Sweeping Magazine- September 2016

Sweeping September 2016 VOLUME 40 #8

The Journal of Chimney and Venting Technology

Is Business Training On Your Calendar?

NFPA 211: A Code Book And Marketing Tool Not All Customers are Created Equal Think Outside the Chimney Eulogy for John Bordelon

Registration Opens September 21!

www.ncsgconvention.org

Departments President’s Letter 3 Editor’s Letter 5 Coach’s Corner 12 Sweeps Advantage 18 Progressive Perks 20 History Project 21 Technical Q&A 24 Nominations: Call for Entries 27 Date and Events 30 New Members 32 Around the Tech Center 38 Classifieds 39 Darwin Award 40

Table of Contents Sweeping September 2016 Volume 40 Issue 8

Features Is Business Training On Your Calendar?

Eulogy for John Bordelon

NFPA 211: A Code Book And Marketing Tool

Think Outside the Chimney

Not All Customers are Created Equal

6 10 16 22 28 September 2016

Jim Brewer Gas Venting and NFPA 54 (317) 203-0088 x: 3 John Pilger Oil Flue Sizing, Relining or NFPA 31 (317) 203-0088 x: 4 Randy Brooks IRC, NFPA 211 or Customer Communications (317) 203-0088 x: 5 Bart Ogden Stainless Steel Lining, Video Scanning and Narrative Report Writing (317) 203-0088 x: 6

Fred Joy Installation and Venting of Pellet Stoves (317) 203-0088 x: 7 Jay Walker Dryer Vents (317) 203-0088 x: 8 Rett Rasmussen Vented and Vent Free Gas Logs and Controls (317) 203-0088 x: 9 Rich Martinez Dryer Vents or Masonry (317) 203-0088 x: * Rich Rua General Sweeping or Relining (317) 203-0088 x: 0

NATIONAL CHIMNEY SWEEP GUILD BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2016-2017

TECHNICAL ADVISORY COUNCIL

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

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

September 2016

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

COMMITTEE CHAIRS and TASK FORCES 2016 – 2017

2

STAFF

Resources

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

To contact any member of the Technical Advisory Council, please call (317) 203-0088 and select the extension for the person who is best qualified to answer your question: Be advised that advice given by NCSG’s Technical Advisory Council (TAC) reflects best practices of the chimney sweeping industry. However, we are unable to account for any particular type of situation since regional variations in construction practices and additional environmental, physical and geographical factors necessarily vary the level of service appropriate for a particular fireplace and/or chimney.

Additionally, local laws and ordinances may govern and/ or supersede the information and any recommendations provided. Final determinations are the responsibility of a local professional with firsthand knowledge of the situation, and the local Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ). Neither NCSG nor any member of TAC will be held liable for any damages whatsoever resulting from the use of or reliance on information provided by anyone associated with TAC. By your use of this member benefit you acknowledge acceptance of these terms.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ADVERTISING RATES for Sweeping: The Journal of Chimney & Venting Technology may be obtained by contacting Malisa Minetree at (317) 815-4688 or sweepingads@me.com Layout and design by David Bruce, Red2 Design Bureau NCSG encourages industry partners to submit press releases and articles to editor Darcy Marlett at dmarlett@ncsg.org. Submissions should contain items of interest or importance to the chimney and venting industry. Submissions should not contain direct solicitations, prices, or a call to action on the part of our readers. Submissions may contain images or artwork attached in a .jpg format.

In all cases, NCSG reserves the right to edit submissions to fit space limitations, keep the release and publish at a later date, or refuse to publish the release for any reason. Neither publishing, nor refusing to publish the submission should be considered a statement of NCSG’s opinion regarding the release.

NCSG further reserves the right to reject at any time any advertising determined not to be in keeping with the publication’s standards.

Acceptance of advertising by Sweeping magazine does not necessarily constitute endorsement of products or services advertised. NCSG does not make any effort to review or substantiate claims made by advertisers. © 2016 National Chimney Sweep Guild, 2155 Commercial Drive, Plainfield, IN 46168. (317) 837-1500

H

ere I sit this Sunday morning laying in bed with Brandi watching CBS Sunday Morning. Brandi is checking Facebook and shows me a beautiful renovation that an acquaintance of hers has had done to their kitchen.

Where one sees beauty, another sees flaw. I, being the typical chimney sweep, instantly look for the fireplace in the picture.

I shake my head and point out that not only had they removed the hearth, but the also faced the fireplace with new stone. I can guarantee that the stone is stuck to wood and wood framing as I have seen it done that way tons of time over in our Kansas City area.

Usually the conversation with the contractor, city official, or homeowner goes like this: it appears that someone has removed the hearth extension and that the new facing appears to be laid on wood. Both are a potential hazard and not approved. Then there is either a bit of anger, defense, or frustration from the other party. Then comes the defense mechanisms: well the wood is covered in stone veneer, well it's just gas logs-so that's okay.

I will usually try to pull up the gas log owners manual and a couple pages of the IRC and NFPA 211 that we keep on our iPads while this conversation is happening. I then ask if anyone read the instructions before making alterations. It's always amazing to me how fast the demeanor changes when I do my show and tell. I then explain that they called us here today to check for and point out any potential

defects that could be dangerous.

Mission accomplished.

One of our crews recently visited a job that the customer was having a dispute with a neighbor if their new outdoor fireplace was installed too close to the neighbors house or not.

Upon arrival, we saw that it was a modular fireplace unit. We asked for a copy of the owners installation manual and the customer looked at us funny. "I thought you guys knew about these". My tech explained that we do, but all units have to be installed to the manuals specs and we want to cross reference to make sure that not only are the general requirements met, but that any unit specific requirements are met.

President’s

Letter Jeremy Biswell

President

Instructions:

Of course, no manual was present, so we start the hunt.

The owner let's us know the retailer they bought it from.

Luckily, I know most supply houses in town and what they sell. I found a copy of the manual online. The crew was able to do a thorough inspection and we sent a copy to the owner.

A couple flaws were found.

The same deck builder, yes deck builder, that the customer had build the outdoor fireplace also put together an outdoor pizza oven. The customer asked us about it. My tech sent me a picture as we don't deal with many pizza ovens. The oven appeared to be uninsulated, just covered with stone and built right up against the wood fence. That didn't seem right. We asked again for the manual for the pizza oven and no manual was found. The homeowner was getting frustrated at the situation and stated "aren't they

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just all built the same?" My technician told him that there are many similarities and we can tell you this, we have NEVER seen a pizza oven that has a built in chimney on the rear and that can be built without any clearance to a fence.

After some more research and a little common sense when it comes to how pizza ovens work, we determined that the porch builder that constructed this outdoor area had built the pizza oven backwards. This was an amazing feat and had to take some doing and alteration of the kit to make the mistake happen. Simply amazing.

Basically open box, throw away instructions, and proceed to build appliances that contain fire - an element in this world that helps sustain life and helps take it away. An element that can keep you alive and can destroy an entire town.

