Sweeping January 2018 VOLUME 42 #1
The Journal of Chimney and Venting Technology
Your Five Step Program for a Bigger, Better 2018 From Russia, with Logs Health Insurance For 2018 – What You Need To Know
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Departments President’s Letter 3 Editor’s Letter 5 Coach’s Corner 12 Technical Q&A 20 Date and Events 24 New Members 28 Progressive Perks 29 Around the Tech Center 35 Classifieds 35 Darwin Award 36
Table of Contents Sweeping January 2018 Volume 42 Issue 1
Features
Your Five Step Program for a Bigger, From Russia, Better 2018 with Logs
Health Insurance For 2018 – What You Need To Know
6 16 34 January 2018
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
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 2017-2018
TECHNICAL ADVISORY COUNCIL
Masonry Fireplace Construction and Restoration (866) 283-8667 Ext. 700
Stainless Steel Liner Installation (866) 283-8667 Ext. 705
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.
2 S W E E P I N G
STAFF
Resources 2155 Commercial Drive Plainfield, IN 46168 (317) 837-1500 Fax: (317) 837-5365
Megan McMahon Association Manager mmcmahon@ncsg.org
Donna Lee Kasmer CSIA Certification Coordinator dkasmer@csia.org
Darcy Marlett Director of Communications and Marketing dmarlett@ncsg.org
Penny Seals Program Coordinator pseals@ncsg.org
Ashley Edridge Director of Education ashley@csia.org
Sara Sichting Systems and Records Coordinator ssichting@ncsg.org
Zach Zagar CSIA Marketing Director zzagar@csia.org
Annemarie Stockton Membership Coordinator astockton@ncsg.org
Charissa Benge Mahaffey Office Coordinator cmahaffey@ncsg.org
January 2018
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
COMMITTEE CHAIRS and TASK FORCES 2017 – 2018
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:
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. © 2018 National Chimney Sweep Guild, 2155 Commercial Drive, Plainfield, IN 46168. (317) 837-1500
A
s 2017 comes to an end it is important to reflect on your success and where you need improvement. It’s easy to get caught up in numbers of all kinds and looking backwards, what is important is to use your numbers to plan for 2018. Set goals for each day, week, month, quarter and year. In our sweeps lounge we have all of our goals listed and we check them off in our weekly meetings. Growing your numbers or your percentages is wonderful, but it’s not everything. Make sure you know your people’s goals such as finishing college, getting out of debt, buying a new car or home. It's a great feeling being able to help your staff advance along in life.
President’s
What about your goals? Besides making your business better what else is important to you? What about setting goals to give to charity? What about planning vacation or educational trips for yourself? I know this fall and early winter has been crazy for many of us, but one goal I always set and never make it is to not work every day between October and New Year’s. I personally failed big time on this one.
Letter Jasper Drengler
President
So set some goals, write them down, share with your team and form a plan to meet them. Good luck, be safe, be profitable, see you all in Portland! Jasper Drengler
Bring on 2018!
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3 S W E E P I N G
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4 S W E E P I N G January 2018
H
appy New Year’s Sweeps!
This month’s issue of Sweeping is all about getting you and your business ready to make 2018 your best year yet. Taylor Hill of Spark Marketer brings you “Your Five Step Program for a Bigger, Better 2018,” and Jerry Isenhour of CVC wrote on the topic of business reinvention. Interested in expanding your education and certifications this year? Our Tech Q and A column has ideas to get your started.
Learn how to get the most out of membership by checking out this month’s Progressive Perks on member benefits to help grow your business. Plus, you’ll find opportunities for in person education and fun in this month’s Around the Tech Center.
Editor’s
Letter Darcy Marlett Editor
It’s going to be a great 2018 for our industry! Cheers,
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5 S W E E P I N G
Your Five Step Program for a Bigger, Better 2018 Taylor Hill
Spark Marketer
6 S W E E P I N G
W
ell, it happened, another year came and went, and hopefully it was a great year for you and your business! You may be celebrating and in need of a little relaxation after the busy sweeping season wraps up, but don’t get too comfortable -- now is the perfect time to start strategizing and planning how you want to improve your business this year. You may have dreams of growing your business bigger or you may want to stay at the level you’re currently at and focus on nailing your systems down and fixing customer service hang-ups. Whatever your goals are, it’s never too early in the year to get started. Here’s your five step program for making this year even more dynamite than the last!
January 2018
#1 Daydream. Let’s start with a little daydreaming: What do you want your business to look like by the end of this year and by the end of 2020? Take some time to think about it. Give yourself permission to think outside of what you currently feel is possible for your business and wander into what you really want. At this stage, we’re not thinking about the logistics, we just want to establish what your true direction and ultimate goals are for this time period. Have a pretty good idea? Great! Having your focus and your goals in mind is beneficial on several levels, but let’s take it a step further and write it all down. Find a notebook or a piece of paper
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that you won’t lose -- preferably one that’s dedicated to this and this alone -- and spell out your dream. Now that the big dreaming is done, it’s time to review and recap 2017.
#2 Review and recap. No matter how badly you want to immediately shift your focus to reaching your next set of business goals, you have to start by reviewing and recapping the year you just had. Why? Because if you don’t quite know where your business is now, you won’t quite know how to get it where you’d like it to be at the end of 2018 or 2020.
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Spend some time writing out some of the problems that seemed to bite you over and over again in 2017. Look at your online reviews and customer praises and complaints. Were there a lot of HR issues? Was employee turnover high? Was timeliness a problem? Whatever stressed you out, reduced your stress, and impacted your business in any way, write it out. What you’ll find is that there are some areas in your business that are pretty close to perfect and don’t need much tweaking, while there are others that really require great focus. By writing out both the struggles and the victories, you’ll begin to see patterns that will help you strategize and plan for the future. Now that you’ve written them out, let’s dissect and reflect those wins and losses.
