Sweeping Magazine - December 2020

Sweeping December 2020 VOLUME 44 #11

The Journal of Chimney and Venting Technology

Two Things to Remember About Data When Planning for 2021 2021 NCSG Convention Platform Preview

Meet a Member— Ken Hoelscher

Chimney Sweeping Laws Around the World

2021 Rip and Replace Registration is Open!

BECAUSE KNOWLEDGE IS POWER

TECHNICAL EXCELLENCE | PRACTICAL EXPERIENCE | PRICELESS EDUCATION

FACTORY-BUILT FIREPLACE CHANGE OUTS HANDS-ON RIP & REPLACE CLASSES 2 Day Training Course WED. JANUARY 20 & THURS. JANUARY 21

Smokestack Masonry LANCASTER, PA Instructor: Michael Segerstrom

WED. FEBRUARY 10 & WED. FEBRUARY 24 & THURS. FEBRUARY 11 THURS. FEBRUARY 25

Countryside Stove, LLC OXFORD, NY Instructor: Michael Segerstrom

Chimney Doctors BURNSVILLE, MN Instructor: Bill Ryan

Aaron’s Chimney REPUBLIC, MO Instructor: Bill Ryan

TN Fireplace & Chimney KNOXVILLE, TN Instructor: Ande Grantham Top Hat Chimney TAYLOR, TX Instructor: Bill Ryan Chimney Works CINCINNATI, OH Instructor: John Anghilante

WED. FEBRUARY 3 & THURS. FEBRUARY 4

Advance Chimney Sweep UNIONTOWN, PA Instructor: Michael Segerstrom

American Chimney & Masonry Inc. PORTLAND, OR Instructor: Bob Ferrari Rooftop Chimney Sweeps, LLC. RICHMOND, VA Instructor: Ande Grantham

Mike’s Mobile Screen & Chimney Service STOCKTON, CA Instructor: Bob Ferrari Northwest Fireplace & Chimney, LLC. VALPARAISO, IN Instructor: John Anghilante

Reserve your spot!

CALL OR TEXT: 570.340.0482 SESSION INFORMATION TIME: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm (Both Days) | COST: $499 per person | CEU’s: 12 CSIA/NFI Pre-Registration is required. On site registrations will not be accepted!

Registration is NOT open to manufacturers or distributors.

Two Things to Remember About Data When Planning for 2021

2021 NCSG Convention Platform Preview

Chimney Sweeping Laws Around the World

Meet a Member— Ken Hoelscher

12 22 26 30 2021

Pu

tt

in

s.

convention gt

he

pie c

e s t og e t h e r f

or

su

cc

es

Sweeping December 2020 Volume 44 Issue 11

Table of Contents President’s Letter 4 Editor’s Letter 6 Tech Q&A 8 Coach’s Corner 16 Membership Memo 32 New Members 37 Around the Tech Center 38 Classifieds 39 Darwin Award 40

Cover: digital illustration by David Bruce, Red2 Design bureau

S weeping | December | 2020

1

Smoke Chambers and Cast in Place Liner Installation (866) 283-8667 Ext. 706

Factory Built Fireplace Installation and Replacement (866) 283-8667 Ext. 701

Dryer Vents (866) 283-8667 Ext. 707

Gas Appliance Venting, Gas Logs and NFPA 54 (866) 283-8667 Ext. 702 Oil Appliance Venting and NFPA 31 (866) 283-8667 Ext. 703 Chimney Inspection, Documentation and NFPA 211 (Levels of Inspection) (866) 283-8667 Ext. 704

Installation and Venting of Pellet Stoves (866) 283-8667 Ext. 708 IRC and NFPA 211 (Code Questions) (866) 283-8667 Ext. 709 Customer Service and Customer Communication (866) 283-8667 Ext. 710 General Sweeping and Repair (866) 283-8667 Ext. 711

NATIONAL CHIMNEY SWEEP GUILD BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2019-2020

TECHNICAL ADVISORY COUNCIL

Masonry Fireplace Construction and Restoration (866) 283-8667 Ext. 700

Stainless Steel Liner Installation (866) 283-8667 Ext. 705

Be advised that advice given by NCSG’s Technical Advisory Council (TAC) reflects best practices of the chimney sweeping industry. However, we are unable to account for any particular type of situation since regional variations in construction practices and additional environmental, physical and geographical factors necessarily vary the level of service appropriate for a particular fireplace and/or chimney.

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

2

STAFF

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

Megan McMahon Executive Director mmcmahon@ncsg.org

Penny Seals Academic Coordinator pseals@ncsg.org

Annemarie Stockton Director of Communications and Marketing astockton@ncsg.org

Sara Sichting Systems and Records Coordinator ssichting@ncsg.org

Russell Dimmitt Education Director rdimmitt@ncsg.org

Tammy Bruner Program Coordinator tbruner@ncsg.org

Brittney Burton Membership & Outreach Coordinator bburton@ncsg.org

Kaitlyn Gonzalez Administrative Assistant kgonzalez@ncsg.org

Charissa Benge Mahaffey Certification Coordinator cmahaffey@ncsg.org

S weeping | December | 2020

Vice President, At-Large Director (Appointed) Thomas Hunkele topnotchchimney@gmail.com Treasurer, Region 1 Matt Mair matt@blackmoosechimney. com Secretary, Region 4 Jeff Keefer jeff@chimneycareco.com Region 2 Bill Thornton wissahickonvalleysweep@ yahoo.com

Region 6 Jesse Peralta chimcare@hotmail.com At-Large Joe Sauter joe@yourchimneysweep.com At-Large Director Steve Scally firesidesweeps@comcast.net At-Large Director (Appointed) Gregg Boss englishsweep@att.net Supplier Representative Stuart Karanovich stuartk@saversystems.com

Region 3 Ron Rust tophatswp@aol.com

COMMITTEE CHAIRS and TASK FORCES 2019 – 2020

To contact any member of the Technical Advisory Council, please call (866) 283-8667 and select the extension for the person who is best qualified to answer your question:

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

Bylaws Tom Hunkele (641) 774-8056 topnotchchimney@gmail.com

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

Ethics Joe Sauter (317) 243-9687 joe@yourchimneysweep.com

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

Governance Bill Thornton (215) 540-9787 wissahickonvalleysweep@yahoo.com

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

Government Affairs Jeff Keefer 513-248-9600 info@chimneycareco.com

Technical Advisory Council Steve Scally (603) 895-8746 firesidesweeps@comcast.net

International Relations John Pilger (631) 863-2460 chimneyman@aol.com Membership Jesse Peralta (503) 655-2446 chimcare@hotmail.com

DISCLAIMER The views expressed in Sweeping do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Chimney Sweep Guild or its employees.

