Sweeping June 2017 VOLUME 41 #5
The Journal of Chimney and Venting Technology
How Are You Pitching To Hire
Top Reasons to Integrate Social Media into Your Business
6 Financial Must Have Reports to Lead Your Company
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Departments President’s Letter 3 Editor’s Letter 5 Coach’s Corner 10 Industry Watch 14 History Projects 16 Technical Q&A 18 Date and Events 22 New Members 28 Progressive Perks 29 Around the Tech Center 34 Classifieds 35 Darwin Award 36
Table of Contents
The NCSG congratulates the inaugural group of CSIA Master Chimney Sweeps, all of whom are NCSG members!
Sweeping June 2017 Volume 41 Issue 5
Features
e You g
How Are You Pitching To Hire
Top Reasons to Integrate Social Media into Your Business
6 Financial Must Have Reports to Lead Your Company
6 20 26 June 2017
Smoke Chambers and Cast in Place Liner Installation (866) 283-8667 Ext. 706
Factory Built Fireplace Installation and Replacement (866) 283-8667 Ext. 701
Dryer Vents (866) 283-8667 Ext. 707
Gas Appliance Venting, Gas Logs and NFPA 54 (866) 283-8667 Ext. 702 Oil Appliance Venting and NFPA 31 (866) 283-8667 Ext. 703 Chimney Inspection, Documentation and NFPA 211 (Levels of Inspection) (866) 283-8667 Ext. 704 Stainless Steel Liner Installation (866) 283-8667 Ext. 705
Installation and Venting of Pellet Stoves (866) 283-8667 Ext. 708 IRC and NFPA 211 (Code Questions) (866) 283-8667 Ext. 709 Customer Service and Customer Communication (866) 283-8667 Ext. 710 General Sweeping and Repair (866) 283-8667 Ext. 711
NATIONAL CHIMNEY SWEEP GUILD BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2016-2017
TECHNICAL ADVISORY COUNCIL
Masonry Fireplace Construction and Restoration (866) 283-8667 Ext. 700
S W E E P I N G
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
June 2017
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 2017 – 2018
2
STAFF
Resources
Region 4 Jeff Keefer 513-248-9600 info@chimneycareco.com
Vice President, At-Large Director Dennis Dobbs (678) 290-8200 fireplaceservicecenter@gmail. com
Region 6 Bob Ferrari (530) 941-5818 bob@flueseason.com
Treasurer, Region 3 Ron Rust (803) 730-5858 tophatswp@aol.com Region 1 Matt Mair (603) 525-7905 matt@blackmoosechimney. com Region 2 Ed Ridgeway (856) 241-7999 masons@chimney-duct.com
To contact any member of the Technical Advisory Council, please call (866) 283-8667 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, Region 5 Jasper Drengler (715) 304-8934 drengler01@gmail.com
Secretary, At-Large Director Tom Hunkele (641) 774-8056 topnotchchimney@gmail.com At-Large Director Gregg Boss (636) 391-2226 englishsweep@att.net At-Large Director Jeff Peterson (913) 236-7141 jeff@potomacservices.net Supplier Representative Stuart Karanovich (765) 966-5084 stuartk@saversystems.com
Bylaws Dennis Dobbs (678) 290-8200 fireplaceservicecenter@gmail.com
NFPA 211 Representative Jim Brewer (757) 523-2400 jbrewer@magic-sweep.com
Ethics Andy Raycroft (703) 836-7858 andy@rooftopchimneysweeps.con
NFPA 31 Representative John Pilger (631) 863-2460 chimneyman@aol.com
Governance Tom Hunkele (641) 774-8056 topnotchchimney@gmail.com
NFPA 54 Jim Brewer (757) 523-2400 jbrewer@magic-sweep.com
Government Affairs Jeff Keefer 513-248-9600 info@chimneycareco.com
Technical Advisory Council Michael Segerstrom (908) 253-9190 chimneysweeps@optonline.net
International Relations John Pilger (631) 863-2460 chimneyman@aol.com
Scholarship Committee Greg Boss (636) 391-2226 englishsweep@att.net
Membership Bob Ferrari (530) 221-3331 bob@flueseason.com
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. © 2017 National Chimney Sweep Guild, 2155 Commercial Drive, Plainfield, IN 46168. (317) 837-1500
You don’t know you’re doing it wrong until you learn how to do it right. This saying goes for many things in life. Many years ago a sweep told me that as he perfected his skill in building fireplaces. I can’t believe how bad some of his early builds where. This was sort of a surprise to me since I really looked you to this man and was working with him to learn from him. I learned a lot about laying stone, mixing different types of mortar and codes to follow in the short time I helped him. However, one of the biggest things that I learned was that I needed to learn as much as possible as fast as possible so I didn’t have wonder every time the fire scanner goes off if I had been to that house. I’m always amazed when I find something that should have burned down but didn't and at the same time I find homes that did burn that where just barely short of code. This lesson of getting an early education was once again proven to me this week. For those of you who don't know I enjoy auto racing. I’ll drive anything anywhere and I have quite the room full of trophies to show for the last 18 years. In 2016 I went pro. I purchased a great car from a great driver and I thought I'd have a great time. Well I go my butt kicked all summer long. One of the drivers who I only finished ahead of a couple times was only 15 years old. As any driver I had a number of excuses. Towards the end of summer another team owner told me that I should seek out some coaching if I’m going to continue. I had
looked into it before but it is very expensive and I'd won a lot of races in the past so did I really need it? (Sounds like some poor but far too often sweep logic) So this week I attended the most prestigious racing school in North America. Yes, it was crazy expensive and I was nervous. My one on one coaching was intense and I had 30 years of driving bad habits to break. I knew my coach after 3 days was getting frustrated, I was able to do all the steps but not quite the way he wanted. He set a time he wanted me to get and in the last 30 minutes of the last day it finally clicked, I beat my instructor's time. He was happy I was happy, I graduated the class.