January 2018
#3 Dissect and reflect. Dissecting your 2017 wins and losses will help you get to the bottom of what is working and what isn’t. Wins and losses can have multiple causes and effects and the goal is to identify those as best as possible. Was high employee turnover an issue? What was at the root of that issue? Do you need to work on your hiring and training practices? Is company culture or leadership style to blame? Were you hiring the wrong type of people? Now do the same with your victories. Did you consistently get reviews and feedback regarding your excellent customer service? Figure out what makes your customer service so great. Is it the training, the culture, the shared purpose, the core values, the quality and type of people you hire? Knowing what makes your business a success can help just as much as knowing what your business’s downfalls are, so spend some time with each win and loss and figure out what lies beneath. Then implement and improve.
#4 Implement and improve. What did you learn from dissecting your wins and losses? Apply it to your business and use that knowledge to make tweaks where tweaks need to be made, alter practices, adjust or establish systems, and get everything nailed down. Writing all of this out, developing plans, and implementing them into your business probably won’t be easy, but if you take it step
by step and stick with it, you’ll see incremental results and the hard work will pay off. It’s all about attitude --—let your team members know where they excelled in 2017 and where you can all improve, and let them know you have a plan. Let them in on the plan and open the floor up to suggestions. If those suggestions align with what you believe is best, integrate them. Remember, employees are always more loyal and better performing when they buy into what the company is doing, how it’s doing it, and most importantly, why it’s doing it.— Simply following steps 1-4 will benefit your business, give you a better idea of where you’re killing it and where it’s killing you, and help you have a better 2018, but step 5 is imperative as well…
#5 Connect the now to the dream. Now that you have a plan in place for immediate improvement, it’s time to connect the dots between reality and the dream you have. Does your trajectory need to change? Are there any roadblocks that need to be moved or worked around? One of the best ways to figure this out is to write down where you want to be at the end of 2018 as well as 2020 on one side of the paper and then list out the steps you would need to take to get there. Do you want to get out of the truck and into the office? Who would you need to hire to replace you out in the field? How much money would you need to make in order to pay the salary of that replacement
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person? How many jobs would you have to do to make that much money? And on and on. Keep asking yourself questions until you work it out. Once you’ve gone through each aspect of your dream business and worked out some actionable steps, organize them from most important to least important. Is getting out of the truck the most important thing for you or is it nailing your customer service systems? Whatever is your top priority, start by focusing on that one first. Now, take the steps you’ve sketched out for the most important goal and spend a month focusing on those and those alone. Once you get the ball rolling, get to work on your second priority and spend a month focusing on those actionable steps...and so on and so forth. Pretty soon, you’ll find that, not only are you taking steps in the right direction and seeing the results you’re after, but you’re also more focused, driven, and excited about the business you’re building. And remember to celebrate small victories and show yourself a little grace along the way! Even if you don’t have your dream business and reach all of your goals by the end of 2020, you’ll be so much closer than you would have been otherwise. So give it your all and know that the effort you’re putting forth will definitely be worth it. Have a wonderful year — you deserve it!
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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 (BCP) Show, the podcast that’s all about having and living the blue collar dream, and co-author of Blue Collar Proud: 10 Principles For Building A Kickass Business You Love. @sparkmarketer, facebook.com/sparkmarketer, @taylorkhill @bcpshow
S W E E P I N G January 2018
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Coach’s
Corner Jerry Isenhour
Business Reinvention
W
elcome to 2018, a New Year, and often when people formulate their plans for the coming year. It is also a time to review the past year. But what I am suggesting you consider is to do a SWOT Analysis of the company. Let me share with you the process, the people you should involve and how to make this a tool to drive to a higher level in the coming year. First let’s get it straight exactly what a SWOT analysis is. A SWOT stands for the following actions:
S stands for your strengths, in other words what are the strong parts of your business model and positioning. What are the strengths that you carry in your market? This will allow you to examine of the characteristics of your business that give it an advantage over others. W stands for weaknesses, and the weaknesses are where leaders must focus their efforts to come up with processes and strategies to combat the weaknesses and transform these into areas of strength. Often this exposes the characteristics of the business that place the business at a disadvantage relative to others. O stands for the opportunities
that are in our market and where we can move our business to. This could be a product you need to offer, a service you need to provide, or it could be the growth of certain segments of your business that old promise but that you are not fully capitalizing on. Commonly we are searching for the elements in our environment that the business could exploit to its advantage.
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T stands for the threats that are around you, what could January 2018
disrupt you market, what could cut into and take your business or even wreck your team moral and strengths. Knowing the threats that exist and formulating a plan to combat these is a part of building the strength of your business operation. We are stating the facts in the market that could cause trouble for the business. The concept of the SWOT Analysis or process is one that is a recognized review system for any company or group that should be done on an annual basis no matter the size of the company. The day of the SWOT could be the most important day you spend this year in formulating your strategy for the year. A SWOT is a structured planning method that evaluates those four elements of an organization, project or business venture. A SWOT analysis can be carried out for a company, product, place, industry, or person. It involves specifying the objectives of the business venture or project and identifying the internal and external factors that are favorable and unfavorable to achieve that objective. Some authors credit SWOT to Albert Humphrey who led a convention at the Stanford Research Institute in the 1960s and 1970s using data from various Fortune 500 companies. However, Humphrey himself did not claim the creation of SWOT, and the origins remain somewhat obscure. The concept it to drive the company where your internal environment (your operating systems matches well with the external environment that your business operates in. This is also referred to as mating these together for a “strategic fit.”)
13 S W E E P I N G January 2018
There are several thought processes for conducting a SWOT to consider prior to the process:
Conducting the SWOT It is very important that a person conduct the SWOT that is not emotionally tied to the business. This is difficult for any member of the company to do, as there will be that emotional connection, and as such many will employ the use of an outside facilitator for the role insuring that the process is both deep and it is wide. The person conducting it must lead the meeting with clarity and focus, only with this clarity and focus can the SWOT process truly work.
