – Requests Accepted February 19, 2016 – March 3, 2016 CSIA Exams NO ONLINE EXAMS

STOVES:

• Wood Burning • Pellet • Direct Vent

February 22-28, 2016 CSIA (online) NO ONLINE CLASSES February 29, 2016 – March 4, 2016 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

ENCLOSURES: • Masonry • 0’Clearance • In Stock!

ACCESSORIES: • • • •

Screens Tool Sets Holders AND MORE!

45

We’ll Be There Will You? Booths: 509 & 511

1-866-880-3473 Raleigh, NC

January 2016

S W E E P I N G

CSIA Update January 2016 Report

www.CSIA.org

CSIA Wins 8th Straight Lawsuit to Protect Trademarks from Fraudulent Use INDIANAPOLIS — The United States District Court for the Northern District of New York has issued an Injunction and Order on behalf of the Chimney Safety Institute of America® (CSIA) against Central Masonry & Chimney, Inc., its owners, and any business entity performing chimney cleaning in which they have an ownership interest or control.

The order comes after CSIA brought legal action against Central Masonry for repeated unauthorized use of CSIA’s registered trademarks, including the CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep® mark, on websites and other marketing materials.

“With as hard as sweeps around the country work to earn the CSIA

Certified Chimney Sweep credential, we feel a strong obligation to protect their credibility and the value of their certification by enforcing proper use of our trademarks,” says CSIA

the Defendants were required to pay CSIA an undisclosed sum and are prohibited from using CSIA’s certification mark or service mark, or otherwise referencing certification

“With as hard as sweeps around the country work to earn the CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep credential, we feel a strong obligation to protect their credibility and the value of their certification by enforcing proper use of our trademarks.” - CSIA Executive Director Frances Kelly Executive Director, Frances Kelly.

“We hope our undefeated track record in federal court will be a deterrent to others who may consider similar fraudulent actions.”

Per the settlement agreement,

by CSIA in conjunction with their current or future chimney sweeping businesses, unless authorized by CSIA. If you suspect someone of unauthorized use of CSIA trademarks, please call us at (317) 837-5362.

2016 CSIA AUCTION A Taste of the Tropics Awaits If you’re coming (who isn’t?) to the 2016 NCSG Convention, make sure to pack your leis, flip-flops, and grass skirts, because on Friday, February 26, we’ll be rocking it luau-style at the annual CSIA Auction! This is a CAN’T MISS event that is sure to be a highlight of the convention!

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January 2016 Report

Newly Certified CCS and C-DET Georgia

North Carolina

Vermont

Andrew Hansen | Old Hat Chimney Service | Acworth

Joshua Burris | Owens Chimney Systems | Charlotte

Paul Mahaffy | Chimney Savers | Randolph

Indiana

Jack McCuen | Owens Chimney Systems | Charlotte

Corey Harrington | Black Magic Chimney Sweeps of VT | Manchester Center

Pennsylvania

Jeff Lizotte | Black Magic Chimney Sweeps of VT | Manchester Center

Michael Hammonds | Certified Sweeps | Brookston New Hampshire Thomas Gilbert | Crown Chimney | Hooksett New York Claudio Zhinin | Chimney Sweepers | White Plains

John Shatney| Chimney Cricket | Woodlyn

Certified Dryer Exhaust Technician

Tennessee

North Carolina

Logan Cunningham | Sweeps & Ladders | Franklin

Travis Robinson | Smoke Alert | Garner

Jason Cassidy | Soot-Busters | Chattanooga

From the CSIA Blog: CSIA Accepted Prodcuts for Home Use shopping list this winter: The cold has officially crept in (in central Indiana, anyway) and before CSL Creosote Sweeping Log (http:// you head out to your local hardware www.cleanyourchimney.com)– store for fireplace and chimney It’s safe to say that no inanimate supplies we thought it was a good object placed in your firebox can time to talk to you for a minute about ever substitute for for an annual the chimney & fireplace products chimney inspected conducted by a accepted by CSIA for home use. But first, I think “CSIA Accepted” is not a meaningless designation it’s important or a deceitful marketing ploy by companies who to mention that earning happened to have a few extra dollars lying around.