President’s
Letter Jasper Drengler
President
3
Now knowledge is nothing if you don’t practice it. So the night of graduation I drove over night to a private track just off the Mexican border. I had a Porsche and a Toyota MR2 waiting for me to race. The race was 16 hours long split up by 4 drivers per car. I was able to quickly learn the MR2 and set fast time for that team. Next I hopped into the Porsche and turned what I thought
S W E E P I N G June 2017
was a quick lap. The owner of the Porsche then beat me... I did it, I fell into my old ways. My old driving style was good but not next level good. So I focused, I forced myself to drive how I was taught. The result was amazing, in the last hour of the race, with the car acting up and the tires bald I set the fastest lap of the race. I was very disappointed that I didn’t use my knowledge from the beginning. I will never know what could have
been from the start of the race. Just like business, we are good enough to pay bills on time and survive, but how much better could we be if we get an education and the practice what we learn. Never stop learning, never get complacent, never settle for good enough. Be safe, sweep on. Jasper Drengler
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appy Summer Sweeps!
Summertime means visitors here at the Tech Center as students arrive for CSIA classes, board of directors arrive for meetings, and later this month Sweep’s Week begins! It’s always great to meet new chimney sweeps and see old friends all summer long. You’ll find photos in Around the Tech Center all summer long of the staff and chimney sweeps stopping through. This month President Jasper Drengler brings you a President’s Letter on the top of “You don’t know you’re doing it wrong until you learn how to do it right.” Over in the Tech Q and A section Mike Segerstrom tackles a question on stainless steel liner installation. You will also find tons of great business
advice throughout the issue. We are also excited to present to you the new and improved Technical Advisory Council Tech Help Line. Check out page 2 for the new number and the list of extensions. You will be able to call the TAC line for technical assistance Monday- Friday 9am- 7pm and Saturday 9am- 12pm (EST). Outside of those hours you can leave your name and number as a voicemail and someone will get back to you!
Editor’s
Letter Darcy Marlett Editor
I hope your summer is off to a great start! Cheers,
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5 S W E E P I N G
How Are You Pitching To Hire
Taylor Hill
Spark Marketer
6 S W E E P I N G
O
ne thing we hear all the time is that it’s next to impossible to find good workers willing to join the blue collar industry. While we understand the challenges of hiring the right people for your team, we often wonder if the business owners who struggle with hiring the most are pitching to hire in an effective way. Wording and the way you present your company (your story) and the position you’re hiring for can make all the difference in who you attract and how appealing your position and company will be. Think about it. Here’s a simple example:
June 2017
How do you feel after reading this? Help Wanted — Experienced chimney sweep needed. $35/hr
And how do you feel after reading this? Join A Growing Team Of Chimney Sweeping Professionals - We’re looking for a hardworking and honest individual to join our growing team as a _______________________. Experience is a plus, but we’re willing to train the right person. We offer benefits, training, ongoing education, competitive pay, and the opportunity for growth. Must be clean, polite, and punctual.
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You get a totally different feeling from each, don’t you? If you’re having hiring issues, have you given thought to how you’re packaging your company and the position you’re looking to fill? Here are some tips: Stress the job security aspect of the blue collar service industry. With the advancements being made in technology and AI (artificial intelligence), many jobs are becoming automated or at least changing greatly. But AI isn’t able to effectively take over jobs that aren’t repetitive or predictable in nature, which is great news for the blue collar service industry. Everyone wants to know they’ll have a paycheck coming in, even as technology improves, so use that as a selling point when hiring and telling your story. Let those entering the workforce know that, while many jobs are being replaced or automated, the blue collar service industry currently offers great job security.
8 S W E E P I N G
Offer education, training, and opportunity for growth. Good employees who will work hard and invest in your company will be looking for meaningful work that they can get behind. They’ll be looking for companies willing to invest in them and provide them with the opportunity to improve, learn, and grow. Are you pitching to hire with that focus? Are you letting potential employees know they’ll get something, other than just a paycheck, from working with you? Think about what you can offer in terms of training and education and make that a focal point in your hiring pitch. Become the type of leader people will want to follow. The
June 2017
next generation of workers aren’t looking for tyrannical, authoritarian-type leaders who will treat them like cogs in a machine. They want real leaders who provide true leadership and appreciate the value they bring to the company. Which are you? Are you willing to admit mistakes? Do you invest in your employees and get to know them? Do you communicate gratitude and humility? Become the type of leader people will want to follow and that will get rid of a lot of your hiring and retention problems. Cultivate a culture all generations will want to be a part of. What’s your company culture? Does it communicate that you truly care about your employees and that you care about their happiness and success both in and outside of the workplace? Does it encourage leadership and innovation? Does it reflect the value and importance you give to each employee and each job they perform? Creating a culture that’s appealing to all generations of workers will help you not only attract employees, but retain them as well. Share a message that’s appealing to the new generation of workers. The new generation wants meaningful work that makes a difference in the world, and it’s up to you (as the leader) to communicate how the position you’re offering provides that. If you craft a message of purpose and meaning and a sense of mission, even grunt work will seem worthwhile to your employees. If you create a message that is only about profit or productivity, you can
expect to only attract potential hires who want more money (just like you), and aren’t willing to truly invest in who you are and what you do. The millennial generation is comprised of millions of people — they can’t all be bad and lazy. Stop blaming a generation for your hiring problem and start looking at yourself and how you’re pitching to hire. 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. He’s also co-host of the Blue Collar Proud Show, the podcast that’s all about having and living the blue collar dream. @sparkmarketer, facebook.com/ sparkmarketer, @taylorkhill @bcpshow
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June 2017
Coach’s
Corner Jerry Isenhour
What’s Your War Plan?
