Sweeping Magazine- September 2018 by National Chimney Sweep Guild

Sweeping September 2018 VOLUME 42 #7

The Journal of Chimney and Venting Technology

How Your Offline Efforts Can Lead To Online Results Meet a Memberâ&#x20AC;&#x2030;: Lou Curley Get To Know Norfolk, VA

Registration Opens September 20th!

Picture yourself here

NCSG 2019 National Convention Waterside Marriott - Norfolk, VA April 17- 20, 2019 www.ncsgconvention.org

Departments President’s Letter 3 Editor’s Letter 5 Technical Q&A 12 Industry Watch 21 Coach’s Corner 22 Dates and Events 26 New Members 28 Membership Memo 29 Around the Tech Center 34 Classifieds 35 Darwin Award 36

Illustration based on the patent US4013059A for “factory-built fireplace with flush hearth installation”.

Table of Contents Sweeping September 2018 Volume 42 Issue 8

Features

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NCSG Norfolk 2019 National Convention Logo

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How Your Offline Efforts History Can Lead To Online Results Project

Bell MT Regular Get To Know Norflok, VA

Meet a Member

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NCSG Norfolk

Sponsored by:

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Your Local Chimney Sweep

How Your Offline Efforts Can Lead To Online Results Taylor Hill

Spark Marketer uilding and growing your business takes a lot of hard work. But the good news is, online and offline efforts feed and influence each other, which means one action online or offline can have an impact and reach that goes far beyond our initial expectations. Think about the increased phone calls and business that come from a well-optimized, mobile-friendly website and a ramped up ad spend in Google Ads or Facebook Ads. Online efforts can have real offline results — but it’s not a one way street! Here are some things you can and should be doing offline to give a positive boost to your online presence.

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Invest In Local Sponsorships As a local service business, your clients are the people living in your community. Because we know people want to do business with people they know and like, you’ve got to get out there so you can start building trust and establishing

September 2018

relationships. One of the best ways to do this and to let your potential customers know you care about more than profits, you care about your community, is to start sponsoring local activities, teams, and other community groups and events. Local sponsorship helps build brand awareness and get your business name out there in front of those in your service area, so that, when they discover a chimney leak or get tired of their drafty fireplace, you’re the company they think to call. But the benefits don’t end there… When those problems arise, those customers aren’t going to go to the Yellow Pages to find your phone number — they’re going to go online. As more and more people directly search for your business name online, Google takes notice, which could lead to a boost in rankings. Additionally, those teams and community groups and events you sponsored might mention

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your business on their own websites and social profiles, even sometimes providing links to your website. Google takes all of these things into account when deciding which businesses to surface in organic search results, so the more local authority and relevance you have, the better your chance of showing up when someone in your community searches for the services you offer. That means, more eyes on you online, simply because of your marketing efforts offline.

a link to their website on yours. Relevant links back to your website can help give you a boost in rankings, but having those links on other websites also expands your reach by putting you in front of the customers on your referral partners’ websites. Building these local referral relationships leads to greater brand awareness, more direct searches for your business online, and a possible boost in rankings — all of which feed the cycle and ultimately lead to more business for you.

Build Local Referral Relationships

Join Local Trade & Professional Groups

Unless you live and work in a very small community, it can take a while to get your business name out there in front of everyone you could potentially serve. Why not let other local service professionals help you get the word out? Find professionals in other home service verticals (like painters, flooring professionals, carpenters, real estate agents, home inspectors, contractors, etc.) who have the same customer service values and commitment to quality that you have, and build relationships with them. Let them know you’d be happy to recommend them to your customers when they need their services as well. You may also consider asking your new referral partners if they’d be willing to include a “preferred vendors” or “referral partners” link to your business on their website in exchange for

Networking never goes out of style. Every opportunity you get to meet others in your community and pass out your business card is an opportunity to expand brand awareness and increase business. And one of the best ways to do this rather quickly and effectively is to join local trade and professional groups, like your local Chamber of Commerce, BNI (Business Networking International), Gold Star Referral Club, and of course, trade related groups like the state/regional/National Chimney Sweep Guild. Not only will your group involvement lead to instant referrals and an expanded professional network, but many of these groups will mention your business on their websites, and even provide a link to your website. And