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 Annemarie Stockton at astockton@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. © 2020 National Chimney Sweep Guild, 2155 Commercial Drive, Plainfield, IN 46168. (317) 837-1500

Celebrating 10 magical years

FIREGUARD

CERAMIC RESURFACING & REPAIR SYSTEM Introduced in 2004, FIREGUARD was the first in the USA to utilize a soft foam applicator for chimney flue repair. When the custom foam applicators are coupled with our patented vibration unit, the results are unmatched. You will get a smoother finish, better bond and more material where it’s needed.

• Highest temperature rating in the industry, 3205°F. • The only vibration application system.

• Two part system for unmatched performance.

• Lifetime transferable warranty.

FIREGUARD

BECOME AN INSTALLER!

VS. BRAND H

Becoming a FIREGUARD Installer is simple and training at our facility is free with equipment purchase. Are you already installing a competing product and looking for something better? You may already have some of the equipment you need.

CALL TODAY for details on how to become a Certified FIREGUARD Installer!

866.513.2378

Jasper Drengler President

H 4

ello fellow sweeps! As we are in the middle of our busy season I know your time is very valuable.

I’m curious – why are you in this trade? Is it simply a job and a paycheck? Is it a side gig to just make a few extra bucks on the weekend? Are you 2nd or 3rd generation and

President’s Letter it’s just what you know? Is this something you are extremely passionate about and just happy to be in charge of your own destiny?

To be honest, growing up watching my parents run their businesses with the highs and lows, this was never what I planned for myself. My passion was cars (and still is). Unfortunately when I was let out into the world, I quickly found that my passion wasn’t as fun when I was doing that for a living while working for someone else.

I became a father very young and I needed money. I started working for my parents and, under the commission scale, it was easy money.

Fast forward a few years to my parents selling their company while I bounced around to a couple jobs and learned most of life’s lessons as hard as possible. I started this last time just working on nights and weekends to make a little extra spending money. I never took it seriously, but I enjoyed the troubleshooting and physical work.

Then it happened — I took the leap to make this my sole

income. I was nervous, but I had nothing to lose. A number of huge mistakes, wasted money and lost friendships later, I've learned so much from my fellow National Chimney Sweep Guild members. I’m proud of the little business I've built and can't wait for the next chapter as I transition out of my service truck, off of the board and work on doubling my company in the next couple years. I still love the work and I’m sure I’ll get plenty of chances to prove to the young guys I still have it. This Guild and the people in it have showed me I can run a profitable company that gives me the freedom and security to enjoy my children and life at a level I never imagined.

Whatever your sweeping goal is, never stop believing and you can accomplish anything. Your business can be any size you want and still be happy. Can't wait to see you all in a short time at convention.

Be safe!

Be profitable!

NCSG President Jasper Drengler

S weeping | December | 2020

Distributed exclusively through Copperfield

THERE’S A NEW WOLF AT THE DOOR 5

Call 1-800-569-1425 or visit WWW.COPPERFIELD.COM S weeping | December | 2020 TECHNICAL & OTHER NEEDS CALL: 1-844-814-3002

Annemarie Stockton Editor

Editor’s Letter

H

appy Holidays, readers!

Welcome to our Progress Issue of Sweeping – the last of the year. If you’re anything like me, you’re really leaning into that winter, holiday, end-of-2020 spirit right about now (I think we’ve all got the words “unprecedented times” playing on a loop

very progress and how we have had to adapt our practices to fit in with these – dare I say it – unprecedented times.

One of the biggest ways NCSG has had to adapt was by taking our 2021 Convention virtual. I know we’re all Zoomed out, but I can assure you this event will be nothing like those boring, stagnant Zoom meetings we’ve all been sitting through the past few months. We are working with a real top notch platform to design for you a convention experience like no other.

I encourage all of you, whether you haven’t

in our brains). While I’m hopeful for what’s to come during this next trip around the sun, it’s always important to reflect on the good things that have happened to us. More important, still, is to reflect on the more difficult parts of the previous year and realize how we’ve learned and grown from those experiences.

That’s what this issue is all about – that progress we collectively and individually have made this past year and what we can look forward to for 2021. You’ll find several articles in this edition discussing that

been in years or you never miss one, to take a look at what we will have to offer. Check out our convention website, www.ncsgconvention. org, join our NCSG Convention Attendee Hub on Facebook, and follow the hashtag #NCSG2021 on social media! In the meantime, you can take a look at our Platform Preview beginning on page 22.

This has been a trying year for all of us, but my hope for you is that you’ve found even the smallest bit of joy this year and that you’re barreling into 2021 with hope, resilience, and resolve.

6

Direct Vent System A Completely Sealed System

Triple Lock® Flexible Gas Vent • For use when converting an existing wood-burning fireplace into a gas fireplace insert • Easy to install with only two connection points; Insert and Termination • Direct Vent Systems use outdoor air for combustion, not indoor air. Flue gases are safely exhausted outside the living space

Z-Flex® Model DVI Direct Vent Kits include two Triple Lock® Gas Liners for flue exhaust and outside combustion air. Available with either extreme Extreme weather or decorative co-linear Weather Kit termination USA T. 1.800.654.5600

F. 1.888.889.3539

Decorative Kit

sales@z-flex.com

S weeping | December | 2020 Z-FLEX Liner Triple Lock Smoothcore Z-Max - Sweeping NEW VERSION 7.35 x 4.875.indd

1

www.z-flex.com

2019-01-25 12:59 PM

IN STOCK & READY TO SHIP!

Clear Elastic Sealant • • • • •

NEW PRODUCT

ONE STEP PROCESS! NO PRIMERS OR PRE-COATS REQUIRED FIBERED FOR STRENGTH TO RESIST CRACKING & PEELING SUPERIOR ADHESION & CLEAR FINISH APPLIES IN EXTREME WEATHER CONDITIONS & TEMPERATURES REPAIRS SMALL CRACKS & ADHERES TO MANY DIFFERENT SURFACES

HIGH PERFORMANCE BRUSHABLE ELASTIC SEALANT THAT PROTECTS:

• MASONRY CHIMNEY CROWNS • ROOFS • ASPHALT SHINGLES

• CONCRETE • STEEL • VINYL & MORE

STOPS WATER INTRUSION INSTANTLY!

BUSY BEE ONLINE ORDERING

5

PROMO CODE EXPIRES 12.31.20

%

OFF

PROMO CODE: BUSYBEE

lindemannchimneysupply.com | 866.240.9955

Steven Scally

Technical Q and A Facing The Challenges Of 2020 Head On

8

This year has been quite a rollercoaster kind of year. The year started off like most other years — normal business flow, some of us getting ready for a much-needed break with the slow season, etc. Then the news of the Covid-19 pandemic hit. As is the case with a novel virus, the whole world stopped to ask questions and to try to figure out what dangers Covid presented and how could we protect ourselves, besides stocking up on toilet paper. The last convention I was able to attend in person was the Chimney Expo put on by CCP in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania.

This was a great show and was well attended with sweeps from all over the country. Jasper Drengler, President of the NCSG, and Chuck Roydhouse, President of the CSIA were there.