The word instruction is defined as: a direction or order; detailed information telling how something should be done, operated, or assembled. The definition seems right, especially for this situation.

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So why are so many mistakes made? You can attribute it to laziness. I attribute to education and accountability. I have chose to dive into building things around my house to promptly then have to deconstruct the item because a step was forgotten or a part was missing, or it didn't function as it was supposed to. These experiences were frustrating and took more time than they should. I have learned from these experiences.

People often wonder why I am handy or can figure out most situations or problems. I store information well and first thumb through the instructions. I think most of my online searches are to manufacturers websites in search of valuable information. Education is key.

Utilize the tools you are given in life.

Use your experiences and knowledge you have gained in life. Strive to obtain the highest level of education our industry offers. Search for other education opportunities that offer high standards and not just cheap information.

Don't hold yourself to a lower standard just to say you know what you are doing.

Shoot for the best. Research and follow the information that is provided for you in life.

You deserve the best because you are the best.

Jeremy Biswell President NCSG

H

appy September Sweeps!

Hopefully you all are enjoying the tail end of summer as the industry prepares for its annual ramp up to busy season.

This month’s Sweeping brings you great business advice from unique perspectives. This month marketing professional Taylor Hill wrote on the importance of training and attorney Eugene LaFlamme brings you an article on how you can use the NFPA 211 to your advantage in marketing.

In Guild member news you’ll want to check the new member travel benefit HotelStorm in this month’s Progressive Perks (pg. 20). Additionally, those of you interested in board service will find the 2016 call for nominations on page 27.

Editor’s

Letter Darcy Marlett Editor

The staff and I wish you a happy and successful busy season!

Cheers!

On page 10 Sweeping contributor Justin Bailey shares his memories of the late John Bordelon. Those that knew him will recognize John’s warmth and spirit in Justin’s story.

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5 S W E E P I N G

Is Business Training On Your Calendar?

Taylor Hill

Spark Marketer good friend of ours somewhat regularly offers training and classes to those within the chimney and hearth industry. About a year ago, he offered a class on building a better business – 12 or so people attended. This year, he offered a class on BBQ – about 35 people attended. If we look at those numbers, we might conclude that almost 3x as many business owners are more interested in learning how to improve their BBQ than their business. Is that crazy?

A

6 S W E E P I N G

This didn’t just blow our friend’s mind – it blew our minds! Even as diehard BBQ fans who know there’s a right way and wrong way to do things, we still couldn’t wrap our minds around the fact that BBQ was more important to business owners in this industry than their business and their livelihood. How could so few business owners be serious about

September 2016

improving and growing their business?

We regularly hear guys in the industry talk about wanting to build better, more financially lucrative and successful businesses. But one thing we’ve noticed is that not many business owners are willing to step out of their comfort zone and do what it takes to learn and grow their business into what they say they want it to be. It’s not that training isn’t available – it’s that it’s being passed by.

You Need Business Training – Just Ask Your Employees Carter and I had the privilege of attending a three-hour business training at this year’s Southeast Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association (SEHPBA) convention. The training was absolutely fantastic, yet only attended by six or seven people!

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During the break, Carter overheard a tech who was reading about the class say, “Wow, I wish my boss was in there.” That got us to thinking, “Why wasn’t his boss in there?” Is it possible that business owners simply don’t see the value of business training? Or are they simply sticking with what they know and feel comfortable with?

After a lot of thought and observation, I think the challenge is that business owners, and most humans, are afraid to step out of their comfort zones. As a result, they miss out on education and resources that have the power to boost their management skills and take their business and leadership to new levels.

The most important question to ask is: Where do you think that tech’s comment stemmed from?

He had obviously noticed weaknesses and flaws in his boss’ managerial style, systems, leadership, or business practices, and saw ways, through this training, to improve upon them. He saw solutions to very real problems that exist, not just for him, but for everyone working alongside him in the business. Unfortunately, the owner of the business didn’t have the same curiosity and open-mindedness as his tech did. He didn’t want to step out of his comfort zone by attending a class because he didn’t think it was important.

8 S W E E P I N G

While you may not think you need business training, you do. And because you don’t think you do, you’re missing out on so many opportunities to grow. You’re skipping the business classes and investing in technical training alone. Yes, technical training is incredibly important, especially in the chimney and hearth industry where failure to do things properly can result in death. With that said, business and managerial training is vital to success, too!

The reality is: your employees know your weaknesses. They know where you need improvement and training. Why is it obvious to them but not to you?

Inspect Your Business for Signs of Weakness or Areas in Need of Improvement If you aren’t sure how business training could help you, it’s time to take a look at your business.

Where do problems keep arising? Do you have a high employee turnover rate? Do you always seem to be knee deep in conflict? Have others

September 2016

complained about your management style? Do you lack systems? Is efficiency or warehouse space a concern? Is operations where things always fall apart? Looking into your business and making notes of common issues and pain points can be incredibly eye opening.

As I said above, asking your employees is a great way to identify these pain points and issues as well. Depending on what type of culture you’ve established in your business, your employees may be hesitant to speak up.

If open communication isn’t working, consider a suggestions box or something of that sort.

Seek Out Training That is Specific to Your Needs Once you’ve identified your pain points and weaknesses, it’s time to get out there and see what training is available to you. The chimney and hearth industry has so many wonderful business training resources, so whatever area you need to improve upon, you’re bound to find help.

We recommend starting your search with NCSG, NFI, HPBA, CSIA, CVC Coaching, Lindemann Chimney Supply, Olympia Chimney Supply, Blue Collar University, and Ellen Rohr. There are also many great business books out there, so grab your library card and start adding to your knowledge – one book at a time.

Remember, The Magic Happens Just Outside Your Comfort Zone Admitting you don’t know everything there is to know about business can make you feel uncomfortable and small – but it doesn’t have to. The more you learn and grow, the better your business will be and the less out of control everything will seem. When you hear that voice telling you to stay in your circle of comfort instead of admitting you could use some guidance and training, don’t listen! Like Carter and I always say, the magic happens just outside of your comfort zone. Are you willing to step out?

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

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Eulogy for John Bordelon

By Justin Bailey

I

10 S W E E P I N G

met him at the NCSG convention in Columbus, Ohio in the year 2014. It was my first chimney sweeps’ convention and I didn’t know anyone. I found myself sitting next to Mr. Bordelon during the auction, 500 crazy chimney sweeps from all over the country, running around, wearing costumes — what was the theme that year? Pirates? Polynesia? Puritans? I can't remember. But I remember Mr. Bordelon sat in a chair, his legs crossed, a gentle smile on his face. I think he could tell I was feeling kind of lost. He had a drink in his hand, an easy smile, and we struck up a conversation.

The auctioneer was doing it up full blast, moving the mountain of chimney parts, chimney tools, equipment, memorabilia, a solid glass life-sized top-hat full of cash floating around the room, books in foreign languages on the history of chimney sweeps, artwork featuring chimney sweeps, chimney sweep quilts, chimney sweep mugs to hold the 12-packs of chimney sweep beer, and of course the official chimney sweep uniforms from Germany with the famous double row of brass buttons down the front.