Who will participate in the meeting The individuals participating in the SWOT could be management, but often in a small business, the participation by your key people will be a good thing. The SWOT will be a time that all of them can participate with their ideas, their input and they can gain a vast understanding of the challenges that they company faces.
Where to hold the SWOT
14 S W E E P I N G
This is an important decision; the setting can make all the difference in the world. It is imperative to be away from phones and distractions; this is a day dedicated to the formation of solid strategies for the coming year. As such holding the SWOT in a neutral location (not in the office, nor in someone’s home) such as a hotel meeting room or other off-site location. Some groups even take this to another town to use this time not only as a time to hold the meeting, but also to build a bond between the participants that is all important to the
January 2018
success of the business model going forward, it an also be a team building concept for you. Some of the uses of a SWOT analysis are as follows: • The ability to explore new solutions to problems • A way to identify barriers that will limit goals/objectives • A process by which to decide on direction that will be most effective • To reveal possibilities and discuss limitations for change • To revise plans to best navigate the changing business world that we operate in. • Serve as a brainstorming and recording device as a means of increased and open communication. • To be used as a way for the members of the team to share their inner thoughts as to the present status of the company and place their ideas on the table for discussion. • To enable the members of your team to have a new understanding and realization of the challenges of the business world in which you operate. If you research major corporations, you will find that the SWOT process is a part of their annual process. Many are even published and you can review the results through a google search, both companies on their way up, and other who are losing market shares drastically in this time of rapid change in the business climate. Consider the use of this tool to take you and your company to a higher level in 2018. You may just find that this is the tool you have been looking for to give you that focused view on your business model. And
it may provide the clarity and focus you have been needing to make the changes you know you need to make, but just need the reinforcement to make it happen. 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.
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History
Project Claire Rutledge-Sakha
From Russia, with Logs
I 16 S W E E P I N G
n my time researching in this industry, I have never come across an appliance so intrinsic to a national identity and culture as the Russian stove. The Russian Pechka is a symbol of national pride, of traditional Russian values, and self-sufficiency. It was, and still is, the center of the rural Russian home. But not all are created the same. The Russian stove that we know is more closely linked to the peasant Russian stove - made of simple materials for many purposes. The grandiose Russian stove — those owned by the Russian aristocracy — were made of expensive materials for one purpose. This seemingly mundane stove highlighted class differences, saved people’s lives, and helped create symbols of revolution in Russian history. The stove is first recorded in izba, log homes, sometime in the 1400s. These homes were made entirely of split wood and mud. Therefore, the open flame fires common in this period were a danger to the integrity of the structure and the health of the inhabitants. The stove eliminated the smoky, dangerous living conditions created by the open fire - unless the owner didn’t build a brick chimney to go along with it. This was apparently
January 2018
something prevalent enough that Peter the Great needed to outlaw the practice in the 1700s. As an ordinary Muscovite (The Grand Duchy of Moscow was the main state of the Slavic region 1283-1547 — there was no Russia), this stove would have been invaluable to your survival. Even though its immensity could take up to a quarter of your home, the appliance could be used for a variety of purposes that an open fire could not. You could sleep, grow crops, or even brew beer on top. The oven could be used for cooking, heating, and treating you when you came down with an illness. A traditional cold cure was to place a sick person inside the sealed hot oven with the walls splashed with water, creating a steam bath. Literally and figuratively, the Russian stove was at the center of your home. The stovesetters, Pechniki, were an intrinsic part of your community. This is, of course, the peasant’s version. Other Russian stoves looked nothing like that. If you were born between 1721 and 1917 into the Russian Empire’s dvoryanstvo nobility (lucky you… up until 1917) the stove was not your bed, your garden, your doctor, or your cookstove. It was a
sign of your wealth and power and a pledge of loyalty. It showed your wealth because of the great cost that went into building one of these grand stoves. Unlike what your serfs had, your stove was ornate with glittering tilework and gold gilt. In the golden age of Russian imperialist identity only the finest Russian craftsmanship would do for you. Once you had it built, you had to maintain it with your power. One weakness of the stove is that the heat is efficient at heating the room it is in, but no others. Meaning, if you had a palace you needed a different appliance in almost every room. As an example, the Summer Palace of Catherine the Great had 58 rooms. So regardless of heating by fireplace or stove, it would take an enormous amount of fuel which you could only get if you had vast land and labor at your command. Unsurprisingly, the Russian Revolution saw the destruction of many of these stoves coinciding with the destruction of grand palaces of the dvoryanstvo. In turn, the trend moved from displaying opulent, sophisticated identity to a more modern, utilitarian, and utopian identity. As a new member of the Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic, you were expected to live this
“New Man” identity in every facet of your life. The simple Russian stove of yore was upgraded. Ads showed new, modern stove appliances worked into the existing stove. You might even decide to paint your stove bright, optimistic colors for your new republic. Fast forward to now being a citizen in the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics during WWII, you might even find yourself hiding in your stove. Countless lives were saved by crawling into the cavernous oven during Nazi raids along the eastern front. The oven that had saved your ancestors from illness now saved you from a round of bullets. No matter if you were a serf or a tsar, the stove had a universal cultural impact. The creation of distinctly Russian food such as Baked Milk (jugged milk left on the stove for eight or more hours, developing a caramel flavor) and Pastila (fruit paste that rises into fluffy pastry over two days’ slow heat) were only possible because of the unique properties of the Russian stove. In Russian fairytales, the stove featured heavily as an enchanted character for good - or for bad. The Russian witch Baba Yaga enticed children to her izba before baking them in her stove. Yet you also
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17 S W E E P I N G
see in a different story a talking stove hiding, and therefore saving, a young girl and her brother from Baba Yaga’s nefarious geese henchmen. The Russian stove is no longer just found in Russia, but anywhere. You don’t need to know that it can cure your sniffle, indicate your socioeconomic status, or brew a pint with it to enjoy it in your home. Although, it couldn’t hurt.