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Get Reviews

And last but not least, get more reviews! According to the latest BrightLocal Local Consumer Review Survey: • 97% of consumers read online reviews for local businesses in 2017. • 85% of consumers trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations. • Consumers read an average of 7-10 current reviews (1 to 3 months old) before trusting a business. Whether we’re talking Google, Yelp, or Facebook, those stars matter. Each platform wants to provide customers searching for services with the best business for the job, because if searchers are satisfied with the search results provided, they’ll use that platform the next time they need to find a local business. In other words, you need more current reviews so you have a better chance of showing up in search results and getting the call when searchers do find your business. So how can you get more reviews? Ask! 68% of customers will leave a review for a local

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business when asked, so make it a part of your service procedure. Of course, we all get busy and forget to do things we said we’d do, so make sure you take the time to communicate just how important reviews are to your business and make it easy for customers to remember and follow through. If you need a little help with this, we have a great tool for you. Shoot us an email at reviewhelp@sparkmarketer.com to learn more. So next time you think of your offline marketing efforts as separate from your online marketing efforts, remember, they’re just two sides of the same coin. Feed both and they’ll feed each other, keeping the cycle going, and bringing you more business. Taylor Hill is co-founder and crew chief of Spark Marketer, a local online marketing company that specializes in marketing service businesses across the US. He’s 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 coauthor of Blue Collar Proud: 10 Principles For Building A Kickass Business You Love. @sparkmarketer, facebook.com/ sparkmarketer, facebook.com/bcpshow/, facebook.com/ groups/bluecollarproudnation/, @taylorkhill @bcpshow

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Technical

Q&A

Michael Segerstrom

NCSG Technical Advisory Chair

Question

There are quite a few factory-built fireplaces in my service area. A variety of brands, in a variety of conditions. What is the life expectancy of one of these units?

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Answer: great question! The key part of your question, and the answer to it, is life expectancy. Like many fixtures, components and appliances in a home, a factory built fireplace has a life expectancy, and won't last forever. The short answer, depending on a wide range of factors, is approximately 25 to 30 years. The first place to look will be at the warranty of the fireplace system. Some brands specifically state 25 to 30 years on certain components. Other brands will cover parts of the system for 10 years, but indicate that it is expected to last longer when properly used and maintained. Let's take a look at some of the other factors, and how they affect the lifespan of a factory built fireplace. Water exposure is probably the biggest consideration. If the chimney chase or adjacent construction of the home leaks and exposes the chimney pipe system and/or fireplace cabinet to extended periods or significant amounts of water, critical components of the system may fail prematurely. Critical component failure may result in potentially hazardous operating conditions. It's also important to understand that these failures may occur in concealed areas, before it is ever visible. Another big factor in the life expectancy of a factory built fireplace, is use. We have all seen the homeowners that attempt to use these fireplaces as home or room heaters. While some homeowners may seem to achieve this, it is often not without a cost to the fireplace system. These fireplaces are

September 2018

generally not designed to be over filled with large fuel loads, or over fired with large fires. Over firing or misuse of these fireplaces over time may result in warping and failure of metal components. This type of failure may result in hazardous operating conditions, as significant heat or combustion byproducts may be able to travel outside the fireplace cabinet and chimney pipe system. Another condition that will often cause the fireplace system or its components to fail or deteriorate before 25 or 30 year mark, is coastal environment installations. It can be very desirable to have a fireplace in a seasonal or permanent home near an ocean, even just for occasional use. But the salt content in the air and humidity can really take a toll on metal components, a leak or heavy use only ads to the deterioration. There are a variety of other events that can occur, like chimney fires, lightning strikes, severe storms and wind that can damage a factory built fireplace system. But even without these events, factory-built fireplaces do have a life expectancy. The best way to monitor the condition of a factory built fireplace and its useful life, is to follow the NFPA 211 and perform an annual inspection of the system. This provides an opportunity to perform preventive repairs and services as needed, but also for monitoring of any deterioration, and an opportunity to make the recommendation for replacement before a hazardous condition may result in a loss.

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History

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If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve ever been able to visit us at the Technology Center in Plainfield you have probably seen our large collection of chimney sweep memorabilia and art housed in our boardroom. The collection has recently been given these two unique folk art chimney sweeps donated by retired chimney sweep Gene Emerson of Chimney Master in Nashville, TN. The figurines were made by a Colorado craftsman and were given as a gift to Mr. Emerson who kept them in his office until his retirement.

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A V N o r f o l k, Get to know our host city for the 2019 NCSG National Convention and Trade Show. This yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s convention will be held April 17-20, 2019 at the Waterside Marriott. Registration opens September 20, 2018!