Mr. Bordelon watched the whole thing calmly and told me about the chimneys of Lafayette, Louisiana, where he lived. It made me feel right at home.

So when he sat next to me in the back seat of a shuttle van two years later, I remembered his white hair and beard, his smooth Louisiana accent. It was the Meirs shuttle that runs from the Orlando airport to the Rosen Plaza Inn. It was late at night.

Within a minute or so, he was telling me a love story.

It was good to hear that story after the day I’d had,

September 2016

driving through a pre-dawn February blizzard in New Mexico in four-wheel drive to catch a flight, thankful for the snow tires, while the giant flakes accumulated on the pavement so quickly you couldn't see where the road was. And then running through airports and riding on planes until nearly midnight. And now we were almost to our destination, the 2016 NCSG conference in Orlando, Florida.

Bordelon said, as we rode in that van together, that he'd attended his first NCSG Conference in 1988, in New Orleans, when he was 33.

Less than an hour after he’d arrived in New Orleans for that convention, he was waiting for a streetcar on St. Charles Street, and he met a woman. He never told me her name. She had a suitcase with wheels on it, he remembered. He didn’t know if he had ever seen that before — wheels on a suitcase.

As the van rolled on he told me the rest of their love story spanning almost three decades of time stolen away together throughout the years in different places throughout the country. Including her trip to see him in Louisiana for Mardi Gras that year.

"That was exactly the story I needed to hear tonight," I told him. "Thank you!"

And ever since, I’ve thought John Bordelon epitomized the romantic soul and the passionate heart, the zest for life and the tenderness that it seems all chimney sweeps should have.

Rest In Peace, John. I’ll miss seeing you at the conventions.

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T Corner Coach’s Jerry Isenhour

The 5 Minute Success Training System

his month I want to share with you a concept that can bring you huge dividends, reduce mistakes, and take your sales and profits up to a whole new level.

But to see these results you have to do a little daily prep, and then you have to take 5 minutes, just 5 minutes, and the dividends will be tremendous.

The five minutes is for traininga short dedicated training that you (or, some other qualified person in your company) does each and every morning.

The purpose is to present one powerful idea, or phrase, or word that will inspire, educate, and motivate your team to raise their game to a new level.

If you’ve attended any industry trainings, you know as well as I that often very little of it is retained, and even less is used. Maybe half, if you’re lucky. Research shows that usually less than 20% is actually retained. Pretty small pay back for the time and money, but the 5-minute training process may multiply this greatly.

This is an issue every trainer and educator understands, it is why we review and review, and then review some more. That’s why, no matter how hard you try to convey important or new information, your people do not seem to ever fully grasp it. But in this case, the entire purpose of your 5-minute training is to simplify and focus it so it can be retained, in small doses. You do that by zeroing in like a laser on one simple word, phrase, idea, or process. It’s like putting a single idea under a magnifying glass so it can be examined fully.

When this is done, everyone is

12 S W E E P I N G September 2016

far more likely to “get it” because by examining a single concept so intensely, no one gets lost in the details of something more elaborate and more complex.

If you study the company’s performance each day, you will discover many, if not all, of the mistakes usually happen because someone did not understand a concept, or process. By providing this kind of focused review, done in a patient manner, you will find it much easier to get through to your team and make it more likely they will comprehend and put the processes into practice. Simplicity and focus are the keys. That’s why you get just five minutes…so you cannot make it too complicated.

However, if you want to add some visual aids in the form of diagrams, photos, or illustrations, those can help make your points even more clear. Just remember to keep it simple.

There are a number of ways to do this. Perhaps you have an expert on your team in a certain process, like how to sell a particular product, or how to do something more easily and more safely. Give that person a chance to provide a simple, brief, focused talk so his methods can be easily grasped by the whole team. By involving the team as trainers, you may discover you have a solid group of trainers right there. Also, nothing is ever understood as fully as when you have to teach it.

You can take this idea and implement it many ways, like a “lunch and learn” twice a month.

Or maybe a “breakfast and

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learn”… taking a few minutes to connect with and further educate your team during a meal you provide. A meal together allows for the brief powerful training moment and even some time to discuss the subject in more depth. Very powerful.

The winning combination is to use both approaches, a daily dose of training, highlighted with a lunch or breakfast and learn. These are proven concepts that just may be what you need to reinvigorate your training, boost morale, and move to an entirely new level with your team.

Whatever process you choose, the five-minute training meeting is a winner. When it’s done daily

it is like a dose of vitamins or a brisk workout, it builds strength, endurance, and, in the case of training, it builds understanding.

Try it, the results may simply amaze you.

Jerry Isenhour is an industry consultant, educator and coach who authors a monthly article in Sweeping as a service to the industry. Holding certifications in coaching from both the Jeffrey Gitomer Group and also as a John Maxwell Certified Coach, Trainer & Speaker. 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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NFPA 211:

A Code Book And Marketing Tool

Eugene M. LaFlamme

16 S W E E P I N G

A

s the busy season approaches, many sweeps will start to increase their marketing efforts.

Marketing can obviously be done in many forms and mediums. Whether it is done in print ad, direct mailing, radio/ television, or internet marketing, sweeps should utilize NFPA 211’s annual inspection requirement to promote their business.

Such lack of knowledge and appreciation is an opportunity to stress the importance of the annual fireplace and chimney inspection in a sweep’s marketing efforts.

Sweeps certainly understand that NFPA 211 is a code that governs their industry.

Unfortunately, many homeowners (especially first time homeowners) are not aware of the code’s requirements – especially the annual inspection requirement. Others, simply don’t appreciate the importance of such activity.

If it is a true chimney fire, most of those fires will stay contained within the flue pipes pursuant to its UL 127 testing until the fuel (creosote, animal nest, etc.) is consumed. If there are other hidden installation issues - such as clearance to combustible violations - the chimney fire can also spread to a structural

September 2016

While every solid fuel burning fireplace manual instructs consumers to have their fireplace and chimney systems inspected at least annually, many homeowners either do not read the manual or do not take note of this important maintenance and safety practice. This, unfortunately, can have dire consequences and may lead to a chimney fire.

fire. Even a pure chimney fire, however, can cause a lot of damage as smoke and possibly water from suppression efforts will damage non fire damaged portions of the property.

Although the main purpose of advertising is to increase sales and revenue, such desires can often be furthered by educating customers about the importance of proper fireplace and chimney maintenance. While the annual inspection process, in and of itself, is often not a high value project, it does allow a sweep the opportunity to ensure that its customers’ fireplace and chimney systems are safe to use.

In addition, the inspection may yield additional repair work necessary to achieve this goal which is, of course, an opportunity for more revenue.

In that regard, only legitimate repair work should be recommended and sweeps must avoid making unnecessary recommendations. If a sweep does

engage in such a scrupulous practice, it not only will greatly damage its business reputation, but could also open the sweep up to criminal liability.