In fact, we are extremely picky about who gets to the “CSIA Accepted” use the CSIA logo on their product packaging. is not a meaningless CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep, but, designation or a deceitful marketing when used as instructed, we think ploy by companies who happened this little guy works pretty well at to have a few extra dollars lying helping to reduce the risk of a future around. In fact, we are extremely chimney fire. picky about who gets to use Duraflame Firelogs (http://www. the CSIA logo on their product duraflame.com/products/firepackaging. logs/)– These have been around for At this moment there are a total a long time and you’ve likely seen of three products that have been them if you’ve ever been shopping able to meet all three of these for pre-packaged logs. You can feel requirements! Like I said, we’re kind comfortable firing up these bad boys of picky about this sort of thing. in your fire place, maybe even after Here’s the current list of items burning a Creosote Sweeping Log you can feel safe adding to your (and an annual inspection!) at the ADVERTISEMENT

start of the season.

ChimFex (chimney fire extinguisher) – So, lets say for some reason you haven’t followed any of our advice regarding chimney safety and your chimney catches fire (it happens); that’s where ChimFex steps in (you still want to call the fire department though, just to be safe!) Also, be sure to head to their website for instructions if you pick one of these up.

CSIA Accepted Product Standards 1. The product must be related to the Hearth, Sweeping, or Chimney industry.

2. Where applicable, the product must be tested and listed to a nationally recognized performance standard, including, but not limited to applicable standards from organizations such as ANSI, ASTM, UL, CSA. 3. Product should meet nationally recognized standards for product safety. If the product has been the subject of a recall and/or public warning, the applicant must provide CSIA with sufficient documentation explaining the nature of the recall and/ or warning and the corrective action taken by the manufacturer.

www.CSIA.org

CSIA’s National Exposure One of the ways in which we work to increase the value of holding a CSIA Certification is by encouraging homeowners to only hire CSIA Certified Sweeps and Dryer Exhaust Technicians, so being able to share this message to a national audience is always a plus.

In late 2015, our Director of Education, Ashley Eldridge, provided an interview to Angie’s List which then aired on local televesion news stations across the country throughout the month of December.

In addition, Ashley was featured on the Real Estate Today radio show, which also reaches a national audience.

CSIA to Visit NCCSA Winter Meeting in January In addition to ASHI Inspection World in January we’ve also scheduled a 2-day training program for the North Carolina Chimney Sweep Association Winter Meeting on January 15th and 16th at the Waynesville Resort and Spa in Waynesville, NC. This is a great opportunity to spend learn some new skills and earn some valuable CEUs. For more information regarding the schedulee and arrangements, email Patrick Tinsley at patrick@cleansweepfireplace.com.

Other Upcoming CSIA Destinations ASHI Inspection World 2016

NADCA Expo

Jan 27 - 29 | San Diego, CA

Mar 7 - 9 | Phoenix, AZ

NCSG 2016 Convention

HPBA Expo 2016

Feb 24 - 27 | Orlando, FL

Mar 17 - 19 | New Orleans, LA

CSIA EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep ® Review & Exam January 15| Plainfield, IN [CSIA Technology Center] February 23| Orlando, FL [NCSG Convention @ Rosen Plaza Hotel] This in-person intensive review session will help you prepare for the CCS exam. Review sessions are not a substitute for advanced study.

Contact Us: Mailing Address 2155 Commercial Drive Plainfield, IN 46168 Telephone (317) 837-5362 Email: Office@CSIA.org Twitter: @Chimney_Safety Facebook: /ChimneySafety

CSIA CEUs: 4.5 [1.5-T, 1.5-CS, 1.5-CL]

CSIA Certified Dryer Exhaust Technician® Review & Exam February 23| Orlando, FL [NCSG Convention @ Rosen Plaza Hotel] This in-person intensive review session will help you prepare for the C-DET exam. Review sessions are not a substitute for advanced study.