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Our Host Hotel- The Waterside Marriott

Located on the Elizabeth River, our host hotel is just a short distance from the beach, as well as Norfolk Naval Base and the USS Wisconsin. It is also convenient to Town Point Park, Granby Street and Waterside District. Attendees can also workout in the hotel's state-of-the-art gym, enjoy a swim in the heated indoor pool, eat dinner at Shula's 347 Grill, or enjoy a craft cocktail at The Lounge.

September 2018

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Eat & Drink

Norfolk is known for its great restaurants. Here you will find everything from international cuisine, traditional American fare, and of course seafood along with great craft breweries and wineries. You’ll find many of these restaurants on downtown Granby Street’s “restaurant row,” which begins just a block from our host hotel.

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Things to Do

Looking for fun activities outside the hotel? Norfolk offers lots of activities- both outdoor and indoor- to keep you busy. Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy the options to learn to sail, kayak, play a round of golf or hike only minutes from the downtown area. Or enjoy a stroll through the zoo and historical sites. More of an inside person? Check out the city’s many museums and shops

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Industry

Watch Pre-fabricated Grease Duct Keeps Restaurant Construction on Fast Track Security Chimneys’ Zero Clearance Grease Duct at Basic Burger, Arlington, Virginia has been met with rave reviews DETROIT, ., August 17, 2018 – Restaurant construction can be challenging and typically involves managing risk, expenses and installation time. These challenges led DuraVent, leaders in innovation of commercial and residential venting systems, to the company’s latest design. The Zero Clearance Grease Duct has become the industry’s choice for new and renovation restaurant construction and is tested per UL-1978 and UL2221 standards and therefore does not require additional wrap to achieve its 2-hour fire rating. The Zero Clearance Grease Duct was recently selected by Basic Burger located in Arlington, Virginia and is the focus of a newly-released case study from DuraVent and Security Chimneys. “Here is a product you don’t have to wrap to get your fire rating” said Eric Willie of Sam DeSanto Col, Security Chimneys’ representative in Virginia. The double-wall stainless steel round duct ships pre-insulated with three inches of AES wool insulation. Self-centering flue extension significantly simplifies and accelerates the installation process.

“This project is a testament to the fast learning curve that is associated with Security Chimneys’ Zero Clearance product. Installers quickly see the benefits of factory-built duct over field-welded systems” said Willie. Available at duraventgreaseduct.com, the Basic Burger case study highlights the benefits of factory-built, UL-listed grease duct and is a perfect example of how design build teams, owners/developers, and authorities having jurisdiction can come together to resolve problems that might otherwise bring construction projects to a screeching halt. About DuraVent DuraVent® is a recognized technological leader in the venting industry. Consistently first-to-market with new innovations in venting systems, DuraVent has captured its leadership position with best-in-class design and manufacturing capabilities, world-class distribution networks, and customer-first service and support.

September 2018

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L Corner Coachâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Jerry Isenhour

Onboarding, A Key In The Recruiting Process

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ast month we talked about the challenges of hiring and the reasons why people are not showing up for the interview and the various ways that there is a disconnect between the world of the person searching for work and the person looking to hire someone. We also discussed the way the generations have changed. This month lets delve into the next step in the new hire process, the very important part of taking a recruit and turning them into a skilled and professional technician or other role on your team. Onboarding is an area that many do not use at the beginning and it will come to haunt them, lack of the process of someone who works for you will be an ongoing source of chaos. Now we will assume you have gone through the proper interview process and you have done the appropriate testing to ensure they meet your criteria for core values and that they are a great person to add to your team and will be an asset and a cultural fit for the team. Now is when we invest in the person to ensure they have a thorough understanding of the company, their job role, the processes they will follow, the company expectations and understanding of your company rules and regulations. Much of this has been developed by a member of our team here at CVC Coaching in the processes that Brandi Biswell shares in her classes and lectures. The onboarding process will involve a time investment, and a staff person must have the onboarding process to follow. If you have not trained someone (or yourself) and you do not have a system for this then I would advise that this is the

time for you to write the system. I will also share that this is a process that may take over half of their first day. However, as you practice the method you will become much more efficient in the process, you should also consider videotaping yourself doing this to review your aptitude and presentation style in the onboarding process. Before we go further, let's review why this is so important. Also, to get a sense of responsibility the person charged with the role of onboarding has, you must remember this is a new person coming in much as they did their first day of school. The first part of the school entry was to familiarize the student with the way they will now learn to interact with others. The new job is no different. This is a day that they will learn the processes and methods of communicating with the other members of your team and with your customers. The new hire will naturally have fears and anxieties, and this process will go a long way to resolving these.