Finally, if a sweep is ever sued following a chimney fire and one of the claims is that it failed to warn the homeowner about the annual inspection requirement, marketing that reference the requirement can be used, in conjunction with other evidence, as part of the sweep’s defense.

Eugene M. LaFlamme is a partner at McCoy Leavitt Laskey LLC, a national defense firm specializing in fire and explosion cases. Eugene’s practice focuses on the defense of companies involved in the hearth and chimney industries. He can be contacted at elaflamme@MLLlaw.com or (262) 522-7000.

17 S W E E P I N G September 2016

Sweeps

A dvantage

The 2015 – 2016 offers with instructions on how to redeem are available in the “Members Only” section of the NCSG website at www.NCSG.org.

These coupons will be good until June 30, 2016 unless otherwise noted.

Cathedral Stone Products, Inc. | Copperfield Chimney Supply | ENERVEX, Inc. | Fireside Distributors | Firesafe Industries, Inc. | InO-Vate Dryer Products | National Chimney | Wakefield Brush .These are just a few of

the many offers available to you as a member of the National Chimney Sweep Guild. Visit www.NCSG. org “Members Only” to learn the complete details of each coupon and how to redeem!

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

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

Featured Coupons of the Month

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15% discount off regular price of (1) 6” x 25’ UltraPro™ or (1) 6” x 25’ UltraPro™ pre-insulated chimney liner Get $20 off (1) Gelco™ semi-custom cap Get $20 off (1) Lock-Top® or (1) Lyemance® damper

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18 S W E E P I N G

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“Thanks again for both you and Dan following up with me about the training I received at your facility. Dan and Steve were great teachers and they were both very knowledgeable about the products that you sell. We looked at many different resurfacing products that are out in the market, and I did not find anything that I was excited about until I heard about your product FireGuard. It hands down blows the competition away. The ease of use, corporate technical support and the unbelievable quality of the product itself truly sets it apart form the rest! It is a game changer for our business. Please keep up the good work and I look forward to working with you and your staff for a long time.”

Tommy Nelms Sweeps & Ladders

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September 2016

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NEW TRAVEL BENEFIT!

20 S W E E P I N G September 2016

T

he National Chimney Sweep Guild is excited to announce a new partnership with HotelStorm to bring exclusive hotel discounts to our members! When you use HotelStorm, you will find savings of 10-55% over other online travel agencies.

HotelStorm is a great option for: • International travel with thousands of hotels all over the globe • Conference travel, networking events, and professional gatherings • Quick weekend getaways • Any other hotel needs you may have!

Once you access the HotelStorm’s website and enter the access code (this will be found in the NCSG’s website’s “Members Only” section) you can search for rooms anonymously. When a room is booked; a name, email address and credit card information (PCI compliant) will be requested – no billing address or other personal information.

Repeat customers can create an account with HotelStorm to expedite their booking process.

Swing, Batter, Swing!

History

Project

By Claire Rutledge

Can you believe we’re only 6 months away from the 2017 NCSG National Convention!

Before you know it will be time to head to Louisville!

The above bat was customized for the CSIA Technology Center during out last convention there in 2006 at the Louisville Slugger facility and makes a unique addition to our collection.

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September 2016 2016-04-19 1:14 PM

S W E E P I N G

Think Outside the Chimney

By Cam Arnold

22 S W E E P I N G

I

f there is one thing that everyone in the hearth and chimney industry can agree on, it’s that worker’s compensation rates are outrageous across the nation. Partly due to the risk involved with the everyday operations, but mostly because almost everyone has to go through the state risk fund or NCCI. With that in mind, it is time to get creative and offset some of the cost associated with work comp. There are a few steps to doing so, and it is imperative that you pay close attention and consult the appropriate professional when doing so. (Insurance agent, CPA, payroll)

classified as a mason material, and the chimney professional having to install them from top down which results in more time spent on the roof. That is where the chimney industry has changed, and no one in the insurance world has noticed, until now.

While most of you clean chimneys from ground level and do not perform masonry from heights on a regular basis, for years this is how they classified relines. The reason for this is terra cotta tiles are

Have your insurance agent call the governing body over workers compensation in your state whether it be the state fund or NCCI. You want to be sure that you can classify liner installs,

September 2016

There are 3 costly class codes associated with workers compensation.

9170 – Chimney cleaning above ground level 5222 – Masonry above ground level.

5022 - Masonry

which are stainless steel, as sheet metal manufacturing. You would need to have your agent specifically describe the job that is being done, and the time spent on the roof.

Then you would need to have them send it to the audit department to be sure that they will not try and reclassify this operation during the audit. Once they confirm this, be sure to document it in writing.

The next step needs to be taken internally.

There needs to be a system in place for how to break out the payroll. When your company gets audited, they are looking at your payrolls and which tasks should go under which classification. It takes 2 guys to reline a chimney (most of the time). Your payroll should look something like this:

Energy-SavingDampers Energy-Saving Setting The Standard For

Quality & Durability!

Jimmy Soot: sheet metal $345 Ronnie Creosote: sheet metal $150 This will show that the payroll for Jimmy Soot and his helper Ronnie Creosote will be classified under sheet metal due to the nature of the install. However, if you are installing terra cotta tiles, or repairing the inner flue tiles you will still need to classify 9170, 5222, or 5022 depending on the nature and extent of the repair/installation. This switch may not make sense for everyone, but if you are paying $10,000+ for your workers compensation it could help.

AGAIN! I cannot stress enough how important it is to consult with a professional before making this switch. Each state has its own worker’s compensation law’s and with these laws come very intricate wording that can cause negative audits if due diligence is not done. I hope this tidbit will help some of you beef up your bottom line!

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

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

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September 2016

23 S W E E P I N G

Technical

Q&A

Micheal Segerstrom

NCSG Technical Advisory Chair

Question:

I recently swept a wood burning masonry fireplace and observed that mortar is missing from the joints between clay tile liner sections in multiple areas.

Should I recommend joint repair, or a reline with a stainless steel liner?

24 S W E E P I N G September 2016

Answer: That depends. As chimney service professionals, in addition to sweeping and inspecting chimneys, we should understand available repair options and methods.

Even if our company does not perform these services, having a thorough understanding demonstrates our professionalism and provides a better service to our clients.

Looking at the question, there is much to consider when making a recommendation in this situation. The first step in making any accurate repair recommendation, is inspection of the chimney. Did we do level 2 inspection, or at least perform an internal camera inspection of the clay flue liner?

Even if we have scanned the flue, it is prudent to perform a level 2 Inspection when defects in a liner are present.

This will help us determine if other components of the system are also in need of

repair or corrective action.

Often times completing a level 2 inspection will give us information that has a direct impact on our liner repair/ replacement recommendations.

If we are considering relining, the NFPA 211 specifies that a level 2 inspection shall be performed "prior to relining or replacement of flue lining".

It also states that a level 2 inspection should be performed when "level 1 inspection is insufficient to determine the suitability of continued use of the chimney." Completing a level 2 inspection will help us confirm If joint repair is an option, as joint repair products will have specific chimney requirements.