Everyone seemed very engaged with this convention. Who would have thought it would be the next to last one for a while?

The last live convention

was the HPBA in New Orleans, which had great attendance. Covid was just starting to have a big impact in the US, and a few sweeps ended up catching the virus from either attending the show or just being in that area. They are doing well by the way.

Once we began to understand how the virus was transmitted and as the country started to lock down the hot spots, the NCSG and the CSIA stepped up in full force. They joined together and formed a task force to come up with Zoom calls and informational videos so all sweeps could continue to “get together” and learn how to operate their businesses in this new pandemic environment. This was a great joint effort by both organizations. All the classes the NCSG and the CSIA put out were free and came with CEUs. We also had John Meredith, who donated so much of his time and effort to host these Zoom calls and put together a lot of this information. This industry would not

S weeping | December | 2020

be the same without him. The staff at the Tech Center also jumped in and did all kinds of behind-thescene things for these Zoom meetings. Other learning platforms also cranked up and offered free classes, like CVC Coaching and SureFire, just to name a few.

We owe all of them a debt of gratitude for everything they did to help us all move forward during this crazy, unprecedented time.

The classes that were presented this past year are still on the NCSG website, and you can go watch them again if you want. I highly recommend you do. I learned so much from all these classes, even though I have been around for 40 plus years. I remember at one point in particular listening to Chuck Roydhouse and Mark Stoner on a Zoom meeting, I asked myself, “What am I going to learn that I have not already heard?” I heard some stuff that I already knew and also some new stuff. Even the stuff I had heard

before turned into “new stuff” as it hit home for me in a different way. I was surprised and grateful for it all.

I guess the lesson here is to never assume you know what you’re going to hear from someone just because you have heard them before, and never assume you cannot get new insights from hearing something you’ve heard before.

Ask yourself, “What can I learn this time?” and open yourself up. You may be surprised.

The pandemic forced us to look at how we interact with our clients. As sweeps, we already have a builtin mindset to protect our clients by making their homes as safe as possible. What we often overlooked in the past was our own safety.

The virus forced us to expand our mindset to include protecting ourselves as well. We are now all much more knowledgeable about the different types of PPE and the best way we can protect ourselves as well as our clients.

What has been interesting to think

about is, once the pandemic has receded and things go back to what’s somewhat normal, which safety procedures will I keep implementing? For example, one of the things I implemented was keeping a wash station on my trucks.

This small little thing has turned into such a great convenience for me and my crew when we are working on big masonry and construction jobs. It’s something I will keep on my trucks from now on. Another example is

using gloves and masks.

I always had respirators on the trucks, and now with Covid, we’ve had the N95 masks as well as some masks my wife had made. As an oldtimer, I had hardly ever worn a mask during a “routine” sweeping.

But now, even though wearing the masks can sometimes be annoying (think of those hot, humid days), they have protected me on quite a few occasions from a mouthful of soot. I think moving forward, I’ll plan to keep these three different types

of masks in the trucks at all times. The same is true for the gloves.

I’ve always had the heavy-duty work gloves on our trucks and have added the disposable gloves that we wear on every job. While the disposable gloves do easily rip and tear, they still manage to keep my hands somewhat clean during sweepings, and they make using the power sweeping rods much easier to use than the heavy-duty work gloves. I plan to keep both types of gloves on the trucks

moving forward. What are some of the new protocols you’ve put in place because of the pandemic that you’ve found to be helpful and will continue to do in the future?

One of the most difficult things to witness was seeing some of my fellow sweeps struggle financially during this pandemic. While the NCSG and CSIA had many videos helping us navigate the everchanging and confusing PPP process, there were many who could not get

9

THE GUARANTEED SOLUTION TO SMOKING FIREPLACES Steel Chimney Adapter (Optional)

GOOD

Fan Speed Control

Manual Control System Manual control with variable fan speed Fan quietly operates to create perfect draft conditions, eliminating spillage

BETTER

Manual EcoDamper

Fan Speed Control

EcoDamper System

Manual pull-cable damper and control with variable fan speed Damper prevents loss of conditioned air when fireplace is not in use

RSHT CHIMNEY FAN

BEST

Manual EcoDamper

EFC211 Speed Control and Alarm

EFC/EcoDamper System Manual pull-cable damper and control with variable fan speed & alarm Control monitors fan operation and damper prevents conditioned air loss

For more information, call 800.255.2923 or visit enervex.com

S weeping | December | 2020

10

the PPP money because they did not know or fully understand the “numbers” side of their business. It is my deepest hope that if you are struggling to understand your business financials, you’ll take advantage of the business classes offered through CSIA, CVC Coaching and SureFire … and to do so as soon as you can. We still have a long way to go before this pandemic is over, and I would not be at all surprised if another PPP-type of program were offered in the future.

Covid-19 has presented us all with many challenges … but also with many opportunities to adapt and to grow. I once heard someone describe heaven like this: “Heaven is a big circle of beings. When a need arises, a being steps out from the circle to attend to the need.

When the need has

been addressed, the being rejoins the circle.”

It reminds me of our industry and all of the folks who stepped up to help us individually or collectively through this pandemic. So even during this pandemic, I am deeply grateful.

As previously announced, this coming year’s NCSG convention will be a virtual convention. They are putting together with a great set of classes, all in real time for the convention goer. I hope you’ll all attend, and I’m very much looking forward to seeing you there.

Quality & Strength The Superior Features You Expect From Gelco: Embossed or cross-braced lid for more strength & stability.

Multi-Flue

•

Swing tabs allow for an inside/outside mount Reinforced & hemmed lid.

NEW Reinforced hinges for easier assembly on knock-down versions.

Cross-braced for more strength & stability.

MADE IN

Single-Flue

USA

Deep double channel base for superior durability.

MADE IN

Custom

USA

All hinges & screens run the full height to add stability & eliminate gaps between lid & mesh.

Call your favorite Gelco distributor today!

ULTRA-PROTECTION CHIMNEY CAPS

S weeping | December | 2020

ROTARY SWEEP SYSTEMS The Latest Innovations For: Rotary & Manual Chimney Cleaning Dryer Vent Cleaning Air Duct Cleaning

SnapScan Pro Motorized Pan & Tilt Video System

Harness for Hands Free Operation

Footage Counter w/Cable Winder

Item #: SnapScan-P

Fold Down Foot Pad for Easier Cable Winding

• Replaceable Chain w/Hex Weight • Heavier Duty Chain

The new Flynn Grip Rod Guide keeps your hand off the spinning rods to help prevent injuries. Designed & manufactured by long time sweep, Flynn Oconnor.

Item #: FG-RG

The SootBlocker Fireplace Cover measures 5"W x 4'H with removable vinyl window. Also includes a center snout w/cinch straps for rod access and a large 6" snout at the bottom left for your vac hose.

Secure with adjustable props or strong handle magnets to the lintel.