So, what are we going to over?:

â&#x20AC;˘ A review of the company rules and regulations. This will involve them reviewing these rules with the onboarding staff member. For later protection from a possible issue that arises from their employment in suspension, termination or disciplinary action, this is the time to go over this. This should be thoroughly explained during the onboarding process in both a written and spoken manner. Some of this can also be accomplished by a video presentation that the person will watch. It is of adamant importance that the onboarder also get their signed acceptance of the rules and regulations.

• Review of the company standard operating procedures. • Review of the company’s expectations in regards self-education along with how to operate the training system if you have moved to the level of a virtual training program • The company grievance process, if there is an issue of "how do they follow the company process". • An explanation of the company chain of command and who do they report to, in other words, who is their supervisor. Add a question and answer period at the end of this, allow the candidate to ask any questions they may have and answer them at this time. Also, make sure that they have signed off that you have reviewed these items and that they understood them, this could be critical in an employment claim against you in the future. Now the above will take some time, but it's not wasted time, it is time you are investing into the new hire, and by doing that, you will be moving the recruit forward at a rapid pace to the level you envision. The proper onboarding process will also many times eliminate future conversations due to them not being aware. Let me close with the following, many times as an employer we assume that they know these things, or they will pick them up from your team members over time. Not a good solution as many times they honestly do not know, and by picking them the concepts up secondhand, you are asking for future problems. Therefore, the onboarding process is such an essential step in the process of taking a recruit and taking them to the level of a skilled and productive member of your team delivering value and ROI for your company and your customers. Join us next months as we delve into the next step of the new hire process for success. 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 website www.cvccoaching.com He can be contacted at jerry@cvccoaching.com or by phone at (704) 4250217. You can also obtain great business tips from his Facebook page CVC Coaching and Youtube channel CVCCoaching.

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What do scrapple, M. Night Shyamalan and the Philadelphia Eagles have in common? Meet Lou Curley of Lou Curleyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Chimney Service in Drexel Hill, PA. What is a question you get asked most about being a chimney sweep/chimney sweeping? Typical Mary Poppins/top hat nonsense questions. What advice do you wish you had received when you were getting started? When I first started in the industry, I worked for somebody else. I wish I'd had access to training through CSIA (other than just the manual), NFI, and FIRE. I learned more after I started my business than I did working 12 years for somebody else.... What is the biggest challenge you face on the job? What are your best strategies for overcoming it?

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Not being taken as seriously as a realtor, home inspector, or HVAC contractor when it comes to the chimney. When given the chance to show our knowledge, we usually can win the customer over. Who was your most famous customer? One time we got a call to take birds out of M. Night Shyamalan's chimney. In the end, it turned out the birds were dead the whole time...

September 2018

What is your proudest accomplishment?

What is, in your opinion, the most valuable part of being a member of the National Chimney Sweep Guild?

Becoming a CSIA Master Sweep, NFI Master Hearth Professional, and a FIRE Certified Fireplace and Chimney Inspector. Have you ever had to make your own tool to solve a particular problem? A shovel duct taped to a rod has been a pretty profitable tool for removing blockages at the bases of furnace flues. Weirdest thing you have ever found in a chimney? A fireplace flue was blocked about 30 feet up with a balloon from the kid's birthday party.

There's a ton of value, but the best would be inperson networking at the annual convention. Talking to sweeps from across the country with various sized companies who will all freely give whatever information is asked of them is a pretty cool thing. --Thanks Lou for sharing! I don't know about you, but I might have asked M. Night Shyamalan to put me in his next movie... If you would like to be featured in the next Meet a Member, just send me, Annemarie Stockton, an email at astockton@ncsg. org.

What do you like to do outside of work? I'm into scrapple, Mr.T, and I'm a season ticket holder to the Philadelphia Eagles. I also like generally hanging out with friends and family.