Traditional Russian Pastila for a Modern Oven
18 S W E E P I N G
Ingredients: 2 lb sour apples 2 tbsp sugar or honey 2 tbsp water Method: 1. Wash and peel apples, remove seeds, and cut every apple into 8 pieces. 2. Place the apples into a saucepan, sprinkling apples with the sugar, and pour the water on top. 3. Place the saucepan on medium heat, and boil apples for about 20 minutes. 4. Blend boiled apples until an even consistency, return to the saucepan, and boil with on very low heat until the consistency turns thick. 5. Cover a baking sheet with parchment paper,
January 2018
and put boiled apples on the paper. Flatten to make an even layer. 6. Set the oven temperature to 210 F, and place the baking sheet into the oven. 7. Dry the pastila slightly by opening the oven's door. 8. To check if the pastila is ready, cut a corner with scissors. If the scissors do not stick, turn the heat off, and leave the baking sheet in oven until cooled. 9. Remove the paper, cut the pastila into pieces, and keep in a dry cool place.
Sources: “Two Jewish Broisov Entrepreneaurs named Elkind” http://annebobroffhajal.com/2010/08/two-jewish-borisoventrepreneurs-named-elkind/ “The Magic Swan Geese” Dir. Albert Ivanov, Aleksandra Snezhko-Blotskaya. Produced Soyuzmultfilm: 1949. “Pastila” http://www.russiancuisine.us/node/1163 4/20/2013 “Pastila Museum” http://kolomnapastila.ru/en/museum/ “The Russian Stove” http://pechka.su/ “Sunbathing in the Living Room” http://www. lowtechmagazine.com/2008/12/tile-stoves.html “Traditional Russian Stove-Pech” 2009 http://lastochkafromrussiawithlove.blogspot.com/2009/03/traditionalrussian-stove-pech.html
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Technical
Q&A
Michael Segerstrom
NCSG Technical Advisory Chair
Question
This year I plan to grow the business. A part of that will be getting more education and training for myself and my employees. Where, when or how is the best way to go about that?
20
Answer: You're in luck! Our industry has more training and educational opportunities than ever before! Let's start with the National Chimney Sweep Guild Convention, in Portland this year. Four days of classes in the different categories, with an opportunity to sit for CSIA certification the day before. And let's not forget the trade show, where we can see the latest tools and products available to us. The CSIA provides educational and training opportunities for our industry year round. This includes the week-long National Chimney Sweep Training School at the Technology Center in Indiana held 4 to 5 times a year. The NCSTS is one of the most comprehensive chimney service professional training programs available, with classroom, hands on, and in the field training. The CSIA has the Mobile Classroom and CSIA Roadshow, which now more than ever, brings the education to us, in different parts of the country, partnering with manufacturers and state or regional guilds and associations. Masonry and chimney inspection/ report writing have been two of their successful classes brought to us. In recent years, our product manufacturers and distributors have also added to educational opportunities throughout the country. These include classes and training on safety, chimney inspection, chimney relining, fireplace restoration and a variety of business classes.
S W E E P I N G
State and Regional guilds and associations have also added to the available training and
January 2018
education, with more seminars and workshops for their members, and many are open to everyone. Check with your state or regional group for more information. Online classes and training platforms are becoming more and more popular. The CSIA has online classes in all of the different CEU categories. Online training including live webinar type training is also becoming more available and more utilized, and companies that offer this training can often customize the programs for small or large companies or groups. We can also look for education and training opportunities from other affiliated industries and organizations. The HPBA and its HPBEF represent the hearth industry. While the HPBEF's National Fireplace Institute offers certification, it also offers a wide variety of online classes. The HPBA Expo is an annual trade show with multiple days of classes, and the HPBA Affiliates often have regional meetings that offer training and education. Contact NFI and your HPBA affiliate for more information. The NCSG has an industry education schedule in Sweeping magazine, and that schedule is also posted on social media. So whether it's at a National Convention, or online from the comfort of our own home, there is a vast amount of training and education available to us!
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2018 NCSG National Convention Featuring: Opening Keynote: Bill Stainton
Bill Stainton is a multiple Emmy Award-winning TV producer, writer, and performer; an author; a business humorist; and an internationally-recognized Beatles expert. He blends the business smarts he learned from twenty years in corporate management with the show biz sparks he garnered from working with people like Jerry Seinfeld, Ellen DeGeneres, and Bill Nye the Science Guy to create entertaining and enlightening presentations enjoyed by audiences around the world!
Closing Keynote: Frank King An award winning, syndicated humor columnist and radio talk show personality Frank King has written jokes for Jay Leno, Joan Rivers, and Dennis Miller for the last two decades. As a CertiďŹ ed Laugh Coach, Stress Reduction Specialist, and Professional Comedian since 1985 he oers time-tested tools for using humor to turn pain into punchlines, losses into laughs, and messes and stresses into successes.