Item #: SBFPC

• New Chisel Point for Clearing Blockages and Dam Ups

NEW!

NEW!

NEW!

Double breakers combined with the increased impact from the hatchet shape makes these new breakers extremely effective.

Double breakers combined with the increased impact from the hatchet shape makes these new breakers extremely effective.

Item #: TB4x4-DBL

Item #: TB6x4-DBL

New Design, Heavier Duty Construction now with replaceable chain and heavier duty chain links. Chisel at bottom for clearing blockages.

SnapLok® Hex weights proven more effective.

Item #: TB-HH-Pro

“The Next Generation of Sweeping Equipment” Call Today for a Catalog & Price List • (888) 570-5407 • www.snaploksystems.com

12 Carter Harkins and Taylor Hill

W

e’re onto a new year — praise be! — which means new opportunities to grow your business and new goals to hit. Of course, that takes careful planning. But after the year we’ve had, you might be feeling a little less confident about planning and setting goals for next year.

I mean, whose year went according to plan in 2020? Literally no one’s.

But if you think about it, this year is no different from any other year. We can never really predict the future. It’s just never felt so unpredictable for many of us.

We’ve never seen our plans so railroaded by external forces outside of our control. We’re used to the comforting assurance of data. The stability

S weeping | December | 2020

and predictability it can provide.

But when March hit, well, most of us had to throw the plan out the window. Because the data we’d used to formulate that plan, well, it no longer seemed relevant.

Will 2021 be chaotic and unpredictable, too?

Nobody knows. But there’s still value in coming up with a plan. And in order to get our plans right, we’ve got to keep two things in mind about data:

#1 Data can be distorted to make just about any case.

While it’s totally natural and even logical to use past data to guide tomorrow’s decisions, and it can help us make smarter choices when planning for the future, it can also be misleading.

That’s because data is factual, but not necessarily

objective. The story that data tells depends on who’s reading it.

Are you making your data tell a story that’s not really there, just because you want it to be?

A lot of business owners make this mistake: They pay way too much attention to the data that tells them what they want to hear, and ignore the data telling a different tale. They rely on the wrong numbers or a biased interpretation of those numbers to make decisions and plan for the future. And that costs them greatly.

If you don’t believe data can be distorted, take a look at the news.

Two different channels or publications can provide two totally different takes on the same topic. The data and the facts are (fake news aside) the same, but it’s twisted and distorted in a way that favors the argument being made or the opinion being touted.

Bounce between Fox News and MSNBC after a major event to see what I’m talking about.

Or, take a look at branding and advertising. Let’s say a particular brand of chips has 33% or ½ fewer calories than

a competitor brand.

The data is the same (33% = ½), but how it’s presented can affect how it’s perceived.

the future will bring (we’re looking at you global pandemic) or how innovation might change things.

Would you feel better about eating chips with 33% fewer calories than a competitor chip or ½ fewer calories?

I’m picking the former every time, because it looks like a bigger difference, even though it’s not.

It can’t always tell us which direction to head in...we have to rely on other things for that.

Here’s the thing: once you introduce your beliefs or your angle into the equation, the data is no longer objective. We use the numbers to create the pictures we want to see or the pictures we want others to see.

So when you’re planning for this new year, don’t let data hold the reigns. Yes, you want to look at the numbers, but look at them objectively. And don’t use them as the end all be all. Use data to guide your decisions, not make them.

#2 Data from the past can’t necessarily predict the future.

It’s smart business to look at the past when planning for the future. But there are some things the past can’t tell us — like what

Think about Steve Jobs and the iPod. Over 400 million iPods have been sold since its introduction in 2001. But if Steve had done a focus group or used past data to determine whether or not to innovate in that direction or bring such a product to life, he may not have ever done it. Because we didn’t really know how badly we wanted or needed it until it existed.

Same thing goes with the iPhone. In the early years, cell phones were just for making calls in emergencies when we were away from our landlines. Now, could you go a day without yours without having a panic attack?

Nowadays, we rely on our smartphones for so much more than emergency phone calls.

Most of us don’t go anywhere without our phones, and studies show we look at our phones an average of 52 times a day.

But we couldn’t picture that relationship or

articulate that we would want or need it until we had it shown to us by innovators like Steve Jobs — who didn’t rely on the data to decide where to go next.

Hence, his famous quote: “People don’t know what they want until you show it to them.

That’s why I never rely on market research.

Our task is to read things that are not yet on the page.”

Now, does that mean you should ignore the numbers or the feedback you get from customers?

No, of course not. (You can learn a lot about how to be successful by listening to your existing customers and what they want.)

It just means you need to know when those numbers should guide your decisions and direction and when they shouldn’t.

Where innovation is concerned, following the data isn’t always the best idea.

Don’t Let Data Decide Everything As you plan this year and make decisions that will affect your business, look at the numbers, but don’t just look at the numbers.

S weeping | December | 2020

13

Sometimes the right direction isn’t easily identified by the data, but by the people who know your business and your market best.

taught us anything, it’s that when the facts change, the plan has to change. So be flexible.

Here’s to your best year yet!

Rely on your creativity, your gut, your market, your customers, and those people in your business and life that you trust. And when you do act on data, be sure you’re looking at the numbers without a preconceived notion or agenda. Let the numbers tell the real story, not the story you want to hear.

Carter Harkins and Taylor Hill are the co-founders of Spark Marketer, a Nashville, Tennessee-based digital marketing company that works primarily with service businesses. They're also cocreators of the award-winning app Closing Commander, which helps contractors close more estimates effortlessly, and co-authors of the book, Blue Collar Proud: 10 Principles for Building a Kickass Business You Love. Both regularly speak at service industry trade

Final tip: If 2020 has

shows and conferences across the nation. Visit www. sparkmarker.com, www.about. closingcommander.com, www. facebook.com/sparkmarketer, or www.facebook.com/ closingcommander.

14

Tel: 508-985-3746 rodstationusa@gmail.com

www.rodstationusa.com S weeping | December | 2020

15

S weeping | December | 2020

Jerry Isenhour

Coach’s Corner How Will Your World Turn In 2021?

A

16

s a child, I often spent a lot of time at my grandmother’s home after school and during summer vacations.

As I look back on that time, I remember that one of her hobbies was watching soap operas on television. Yes, we did have television at the time, even though it was just a big wooden box with a very small screen, it was black and white (no such thing as a color television in those days), and the channels were limited to a choice of two.

But one of her favorites was As the World Turns. As I look at our world today, this is likely something that we all should be fully aware of: how our world is turning and how it will turn in the coming year. As I begin this article just a few days before the 2020 election, naturally many are wondering how will our world

turn in the coming days, will or won’t there be a transfer of power? But this is not an article about the political world, rather it is an article on how each of our worlds is turning as we near the end of the year 2020 and prepare for 2021.

Think back to this same period of 2019.