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Dates and

Events September 2018

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September 1-30 CSIA (online) CCS Online Review - www.csia.org CDET Online Review - www.csia.org Online & Paper Proctored Exams - www.csia.org/exams or ProctorU September 3-9, 2018 CSIA (online) – Must be registered by Noon August 31st - Chimney Physics - Lining Masonry Chimneys with Stainless Steel For more information, please call (317) 837-5362 or visit www.csia.org September 10-16, 2018 CSIA (online) – Must be registered by Noon September 7th - Chimney Physics - Lining Masonry Chimneys with Stainless Steel For more information, please call (317) 837-5362 or visit www.csia.org September 13, 2018 CSIA Certified Dryer Exhaust Technician® Review & Exams Pittsburgh, PA - NADCA Fall Technical Conference For more information, please call (317) 837-5362 or visit www.csia.org September 14, 2018 CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep® Review & Exams Atlantic City, NJ For more information, please call (317) 837-5362 or visit www.csia.org September 17-22, 2018 CSIA National Chimney Sweep Training School CSIA Technology Center For more information, please call (317) 837-5362 or visit www.csia.org September 17-23, 2018 CSIA (online) – Must be registered by Noon September 14th - Chimney Physics - Lining Masonry Chimneys with Stainless Steel For more information, please call (317) 837-5362 or visit www.csia.org September 20, 2018 NCSG Convention Registration OPENS April 17-20, 2019 – Norfolk, VA (Marriot Norfolk Waterside)

September 2018

For More information, please call (317) 837-1500 or visit https://www.ncsg.org September 24 –30, 2018 CSIA (online) – Must be registered by Noon September 21nd - Chimney Physics - Lining Masonry Chimneys with Stainless Steel For more information, please call (317) 837-5362 or visit www.csia.org

October 2018 October 1-31 CSIA (online) CCS Online Review - www.csia.org CDET Online Review - www.csia.org Online & Paper Proctored Exams - www.csia.org/exams or ProctorU October 1-7, 2018 CSIA (online) – Must be registered by Noon September 28th - Chimney Physics - Lining Masonry Chimneys with Stainless Steel For more information, please call (317) 837-5362 or visit www.csia.org October 8-14, 2018 CSIA (online) – Must be registered by Noon October 5th - Chimney Physics - Lining Masonry Chimneys with Stainless Steel For more information, please call (317) 837-5362 or visit www.csia.org October 10-11, 2018 CSIA Certified Dryer Exhaust Technician® 2-Day Workshop & Exam CSIA Technology Center For more information, please call (317) 837-5362 or visit www.dryersafety.org October 12, 2018 CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep® Review & Exams CSIA Technology Center For more information, please call (317) 837-5362 or visit www.csia.org October 15-21, 2018 CSIA (online) – Must be registered by Noon October 12th - Chimney Physics - Lining Masonry Chimneys with Stainless Steel For more information, please call (317) 837-5362 or visit www.csia.org October 19, 2018 CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep® Review & Exams Albany, NY

For more information, please call (317) 837-5362 or visit www.csia.org October 22-28, 2018 CSIA (online) – Must be registered by Noon October 19th - Chimney Physics - Lining Masonry Chimneys with Stainless Steel For more information, please call (317) 837-5362 or visit www.csia.org October 29 – November 4, 2018 CSIA (online) – Must be registered by Noon October 26th - Chimney Physics - Lining Masonry Chimneys with Stainless Steel For more information, please call (317) 837-5362 or visit www.csia.org

www.csia.org November 19-25, 2018 CSIA (online) – Must be registered by Noon November 16th - Chimney Physics - Lining Masonry Chimneys with Stainless Steel For more information, please call (317) 837-5362 or visit www.csia.org November 26 - December 2, 2018 CSIA (online) – Must be registered by Noon November 23rd - Chimney Physics - Lining Masonry Chimneys with Stainless Steel For more information, please call (317) 837-5362 or visit www.csia.org

Novenber 2018 November 1-30 CSIA (online) CCS Online Review - www.csia.org CDET Online Review - www.csia.org Online & Paper Proctored Exams - www.csia.org/ exams or ProctorU November 5-11, 2018 CSIA (online) – Must be registered by Noon November 2nd - Chimney Physics - Lining Masonry Chimneys with Stainless Steel For more information, please call (317) 837-5362 or visit www.csia.org November 12-18, 2018 CSIA (online) – Must be registered by Noon November 9th - Chimney Physics - Lining Masonry Chimneys with Stainless Steel For more information, please call (317) 837-5362 or visit

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New

Members

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NEW YORK AAA Chimney and Fireplace Services • John Laco • Buffalo

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CONNECTICUT Hardy’s Mason Contractor Chimney Service • David Hardy • Suffield

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12 1 23 2 3 3 PENNSYLVANIA B.J. Meier & Sons • Kevin Pugh • Morrisville