April 18-21, 2018 Double Tree Hotel | Portland, OR www.ncsgconvention.org
NCSG/ Oregon Guild Member Rates Primary
NCSG Convention 2018 • April 18-21 • Portland, OR Through 2/14/18
2/15/183/15/18
$499 (399)
$549 (449)
After 3/15/18 $599 (499)
Spouse $199 $249 $299 st 1 Additional $349 ($249) $399 ($299) $449($349) 2nd Additional $299 ($199) $349 ($249) $399($299) 3+ Additional $249 ($149) $299 ($199) $349($249) Single Day $199 $199 $199 Banquet Only $79 $79 $79 Child Banquet 5-12 $39 $39 $39 Tradeshow Only $69 $69 $69 NOTE: First Time Attendee prices for members are in parenthesis ( ). Company_________________________________________ Address __________________________________________ City, State, Zip _____________________________________ Phone ___________________________________________ Email ____________________________________________ □ Check here to opt-out of emails from exhibitors
Standard Rates
Through 2/14/18
2/15/183/15/18
After 3/15/18
Primary
$599 $649 $699 (499) (549) (599) Spouse $299 $349 $399 st 1 Additional $449 $499 $549 2nd Additional $399 $449 $499 3+ Additional $349 $399 $449 Single Day $299 $299 $299 Banquet Only $99 $99 $99 Child Banquet 5-12 $39 $39 $39 Tradeshow Only $99 $99 $99 - Opening Night ReceptionAdditional Registration Required $30/per person. Join us for heavy appetizers, a cash bar, games, fun and catching up with old friends at Portland’s Punch Bowl Social Wednesday night.
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 ______________________________________________________ $ ___________________ Name _____________________________________________________________ Registrant Type ______________________________________________________ $ ___________________ Registration Total $ ___________________ Opening Night Tickets ($30/each) Qty: ________ Ticket Total $ ___________ 2018 Convention Patch ($3/each - Pickup on-site.) Qty: ________ Patch Total $ ___________ GRAND TOTAL $ ___________ MAIL TO: National Chimney Sweep Guild 2155 Commercial Drive, Plainfield, IN 46168 PAYMENT INFORMATION FAX TO: (317) 837-5365 CALL: (317) 837-1500 Payment Method: □ Check # ___________ REGISTER ONLINE at www.ncsgconvention.org □ Visa □ MC □ AmEx Account # ________________________________________ Card Security Code ______________ Exp. __________ Office Use Only O2CR C2F AUTH__________ Name on Card ____________________________________ Org ID___________ Profile ID____________ Signature ________________________________________ Rec’d By__________ Date ____________ Refund policy: Prior to 2/15/18, 90%; 2/15/18-3/15/18, 75%. No refunds are available after 3/15/18.
Dates and
Events January 2018
24 S W E E P I N G
January 2-7, 2018 CSIA (online) – Must be registered by Noon Dec. 39th - 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 8-14, 2018 CSIA (online) – Must be registered by Noon Jan. 5th - 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 15-21, 2018 CSIA (online) – Must be registered by Noon Jan. 12th - 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 22-23, 2018 CSIA Two Day Chimney Physics CSIA Technology Center For more information, please call (317) 837-5362 or visit www.CSIA.org January 22-28, 2018 CSIA (online) – Must be registered by Noon Jan. 19th - 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
January 2018
www.CSIA.org January 29 – February 4, 2018 CSIA (online) – Must be registered by Noon Jan. 26th - 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 2018 February 5-11, 2018 CSIA (online) – Must be registered by Noon Feb. 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 February 12-18, 2018 CSIA (online) – Must be registered by Noon Feb. 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 February 12-13, 2018 Ropes Safety Class Houston, TX For more information, please call (317) 837-5362 or visit www.CSIA.org February 12-13, 2018 CSIA Inspection & Report Writing CSIA Technology Center For more information, please call (317) 837-5362 or visit www.CSIA.org February 14-15, 2018 CSIA Certified Dryer Exhaust Technician® Review & Exams CSIA Technology Center
For more information, please call (317) 837-5362 or visit www.CSIA.org February 16, 2018 CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep® Review & Exams CSIA Technology Center For more information, please call (317) 837-5362 or visit www.CSIA.org February 19-25, 2018 CSIA (online) – Must be registered by Noon Feb. 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 February 26, 2018 CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep® Review & Exams Sponsored by Lindemann Chimney Waukegan, IL For more information, please call (317) 837-5362 or visit www.CSIA.org February 26- March 4, 2018 CSIA (online) – Must be registered by Noon Feb. 23th - 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
March 2018 March 5-11, 2018 CSIA (online) – Must be registered by Noon March 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 March 12-18, 2018 CSIA (online) – Must be registered by Noon March 9th - Chimney Physics - CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep Review - CSIA Certified Dryer Exhaust Technician Review - CSIA eLearning
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January 2018
S W E E P I N G
- Health & Safety Multi-User Courses - Lining Masonry Chimneys with Stainless Steel For more information, please call (317) 837-5362 or visit www.CSIA.org March 19-24, 2018 CSIA National Chimney Sweep Training School CSIA Technology Center For more information, please call (317) 837-5362 or visit www.CSIA.org March 19-25, 2018 CSIA (online) – Must be registered by Noon March 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 March 26- April 1, 2018 CSIA (online) – Must be registered by Noon March 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
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For more information, please call (317) 837-5362 or visit www.CSIA.org March 28, 2018 Last Day to Pre-Register for the NCSG Annual Convention March 30, 2018 DoubleTree-Portland, OR For more information, please call (317) 837-5362 or visit http://www.ncsgconvention.org
April 2018 April 2-8, 2018 CSIA (online) – Must be registered by Noon March 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 April 9-15, 2018 CSIA (online) – Must be registered by Noon April 6th - Chimney Physics - CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep Review
About 30% of your chimneys can be easily repaired in less than half a day with
26 S W E E P I N G
With HeatShield you can repair tiles without downsizing the flue. To find out how to become a factory trained HeatShield Dealer, call 800-860-6327 Visit www.heatshieldchimney.com to learn more about how HeatShield works.