CSIA CEUs: 4 [2-T, .5-CS, .5-HS, 1-CL]

National Chimney Sweep Training School April 4-9| Plainfield, IN [CSIA Technology Center] Our flagship event where you’ ll spend a week learning the fundamentals of sweeping and inspection of chimney systems, equipment operation, health & safety considerations, and have step-by-step instruction in codes, clearances, standards, and practices.

CSIA CEUs: 16 [4-T, 4-CS, 4-HS, 4-CL] NFI CEUs: 16-T

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2016

CSIA

Education Calendar CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep® Review & Exam January 15 | CSIA Technology Center, Plainfield, IN

Chimney Physics July 11–12 | CSIA Technology Center

April 15 | Albany, NY

Diagnosis and resolution of chimney performance issues, solving air pressure problems, identifying the symptoms of indoor air pollutants, determining combustion air requirements for vented appliances.

April 22 | CSIA Technology Center

CSIA CEUs: 3-T, 3-CS, 3-HS, 3-CL NFI CEUs: 4-E

February 23 | Rosen Plaza Hotel, Orlando, FL (NCSG Convention)

May 27 | Scranton, PA

Installing and Troubleshooting Gas Hearth Appliances

June 24 | Sturbridge, MA July 15 | CSIA Technology Center

August 1–5 | CSIA Technology Center

August 19 | Richmond, VA

Service and installation, including appliance standards, combustion requirements, pipe sizing and installation, troubleshooting, carbon monoxide testing and fuel conversion.

Septermber 16 | Atlantic City, NJ October 7 | CSIA Technology Center

CSIA CEUs: 4-T, 4-CS, 4-HS, 4-CL NFI CEUs: 16-T

October 14 | Albany, NY In-person intensive review sessions help candidates prepare for the exams. The review sessions are not a substitute for advanced study.

CSIA CEUs: 1.50-T, 1.50-CS, 1.50-HS, 1.50-CL NFI CEUS: 6-T

Inspection and Report Writing May 12–13 | CSIA Technology Center

Chimney inspections and evaluations, report writing including regional and environmental influences, effective photo documentation, digital organization and administrative procedures.

CSIA CEUs: 4-T, 4-CS, 4-CL NFI CEUs: 12-T

Masonry Repair for Chimney Professionals September 12–14 | CSIA Technology Center

An intensive class combining a short period of classroom theory followed by hands-on projects. Students will learn how to mix mortar and how to lay brick as well as learning joint finishing, tools of the trade, and all aspects of chimney repair. CSIA CEUs: 12-T

CSIA Certified Dryer Exhaust Technician® February 23 | Rosen Plaza Hotel, Orlando, FL (NCSG Convention) CSIA CEUs: 2-T; .5-CS; 1.25-HS; .75-CL October 5–6 | CSIA Technology Center*

National Chimney Sweep Training School

*The two-day class includes hands-on instruction to help candidates prepare for the exam. CSIA CEUs: 9-T, .5-CS, .5-HS, 1-CL

April 4–9 | CSIA Technology Center June 6–11 | CSIA Technology Center August 15–20 | CSIA Technology Center

Online classes

Septermber 19–24 | 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-CS, 4-CL, 4-HS NFI CEUs: 16-T

anytime access | csia.org Over 70 courses to choose from, with a bevy of CEUs. Curriculum is online, so you can sign up and start learning at the convenience of home or work!

Sweeps Week 2016

June12–18 | CSIA Technology Center, Plainfield, Indiana A fun week of volunteer maintenance projects and collaborative learning! All invited regardless of affiliation!

All dates and times subject to change.

Please contact us prior to making travel arrangements: office@csia.org

Register today at www.CSIA.org or call us at (317) 837-5362.

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Around the

Tech

Center Frances Kelly

Executive Director

50 S W E E P I N G January 2016

Here at the Tech Center we took a few brief breaks from working on the 2016 Convention in December to make the Tech Center a little more festive and spend some time with each other. We hope you all had the same chance to step away from your busy schedule this past month to see friends and loved ones during the holiday season.

We hope you’ll be able to join us in Orlando, FL this February to visit with your chimney sweep friends and loved ones at convention!

Myself and the staff look forward to seeing you there.

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 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.