Jim’s Hearth Repair • James Rake • Fawn Grove Leo Herrmann Fireplace and Chimney Services • Leo Herrmann • Fairless Hills

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September 2018

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CALIFORNIA All Fired Up • Jim Lerum • Santa Rosa

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ALASKA Alaska’s Chimney Service LL • Patrick Roach • Fairbanks

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FLORIDA Always A Sweep Chimney and Dryer Vent Service, LLC • Joshua Brosius • Ocala

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As we begin to enter into the cooler months, we know that you are just beginning your busy season. With the anticipation of more business and new customers, it’s important to make sure your online presence is doing more so you do less. Alain from Market Hardware, Inc. explains the importance of Google when it comes to optimizing your business.

7 Steps to Optimize Your Business on Google Claiming and verifying your business on Google… It’s typically Step 1 of any local search marketing strategy. And then unfortunately, it tends to be neglected by businesses happy to just “check the box.” I know what you’re thinking: “Okay Alain, why so dramatic about this topic?” If you’re reading this, chances are you’ve already claimed and verified your business on Google, (if not, we need to talk). But your listing – now referred to as Google My Business (GMB) – may be missing some very important pieces. GMB is a top priority for Google and should be for you, too. Plus, there are plenty of new features being rolled out for GMB, including business descriptions, feature lists, and custom posts for events and offers. These new features are becoming increasingly relevant to chimney sweeping businesses like yours this year, simply because ranking high in the Maps section has become an even greater centerpiece to your marketing. Here are 7 simple steps to optimizing your GMB listing:

Membership

Memo

By Annemarie Stockton

1A. Search for your business on Google 1B. Ensure that it is verified -- if not, request verification [Hint: If you don’t know how to do these first two steps, feel free to give me a call or email me, and my team will let you know. They can even walk you through the verification process – for free.] 2. Take a good nap! You deserve it. Okay seriously. What I mean to say is, confirm that your listing has an accurate “NAP” (Name, Address and Phone number) 3. List your hours of operation

this should be ongoing. It is not something you can “set and forget.” Feel free to reach out if you have questions about this process, and my team and I would be happy to help. Alain Parcan, Director of Marketing for Market Hardware, Inc., contributed this article. Alain brings nearly 10 years of experience in educating businesses so they can market themselves more effectively. Market Hardware helps small businesses compete on the Web and offers special discounts for NCSG members. You can Reach Alain’s team at 888-381-6925.

4. Choose a relevant business category 5. Upload relevant images of your business/staff/equipment

6. Build reviews (Hint: This should be a company-wide function)

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7. Publish a general post about your business, and monitor for any new Q&A submissions Checking these off shouldn’t take long. It’s a small investment that could pay off this year, especially as Google brings more emphasis to their GMB section. Keep in mind that like many Web Marketing strategies,

September 2018

CSIA UPDATE September 2018

CSIA Board of Directors Update by Chuck Hall, CSIA President president@csia.org The CSIA Board of Directors, which I’m honored to serve as President of, must prepare a budget each year to guide the organization and staff ’s efforts. The budget year for CSIA runs from September 1 through August 31 each year. As luck has it, this mostly coincides with our education calendar as well, so it is a great time to take stock of where we’ve been and where we’re going. All-in-all, the Board and CSIA staff put together some great ideas for the coming year and I’m more than happy to support those efforts. Thank you to everyone involved with this important process.

The big news in the coming year is the release and use of the new Successful Chimney Sweeping manual. As you probably guessed, a new manual means a new Certified Chimney Sweep® exam and Reviews. This also means a new National Chimney Sweep Training School and it also has a good deal of impact on all of our

www.CSIA.org

education. With Russ Dimmitt joining the team earlier this year, we are very excited to see his leadership guide these updates in the coming months. We will continue to keep you updated on the progress of the manual and when it will be the basis for certification tests being offered. At the very minimum, the current manual is good for testing through the end of 2018 and likely for a bit in 2019. As we update our offering, we are looking for industry leaders to partner with us in these efforts. We’ve set aside funds to contract with experts in the field to help with these changes. If you believe you have something to offer in the way of training new technicians and creating course content - please contact myself or Russ Dimmitt. This is your chance to guide the industry for the decades to come.