Take for example, chimney exterior airspace clearance to combustibles requirements. We know that an exterior chimney has a 1� requirement, where an interior chimney has a 2� air space clearance requirement.

The installation or application

instructions of the joint repair products available to us require that chimney air space clearances to combustibles are maintained.

In other words, these products do not reduce chimney clearance requirements. A UL Listed insulated stainless steel liner (and other UL Listed relining products and systems) will reduce chimney exterior clearance requirements to 0 inches.

So if we have performed a level 2 inspection, there's a good probability that we will have been able to confirm if chimney clearances are present. If they are not, then we have to recommend a repair method (relining) that reduces these requirements to 0 inches. If chimney clearances are maintained, then a joint repair could be a viable option.

Not technical, but often very important, is the cost difference between a joint repair product or a full stainless steel reline. Relining a fireplace with a stainless steel liner can be a costly project. Joint repair can be a more costeffective alternative. If the chimney is suitable for either method, the client should be educated on the benefits of both, including cost aspects.

Back to the technical side of things. Let's say that the fireplace chimney we are discussing does meet clearances. Since we are talking about voids in the liner, we have to pay special attention to inspection of those voids. Specifically, are they clean voids, or are they full of soot and creosote?

If we see soot and creosote in these voids, there

Product warranties can also play a role in our client's decision. Over the last 10 years or so, most of the stainless steel liner manufacturers are now offering limited lifetime warranties.

These warranties may even be transferable if the client sells the home. These warranties typically cover use with multiple appliance types and fuels, including an open hearth wood burning masonry fireplace. Clay liner joint repair product warranties are similar, with some differences. As an example, one joint repair product has a limited lifetime warranty, but this warranty only covers the product when it's installed in a chimney that is connected to Listed Appliances. Since our chimney in question is a masonry fireplace and not a Listed Appliance, this product may work well, but there would be no warranty if it were installed. In addition to having a working knowledge of repair options, we should also know the warranty information.

25 S W E E P I N G September 2016

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September 2016

is a significant likelihood that soot and creosote have traveled into the structure between the clay tile and masonry of the chimney. If the voids are large enough, we may actually see it.

These deposits may be in the form of creosote carried out by condensation leaks at the joint, or smoke entering this area.

A mortar joint repair does not address these deposits. Creosote is combustible, and may be exposed to excessive heat and ignite. A stainless steel reline would also not address these deposits, unless the clay liner was removed. Clay liner removal would provide access to the chimney structure interior, and allow for removal of soot and creosote in these areas. So even if the existing clay liner would accommodate a properly sized and insulated stainless steel liner, it would still be necessary to remove the clay liner if evidence at the mortar joint voids indicates that creosote is present outside the clay liner.

There is often more to repairing or restoring a fireplace system than just addressing the liner.

Level 2 inspection will help identify additional issues. The focus here is on options for liner joint repair or replacement, and a few of the important aspects we need to consider when making a repair recommendation.

Call for Nominations: Board of Directors When you serve on the NCSG Board of Directors, you help lead the chimney industry into the future and can develop leadership, management and communications skills that will serve you in your business and personal life. You can make an immediate difference in the chimney service industry by helping to determine the organizations’ strategic plan and annual budget.

The new shorter two-year term limits make volunteering easier!

NCSG board members are responsible for: • Attending four board meetings each year: Two of the meetings are held at the CSIA Technology Center in Indianapolis (Spring- typically held for three days, Summer- typically held for two days), the November meeting is usually held online and via teleconference and the fourth is held immediately before the NCSG convention at the host city.

Travel and lodging expenses are reimbursed for board members attending, with the exception of the convention meeting only.

• Participating in the NCSG members-only and board of directors’ electronic discussion lists.

• Welcoming new and reinstated members to the organization via phone calls and email • Connecting members to regional legislation affecting the industry And NCSG board members receive: • Complimentary NCSG National Convention registration for you and your spouse while you serve on the board • Networking opportunities at board meeting which help develop life-long friendships with business associations from across the country

The NCSG Governance Committee is now accepting nominations for the following positions: Region 1: 2-year term Represents: Connecticut, Vermont, Massachusetts, New York, Maine, Rhode Island, New Hampshire

Region 5: 2-year term Represents: Wisconsin, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, Colorado, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana

At Large Director #1: 2-year term Represents: National Membership

At Large Director #2: 2-year term Represents: National Membership

At Large Supplier Member: 2-year term

27

Represents: Supplier and Dual members nationally

S W E E P I N G

Questions?

Jay Walker, NCSG Governance Chair Tallahasseeesweep@aol.com 850-562-4692

September 2016

Not All Customers are Created Equal

28 S W E E P I N G

by Darin Bibeau President, National Chimney

D

on’t get upset. This article has nothing to do with race, ethnicity, religion, etc.

But it does have to do with making smart business decisions.

I’m talking about the Pareto Principle (more commonly known as the 80 20 Rule). It was developed by an Italian economist back in the 1800’s. In brief, Pareto observed that 80 percent of results can be attributed to 20 percent of the causes.

Here are a few examples offered by Wikipedia: • 80 percent of a company's profits come from 20 percent of its customers

September 2016

• 80 percent of a company's complaints come from 20 percent of its customers • 80 percent of a company's sales come from 20 percent of its products • 80 percent of a company's sales are made by 20 percent of its sales staff

4 Ways to Apply the 80 20 Rule Let’s break these down these various situations.

When You have the Top 20 percent of Your Customers Producing 80 percent of Your Profits

What to do? You need to take your customer database, sort it in descending order in terms of profitability, and quintile the file (divide it into fifths). The top fifth needs the majority of your attention regarding customer satisfaction, special terms, special offers, and sales support.

Here’s a different situation: 20 Percent of Your Customers Create 80 Percent of Your Headaches Here’s how a life insurance company handled this problem.

Life insurers are required to give their customers ample notice and opportunity to avoid life insurance policies lapsing (ending due to non-payment).

So much time is spent sending payment reminders, out-bound calling, and other contacts to keep these customers current.

But are they worth it? A Kansas City-based life insurer found they were not. By doing what the law required, but not going to extreme measures to retain the habitually late paying or nonpaying customers, the company could refocus retention and cross-selling efforts for more profitable customers.

What to do? Identify your least profitable 20 percent and fire them—or at least don’t bend over backwards to meet their unrealistic and dollar-draining demands.

20 percent of Your Products Generate 80 percent of Your Sales Many catalog businesses learned this lesson the hard way only after using various types of sales analytics. For example, women’s sweaters far outsold

What to do? Focus on what product SKU’s sell best with the fewest problems/returns and increase promotion of those product categories.

20 percent of the Sales Staff Produce 80 percent of the Sales This is a tricky problem. There will always be star performers.

Part of it is due to personality, geography, knowledge—the reasons are many and varied.

What to do? Sales training is always helpful—even for veteran, old pro’s. Matching a higher-performing sales rep to mentor a lower-performing sales rep can’t hurt. Working with Marketing to generate qualified leads and segmenting the customer base can help. But in the end, it’s the quality of the product and the reputation of the brand (and the sales rep’s belief in both) that can help under-performing staff increase their numbers.