Who could have envisioned the changes we would see in our lives, our businesses, and worldwide in 2020? Who could have foreseen the effect it has had on the industry, our individual businesses, and our individual lives? Who could have predicted that in March of this year we would see our world change so dramatically over the following months?

The launch of chaos seemed to coincide with the HPBA Expo midMarch in New Orleans.

As we entered April, we saw where some

S weeping | December | 2020

industry members had to shut down their operations, while others continued going, often being able to declare themselves “Essential Businesses” to continue working. Prior to 2020, were the words “Essential Business” ever discussed in any industry training or at the bar at a convention?

Was there ever a class or an article on what an “Essential Business” even was? Most likely not. Words that were born in the chaos of 2020. Just as the term “social distancing” was also inaugurated. And the wearing of masks became a way of life.

And even today we are now restricted in where we can travel.

Many businesses were issued loans and grants in 2020, this in different forms and the terms PPP and Disaster Loans to small business became new processes. Who would have predicted

that wearing masks, sanitary processes and testing for COVID-19 would be commonplace and a part of our daily lives? And who would have dreamed that in 2020 government loans and grants would be a part of our business and so many would be filing for loans that they were unsure of how the repayment would be done.

We could go on and on about the changes as our world turned in 2020. The changes created a new world that is referred to by many as the “New Normal”, or as Randy Pennington coined it “The New Next”.

2020 presented a new avenue of fears – fears of others and fears of the unknown. It has been a challenge in so many ways. As we approach the end of 2020, you have survived the turmoil of 2020.

And if you are ending the year on a high note,

then congratulations for maneuvering through a storm that many businesses did not.

On the upside, what we have seen this year has been a tremendous upswing of business for home service contractors (chimney service falls under this general classification), where the demand for products and services are swamping businesses with a high demand. Still, we are presented by the news media a gloomy issue of high unemployment and many businesses shutting down. Each

day we hear more of this doom and gloom reporting, while industry members cannot satisfy the demand, cannot find good workers and now are seeing shortages of materials. Other industries are seeing a dramatic decrease in their businesses.

Some I have spoken to have shared stories of their business drop being over 50% and some as high as 90%.

The past few months have wrecked the supply chain and it is spreading to many households. Who

can ever forget the great toilet paper shortage of 2020?

But now is the time to get out the crystal ball (if you have one) and peer into it for what 2021 will deliver.

Though the astute person who plans knows they must do certain things no matter how the world is turning. Do you have your marketing calendar set for 2021?

Are you prepared for the next season of the chimney service industry that will start in January?

Have you prepared

your budget for 2021?

Have you examined your strengths, your weaknesses, your opportunities, and your threats as you transition into the year of 2021, and what the New Normal will present to you?

It rolls down to following the advice of Michal Gerber. Many of us have had the pleasure of hearing Gerber speak as he was the keynote speaker at the NCSG Convention some 20 years ago.

In his book The E Myth, Gerber writes that you must spend

S weeping | December | 2020

time working on the business, not just in the business. These last few months have been so overwhelming, though, that many have found this difficult.

But working on the business is difficult – the demand of the customer has often exceeded the number of hours we each are allotted in the day.

Most of all, to navigate through both the good times and the times of stormy seas requires leadership.

The leader must chart the course. As John Maxwell says in his book The 21 Irrefutable

Laws Of Leadership, this requires skills. Many of these skills must be developed over time.

Natural charisma may take you to a certain level, but leaders must go beyond charisma.

They must become servant leaders if the course they chart is to be bought into by by those they lead.

of change. Effective leadership requires that the leader check the wind, check the tides and from these, charts the most effective course for the crew being led to follow.

So I encourage you to examine the data of 2020 and ask yourself how you will make the required changes to navigate the seas of 2021. They once again present stormy seas and chaos, as it will likely be another period

18

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. A Past President of NCSG & CSIA along with serving in several volunteer industry positions over his career. 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.cvcsuccessgroup.com He can be contacted at jerry@ cvcsuccessgroup.com or by phone at (704) 425-0217. You can also obtain great business tips from his Facebook page CVC Coaching and YouTube channel CVC Coaching.

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

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

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

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

Air cooled and non-air cooled.

Model VSA-TDW for air cooled chimney

the authentic Available from leading distributors nationwide.

S weeping | December | 2020

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

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

www.chimneycaps.com

Although there have been

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

Always ask for it by name and look for

the seal of authenticity on top of the cap.

100% made in USA

20

S weeping | December | 2020

21

S weeping | December | 2020

Platform 2021 Preview

22

A User-Friendly Experience

S weeping | December | 2020

tt

in

s.

convention Pu

We're in the process of building our digital platform to make it an experience like nothing you've ever seen. In the meantime, please check out these samples from other events to get an idea of the look and feel of our event.

gt

he

pie c

e s t og e t

or her f

su

e cc

s

We are working diligently to build a one-of-a-kind, realistic, and user-friendly experience for you and your whole team. This year's convention is designed to fit within your schedule — no need to take off a week of work or pay to fly out your entire staff in order to reap all of the rewards of attending a live event. With nearly 70% new speakers and plenty of your favorite vendors, we're sure this convention will be one for the history books!

Trade Show Interact with exhibitors and vendors just as you would at an in-person event — view products, pamphlets, demos, presentations, and even meet one-on-one with representatives from the company!

Convention

You can expect to see all of what we offer at an inperson convention here on this digital platform and more! Sessions will be going on live with the added bonus to watch the recordings after.

Are there two sessions you'd like to see going on at the same time? No problem! With the On Demand Library, you will be able to watch all those amazing sessions offered.

That library will be available to registered attendees for 2 full weeks after the convention has ended.

Unlike conventions in the past, you will be able to attend and get CEUs for every session offered at convention — that's nearly double the usual amount!

23

S weeping | December | 2020

Networking Don't miss out on the many opportunities to meet with suppliers, other attendees, and old friends in our Breakout Rooms! There will be plenty of ways for you to stay connected and engaged (and to have fun!) during the event.

This is just the beginning...

As the designing and building stages progress, we will be able to do all of this and more on the virtual platform. The convention this year will fit better in your schedule, allow you to have more employees attend, give you more opportunities for education and CEUs, and will accommodate those who might not have been able to attend in the past.

We can't wait to see you there!

24

From all of us at Sand Hill, Thanks For Giving Us Your Support!

And As Our Gift To You, Receive

Free Freight

anywhere in the continental U.S. with an order* of $1200 or more of our stock items!