January 2018
- 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 April 13-25, 2018 NCSG & CSIA Office will be closed April 12-26, 2018 CSIA (Online Education) NO ONLINE EXAMS – DUE TO NCSG CONVENTION April 16-22, 2018 CSIA (Online Education) NO ONLINE CLASSES – DUE TO NCSG CONVENTION April 17, 2018 CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep® Review & Exams DoubleTree-Portland, OR (NCSG Convention) For more information, please call (317) 837-5362 or visit www.CSIA.org April 17, 2018 CSIA Certified Dryer Exhaust Technician® Review & Exams DoubleTree-Portland, OR (NCSG Convention) For more information, please call (317) 837-5362 or visit www.CSIA.org April 17, 2018 NCSG Board of Directors Meeting DoubleTree-Portland, OR (NCSG Convention) For more information, please call (317) 837-5362 or visit http://www.ncsgconvention.org April 17, 2018 CSIA Board of Directors Meeting DoubleTree-Portland, OR (NCSG Convention) For more information, please call (317) 837-5362 or visit http://www.ncsgconvention.org April 18-21, 2018 NCSG Annual Convention DoubleTree – Portland, OR For more information, please call (317) 837-5362 or visit http://www.ncsgconvention.org April 23-29, 2018 CSIA (Online Education) NO ONLINE CLASSES – DUE TO NCSG CONVENTION April 30-May 6, 2018 CSIA (online) – Must be registered by Noon April 27th - 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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January 2018
S W E E P I N II G
New
Members
NEW JERSEY
PENNSYLVANIA
GEORGIA
ILLINOIS
MINNESOTA
ARIZONA
Chimney Works | Chris Totten | Stirling
Beitler’s Chimney Service | Tom Beitler | Carlisle
Old Hat Chimney Service | Sherry Barnhill | Marietta
Lakeview Masonry, Inc. | Jerry Wantaja | Deluth
Northern Lights Fireplace, LLC | Timothy Gist | Dewey
Bowsman Mechanical Services, LLC | Steve Bowsman | Thompsontown
TENNESSEE
Cinderfella Chimney Sweep | Dana Losiniecki | Evergreen Park
Doctor Chimney | Adrian Bejta | Fort Lee Fireplaces Plus, Inc. | Ronald Kessner | Manahawkin
Renaissance Chimney, Inc. | Mike Ellis | Bernville
Chimney Sweeps of North East Tennessee | Chris Alexander | Kingsport
KENTUCKY ACE Chimney Sweep | Stephen Bradley | Louisville
28 S W E E P I N G January 2018
MISSOURI
Cunningham’s Chimneys | John Cunningham | Front Royal
Best Chimney Services, LLC | Ryan Anderson | Belton
REGION REGION
REGION REGION
55 66 Smokey’s Chimney Sweep | Greg Gibbs | Bethlehem
VIRGINIA
SNG Chimney Sweep | Scott Dickson | Stafford
NEVADA Dude Dryer Vent Cleaning, LLC | Kevin Dude | Las Vegas
International ONTARIO Raw Chimney Sweep and Inspections | Robin Wells | Penetanguishene
REGION
REGION REGION
REGION
REGION REGION REGION
REGION REGION REGION REGION REGION
224 43354 5 65
W
ith each New Year comes new possibilities. We reflect on our past year, reveling in the victories and rethinking the losses. Resolutions are made with good intentions and forgotten several months later (I’m looking at you, Expensive Gym Membership). When it comes to our business resolutions, let’s make it our goal to see them through all the way into next December. Maybe NCSG can you help you out? One benefit that can give your business some extra oomph in 2018 is human resource support through SESCO. Whether it’s terminating an employee or developing policy, navigating HR can be a real headache. Let SESCO’s on-call staff ease the pain. They provide expert advice with employment law and HR challenges (e.g. federal and state employment regulations, review of HR systems, wage, data, etc.). Is this something you would benefit from? Another benefit to highlight and utilize in the New Year is Complete Merchant Solutions (CMS), a payment processing
service. CMS specializes in high volume transaction environments allowing them to offer wholesale pricing that is competitive to other banks or processors. From large corporations to small businesses, they can offer payment processing solutions to meet your individual needs. Maybe your New Year Business Resolutions was to expand your business and hire some extra help. Knowing who you are hiring and getting it right the first time is essential in saving your business time and money. LABORCHEX can help you with that. As a member, you can save up to 50% on employee background checks. Having employees who you can trust and rely on to help you reach your goals is something we all need to thrive. NCSG offers these benefits and more to help you reach your goals, for your success is our top priority! Can we help you reach any of your New Year Business Resolutions?
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CSIA UPDATE January 2018 Report
Ashley Eldridge Scholarship
CSIA Technology Center in Plainfield, IN
As noted earlier in Sweeping, CSIA and NCSG Education Director, Ashley Eldridge, is retiring. In recognition of his contributions to both organizations and the chimney service industry, the CSIA is creating the Ashley Eldridge Scholarship to assist eligible prospects with the costs of the National Chimney Sweep Training School (NCSTS) at CSIA’s Technology Center. The scholarship will be awarded by a selection committee to two candidates per year to participate in the NCSTS.
www.CSIA.org
The NCSTS is an extensive six-day training program for current and future chimney service company owners and technicians. As the training progresses, students learn on the job with real customers and homes in nearby communities under the expert supervision of CSIA instructors.
Ashley poses with a blanket given to him by NCSG and CSIA staff, in honor of his retirement
For more information on donating or applying for the scholarship, please visit www.csia.org/give.
Coming Soon: CSIA - SureFire Training Academy eLearning Partnership
The Chimney Safety Institute of America is excited to announce a partnership with the SureFire Training Academy to host and expand our eLearning content. SureFire Training Academy is a state of the art online subscription-based training platform that already offers a robust catalog of courses for its users. CSIA is partnering with them to offer even more courses to its students, while seamlessly transitioning our current course catalog to the new platform.
Track your progress - The SureFire Training Academy dashboard
NCSTS students training “on the job”
Instructors are ready for 2018 NCSTS classes.
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Sweep service companies can sign themselves up with a monthly subscription, for up to three users, to access several new courses made available to them each month.