The board, in cooperation with the Master Chimney Sweep® committee have updated and expanded the requirements for the Master Chimney Sweep® credential. They are detailed on the “New Certifications” page in this magazine and through our usual channels. In addition, each time we have a board meeting, we approve the ADVERTISEMENT

previous meeting’s minutes. Those are now posted on the CSIA site at: www.csia.org/directors. Finally, I’d like to invite you to participate along with us for National Chimney Safety Week later this month, September 30 - October 6. We’ll be getting details to you via e-mail, blog, and social media. The board and the CSIA staff are excited to promote the great work this industry does as we further educate the general public about chimney and venting safety.

As always, please let me know if you have any comments, concerns, and suggestions: president@csia.org.

September 2018

New Certifications

Ohio

Indiana Sean Stephenson Home Lumber New Haven Orlando Lucas Indy Masonry Services Indianapolis Maryland

California Kyle Pocock Swede Chimney Sweep & Dryer Vent Cleaning San Diego Colorado Jedidiah Adams Mountain Man Fireplace & Chimney Evergreen Florida Johnathan Boggs Swept Away, Inc. Wheat Ridge Joshua Brothers Chimney Champions Jacksonville Georgia Yitshak Abu Chimney Pro Cleaners Largo Illinois Eric Anderson Matt McClorey Heath Werts Lindemann Chimney Lake Bluff

Nir Dangor Chimney Sweep Clean Owings Mill Maureen McKetchnie Magic Mountain Chimney Sweeps Frederick

William (Bruce) Stewart Bruce Stewart’s Masonry Clayton Jacob Taylor Luce’s Chimney & Stove Shop Swanton Pennsylvania Christopher Depp Advance Chimney Sweeps Uniontown Eric Herrmann Leo Herrmann Fireplace and Chimney Services Fairless Hills

Jeremy Merson Trinity Chimney Service Elk Ridge

Tennessee

Missouri

William Tuers Coopertown Services Memphis

Kameron Duvall Advanced Chimney Techniques Jamestown

Jim Collins Ashbusters Chimney Service Smyrna

Mark Evans STL Chimney St. Charles

Texas

Montana

Nadav Shoham Texas Chimney Houston

Tom Rogala Big Sky Mountain Services Big Sky

Marlon Navarrete Lords Chimney Houston

Vermont New Hampshire Mark Desousa Z-Flex U.S. Bedford

Travis Larkin The Artful Sweep Chimney Service Burlington Virginia

New York Michael White Guaranteed Chimney Services Riverhead

Joshua Rodriguez Jiminy Chimney Sweep & Service Lakemoor

Dayton Wright Rooftop Chimney Sweeps Alexandria Sergey Gardner Black Goose Chimney Sweep Newport News Maria Cerrito Mendoza Rusty’s Fire Place & Chimney Hamilton

www.CSIA.org William Watson, III Wammoth Services Woodbridge

Requirements for Application

MASTER

CERTIFIED

*Applicant must have completed six of the following CSIA courses:

DRYER EXHAUST

TECHNICIAN

Florida Patrick Buell Patrick Buell Chimney Services The Sootmaster Milton

*Applicant must be an active CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep® and must have held the CCS credential for a minimum of nine continuous years or eighteen years or more (non-consecutive).

1. Certified Dryer Exhaust credential (formerly a required 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.

Johnathan Boggs Swept Away, Inc. Wheat Ridge

New Master Chimney Sweep and Updated Master Chimney Sweep REQUIREMENTS Now with more options!

North Carolina

Congratulations to our newest Master Chimney Sweep®:

Richard Weyant Smoke Alert Garner

MASTER

credential, but is now an option to replace a course requirement)

2. Chimney Physics (online or 2-day in-person class) 3. Inspection and Report Writing ( 4. Diagnosis and Documentation 5. Masonry Repair for the Chimney Professionals 6. Lining Masonry Chimneys with Stainless Steel 7. Rope/Roof Access 8. Advanced Masonry Repair 9. Installing & Troubleshooting Pellet Appliances 10. Advanced Inspection & Documentation *Applicant must have completed EPA Comprehensive BurnWise course

Russ Dimmitt, the NCSG/CSIA Director of Education. Russ’s bio and credentials can be found on our new Instructors’ page at: www.csia.org/instructors As many in the industry have such a wide range of experience, the CSIA Master Sweep Committee has also added more options for obtaining this elite certification in the industry. All requirements are listed below and the changes are in bold.