Call or Email For Your FREE Copy Of Our 2020-2021 Catalog

888-SAND-HILL (888-726-3445)

Info@SandHillWholesale.com * Offer valid 11/1/20 through 11/30/20 Same Day Shipping for Orders Placed Before 3:00 EST www.sandhillwholesale.com

S weeping | December | 2020

2021 Convention

Speakers

WEDNESDAY Morgan Luttrell Opening Keynote No-One Out Ranks Safety

Rick Vlahos Hearth Industry Core Knowledge: Let's Review the Basic Principles

Joseph Ochal Clinical Microbiology 101- Understanding & Marketing Disease Control in Relation to Home Services

THURSDAY Darin Bibeau General Session Everyday GSD

Jim Jennings Fire Investigations What a Sweep Should Know

Steve Scally Learning Your Numbers

Laura Nelson Drive More Reviews, Referrals, and Loyalty

Daniel Freeman Establishing Authority Through Branding & Benefiting from Niche Markets

Jim Brewer Your Company Fall Protection Plan

April DeRossett The F-Words of Sales - 7 Ways Technicians Lose the Sale

Steve Scally Inspections A-Z - Process and Information Gathering

FRIDAY Derek Lidstrom How Decorative Chimney Shrouds Cause Chimney Fires!

Blume Zen and the Art of Chimney Maintenance

Jim Brewer Proflame Gas Control System

Larry Oxenham Don't Kill Your Golden Goose – Protect & Perpetuate Your Business

Robert Berry Pricing for Wealth and Retirement

John Ceaser How to Turn Free Estimates Into Paid Inspections

SATURDAY Tommy Nelms Your Perspective & How It Affects The Bottom Line

John Meredith Wardenclyffe Hearth Lab Testing Update

Larry Brockman Improve Customer Satisfaction with EPA's Burn Wise Educational Materials

Taylor Hill The Customer Journey Through Your Business

25

Taryn and Jonathan Gill All Safety Topics

Martin Aube Service and Installation Skill Sets

Johnny Joey Jones Closing Keynote My Brother's Keeper All speakers and sessions are subject to change.

S weeping | December | 2020

Chimney Sweeping Laws Around the World 26

by John Pilger The Covid-19 virus has most of the sweeping conventions, congresses and international gatherings cancelled. As the NCSG and CSIA International Representative, I attend many of these meetings and report back to both Board of Directors. This year with no shows to attend I asked sweeps in many European countries and Canada if their government imposed any new chimney sweeping regulations.

Canada In Canada, although this is not a governmental law, WETT (Wood Energy Technology Transfer) will be releasing their new mandatory inspection forms shortly. Anyone doing WETT inspections (many Canadian insurance companies and townships require this) will have to use our fillable PDF’s or print them off and fill them out. WETT went to the length that we have a separate form for

S weeping | December | 2020

all installation types. There will be no more levels of inspections. Still levels, but only with more understandable names for the type of inspections performed. Visual - Technical - Invasive. Clear and precise with code references and specific mandatory minimums. There must be an explanation statement made for any UTI (unable to inspect) that is marked. Pictures are required.

United Kingdom One thing that’s been created in the UK now is a qualification called the NVQ (National Vocational Qualification), so this is being spread amongst all 7 of the chimney associations, with one association making it mandatory that its members get the qualification. It is not a written exam as such, more of an observation to see how the sweep works and an interview by an assessor.

There are no new governmental laws yet, but they expect new emissions regulations soon. For more info on NVQ, go to https:// en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ National_Vocational_ Qualification.

Ireland In Ireland there are no new regulations in force as yet, although there will be new regulations on stoves.

Norway In Norway, the Chimney Sweeps are part of the fire department; they sweep the chimneys for months and then go back to being firefighters and inspectors. Then they will do fire inspections in houses and commercial structures. They look

at all chimneys, central heating systems, fireplaces (wood stoves), smoke detectors and CO detectors along with fire extinguishers and suppression systems.

Since 2015, a new law came about for houses and cabins. It states that the homeowner is not permitted to sweep their own chimneys; it must be done by the chimney sweep. The cost is included in their fire department taxes.

Sweden The Swedish Chimney Guild technical committee is working on a sweeping standard, this way all the members in the Swedish Guild will be sweeping chimneys the same way. Sweeping from the bottom and up the chimney by using rod techniques (chimney rods, viper, or rotary power sweeping) will be in the standard and this will minimize fall accidents and health problems. The standard will include using respiratory and better protective clothes.

Denmark The Danish government wants environmental and chimney rules.

They have been putting pressure on smoke emissions from the fireplaces for the last

couple of years. In Europe, a fireplace means wood and pellet stoves as opposed to an open fireplace. The Red parties want to shut down all the fireplaces in Denmark. The Danish Guild tried to make connections in the government to have support. "It is going to be a long fight," says Jan Sunds, Danish Guild Board member. We just found out a couple of months ago that they are now looking into the rules for chimney sweeps in Denmark.

There have been some bad, uneducated sweeps — we call them “Pirate Chimney Sweepers" — but the government (and EU) wants more free choice.

The Danish Chimney Guild wants to leave it is like it is today, where they are just the District Chimney Sweep Masters. They must check that every house in the community has their chimney swept. Jan says we must see where this is going to end. It will probably take a couple of years before they are making new rules. We are crossing our fingers and working hard with the politicians to make them understand that the system we have today is a very safe

system for the house owner.

The Netherlands The Netherlands are becoming increasing left wing and more environmentally conscious. They say that firing wood is bad for the environment because of the particulate matter that is released by wood burning. They expect new environmental regulations.

Belgium In Belgium, there are no new laws concerning chimneys.

However, they have the Green Deal. That is about emissions of wood burning. The Belgium Chimney Guild are involved in the making up of the new Green Deal. Sweeps say that they do not know if it will give them extra work in the beginning, but they think that in the future it will change in their benefit.

They are also talking about fine dust filters in the chimney. Marc Beun, President of the Guild, was at a meeting with the boss of POVO, which makes fine dust filters that are easy to install for sweeps (and it is not so expensive).

The cost is around 1800€ ($2125.00 USD) and the customers must pay them. For those

S weeping | December | 2020

people who like Green living, it is a small cost. All new stoves must be CE-marked (UL in America). The cheap stoves from the supermarket are not allowed anymore. Large fines, up to 25000€ ($29,684 USD) for those who still sell the rubbish stoves.

Germany

28

Germany has had new sweeping and inspection regulations since July 9, 2020. The main changes are the increase in the fee for the sovereign fireplace (wood/pellet stove), inspections, and the regulation of the fees for the replacement of all heating units.

Another new regulation is that if the house owner refuses entry to the sweep, then the regulatory authority, and the police, will force the owner to have the sweep be given access for the sweeping.

The sweeping and checking intervals have changed insignificantly.

Switzerland In Switzerland, there is a big change now. Oil and gas heating systems are being replaced by alternative energy units like solar or heat pumps. Chimney sweeps must rethink their job. Also, the exhaust gas limit values

are getting stricter and stricter for oil, gas, and wood heating systems.

They think that the profession will change completely in the next 20-30 years and the chimney sweep may be history.

Spain In Spain, Carlos Johnson, President of Deshollinadores (the Spanish Chimney Sweep Guild) said there are no building codes for chimneys in Spain, and even more frustrating, the architects do not know what they are doing. Carlos said it is exceedingly difficult to get laws passed in Spain. He even spoke with a Spanish government official and she never got back to him, which was disappointing.