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men’s sweaters, meaning that women’s sweaters needed to be given more space in the catalog.

Conversely, women’s swimsuits sold in higher volumes than men’s swimsuits, but a much larger percentage of women’s swimsuits got returned for fit, color, style, etc., thereby increasing cost and reducing profit. The allocation of space for that product line needed to be reduced.

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To summarize, analyze your customer database, nurture the best, fire the worst, review products with a critical eye, and give the Sales Team some love— they have a tough job which is vital for a company’s existence.

Visit: www.goldenflue.com

September 2016

29 S W E E P I N G

Dates and

Events September 2016

30 S W E E P I N G

September 2, 2016 CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep® Review & Exams Sponsored by Lindemann Chimney Service at Chimney Solutions, Alpharetta, GA For more information, please call (317) 837-5362 or visit www.CSIA.org September 5-11, 2016 CSIA (online) - Chimney Physics - CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep Review - CSIA Certified Dryer Exhaust Technician Review - CSIA eLearning - Health & Safety Multi-User Courses - Lining Masonry Chimneys with Stainless Steel For more information, please call (317) 837-5362 or visit www.CSIA.org September 7-9, 2016 CVC 3-Day Basic Chimney Sweep Training w/ CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep Exams Sponsored by The Fluesbrothers Chimney Service Kansas City, KS For more information, please call brandi@kcsweep.com September 12–18, 2016 CSIA (online) - Chimney Physics - CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep Review - CSIA Certified Dryer Exhaust Technician Review - CSIA eLearning - Health & Safety Multi-User Courses - Lining Masonry Chimneys with Stainless Steel For more information, please call (317) 837-5362 or visit www.CSIA.org September 12-14, 2016 CSIA Masonry Repair for Chimney Professional (3Days) Saver Systems Facility - Richmond, IN For more information, please call (317) 837-5362 or visit www.CSIA.org September 12-16, 2016 CVC 5-Day Successful Retrofit Fireplaces Sales & Installation Class Sponsored by Anderson’s Chimney New Cumberland, PA For more information, please call Jillian (717) 975-3526 or email jill@andersonchimney.com September 15, 2016

September 2016

CSIA Certified Dryer Exhaust Technician® Workshop & Exams Charlotte, NC – Hosted by NADCA For more information, please call (317) 837-5362 or visit www.CSIA.org September 16, 2016 CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep® Review & Exams Sheraton Atlantic City Convention Center Hotel – Atlantic City, NJ For more information, please call (317) 837-5362 or visit www.CSIA.org September 19–25, 2016 CSIA (online) - Chimney Physics - CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep Review - CSIA Certified Dryer Exhaust Technician Review - CSIA eLearning - Health & Safety Multi-User Courses - Lining Masonry Chimneys with Stainless Steel For more information, please call (317) 837-5362 or visit www.CSIA.org September 19-24, 2016 CSIA National Chimney Sweep Training School CSIA Technology Center- Plainfield, IN For more information, please call (317) 837-5362 or visit www.CSIA.org September 20-22, 2016 CVC 3-Day Basic Chimney Sweep Training w/ CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep Exams Sponsored by Mountain Man Fireplace & Chimney, Inc., Evergreen, CO For more information, please call jake@mtmhp.com September 26– October 2, 2016 CSIA (online) - Chimney Physics - CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep Review - CSIA Certified Dryer Exhaust Technician Review - CSIA eLearning - Health & Safety Multi-User Courses - Lining Masonry Chimneys with Stainless Steel For more information, please call (317) 837-5362 or visit www.CSIA.org

October 2016 October 3-9, 2016 CSIA (online) - Chimney Physics - CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep Review - CSIA Certified Dryer Exhaust Technician Review - CSIA eLearning - Health & Safety Multi-User Courses - Lining Masonry Chimneys with Stainless Steel For more information, please call (317) 837-5362 or visit www.CSIA.org October 3-7, 2016 CVC 3-Day Basic Chimney Sweep Training w/ CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep Exams CVC - 1-Day Masonry Chimney Diagnosis CVC - 1-Day Factory Built Fireplace Diagnosis Sponsored by Owens Chimney Systems, Inc. Monroe, NC For more information, please call info@cvccoaching.com October 5-6, 2016 CSIA Certified Dryer Exhaust Technician® Workshop & Exams CSIA Technology Center

For more information, please call (317) 837-5362 or visit www.CSIA.org October 7, 2016 CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep® Review & Exams CSIA Technology Center For more information, please call (317) 837-5362 or visit www.CSIA.org October 8, 2016 CSIA Roadshow - Basics of chimney and fireplace inspection - Introduction to gas hearth appliances - Troubleshooting - Dryer exhaust system issues Sponsored by HouseMaster Home Inspections LLC Marriott Providence Downtown - Providence, RI For more information, please call (732) 469-6565 or email joe.cummins@housemaster.com

31 S W E E P I N G September 2016

New

Members

REGION

MARYLAND Joe Sette | Cathedral Stone Products, Inc. |Hanover

REGION

REGION

REGION

REGION

REGION

14 22 5 33 6 NORTH CAROLINA Philip J. Mai | MAI JAX Inc. | Maple Hill TENNESSEE Joshua Cate | TN Chimney and Home | Knoxville

CALIFORNIA Danny Lee Kellogg | Mr. Chimney Sweep Service | Sun Valley

S W E E P I N G September 2016

REGION

32

REGION

REGION

REGION

4 55 66

October 10-16, 2016 CSIA (online) - Chimney Physics - CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep Review - CSIA Certified Dryer Exhaust Technician Review - CSIA eLearning - Health & Safety Multi-User Courses - Lining Masonry Chimneys with Stainless Steel For more information, please call (317) 837-5362 or visit www.CSIA.org October 14, 2016 CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep® Review & Exams Best Western Sovereign Hotel - Albany, NY For more information, please call (317) 837-5362 or visit www.CSIA.org October 17-23, 2016 CSIA (online) - Chimney Physics - CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep Review - CSIA Certified Dryer Exhaust Technician Review - CSIA eLearning - Health & Safety Multi-User Courses - Lining Masonry Chimneys with Stainless Steel For more information, please call (317) 837-5362 or visit www.CSIA.org October 24-30, 2016 CSIA (online) - Chimney Physics - CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep Review - CSIA Certified Dryer Exhaust Technician Review - CSIA eLearning - Health & Safety Multi-User Courses - Lining Masonry Chimneys with Stainless Steel For more information, please call (317) 837-5362 or visit www.CSIA.org October 31 – November 6, 2016 CSIA (online) - Chimney Physics - CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep Review - CSIA Certified Dryer Exhaust Technician Review - CSIA eLearning - Health & Safety Multi-User Courses - Lining Masonry Chimneys with Stainless Steel For more information, please call (317) 837-5362 or visit www.CSIA.org