January 2018 Report Additional pricing for more than three users is also available at a discount. SureFire even allows owner/ operators to manage the courses their employees can access, ensuring effective education options for all. You will see the same great content CSIA has always provided since launching their eLearning, and you’ll see new technical coursework. However, just as many of the CSIA eLearning courses go beyond technical education, so does SureFire’s course list, including many executive functions like human resource functions, marketing, leadership, and much more. To ease the transition and ensure some of the core programming remains accessible, some of CSIA’s courses will remain on the current platform through our website. A majority of the courses offered at csia.org/elearning will eventually be hosted on the SureFire platform. And if you’re in the need of last-minute CEU’s for certification, no worries, we thought of that there will continue to be a la carte options for when you need an extra credit or two in order to keep your Certified Chimney Sweep® certification active or want to schedule a few one-off courses. We’re sure you will have some questions as we move forward with this
new partnership and we’ll keep you informed every step of the way. Be sure to stay tuned to the CSIA website and your email for updates on the rollout.
Certified Chimney Sweep® Trademark Use An occasional 101 on the usage rights of the Certified Chimney Sweep® logo.
Who may use the CCS Logo? Sole Operator Individuals who maintain a sole proprietorship, are currently a CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep, have no other employees, and have signed the CSIA Code of Ethics are granted a royalty free limited license to use the CCS Logo. Partnership – Companies organized as a partnership are granted a royalty free limited license to use the CCS Logo provided the partner performing the sweeping and/ or inspection is currently a CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep and signed the CSIA Code of Ethics. Multiple ADVERTISEMENT
Employee Company – Companies with multiple service technicians are granted a royalty free limited license to use the CCS Logo provided that at least one individual who is currently CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep and signed the CSIA Code of Ethics is on the job site performing/supervising the sweeping and/or inspection. If a work order or equivalent document is provided to the customer, the CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep must sign the document and clearly print his/ her certification number next to the signature. One important note about multisweep Previous trademark use policy required that the company owner be a CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep® in order to use the trademark in display ads and promotional materials. However, as of 2001, policy states that companies who use the trademark must have at least one certified individual on the job site performing or supervising the sweeping and/or inspection. This means if the logo is on the job site, a Certified Chimney Sweep® must be as well. Learn more about trademark usage and how to certify more of your sweeps by enrolling in the National Chimney Sweep Training School at www.csia.org.
www.CSIA.org
New Certifications Nicholas Dorsey Coopertown Services Memphis
MASTER
Texas Juan Aguilar Lords Chimney Houston
Iowa Karen Foreman Copperfield Chimney Supply Fairfield Massachusetts Cody Nichols Sweepnman N. Reading Michigan Steve Fitzroy C.J.W. & Associates Holly
Christian Marquines Lords Chimney Houston Vermont Colin Cotter-Sparrow Black Magic Chimney Sweeps of S VT Manchester Center
CERTIFIED
DRYER EXHAUST
TECHNICIAN
North Carolina Nikelas Butrico Smoke Alert Garner Tennessee Joshua Mell Chim Chimney Hermitage
Pennsylvania Tyler Bowsman Bowsman Mechanical Services Thom
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The CSIA Master Chimney Sweep designation is awarded to those CSIA Certified professionals who have gone above and beyond in their efforts to stay at the very front of the chimney and venting industry. In addtion to being an active CSIA Certified Chimney SweepÂŽ for a minimum of ten continuous years, candidates are also required to be actively certified as a CSIA Certified Dryer Exhaust TechnicianÂŽ, and must have completed several advanced courses. Specific requirements for application can be found at: www.csia.org/mastersweep.
January 2018 Report
Upcoming Classes & Events
2018 Education Calendar
CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep® Review & Exam CSIA Technology Center (Plainfield, IN) | Feb 16, June 1, Aug 24, Oct 12 Waukegan, IL | Feb 26 (Sponsored by Lindemann Chimney) Portland, OR | Apr 17 (NCSG Convention) Scranton, PA | May 18 Richmond, VA | Aug 10 Atlantic City, NJ | Sep 14 Albany, NY | Oct 19
Roof System Specific Rope Access Training Montgomery, TX | Feb 12-13 & May 21-22
Inspection and Report Writing CSIA Technology Center | Feb 12-13
National Chimney Sweep Training School CSIA Technology Center | Mar 19–24, May 7–12, Jul 9–14, Aug 6–11 & Sept 17–22
Sweeps Week 2018 CSIA Technology Center | June 11–15
Chimney Physics CSIA Technology Center | Aug 22-23
Installing and Troubleshooting Gas Hearth Appliances CSIA Technology Center | June 4–8
Masonry Repair for Chimney Professionals Richmond, IN | May 16–17 & Aug 13–14 (SaverSystems)
Advanced Masonry Repair Richmond, IN | August 15–17 (SaverSystems)
Contact Us: Mailing Address 2155 Commercial Drive Plainfield, IN 46168 Telephone
CSIA Certified Dryer Exhaust Technician® CSIA Technology Center | Feb 14-15, Oct 10-11* (incl. hands-on instruction) Portland, OR | April 17 (NCSG Convention)
NFI Review/Exams at the CSIA Tech Center NFI Gas Review/Exam | July 23–24 NFI Wood Review/Exam | July 25-26 NFI Pellet Review/Exam | July 27-28
(317) 837-5362
MASTER
Email: Office@CSIA.org
TECHNICIAN
Twitter: @Chimney_Safety Facebook: /ChimneySafety
CERTIFIED
DRYER EXHAUST
For additional course details, please visit www.csia.org/education. ADVERTISEMENT
Health Insurance For 2018 – What You Need To Know Ed Sterczek, Mass Marketing Insurance Consultants, Inc.
H
ave questions about getting health insurance in 2018? Ed Sterczek from NCSG member benefit partner Mass Marketing Insurance has some quick notes and pointers to get you started.