*Applicant must also have an active NFI Certification obtained through the CSIA Installing & Troubleshooting Wood Heating Appliances class or CSIA Installing and Troubleshooting Gas Hearth Appliances class. This requirement may be substituted by an active NFI Certification held for a minimum of six years, a current F.I.R.E Certified Inspector credential or an Associate level (or higher) degree in Fire Science from an accredited college. Apply/Learn more at: www.csia.org/mastersweep

C-DET Workshop Field Day 2017 ADVERTISEMENT

September 2018

Upcoming Classes & Events

2018 Education Calendar National Chimney Sweep Training School CSIA Technology Center Sep 17–22

CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep® Review & Exam CSIA Technology Center (Plainfield, IN) | Oct 12 Atlantic City, NJ | Sep 14 Albany, NY | Oct 19

CSIA Certified Dryer Exhaust Technician® Pittsburgh, PA | Sep 13* (one day workshop/exam) National Air Duct Cleaners Association Fall Tech Conference CSIA Technology Center | Oct 10-11* (incl. hands-on instruction)

Enroll today at: www.csia.org/in_person_course 2019 in-person course dates coming soon

CSIA Education will come to you. Book your own CSIA Road Show course(s). Learn more at: www.csia.org/roadshow.

2018 #ChimneySafetyWeek is coming. September 30 - October 6.

(317) 837-5362

Stay tuned to your email, our blog, and our social media for ways you can help promote our industry to the public and help raise awareness of chimney and venting safety.

Email: Office@CSIA.org

Website: www.chimneysafetyweek.org

Twitter: @Chimney_Safety

Wisdom from the Hearth blog: chimneysafety.wordpress.com

Telephone

Facebook: /ChimneySafety ADVERTISEMENT

Around the

Tech Center. Megan McMahon Association Manager

34 S W E E P I N G September 2018

Summer at the Tech Center has certainly flown by! The Tech Center has been busy hosting Sweeps week, multiple training schools, gas class, review and exam sessions, both boards; TWICE among with hosting many other visitors. In an effort to bond and regroup, the NCSG team recently hit the road to Kings Island to have some fun and adventure. It truly is one of the things that our team values the most. We believe a team that plays together, stays together.

I would highly encourage you to take the time to show your teams appreciation and reward them for their daily hard work! When employees and their work are valued, their satisfaction and productivity rises, and they are motivated to maintain or improve their good work. From all of us here at the Tech Center, we hope you have enjoyed your summer!

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. chimneysolutions.com. Chimney Sweep Business Opportunity- Wilmington, NC We are seeking an experienced chimney professional that is eager to join a winning team and live o nthe beautiful East Coast of NC. This opportunity could lead to future ownership in an established business as the owners are looking to retire in the near future. Please send resumes to info@seasidesweep.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 non-commissionable and must be pre-paid. To place a classified ad, please contact Charissa Mahaffey at cmahaffey@ncsg.org or 317-837-1500.

35 S W E E P I N G September 2018

Darwin

Award

“This has been on the roof for a while.” -Terry Dearborn of Valley Chimney Sweep & Restoration in Yorkville, IL

See a chimney in your area that had you scratching your head? Send it to the editor, Darcy Marlett at dmarlett@ncsg.org for publication in Sweeping. Include a few words about the scene and location.

Ad Index 36 S W E E P I N G

Approved Industries 866-439-0069 info@approvedindustries.com 13 Chim Cap 28 Copperfield 800-247-3305 www.copperfield.com 7 CVC 704-425-0217 jerry@cvccoaching.com 14 ENERVEX 770-587-3238 www.enervex.com 8 Firesafe Industries, Inc. 800-545-6607 www.firesafeinc.com 5 Gelco www.gllchimneyproducts.com 23 ICP 508-695-7000 www.chimneycaps.com 25 Lindemann Chimney Company 866-629-8006 www.lindemannsupply.com 9 Locktop www.gllchimneyproducts.com 4 National Chimney 800-897-8481 www.nationalchimney.com Back cover New England Chimney Supply 888-900-8106 www.newenglandchimneysupply.com 15 Olympia Chimney Supply 800-569-1425 www.olympiachimney.com 11 Roydhouse Effect Inc 410-863-0157 www.roydhouseeffect.com 27 Sand Hill Wholesale & Mfg., Inc 800-258-5496 www.sandhillwholesale.com 18 SaverSystems, Inc 800-860-6327 www.saversystems.com 10 SnapLok Rotary Sweep Systems 702-790-4197 www.snaploksystems.com 19 Z-Flex 800-654-5600 sales@z-flex.com 20

September 2018

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