I
’d be willing to bet the United States military has contingency plans for just about every scenario you or I could imagine. I’m sure the same is true for our intelligence agencies. Both organizations know they must be constantly prepared for any situation that could present a threat to our country. I feel it’s safe to assume there are hundreds, if not thousands, of intelligent people in each of those organizations, whose sole purpose is to consider and evaluate possible threatening scenarios on a 24hour a day basis and formulate concrete, detailed plans for what to do should any of those possibilities manifest. The truth is, businesses need to be run in exactly the same way if they want to survive and prosper. As with our military and intelligence agencies, they need to consider what kinds of situations might arise not just tomorrow, but well into the foreseeable future, that have the potential to change the marketplace enough, if not addressed, to demolish them. Even a casual review our recent history will reveal dozens of occasions in which relatively large corporations were undone by even small changes within our culture they failed to identify as threats and prepare for. One of the most obvious of these is the number of high profile retail stores, once thought to be impregnable bastions of the business world, who are now disappearing faster than pie at a picnic because they failed to recognize the immense effect internet shopping was having
10 S W E E P I N G June 2017
on them. They were lulled into believing that because they had been around for so long, they were impervious to destruction. It’s easy now to look back and see what was coming. But when you’re mired in the day to day business of running your company, it’s not hard to miss what the warnings signs, especially when what is coming is so different from what has been. This is what is referred to as the need for reinvention of each and every business model. To accomplish this one must be constantly scouting the changing world. In this day of technology, this scouting must now be done on a regular basis, so you can make changes before the needed change forces you into your war plan room. But the astute manager will also have to revert to his war plans at times for any number of reasons, but the key is adversity strikes and now you must take action fast. This is the position of the leader, and just like the President of the United States can call in his cabinet and army of advisers, this may be a time you call upon the mentors you know have the experience and the tenacity to deal with the adversity you are faced with, perhaps others who have faced this and can provide you a clear path. The point is, every business, no matter its size, needs to have what we call war plans that include what to do in almost every scenario you can think of. Without those plans, without going through the constant “what if” process, businesses leave themselves open to
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destruction from competition they don’t ever see coming. They may even be leaving themselves open to someone upping the ante on a technology they have taken for granted. Because of our unparalleled ability to communicate globally, and huge technology breakthroughs that seem to be piling faster than the national debt, the world is changing faster than ever. Keeping up, much less getting ahead of the curve, is more daunting than ever. In our little neck of the woods, the chimney and venting industry, it is easy to become too comfortable with how things are done. Yet even here we can see how drastically technology has altered our lives and the reality of our work over the past few decades. We are doing things in the field, and employing technologies in our offices, totally unforeseen a few years ago. Fortunately, being a small industry populated by mostly small businesses, we have been more agile than larger companies at keeping abreast of all the changes‌so far.
12 S W E E P I N G
But, even forgetting for a moment the technology boom, we can be hit with hugely debilitating issues at any time. These may and often do come in the form of employee issues, unfriendly legislative thrusts, accidents, or, competition we were not expecting, to name a few. My purpose in pointing this out is not to alarm anyone, but rather to forewarn all of us that the more prepared we are to meet these challenges before they appear, the greater our chances are of meeting every
June 2017
new challenge with a viable, practical, quickly implementable plan. When we do that, we can sleep more easily at night, because we can know at all times we are prepared for the worst. We have a plan. Call it a war plan, an emergency plan, a what if plan, whatever. Just be sure to take the time NOW to formulate it, discuss it, share it, and make sure everyone in your company is not only aware of it but is also constantly engaged in thinking creatively about how to fend off any possible negative consequence of being unprepared.
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.
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Olympia Chimney Supply Inc. Announces New Distribution Center in Manchester, NH Scranton, PA, May 15, 2017– Olympia Chimney Supply Inc. is pleased to announce its latest distribution center in Manchester, N.H. will be opening June 5, 2017. The 18,000-square foot facility is located in close proximity to I93, I293 and Route 3 offering convenient customer pick up and reduced lead times for customers in the northeast. “Our customers have always communicated very clearly to us that short lead times and quick access to our products is critical to them.” said Scott Brickel, C.E.O., Olympia Chimney Supply Inc. “Opening the Manchester facility will allow us to serve our customers in the northeast better with a pick-up location as well as delivery options from
this facility.” Olympia Chimney Supply Inc. is a leading designer and manufacturer of chimney venting systems, liners and accessories. Olympia provides chimney systems for all fuel sources within its Ventis® family of products. Olympia also manufactures a wide variety of chimney liners including Forever Flex™, Premium Forever Flex™, Armor Flex, Hybrid, and Rhino Rigid™. Headquartered in Scranton, Pa., the company has operations in North Carolina, Indiana, Oregon and New Hampshire.
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14 S W E E P I N G
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History
Project Claire Rutledge
Prgram Coordinator
W
hat a fantastic time we had at the 2017 convention! A huge thank you to all of our wonderful international guests, and know these gifts to the NCSG will remain cherished mementos on display at the Tech Center.
Handmade Scrabble art piece by the Scottish delegation. Wohler weight presented by the German delegation to celebrate 40 years.
16 S W E E P I N G June 2017
Set of Tom Thomson mugs presented by the Canadian delegation.
17 S W E E P I N G June 2017
Technical
Q&A
Michael Segerstrom
NCSG Technical Advisory Chair
Question:
One of our new members we'll call Jim, has a client with a masonry fireplace. It needs a new liner, but the existing clay liner is undersized, and even after the clay liner removal, the chimney won't accommodate a properly sized replacement. Jim wants to know, what are his options?
18 S W E E P I N G
Answer: Let's get the rest of his story before we answer this. Jim says they originally called because the fireplace spills smoke into the home during use. As that is an operation malfunction, he scheduled and performed a level 2 inspection. Inspection results indicated that when the chimney was constructed, the clay liner installed is significantly undersized. Other defects in the system included large voids in the joints between clay liner sections, cracks in areas of the clay liners, corbels in the smoke chamber, exposed brick cores in the corbelling, and improper chimney structure airspace clearances to combustibles in the smoke chamber and flue liner areas. Jim did say that the homeowner does not want to consider an appliance, that they want an open hearth wood burning fireplace. The original clay liner is a nominal 9" x 13", with an inside dimension of 7" by 11". This gives us a flue cross-sectional area of approximately 77 square inches. The fireplace opening measures 31" high by 42" wide. With a square or rectangle flue liner, this fireplace requires a liner with a cross-sectional area 1/10 the fireplace opening, or approximately 130 square inches. Even a nominal 13" x 13" clay liner with an inside dimension of 11" x 11", would not be large enough. The brickwork of this chimney was built around the 9" by 13" tile. Jim anticipates that once the tile is removed the inside dimension of the flue passageway will be approximately 9 1/2" x 13 1/2".