Individual Policy
34 S W E E P I N G
1) The Open Enrollment Period for anyone wishing to apply for an Individual policy ended December 15, 2017. If you did not enroll in a health plan, you will be ineligible to obtain coverage unless you have a Qualifying Event (ie: involuntary loss of health coverage, marriage, becoming a US Citizen, permanent move to another state). 2) Shop strategically – if you qualify for tax credits which will lower your cost, you must enroll through the Marketplace (HealthCare.gov) to be eligible for the tax credits. 3) The average rate increase will be more moderate with premiums estimated to increase at a far slower clip than 2017. 4) Short Term Insurance – if you missed the Open Enrollment Period deadline, Short Term Insurance will help bridge the gap until the next Open Enrollment Period.
January 2018
Group Insurance 1) Not subject to any open enrollment period. 2) If your company has 2 or more employees, you are eligible to enroll in a group plan at any time throughout the year. 3) Group plans provide more access to doctors and hospitals. The PPO options will provide coverage for all providers either on an in network or out of network basis. 4) Group plans have more flexibility allowing an employer to terminate a plan and begin a new plan at any time. Any deductible and out of pocket expenses satisfied under a group plan will be transferred and honored by the new insurance company. If you wish to obtain a Group or Individual policy health quote or have any questions, call Mass Marketing Insurance Consultants, Inc. at 1-800349-1039 or email mmic@mmicinsurance.com. Not available in all states.
H
appy New Years! As we plan for 2018 one of the things the staff and myself look forward to the most is seeing our members in person at convention and at the Tech Center. As you look ahead at the coming year be sure to consider these opportunities for in person education and networking for yourself and your staff:
3. In Person CSIA Classes
1. The 2018 NCSG National Convention
June 11-15, CSIA Technology Center, Plainfield, IN Looking to have tons of fun, eat great food, and earn FREE CEUs? Join us for the Sweeps Week 2018.
April 18- 21, 2018, Double Tree Hotel, Portland, OR Join us in beautiful Portland, OR for our national convention packed with opportunities for education, networking, and camaraderie.
Did you know CSIA offers a wide variety of in person classes beyond the National Chimney Sweep Training School? Visit http://www. csia.org/in_person_courses to see a full list of classes for 2018.
Around the
Tech Center. Megan McMahon Association Manager
4. Sweeps Week at the Tech Center
We hope to see at one or more of these great opportunities in 2018.
2. National Chimney Sweep Training School March 19-24, May 7-12, July 9-14, August 6-11, September 17-22, CSIA Technology Center, Plainfield, IN CSIA’s flagship education event covers the fundamentals of sweeping and inspection with classroom and hands-on instruction.
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. Work for a Growing Company! Chimney Solutions, based in Atlanta, GA, is looking for Salespeople and Installers with the desire to move up within our company. A $1000$2000 signing bonus is available, depending on certifications. Pay will be 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.chimneysolucations.com. 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 noncommissionable and must be pre-paid. To place a classified as, please contact Sara Sichting at ssichting@ncsg.org or 317-837-1500.
January 2018
35 S W E E P I N G
Darwin
Award
The picture is of a ‘chimney’ we were called upon to replace in Berkshire, NY. Just when I thought I have seen it all after 34+ years. It is an ‘insulated’ single wall pipe spaced out 12 inches from the wall. Nice touches include the 2x4 and firewood support, and the elbow to re-direct the smoke from under the overhang. This has to be the most frightening installation I have ever seen, especially with the charred wall sheathing around the pass thru. All I can say is ‘WOW’! We replaced it quick before there wasn’t a structure left.” Bill Bobier, CSIA Cert #1490 Clean Sweep Chimney & Stove of Windsor, NY 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. Include a few words about the scene and location.
Ad Index Copperfield 800-247-3305 www.copperfield.com CVC Coaching
704-425-0217
7, 19
www.cvccoaching.com 4
ENERVEX 770-587-3238 www.enervex.com 3
36
Firesafe Industries, Inc.
S W E E P I N G
ICP 508-695-7000 www.chimneycaps.com 17
800-545-6607
www.firesafeinc.com 5
Gelco www.gllchimneyproducts.com Lindemann Chimney Company
866-629-8006
27
www.lindemannsupply.com 8
Lock-Top www.gllchimneyproducts.com
26
National Chimney
800-897-8481
www.nationalchimney.com
Inside front cover
New England Chimney Supply
888-900-8106
www.newenglandchimneysupply.com 21
Olympia Chimney Supply
800-569-1425
www.olympiachimney.com 15
Roydhouse Effect Inc
410-863-0157
www.roydhouseeffect.com 29
Sand Hill Wholesale & Mfg., Inc
800-258-5496
www.sandhillwholesale.com 10
SaverSystems, Inc
800-860-6327
www.saversystems.com 27
Spark Marketer
855-646-3538
sales@sparkmarketer.com 13
Ventech Industries
866-439-0069
www.chimneyspray.com 11
January 2018
with the latest indoor-outdoor innovations. Illuminate your business with new products, trends, and knowledge at HPBExpo 2018 in Nashville. From electrifying your sales to gaining a better understanding of where the industry is heading, HPBExpo 2018 is the premier event for the indoor-outdoor lifestyle professional. Experience the expansive show floor, the Outdoor Burn Area just outside the venue doors, and a multitude of educational sessions that span everything from new business strategies to technical proficiency. Fine tune your business with new relationships and new insights that can only be found here. REGISTER NOW AT HPBExpo.com/register.
EXHIBITION: MARCH 8-10, 2018
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EDUCATION: MARCH 7-9, 2018
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Bright Ideas in Music City.
MUSIC CITY CENTER
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NASHVILLE, TN
JOIN US HERE Register now to join the NCSG in beautiful Portland, Oregon April 18-21, 2018! Find out more and register at www.ncsgconvention.org