November 2016 November 7-13, 2016 CSIA (online) - Chimney Physics - CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep Review - CSIA Certified Dryer Exhaust Technician Review - CSIA eLearning - Health & Safety Multi-User Courses - Lining Masonry Chimneys with Stainless Steel For more information, please call (317) 837-5362 or visit www.CSIA.org November 14-20, 2016 CSIA (online) - Chimney Physics - CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep Review - CSIA Certified Dryer Exhaust Technician Review - CSIA eLearning - Health & Safety Multi-User Courses - Lining Masonry Chimneys with Stainless Steel For more information, please call (317) 837-5362 or visit www.CSIA.org November 21-27, 2016 CSIA (online) - Chimney Physics - CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep Review - CSIA Certified Dryer Exhaust Technician Review - CSIA eLearning - Health & Safety Multi-User Courses - Lining Masonry Chimneys with Stainless Steel For more information, please call (317) 837-5362 or visit www.CSIA.org November 28 – December 4, 2016 CSIA (online) - Chimney Physics - CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep Review - CSIA Certified Dryer Exhaust Technician Review - CSIA eLearning - Health & Safety Multi-User Courses - Lining Masonry Chimneys with Stainless Steel For more information, please call (317) 837-5362 or visit www.CSIA.org

33 S W E E P I N G

September 2016

CSIA UPDATE September 2016 Report

www.CSIA.org

Get to Know Your CSIA Board: Hope Stevenson - Secretary Born: “I was born and raised in a small town in Iowa.

Wayland, population 800. I loved growing up in Iowa and got an amazing education because of the small class size and the accountability that comes with your teachers personally knowing your parents.”

Currently Live: “I currently live in Chandler, AZ. A suburb of Phoenix. My husband, Gary, and I moved there 18 years ago after college. We picked Arizona on a whim but soon fell in love with it and made it our permanent home.”

How you got your start in the industry: “I grew up in the industry. My father, Dave Pomeroy, worked for manufacturers in the hearth and sweeping industries for 30 years. As a child, I would go visit him at Heatilator (now, Hearth and Home Technologies) and Copperfield.

Personally, I’ve always loved business and have been involved on many levels. Right after college I ran a customer service and dispatch department for a previous employer. Eventually my husband and I started our own construction business that still thrives today. I’ve been with Dave Pomeroy Signature Training since 2006.”

Why CSIA is important: “As a business consultant and facilitator I get the honor of intimately seeing many businesses in our industry. It is no coincidence to me that the companies that believe in CSIA certification operate at a higher level. The certification creates competence and confidence in employees which translates to more successful businesses.”

About my business: “My company was started in 2004 by my father, Dave Pomeroy. It continues today by focusing on what I call business building topics, specifically sales, leadership and employee development. We teach these through training, consulting and team facilitation. “

Where will I be in 15 years: “Probably doing the same thing. I absolutely love what I do. I am extremely focused on servant leadership (that’s why I love being on this board, and I am working on how to transfer what I do in my business to an organization called Live Love that my husband and I serve with in Chandler and internationally.

I haven’t figured out the specifics yet, but ask me in 15 years and I’ll tell you what I did.”

Best advice I have received: The most consistent person to give me good advice over the years, both personally and professionally, was my father. I was blessed to have him. One of the things that has always stuck with me is, “seek the advice of ten, rather than the wisdom of one.”

No human being is all knowing. Surround yourself with good people (as many as you can find) and listen to them.

Then take all their ideas and figure out what works for you.

EARN CEUs from Home!

In addition to our excellent in-person classes, did you know that we also over more than SEVENTY online courses to help you earn CEUs toward renewing your CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep credential? Our courses cover an extremely wide range of topics and we even offer a discount rate for courses that are packaged together in a bundle. If you’re finding it difficult to attend classroom based courses, this is a great opportunity to keep your knowledge fresh and maybe even learn something new! Go to www.csia.org/elarning to learn more!

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September 2016 Report

Newly Certified Chimney Sweeps Joshua Strickland | Smoke Alert | Garner

Dolf Dodge | Blackburn’s Chimney Sweeps | Columbus

Zachary Coltharp | Environmental Chimney Service | Arden

Michael Melvin | Century Chimney | Bay Village

Jeremy Ferguson | Owens Chimney Services | Charlotte

Patrick McNeely | Century Chimney | Bay Village

Indiana

Brandon Greene | Owens Chimney Services | Charlotte

James Ferguson | Ferguson’s Fireside Chimney | Canton

Cheryl Smith | The Cinder Box | Zionsville

Luke Webster | Owens Chimney Services | Charlotte

Pennsylvania

Georgia Matthew Koldeway | M & J Enterprises| Brunswick Illinois Lamont Harvey | Excel Fireplace & Chimney | Peoria

Massachusetts James Seery | The Chimney Cap | Hanson Missouri Al Guzman | Arnold Stove & Fireplace | Arnold North Carolina

Ohio

Mark Kerwood | Home & Hearth Services | Levittown

Brenda Smith | Blackburn’s Chimney Sweeps | Columbus

Erin O’Neil | Lehigh Valley Chimney Specialists | E. Stroudsburg

Stuart Sanor | Ferguson’s Fireside Chimney | Canton

Virginia

Cory Hall | Century Chimney | Bay Village

Steven Clark | Potomac Services | Sterling

Gary Spolar | Century Chimney | Bay Village

CSIA Education Roadshow

Excellence in Education. Delivered.

To-your-door expertise.

CSIA Education Roadshow is an exciting new opportunity to experience the industry standard in chimney sweep education and earn valuable CEUs and web icons, through in-person courses provided by one of CSIA’s expert instructors at YOUR event.

If you offer it, they will come.

Hosting an event which includes CSIA Roadshow courses is an

excellent way to build relationships within the industry and gain credibility with potential members, it will literally help you get the right people in your front door.

Leverage the CSIA’s network and grow your business.

Including CSIA Roadshow as part of your event will provide you with several opportunities for promoting your company or product, both onsite during the session, as well as

through CSIA’s social networks and e-newsletter.

Get started.

Literally anyone who wants to include a CSIA Roadshow session and has access to a suitable location can submit a request.

For a complete list of the available CSIA Roadshow courses or to bring CSIA education to your event, please contact CSIA Program Coordinator, Claire Rutledge, at (317) 837-5362.

Interested in becoming a CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep or Certified Dryer Exhaust Technician?

Give us a call at (317) 837-5362!

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www.CSIA.org

CSIA Certified Dryer Exhaust Tech October 5 - 6 | CSIA Tech Center | Plainfield, IN The Certified Dryer Exhaust Technician (CDET) in-person review session has been designed with learning in mind. Our instructors will cover tools, performance testing and repairs for residential systems. The extended content for this two-day session includes a new focus on commercial systems as well as installation and routing demonstrations at the CSIA Technology Center.