June 2017
Improper chimney clearances were observed which requires insulating the liner. Wrapping the stainless steel liner in a 1/2" ceramic blanket insulation system will take up less space than a poured insulation mix 1" thick all the way around the liner. So let's be conservative and say that a rectangle stainless steel liner with an inside dimension of approximately 8" x 12", with a 1/2" wrap, will fit in the flue. This liner gives us a crosssectional area of approximately 96 square inches, which is still significantly under-sized from 130. Though they may provide better flow, a round or oval liner would be even smaller. So what are Jim options? There was a time in this industry, before all the advancements that have been made acrossthe-board, when the attitude at times was simply to install whatever fits, and hope for the best. We have come a long way since then. In this case, there are many things to consider, from performance, function and safety perspectives. Jim has indicated that he will be reconstructing the smoke chamber with a UL-listed parging cement, to smooth the corbels, seal the voids, and make that area of the chimney exterior zero clearance. So let's focus on sizing concerns. For many years, an accepted practice was to install a smoke guard across the top of the fireplace opening. A 6" smoke guard on this particular fireplace would "simulate" an opening reduction to 25" by 42". An opening that size would require a rectangle liner of 105
square inches. An oval liner with a smoke guard would get us closer, but still not quite there. Since a smoke guard only simulates a reduction, significant turbulence behind the smoke guard and in the throat area and/or smoke residence time may still occur. This may in turn result in rapid and/or excessive soot and creosote buildup. Listed liner manufacturers may also say that this voids the warranty or the listing, as the liner is still technically undersized. And in areas where permits and inspections are required, the AHJ might not approve a smoke guard. One approach could be to temporarily resize the fireplace opening to meet liner sizing requirements, with a noncombustible material like sheet metal or cement board. If the fireplace vents properly and evidence in the chamber and flue liner support this, then the fireplace opening could be permanently resized with masonry. This would also give the homeowner the opportunity to reface their fireplace for an upgrade to its look. Another option that was utilized and still has its place, is considering the installation of a mechanical draft inducer/ exhaust fan. Manufacturers of these exhaust fans will have charts to match the correct size fan to the fireplace opening and liner size. Though a fan typically guarantees evacuation of smoke and combustion byproducts from the fireplace when properly installed and operated, careful consideration is needed. With today's tight home
construction, and renovations like new windows that make older homes tighter, exhaust fan may solve the fireplace problem, but result in other issues. These include, but may not be limited to other combustion appliances in the home experiencing hazardous venting malfunction, drafty areas of the home becoming draftier, and outside air entering the home from places it previously did not. The AHJ would have to approve this installation and sizing calculations, and supplying make-up air or combustion air to the fireplace or other appliances may also be necessary. Though notably adding to the cost of smoke chamber reconstruction and insulated stainless steel liner, another option for Jim to offer the client is to also replace the firebox with a precast masonry firebox. The benefit here is that these fireboxes have reduced liner size requirements. With a 42-inch-wide fireplace, depending on chimney height, a precast firebox may only require an 8" diameter liner. In addition to reducing liner size requirements, these precast fireboxes also produce more heat from less fuel, and achieve more complete combustion resulting in less soot and creosote in the venting system, and less particulates in the atmosphere. Installation of a UL listed precast replacement firebox is recommended, and would also address chimney clearance to combustibles issues in the firebox area if present. These are just a few of the options for tackling sizing issues when relining a fireplace
with a stainless steel liner. It’s important to understand that construction and repair requirements and codes are minimum standards. At times, even when codes are followed to the letter, there may be performance issues, and the client may not get the results they're looking for. At the same time, specifically with this issue, it is possible, that with an insulated stainless steel liner, and an insulated and aerodynamic smoke chamber, the fireplace may function and vent properly, with an undersized liner. But just because it vents properly, doesn't mean soot and creosote won't accumulate more rapidly. Jim having a thorough understanding of the options, and making a professional presentation of them to the client is critical in navigating through a situation like this, where the chimney structure itself created a unique but correctable issue. With this particular job, once Jim presented the different options in a professional manner, he was surprised with the results. The client chose to go with the UL listed precast masonry firebox, in conjunction with flue liner replacement and smoke chamber reconstruction. The client told Jim that what sold them on this option, was the efficiency and heat production of it. In the end, the client didn't just want it to work safely, they wanted it to work better, and be better for the environment. To contact any member of the Technical Advisory Council, please call (317) 203-0088
June 2017
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Top Reasons to Integrate Social Media into Your Business
by Darin Bibeau President, National Chimney o some, social media is a life force impossible to live without; to others, it’s an assembly of cartoonish colors and dubious grammar choices. Regardless of your stance on the digital age, social media is necessary in promoting and expanding a modern business. To use social media is to access today’s mainstream communication platforms and reach potential clients on a much larger scale than one could through print media. Modern consumers wake up, check their phones, and are overwhelmed with promotional content the second they start scrolling through their newsfeeds. A smart business should capitalize on that valuable advertisement space and aim to reach clients on a one-on-one basis.
T
20 S W E E P I N G
Here are our most important reasons to integrate social media into your business today.
June 2017
1. Broaden Your Outreach Capitalizing on social media as a promotional tool is the most effective way to increase web traffic and brand exposure. Facebook alone draws in 70% of consumers for business-toconsumer marketers. Advertisements on social media platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook can reach clients through targeted ads. That means that, for example, your Facebook page would show up in the sidebar of a potential customer who’s perhaps redoing their house and in need of a high-quality chimney repair. Facebook and similar platforms make sure that your website gets promoted towards people who are more likely to engage with your brand and interact with your online presence.
2. Keep Up with the Competition As more businesses integrate today’s media platforms into their day-to-day, not relying on social media in today’s web obsessed world is considered abnormal. A reported 91% of U.S. businesses use more than one social media platform to promote their business, which means that in order to compete, businesses need to step up their game and enter the world of apps and newsfeeds. Be sure to get ahead by creating customer loyalty through online outreach before the competition swoops in first.
them a tweet, creating an effortless dialogue between the business and the consumer. That dialogue is crucial in both maintaining a strong relationship with your current clients and making contact with customers who are coming across your product for the first time.
3. Meet Clients Where They’re At At the heart of all social media marketing is the desire to connect and build relationships with potential and current customers. Creating an approachable online presence is crucial to making your brand a conversation piece and your website a must-visit destination. These platforms also present the opportunity for troubleshooting. If a customer has any questions about their product, they could send National Chimney a Facebook message or shoot
Your customers are looking for a HeatShield installer near you.