The safety culture is vastly different than in Germany or Scandinavia, but he will keep trying.

Italy Italian Chimney Sweepers are not directly affected by environmental laws, but manufactures and installers are. There are some restrictions, but they think it's positive because government is giving contributions (rebates) for those who change out old

S weeping | December | 2020

Energy-Saving Dampers Quality = Confidence.

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

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

Call your favorite Lock-Top distributor today!

AN INDUSTRY STANDARD FOR OVER 25 YEARS

fireplaces and stoves with new and better ones.

That brought a lot of jobs for chimney sweeps to replace chimneys during these changing times.

Croatia The Croatian laws for the chimney industry are not central government regulated. It is different in every city, where mayors and people who run those cities make their own deals and terms with sweepers working there. While in the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Sarajevo, there is a law on who can be a chimney sweep and what a chimney sweep does.

Russia In Russia, Sweeps reported that in the field of legislation, nothing has changed and new laws regarding the activities of chimney sweeps have not been developed either. Now, everyone in Russia can be a chimney sweep. They hope by the end of the year a law on licensing this type of activity will be adopted, and, accordingly, only professionals will be able to be a chimney sweep.

John Pilger is the NCSG and CSIA International representative, past president of CSIA and a CSIA Master Sweep.

Celebrating 10 Magical Years 29

ChamberGuard Smoke Chamber Repair System • The ONLY smoke chamber coating with a

ZERO Clearance rating at only 1” thickness.

• Designed for both spray and parge applications.

• UNIQUE self- contained spray system.

• The ONLY spray system that can coat to

the recommended thickness and beyond, in minutes without sagging or running.

• That’s right! Remove smoke chamber corbels with a sprayer in minutes.

• New three foot extension now available.

See the incredible video at necs.tv/sprayer

WWW.NEWENGLANDCHIMNEYSUPPLY.COM • 866.513.2378 S weeping | December | 2020

Ken Meet Hoelscher

a Member

Our featured member this month is Ken Hoelscher.

We sat down with Ken in person a few months back to discuss how he became a chimney sweep, what some of his accomplishments are, and why he continues to be a member of the NCSG. You can watch this video interview (and catch up on any past Meet a Member features) at www.ncsg.org/ meet-a-member.

30

My name is Ken Hoelscher with Abbey Road Chimney Sweeps in Brookville, Ohio, an area outside of Dayton, Ohio. I’ve been a chimney sweep for, oh gosh, I don’t know how long. I was 5 years old sitting behind an August West vac while my mom was cleaning chimneys and that was my babysitter sitting behind one of those vacs during that time.

What’s a question you get asked most about being a chimney sweep?

Some of the questions I get asked about as a chimney sweep are “Do you guys actually exist?” “Oh wait a minute do you sing and dance up on a rooftop?” “Isn’t that a really dirty job?” You really have to go through people and tell them no it’s not that dirty. If I could sing and dance on the rooftop I might not be sweeping chimneys because I could make a lot more money elsewhere. Yes, we still exist because you still use your fireplace and your furnace and a lot of things use that chimney and venting system.

How did you get started in the industry?

I got started in the industry at a very young age. The company actually was started and founded by my mother, Carol which a lot of the older sweeps know. At the age of 5, I was sitting behind a big red August West vac that was, in essence, my babysitter because she didn’t have anyone to watch me and my brother.

We just did that. We would bring equipment in and out. I actually cleaned my first chimney when I was around 10 and have been working on them since. During High School and Jr High mostly during the summers or weekend, I was working in the business. After high

S weeping | December | 2020

school I went full time.

What advice do you wish you had received when you were getting started?

Knowing what I know now, it would have been knowing numbers in a business. When you are trying to run a business you need to know your numbers. If I had known these numbers early on I could probably be a lot further in the industry than I am now. Knowing numbers would probably be my most important thing to know.

What is your biggest challenge in the industry and how to do you overcome it?

I think we all know what that one is; it’s finding help and hiring somebody. Everyone has the stigma of the chimney sweep: “Ew, Yuck, Dirty, Nasty…” What we have to do, the way I’ve figured it out, is to change that perspective. You need to let them know it’s not dirty, it’s not nasty, and there’s a lot that goes into it. It’s really big on culture; bring up the culture and let people know how fun it is and just loving the sweeps life.

Who was your most famous customer?

Some famous people I have cleaned chimneys for are prominent news personalities in our area. I have worked with a couple of them. I’m actually good friends with two of them still. They are no longer on TV but we still chat back and forth. I’ve also swept for a couple prominent lawyers, council members, and a few mayors in our area.

Have you ever attended NCSG Annual Convention & Trade Show? If so, what was your favorite takeaway?

Yes, I have. One of the most important things is networking and being able to learn from some of the industry’s best out there. You never know how much information other people have. They might not even have been in the industry that long, but they may have that little nugget that you never would have thought of. So going to one of these conventions is amazing because you are going to talk to so many people all over the country and all over the world and get knowledge that you never would have thought of because you are only thinking in your little box but they are thinking outside of that box. So everybody shares things with everyone else. It’s one of the best things the National Chimney Sweep Guild offers. Having that convention where you can get so many people together. I have learned so much from these greats and all these other people in the industry.

What is your proudest accomplishment?

I would probably say there are two in this industry I have done. One, I don’t see it in myself, but I was awarded the NCSG President’s Award, I see this honor for other people but someone thought I was worthy of this award.

So thank you for this prestigious award.

The second thing that I am also very proud of in this industry is that I was selected with a group of other chimney sweeps that were able to go out and clean the chimneys at the White House. It was an amazing thing to be able to do that and do so with some of the other greats that have been there before.

Have you ever had to make your own tool to solve a particular problem?

I think everyone out there knows we’ve all had that tool.

We’ve even had tools that we’ve made that hopefully there is not photographic evidence of that tool ever going anywhere because we know that tool might not be “proper”. There’s been many times we’ve made tools and come up with things so we can make use of the things in front of us. You always have to think outside the box in this industry because there are so many variables in what you run into. You oftentimes have to come up with things on the fly. You then remember doing this thing once, I can do it again.

Weirdest thing you have ever found in a chimney?

I’ve had two things. One, I actually removed a brick out of chimney and found a hidden strong box. Just a little strong box that inside had old cash and gold coins in it.

Sad part was I handed it to the customer and they said they never knew it was there as they just bought the house. I was like great, I might have been able to have kept that. But, me being honest, I didn’t do that.

The second thing I will say was an odd one. It was an owl. There was a dead owl in the chimney. I remember this one really well. I remember reaching my hand over the damper and onto the shelf and as I was pulling my hand back the claw grabbed my hand. That pretty much scared me to death thinking something just grabbed me out of this chimney. It was a quick trip to the bathroom after that event.

What do you like to do outside of work?

Play the drums, travel and spend time with my beautiful wife, Lindsay and our three children Trey, Tristan, and Taylor.