Needed experienced chimney sweep, inspection and repairs, will pay first month’s rent and moving expenses- Northern California- Call Martin, 650-730-0647

51 S W E E P I N G January 2016

Darwin

Award

This picture is worth more than a 1000 words.

A homeowner installed his own cone flashing and collar — then called us to look at his chimney.

He said, “It’s leaking worse now than before I fixed it.”

— Steven Cody, The Chimney Pro’s, Woodbury, Minn.

Have you snapped a photo of a peculiar chimney in your area that made you shake your head in disbelief?

Send it to editor Darcy Marlett at dmarlett@ ncsg.org. for publication in Sweeping. Or, mail it to NCSG, 2155 Commercial Drive, Plainfield, IN 46168. Include a few words about the scene and location.

Ad Index Ahrens Chimney Technique

800-843-4417

ahrenschimney@qwestoffice.net 31

Chim Cap Corp

800-262-9622

www.chimcapcorp.com 44

Copperfield 800-247-3305 www.copperfield.com

7 and 15

CVC Coaching

704-425-0217

www.cvccoaching.com 12

DS Machine LLC

717-768-3853

davejr@dsofpa.com 22

Duct Cleaners Supply

507-465-3829

4viper@ductcleanerssupply.com 41

ENERVEX 770-587-3238 www.chimneyfans.com 43

52 S W E E P I N G

Firesafe Industries, Inc.

800-545-6607

www.firesafeinc.com 5

Fireside Distributors

866-880-3473

www.FiresideAmerica.com 45

Gelco™, Lyemance™, and Lock-Top®

www.gllchimneyproducts.com

Golden Flue, Inc

www.goldenflue.com 29

800-468-1052

24

GuysinTrucks.com www.GuysinTrucks.com 8 ICP 508-695-7000 www.chimneycaps.com 23 Lindemann Chimney Company

866-629-8006

www.lindemannsupply.com 21

M&G DuraVent

800-835-4429

www.duravent.com 4

Mongoose Metals, Inc.

844-358-3227

sales@mongoosemetals.com

National Chimney

800-897-8481

www.nationalchimney.com 42

Back Cover

New England Chimney Supply

888-900-8106

www.newenglandchimneysupply.com 36

Olympia Chimney Supply

800-569-1425

www.olympiachimney.com 13

ProForm Chimney Restoration System™

774-776-3676

info@proformchimneyrestoration.com 9

Sand Hill Wholesale & Mfg., Inc

800-258-5496

www.sandhillwholesale.com 51

SaverSystems, Inc

800-860-6327

www.saversystems.com 11

Smoktite/Ventch Industries

866-439-0069

www.smoktite.com 35

Novaflex

800-654-5600

www.z-flex.com 33

Wohler USA, Inc.

978-750-9876

www.wohlerusa.com 19

January 2016

Our forests are threatened by invasive tree-killing insects and diseases that can hitchhike on firewood. Pests like the emerald ash borer, gypsy moth, and Asian longhorned beetle don’t move far on their own – but they can travel hundreds of miles in a single day in a bundle of contaminated firewood. Once transported to uninfested areas, these insects and diseases can emerge and start new damaging outbreaks.

•

Leave firewood at home – buy local firewood at or near your destination, or collect firewood on site when permitted.

•

Buy or collect only what you’ll need, and burn it all completely by the end of your stay.

•

If you have already moved firewood, use it immediately. Do not take it home with you, and do not leave any excess firewood on site.

National Chimney Sweep Guild 2155 Commercial Drive Plainfield, IN 46168

1408

We are happy to introduce our latest product line...

The Mongoose Damper Cap This cap was designed by taking the best elements of damper caps currently produced along with customer and installer reviews to make the best damper cap on the market.

Available in all standard sizes as well as custom sizes 304-alloy stainless steel Lifetime warranty 26 gauge top; 24 gauge base; 20 gauge damper lid; 5/8� mesh

We also manufacture many other standard and custom chimney caps.

Please visit our website to view our other product lines.

www.mongoosemetals.com You may also call or email us and have a catalogue sent to you.

sales@mongoosemetals.com

2525 Commercial St. NE, Salem, OR 97301

(844) 358-3227