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21
To apply, and for complete offer details, visit
www.HeatShieldChimney.com/offer Free training offer for approved applicants.
LESS time BETTER solutions GREATER profits June 2017
S W E E P I N G
Dates and
Events June 2017
22 S W E E P I N G
June 1, 2017 HeatShield Repair System by SaverSystems Fairfield, IA - Copperfield For more information, please call (800) 860-6327 or visit http://heatshieldchimney.com June 2, 2017 HeatShield Repair System by SaverSystems NY - Lindemann For more information, please call (800) 860-6327 or visit http://heatshieldchimney.com June 5-9, 2017 Installing & Troubleshooting Gas Hearth Appliances w/ NFI Exam CSIA Technology Center For more information, please call (317) 837-5362 or visit www.CSIA.org June 5-11, 2017 CSIA (online) – Must be registered by Noon June 2nd - 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 June 7, 2017 CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep® Review & Exams Mount Laruel, NJ – Sponsored by Lindemann Chimney Supply For more information, please call (317) 837-5362 or visit www.CSIA.org June 7-8, 2017 CSIA 2-Day Masonry Class Richmond, IN – SaverSystems Facility For more information, please call (317) 837-5362 or visit www.csia.org June 12-18, 2017 CSIA (online) – Must be registered by Noon June 9th - 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
June 2017
June 15-20, 2017 Introduction to Masonry for Chimney Technicians with master mason Gene Padgitt. Learn the basics of masonry required when relining or doing common repairs to masonry chimneys. Handson. This is the ONLY time this particular course will be offered in 2017. CEUs for CSIA and NFI. Independence, Missouri For more information and to register please visit http:// www.hearthmasters.net./ June 19-25, 2017 CSIA (online) – Must be registered by Noon June 16th - 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 June 20, 2017 HeatShield Repair System by SaverSystems Richmond, IN - Copperfield For more information, please call (800) 860-6327 or visit http://heatshieldchimney.com June 21-24, 2017 Midwest Chimney Safety Council Annual Conference Independence, MO For more information, please call Marge Padgitt at (816) 461-3665 or visit www.mcsc-net.org June 24-25, 2017 Sweepfest 2017 New Hampshire For more information, please contact Phil Mitchell at sootski@aol.com June 26 - July 1, 2017 CSIA National Chimney Sweep Training School CSIA Technology Center For more information, please call (317) 837-5362 or visit www.CSIA.org June 26 – July 2, 2017 CSIA (online) – Must be registered by Noon June 23rd - Chimney Physics - CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep Review - CSIA Certified Dryer Exhaust Technician Review - CSIA eLearning - Health & Safety Multi-User Courses - Lining Masonry Chimneys with Stainless Steel For more information, please call (317) 837-5362 or visit www.CSIA.org
July 2017 July 3-9, 2017 CSIA (online) – Must be registered by Noon June 30th - Chimney Physics - CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep Review - CSIA Certified Dryer Exhaust Technician Review - CSIA eLearning - Health & Safety Multi-User Courses - Lining Masonry Chimneys with Stainless Steel For more information, please call (317) 837-5362 or visit www.CSIA.org July 10-16, 2017 CSIA (online) – Must be registered by Noon July 7th - Chimney Physics - CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep Review - CSIA Certified Dryer Exhaust Technician Review - CSIA eLearning - Health & Safety Multi-User Courses - Lining Masonry Chimneys with Stainless Steel For more information, please call (317) 837-5362 or visit www.CSIA.org July 10-11, 2017 NFI Gas Review & Exam CSIA Technology Center For more information, please call (317) 837-5362 or visit www.CSIA.org July 12-13, 2017 NFI Wood Review & Exam CSIA Technology Center For more information, please call (317) 837-5362 or visit www.CSIA.org July 14-15, 2017 NFI Pellet Review & Exam CSIA Technology Center For more information, please call (317) 837-5362 or visit www.CSIA.org July 14, 2017 HeatShield Repair System by SaverSystems CA - Lindemann For more information, please call (800) 860-6327 or visit http://heatshieldchimney.com July 17-23, 2017 CSIA (online) – Must be registered by Noon July 14th - Chimney Physics - CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep Review - CSIA Certified Dryer Exhaust Technician Review - CSIA eLearning - Health & Safety Multi-User Courses - Lining Masonry Chimneys with Stainless Steel For more information, please call (317) 837-5362 or visit www.CSIA.org
July 24-30, 2017 CSIA (online) – Must be registered by Noon July 21st - Chimney Physics - CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep Review - CSIA Certified Dryer Exhaust Technician Review - CSIA eLearning - Health & Safety Multi-User Courses - Lining Masonry Chimneys with Stainless Steel For more information, please call (317) 837-5362 or visit www.CSIA.org July 31 – August 6, 2017 CSIA (online) – Must be registered by Noon July 28th - Chimney Physics - CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep Review - CSIA Certified Dryer Exhaust Technician Review - CSIA eLearning - Health & Safety Multi-User Courses - Lining Masonry Chimneys with Stainless Steel For more information, please call (317) 837-5362 or visit www.CSIA.org July 31 – August 5, 2017 CSIA National Chimney Sweep Training School CSIA Technology Center For more information, please call (317) 837-5362 or visit www.CSIA.org
August 2017 August 7-13, 2017 CSIA (online) – Must be registered by Noon August 4th - Chimney Physics - CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep Review - CSIA Certified Dryer Exhaust Technician Review - CSIA eLearning - Health & Safety Multi-User Courses - Lining Masonry Chimneys with Stainless Steel For more information, please call (317) 837-5362 or visit www.CSIA.org August 11, 2017 CSIA One Day Chimney Physics CSIA Technology Center For more information, please call (317) 837-5362 or visit www.CSIA.org August 14-20, 2017 CSIA (online) – Must be registered by Noon August 11th - 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
June 2017
23 S W E E P I N G
August 15-18, 2017 Advanced Masonry Class Richmond, IN For more information, please call (317) 837-5362 or visit www.CSIA.org August 18, 2017 CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep® Review & Exams Richmond, VA For more information, please call (317) 837-5362 or visit www.CSIA.org August 21-27, 2017 CSIA (online) – Must be registered by Noon August 18th - Chimney Physics - CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep Review - CSIA Certified Dryer Exhaust Technician Review - CSIA eLearning - Health & Safety Multi-User Courses - Lining Masonry Chimneys with Stainless Steel For more information, please call (317) 837-5362 or visit www.CSIA.org August 24-25, 2017 CSIA Certified Dryer Exhaust Technician® 2-Day Workshop & Exams CSIA Technology Center For more information, please call (317) 837-5362 or visit www.CSIA.org