CSIA ON-SITE EDUCATION National Chimney Sweep Training School August 15-20 | Plainfield, IN [CSIA Technology Center] September 19-24| Plainfield, IN [CSIA Technology Center]

Mailing Address

Our flagship event where you’ ll spend a week learning the fundamentals of sweeping and inspection of chimney systems, equipment operation, health & safety considerations, and have step-by-step instruction in codes, clearances, standards, and practices.

2155 Commercial Drive

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

Plainfield, IN 46168

CSIA Certified Dryer Exhaust Technician

Telephone

October 5-6| Plainfield, IN [CSIA Technology Center]

(317) 837-5362

The Certified Dryer Exhaust Technician (CDET) in-person review workshop has been designed with learning in mind. Our instructors will cover tools, performance testing and repairs for residential systems. The extended content for this two-day session includes a new focus on commercial systems as well as installation and routing demonstrations at the CSIA Technology Center.

Contact Us:

Email: Office@CSIA.org Twitter: @Chimney_Safety Facebook: /ChimneySafety

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September 2016 Report

Newly Certified C-DET North Carolina James Owens | Owens Chimney Systems | Charlotte Chris White | Ownes Chimney Systems | Charlotte Tony Delgado | Owens Chimney Systems | Charlotte

Short on CEUs for re-certification? In addition to in-person classes held throughought the year, CSIA offers dozens of online courses. Find the class you need at csia.org/education.

Sweeps Recertifying Through CEUs Alabama

Kansas

Cleveland Pope | The Chimney Sweeps | Dothan

Ritchie Abromeit | Full Service Chimney | Olathe

Arizona

Robert Berry | Full Service Chimney | Olathe

Jake Hotsenpiller | HomeCo Lumber & Hardware | Flagstaff

Bill Rittmann | A Grate Chimney Sweep II | Overland Park

California

Kentucky

Charlie Baltimore | The Chimney Sweep | Rosamond

Chris Powell | Powell Chimney Services | Bowling Green

Terry Pore | ABA Hearth & Home | San Carlos Justin Atchley | ABA Hearth & Home | San Carlos Richard Pocock | Swede Chimney Sweep & Dryer Vent Cleaning | San Diego Colorado Andrew Shaughnessy | A Clean Sweep LLC | Greeley Connecticut Joshua Canfield | Max the Chimney Sweep | Trumbull

Maine Rober Frechette | Frechette Chimney

North Carolina Robert Davis | Bob Davis Chimney & Fireplace | Gastonia Ohio Cory Apperson | Blackburn’s Chimney Services | Columbus

Maryland

Pennsylvania

Chuck Roydhouse | Clean Sweep of A. A. County | Millersville

Brian Kegerreis | Kegerreis Stoves Inc. | Bernville

Massachusetts

Jamie Pagliei | United States Masonry & Chimney, LLC | Crum Lynne

Edward Harrigan | Billy Sweet Chimney Sweeps | Boston Michigan

John Fidati | Chimney Solutions | Alpharetta

Kevon Binder | Doctor Flue, Inc | Tecumseh

Charles Garrett | Chimney Solutions | Alpharetta

Michael Grisham | Doctor Flue, Inc | Tecumseh

Illinois

New Jersey

Ryan O’Donnell | Hearth & Home Inc | Mt Prospect

Rudi Oosting | Oosting Custom Masonry & Chimney Service Co. | Midland Park

Ltd. | Lebanon

Diane Pilger | Chief Chimney Services, Inc | Smithtown

Jerry Mulledy | The Fireplace Pros | Columbus

Georgia

Tim Smith | Chimney Sweeps of America

Bob McNamara | McNamara Fireplace & Stove | Pearl River

Sweeping | Sanford

Kevon Binder Jr. | Doctor Flue, Inc | Tecumseh

Indiana

Kasey O’Brien | The Tinderbox Ltd. | Fleischmanns

New York Bryan Buckel | Dansville Town & Country Agway | Dansville ADVERTISEMENT

Kevin Pugh | B. J. Meijer & Sons | Morrisville Eric Holtry | Anderson’s Chimney Sweeps, Inc | New Cumberland Virginia Dylan Raycroft | Rooftop Chimney Sweeps LLC | Alexandria Franklin Sternberg | Magic Sweep Corporation | Chesapeake Tim Taylor | Magic Sweep Corporation | Chesapeake Robert Bucia | Winston’s Chimney Service | Fairfax Tyler Martellacci | Blue Ridge Chimney Services | Harrisonburg

Around the

Tech Center.

Frances Kelly

Executive Director

38 S W E E P I N G September 2016

I

t’s been another busy month here at the Tech Center to cap off our summer. We hosted our board of directors here for our annual budget meeting and summer board meeting (you can even watch the recording on our YouTube page!).

students a what not to do example) and Jordan came to the rescue of two baby raccoons who fell in our dumpster.

That same week we hosted the CSIA Installing and Troubleshooting Gas Hearth Appliances class (don’t worry about the flames, Mike is showing

I hope all your summers ended great as we head into the busy season!

We capped off the month setting up for the August Chimney Sweep Training School and the staff surprising me with cupcakes and card for my birthday.

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.

Seeking CSIA Certified sweep as business partner/ eventual owner of profitable 35+ year chimney business on Cape Cod, MA. Contact owner at 508540-0458.

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 ad, please contact Sara Sichting at ssichting@ncsg.org or 317-837-1500.

Where Has Your Sweeping Been Executive Director Frances Kelly and her daughter Regan brought there copy of Sweeping to Palm Springs, CA!

39 S W E E P I N G September 2016

Darwin

Award

“Homeowner purchased a Desa fireplace on Craig's List.

Using galvanized connector pipe for a chimney and called it a freestanding wood stove.”

Joseph J Sauter Your Chimney Sweep, Inc., Indianapolis, IN

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

40 S W E E P I N G

A Step In Time

757-754-1388

Ray@ChimneySweep.com

Back Cover

Copperfield

800-247-3305

www.copperfield.com

5, 9

CVC Coaching

704-425-0217

www.cvccoaching.com 17

Fireplace Door Guy

951-757-2696

www.fireplacedoorguy.com

15

Fireside Distributors

866-800-3473

www.FiresideAmerica.com

26

Firesafe Industries, Inc.

800-545-6607

www.firesafeinc.com

18

Gelco™, Lyemance™, and Lock-Top®

www.gllchimneyproducts.com

23

Golden Flue, Inc

www.goldenflue.com

29

800-468-1052

ICP

508-695-7000 www.chimneycaps.com

14

Lindemann Chimney Company

866-629-8006

www.lindemannsupply.com

19

National Chimney

800-897-8481

www.nationalchimney.com

13

New England Chimney Supply

888-900-8106

www.newenglandchimneysupply.com

11

Novaflex

800-334-4270

www.novaflex.com

21

Olympia Chimney Supply

800-569-1425

www.olympiachimney.com

7

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

31

September 2016

NATIONAL A SS

SMOKEYBEAR.COM

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TERS RES FO

Only YOU Can Prevent Wildfires.

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National Chimney Sweep Guild 2155 Commercial Drive Plainfield, IN 46168

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