August 27-28, 2017 CSIA 2-Day Roadshow Sponsored by NEACNP, NYCSG, NJCSG & MCSG Chimney Physics & Inspection & Report Writing Holiday Inn Springfield South - Enfield, CT For more information, please call (317) 837-5362 or visit www.CSIA.org August 28 – September 3, 2017 CSIA (online) – Must be registered by Noon August 25th - 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
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• Sizes available from 3” to 30”+; custom and oversize available. Air cooled and non-air cooled. Model WSA-TDW for air cooled chimney
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June 2017
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September 2017 September 4-10, 2017 CSIA (online) – Must be registered by Noon September 1st - Chimney Physics - CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep Review - CSIA Certified Dryer Exhaust Technician Review - CSIA eLearning - Health & Safety Multi-User Courses - Lining Masonry Chimneys with Stainless Steel For more information, please call (317) 837-5362 or visit www.CSIA.org September 11-17, 2017 CSIA (online) – Must be registered by Noon September 8th - Chimney Physics - CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep Review - CSIA Certified Dryer Exhaust Technician Review - CSIA eLearning - Health & Safety Multi-User Courses - Lining Masonry Chimneys with Stainless Steel For more information, please call (317) 837-5362 or visit www.CSIA.org September 14, 2017 CSIA Certified Dryer Exhaust Technician® Review & Exams Renaissance St. Louis Airport Hotel – NADCA Fall Technical Conference St. Louis, MO For more information, please call (317) 837-5362 or visit www.CSIA.org September 15, 2017 CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep® Review & Exams Atlantic City, NJ For more information, please call (317) 837-5362 or visit www.CSIA.org
September 18-23, 2017 CSIA National Chimney Sweep Training School CSIA Technology Center For more information, please call (317) 837-5362 or visit www.CSIA.org September 18-24, 2017 CSIA (online) – Must be registered by Noon September 15th - Chimney Physics - CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep Review - CSIA Certified Dryer Exhaust Technician Review - CSIA eLearning - Health & Safety Multi-User Courses - Lining Masonry Chimneys with Stainless Steel For more information, please call (317) 837-5362 or visit www.CSIA.org September 25 – October 1, 2017 CSIA (online) – Must be registered by Noon September 22nd - 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
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WE MAKE BUSINESSES PROFITABLE & ORGANIZED Business Consulting chuck@roydhouseeffect.com
Social Media Management (410) 863-0157 www.roydhouseeffect.com
June 2017
S W E E P I N G
6 Financial Must Have Reports to Lead Your Company
By Chuck Roydhouse
T 26 S W E E P I N G
he information that a CPA and bankers look at and understand may not be the best information you need to lead your business in order to get to the next level of financial management. These six reports are easy for your accountant to create and maintain. They are: Profit Reports: Accrual based income statement. This is a snapshot of your income and expenses during the current month with a year to date category. This shows how much money you are making from operations. The two most important line items are operating income and net income. The main question is, are we priced correctly to offset costs? If not adjustments must be made to stay in business. The second report is the most important report to watch like a hawk; Accumulated gross profit. This report tracks the difference between direct job costs and projected income. This will show
June 2017
the accumulation to date. At year end the total accumulated gross profit is what covers overhead expenses which produces the bottom line of profit. Profit is not the owner’s salary. Profit is the money after all salaries and expenses are paid. Cash Reports: Cash is the life blood of your company; without it you can go bankrupt. Monitoring and managing your cash flow is the single most important management task of any business owner. The cash flow statement should be reviewed weekly and the report should show all uses of cash. You must adjust your monthly budgeted cash flow based on changing sales and expense projections. Cash flow is directly linked to the size and age of your accounts receivable. Therefore do not allow customers to delay payment and you should not have an accounts receivable. In this day and age payment should always be collected at time of service. Allowing
receivables going unpaid causes a cash shortage. Accept credit cards, this will increase sales and alleviate invoicing and cash flow strain. Aged Accounts Receivables are a parasite to your company. Avoid this; you are not the customer’s bank. Always get paid upon completion of service. Expense Reports Overhead expenses are normal component of your business, but they must have a watchful eye cast upon them. The single best practice to ensure that your overhead stays in balance with the field’s needs is to create an annual budget, by month for all expenses the company is planning on experiencing. You must monitor any deviation from the Budget Variances report each month. The annual budget must be managed. You must understand that labor costs are a combination of labor productivity and effective wage rates. The best way to track your labor competiveness is to monitor the Labor Productivity Report. This shows the speed at which the crews complete their work. As a company, your labor productivity will need to come in at or above budgeted labor productivity if the field performance is to meet the financial goal. This should be viewed weekly and should be part of your company culture of being efficient and “Lean”. As a business owner you do not have to have an accounting degree, but you must be vigilant in the financial decisions. Do not be intimidated, be a “numbers guy” and discipline yourself to understand and monitor your financial status. This can happen with a little help and using these six reports to get you moving in the right direction. Ask a trusted CPA to coach you, so you can lead your business through knowledge and not by the seat of your pants decisions. Remember the immortal words of Emil Faber, “Knowledge is Good” Chuck Roydhouse has managed a successful chimney maintenance and repair company for over 25 years. He is President of Roydhouse Effect Inc. This firm offers fractional CEO and Social Media Marketing Consulting Services that are tailored for small service businesses needing help, but not needing a full time employee to develop and execute the plan. Visit us at www.roydhouseeffect.com. Chuck has served on the CSIA Board of Directors since 2014. He has held the positions of Chairman of the Educational Development Committee and Chairman CSIA Master Sweep Committee. He is currently serving as CSIA Vice –President.
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June 2017
27 S W E E P I N G
New
Members
FLORIDA
MICHIGAN
COLORADO
Kevin Fredrickson | Integrity Chimney | Bow
Adam Colliton | Inspectisure, LLC | Glen Burnie
Reiner Baeuerle | The Chimney Meister | Melbourne
Blake Huisingh | Dr. Sweep Inc. | Hudsonville
Jeff Harper | Hot Stuff Hearth to Home | Steamboat Springs
MASSACHUSETTS
Perry Gignoux | Black Magic Chimney | Cambridge Geoff King | GVK Masonry | Mattapoisett
VERMONT
REGION REGION
Darren D. Sharp | Darren D. Sharp, Inc. | North Bennington
CONNECTICUT
Chris McGovern | EEC Chimney Service | Thompson
NEW YORK
Avi Shendy | United Hood Cleaning d/b/a United Air Duct Cleaning | Woodside
June 2017
Scott A. Stein | Safe Dryer Vent Solutions, LLC | Plainfield
REGION
S W E E P I N G
INDIANA
CALIFORNIA
REGION
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Gregory Monnier | Charmed Chimney Service | Baltimore
REGION REGION REGION
MARYLAND
REGION REGION REGION REGION
NEW HAMPSHIRE
REGION
REGION REGION
REGION REGION
REGION REGION
2 234 34 35 5 2 3 5 56 6 6 5 6
REGION
REGION REGION
1 12 1 4 45 4
Steve Strunk | Strunk Dryer Duct Servicing | Vallejo
IDAHO
Kim Jonsen | Blacks Inc. | Coeur d'Alene
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29 S W E E P I N G June 2017
CSIA UPDATE June 2017 Report
www.CSIA.org
CSIA C-DET Credential Numbers Continue to Climb The steady growth of CSIA’s Certified Dryer Exhaust Credential, the only nationally-recognized certification for dryer vent cleaning, has been encouraging. In addition to an in-person review & exam being offered as part of the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA) Fall Techinical Conference, seats still remain in the 2-day hands-on workshop being offered August 24-25 at the CSIA Technology Center in Indiana.
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June 2017 Report
Newly Certified Chimney Sweeps Indiana Elliott Clements | The Cinderbox | Zionsville Drake Richardson | O’Malia’s Living |Carmel Kathleen Wilensky | The Cinder Box | Zionsville Michigan Matthew Scheller | Smokestack Sweep | Howell
Florida Reiner Bauerle | The Chimney Meister | Melbourne Illinois Jason Duda | Early Times Home Solutions | Elmhurst
New Hampshire Austin Kessler | Lakes Region Chimney Pro | Gilford Jake Glauser | Integrity Chimney Services | Bow Seth Newton | Black Moose Chimney & Stove | Hillsboro Jarrid Zieba | Black Moose Chimney & Stove | Hillsboro Nolan Raaberg | Sons’ Chimney | Milford Bradley Petersdorff | ECC Chimney Services | N Grosvenordale
New Mexico Garth Burch | CBS Chimney Sweepers | Albuquerque North Carolina Brandon Forbes | Owens Chimney Sweepers | Charlotte Vermont Oliver Puig | Chimney Savers Inc. | Randolph Virginia Shon Applegate | Rusty’s Fireplace & Chimney | Hamilton
Newly Certified Dryer Exhaust Technicians Scott Stein | Safe Dryer Vent Solutions | Plainfield
CERTIFIED
Michigan Chester Madding | M Laundering | Oak Park, MI Jerry Reyer | M Laundering | Oak Park, MI
DRYER EXHAUST
Tennessee David Faassen | Neighborhood Chimney Care and Leaves Out | Lyles
TECHNICIAN
British Columbia Zigi Gadomski | Wood Energy Technicians of BC | Port Coquitlam California Steven Strunk | Strunk Dryer Duct Servicing | Vallejo Indiana
Minnesota Kyle Thompson | Black Goose Chimney & Duct | Duluth Jacob Severson | Black Goose Chimney & Duct | Duluth Missouri Royce Sullens | Advanced Chimney Techniques | Jamestown Pennsylvania Zach Nauss | ZACH-VAC | Elizabethtown
Newest CSIA Master Chimney Sweep Gregg Boss | English Sweep | Valley Park, MO
If you think you may qualify for the CSIA Master Sweep designation or would like more information, please visit www.csia.org/MasterSweep, where you will find a list of qualifications and a downloadable application. ADVERTISEMENT
www.CSIA.org CSIA Certified Sweeps Re-credentialing with CEUs Colorado Randy Bosanko | A Clean Sweep, LLC | Greeley
North Carolina Keith Gaudette | Smoke Alert | Garner
Florida Donald Burda | Hudson Chimney Inc. | Middleburg
New Hampshire Michael Williams | Fireside Hearth & Leisure | Lisbon
Georgia Joe Hodges | Chimney Solutions | Alpharetta
New Jersey Christopher Long | Bridgewater Chimney Sweeps | Bridgewater
Idaho John Poisel | Jake’s Chimney Sweep | Sandpoint
New York Carl Hutchison | Hutch’s Chimney & Stove Service, LLC | Angelica
Indiana John Click | Indiana Chimney Sweep | Greenwood
Ohio Jeff Keefer | Chimney Care Company | Loveland
Maryland Dane Donnelly | Superior Fireplace and Garage Door | Prince Frederick
Pennsylvania Robert Green | Chim Chimney Sweeps - DJ Cross, Inc | Media
Massachusetts Paul Collina | Safe Fire Chimney Service | Burlington
Vermont Sarah Leduc | Brickliners Corp | Williston
Michigan Bill Spring | Fireplace North & Spa | Iron Mountain
Virginia Andrew Wegner | Miller Hardware Inc. | Stephens City
Minnesota Ralph Dvorak | Dayco General Inc. | Mound John Bently | Duct Doctor, Ltd | New Richland
Contact Us: Mailing Address
Washington Jonathan Rees | Rees Chimney Services | Centralia
CSIA Education Roadshow Excellence in Education. Delivered.
2155 Commercial Drive
To-your-door expertise.
Plainfield, IN 46168
CSIA Education Roadshow allows you to experience the industry standard in chimney sweep education and earn valuable CEUs through in-person courses
Telephone (317) 837-5362 Email: Office@CSIA.org Twitter: @Chimney_Safety Facebook: /ChimneySafety
provided by one of CSIA’s expert instructors at YOUR event. Grow your business. Including CSIA Roadshow as part of your event will
provide you with several opportunities for promoting your company or product, both on-site during the session, as well as through CSIA’s social networks and e-newsletter.
Questions? Contact CSIA Program Coordinator, Claire Rutledge, at (317) 837-5362. ADVERTISEMENT
June 2017 Report
Upcoming Classes NFI 2-Day Workshops & Exams July 11-15 | CSIA Technology Center | Plainfield, IN CSIA is proud to offer you a FULL WEEK of National Fireplace Institution education! The week will be broken into three certification workshop reviews & exams. July 10-11: NFI Gas Specialist July 12-13: NFI Woodburning Specialist July 14-15: NFI Pellet Specialist
Chimney Physics August 11 | CSIA Technology Center | Plainfield, IN CSIA CEUs: 3 -T, 3 -CS, 3 -HS, 3 - CL NFI CEUs: 12-T Learn how to diagnose and resolve chimney performance issues related to modern building construction. Topics covered include: air pressure problems, indoor air poluttants, and the use of diagnostic tools to determine combustion air requirements for vented appliances. This class is required for earning the CSIA Master Sweep Credential (no substitutes)
Advanced Masonry Repair August 15-18 | SaverSystems | Richmond, IN CSIA CEUs: 12-T Four days of intensive hands-on masonry education taught by industry legend, Chris Prior. This class is designed for those who are consider themselves proficient with masonry repair, but want to take their skills to the next level.
Certified Dryer Exhaust Technician Workshop & Exam August 24 -25 | CSIA Tech Center | Plainfield, IN Two-day workshop including both classroom and hands-on learning. Students will be offered the opportunity to sit for the CSIA Certified Dryer Exhaust Technician (C-DET) credential upon course completion. CSIA’s C-DET credetial is the ONLY nationally recognized certification for dryer vent cleaning!
For additional course details, please visit www.csia.org/education.
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Around the
Tech Center. Frances Kelly
Executive Director
34 S W E E P I N G June 2017
As summer begins here at the Technology Center we are pleased to welcome many guests through our doors. Already we have hosted students from around the country for National Chimney Sweep Training School, a two day CDET workshop, Inspection and Report Writing, and a review and exam. (Be sure to check out CSIA.org for more educational opportunities throughout the summer!)
Both the NCSG and CSIA boards of directors held their annual planning meetings in May at the Tech Center. The boards and our staff can’t wait to share with you all the exciting things ahead for both organizations. Last but not least we had two Girl Scouts (Finance Director Megan McMahon’s daughters Taylor and Riley) stop by to help us retire our American flag outside the Tech Center and raise a new one.
Classifieds 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. Chimney Tecnician needed Seeking a motivated, qualified chimney technician. • High school diploma or equivalent • Minimum 2 years’ experience in the chimney field • Work in confiend areas, able to lift 50-100 lbs. • Strong Customer Service Skills Send Resume to: Bradigan’s Heating 503 South Water Street Kittanning, PA 16201 Fax: (724) 524-6636 Email tp: paul@bradigans.com Work for a Growing Company! Chimney Solutions, based in Atlanta, GA, is looking for Installers and Sales People with the desire to move into management. Pay will commensurate with experience. Relocation is available for the individual that meets our needs and qualifications. Send Resumes to dpace@ chimneysolutions.com or visit our website at www. chimneysolutions.com. Business For Sale Do you work for a stove or chimney company and want to Own? Do you like keeping people warm & safe in the winter? Do you like building a lifelong relationship with your customers? If so, please contact us!! For sale after 32 years – largest Chimney Sweep/Stove business in Arizona. Set in Flagstaff and with a second store in Show Low. We can easily say we service 2000 woodstoves, fireplaces and dryers a year. We also sell, service and install. Please contact us at: (928) 526-5133. CLASSIFIED ADS FREE FOR NCSG MEMBERS Members can run one 35-word classified free each year! Regular classified ads are $2/word or $1/word for NCSG members. Classified ads are non-commissionable and must be pre-paid. To place a classified ad, please contact Sara Sichting at ssichting@ncsg.org or 317-837-1500.
June 2017
35 S W E E P I N G
Darwin
Award
Jon Walker, one of our sweeps came across this the other day. Yes, that is flexible liner used as a chimney and connected to a wood stove (we believe). Notice how there seems to be plenty distance to combustibles so it's okay, right? Also note that the pass through is a window well. I wonder how many code violations this install has in total. Andrew Raycroft Rooftop Chimney Sweeps LLC Alexandria, VA 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 36 S W E E P I N G
Ahrens Chimney Technique
800-843-4417
ahrenschimney@qwestoffice.net 17
A Step In Time
757-754-1388
Ray@ChimneySweep.com
Chim Cap Corp
800-262-9622
www.chimcapcorp.com 12
back cover
Copperfield 800-247-3305 www.copperfield.com 7 CVC Coaching
704-425-0217
www.cvccoaching.com 29
Firesafe Industries, Inc.
800-545-6607
www.firesafeinc.com 14
Gelco™, Lyemance™, and Lock-Top®
www.gllchimneyproducts.com
27
ICP 508-695-7000 www.chimneycaps.com 24 Lindemann Chimney Company
866-629-8006
www.lindemannsupply.com 13
National Chimney
800-897-8481
www.nationalchimney.com
New England Chimney Supply
888-900-8106
www.newenglandchimneysupply.com 15
Olympia Chimney Supply
800-569-1425
www.olympiachimney.com 11
Roydhouse Effect Inc
410-863-0157
www.roydhouseeffect.com 25
Sand Hill Wholesale & Mfg., Inc
800-258-5496
www.sandhillwholesale.com 4
SaverSystems, Inc
800-860-6327
www.saversystems.com 21
Ventech Industries
207-439-0069
info@ventechindustries.com 9
inside front cover
Z-Flex 800-654-5600 sales@z-flex.com 5
June 2017