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

A very good question. Mine is the knowledge that they give and the friendships and the people that are out there. I’ve had some dark times and there are people out there that knew me during these dark times and reached out to me during those times and they got me through it.

It’s because of friends, they aren’t even friends, they are family to me. That’s how the National Chimney Sweep Guild is; you guys are all family. That right there probably saved me on a lot of things. I love you for that and you guys know who I’m talking about. Thank you.

Thank you, Ken! Don’t forget to submit your nominations for the next Meet a Member to Annemarie Stockton at astockton@ncsg.org.

S weeping | December | 2020

31

Brittney Burton

Membership and Outreach Coordinator

Membership Memo What a year this has been! We have definitely seen new challenges and obstacles this year; but we also have created new solutions, and new success. In conjunction with the partnership of NCSG and CSIA, the entire industry has rallied together to weather the storm and has now entered what may be the busiest busy season yet. Looking back, our biggest takeaway from the year is the ability to adapt.

32

Throughout 2020 NCSG looked to stay in touch with you, our members.

We partnered with CSIA to bring you twelve Survive and Revive Business Panel webinars to help better your business. (If you missed any of those they can all be found on the NCSG YouTube Channel.)

Similarly, webinars from Market Hardware, Spark Marketer, CVC Coaching, and Grady & Associates have also continued and will continue throughout 2021. The Board of Directors also held their first Town Hall Series to hear your concerns and answer your questions.

This fall we have completely revamped

S weeping | December | 2020

our Mentorship Program and are now accepting applications from both mentors and mentees for our first 90 day mentorship session starting January 11th and subsequent 90 day sessions beginning April 5th and July 5th. We are excited to help our members connect and learn from each other throughout the year.

Though the biggest adaptation this year has been convention.

In March, thanks to the support and generosity of Surefire Training Academy, NCSG was able to take much of the 2020 NCSG Convention material online and donate all proceeds to Warrior Horse, a non-profit founded by our industry’s own, Kevin Russell. Looking forward to 2021 we are still adapting to put together an outstanding virtual convention that can rival conventions past. Then it will be on to planning our 2022 convention in Las Vegas! We truly cannot wait to connect with you all again!

We continue to see new members join every month and we have recently welcomed so

many of you back for another year. It has been a pleasure serving as your Membership Coordinator for most of this year and I cannot wait to spend 2021 with you all. Remember, we are always looking to grow with you and support your needs. If you have any questions, concerns, or ideas for additional benefits the Guild can provide please reach out and share with us! You can always contact me at bburton@ncsg.org, I look forward to hearing from you!

Roydhouse Round Up

by Chuck Roydhouse, CSIA President president@csia.org

10 Points of Progress The past year has been very productive at CSIA. We started this year with an aggressive agenda plan to expand education and certification offerings as well as updating materials and physical training structures. We hit the ground running with the debut of the new manual, Chimney and Venting Essentials, and the accompanying Certification Exam. Both have been a huge success and the feedback has been extremely positive. This was made possible because you spoke up and told us what you needed from CSIA and we listened.

As you will see referenced as you read further, even with the pandemic, our CSIA team has kept moving forward improving our services to help our credential holders succeed in our trade providing true return on your investment with CSIA Certifications and Education.

Progress is defined as: movement toward a goal or higher stage.

1. PRIOR TRAINING STRUCTURE ADDITION Final touches and ready for rollout January 2021 of the Gas Training, Factory Built Fireplace Change Out & Inspection, and Rope & Roof Access Training. This a true multi-use training facility unique to the USA. Huge thanks to Chris Prior, Chief Designer and Engineer, Jasper Drengler, Construction Boss and Ramrod, David Steward and Tim Smith Construction team, Megan’s staff & Logistic Coordinator Penny Seals.

2.Total Restructure and Upgrade of National Training School morphing to CSIA NATIONAL TRAINING ACADEMY. Education Director Russ Dimmitt and John Ceaser’s Education Committee work tirelessly to create and incorporate a world class Chimney Technician Academy prepping our students for 21st Century Chimney Service based on our new manual and test which we introduced January 2020.

3. Updated and Rewrote about a dozen classes including Chimney Physics and currently making ready multiple virtual courses coming soon, providing ease of education and CEU accumulation in a user-friendly way.

4. Technology Investment to serve our Certification Holders by installing smart boards for communicating with and training of our technicians, both in person and live virtual. We fortunately saw the future need and acted a year ago, and thank the Lord we did based on this past year’s need for offsite training.

5. CSIA has stepped up to the plate to lead the industry not only in education, training and multi-certifications, we’ve this year created an advocacy committee to be the voice in your state to advocate for our Trades interest. We started in New Jersey and are monitoring national trends to stay relevant in each state so you can practice and prosper in this industry. Vice President Tommy Nelms chairs this Committee. We petitioned the Board Regulating Chimney Service licensing in New Jersey to accept CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep as an acceptable alternative for the Master Hearth Professional requirement. We have been waiting since June for the official notice, but due to Covid things have slowed. Hopefully, we shall hear any day now.

6.Commitment and Investment in Safety as one of our core values. We started by declaring the climbing helmet is our New “Top Hat” (Stonerism) and have OSHA Certified Instructors to deliver Roof Rope Access Training,

October 2019 OSHA 10-hour, Confined Space, Respiratory Protection, Silica and Lead Exposure, Scaffolding and PPE to name a few. We are committed to you and your employees’ safety and wellbeing, and want everyone to go home healthy at the end of the day.

7. The Chimney Success Institute of America’s was created to work hand in hand with Chimney Safety Institute of America. Only focusing on technical training was leaving out the other half of the core academic instruction need to be successful in business either as an employee or business owner. Teaching why core values, SOP’s, time management, setting goals, tracking, logistics and financial management/job costing only makes a company more successful. Business training is being delivered via our CSIA Roadshow Business Symposiums being offered for 2021 in the Midwest, Northeast and the South. We also have multiple business classes on the CSIA SureFire E-Learning Platform.

8. CSIA SureFire E-Learning has increased the number of course offerings by 25%. This is an avenue to learn new things and reinforce previous training in the comfort of your own home or office at the time of your choosing. What a very convenient way to learn and accumulate CEU’s.

9. The Education Development and Certification Committee’s worked at a breakneck pace to create a new Certification for our industry. CSIA’s Certified Chimney Specialist is the bridge between CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep and CSIA Master Sweep. By taking advanced courses in Chimney Science, theory and hands on practical training you can earn this next level certification.

CSIA is building a trade and just like other Trades having the apprentice, journeyman and master levels, so shall we.

10. Working for you. Together we are better. CSIA and NCSG partnered in the spring and summer to bring value, compassion and answers for you our clients and members. Covid 19 shook our country and industry and we lead the way presenting topics to aid you and helping your business survive and thrive. Topics covered were Scared to Repair, Resilient Business, Virtual Chimney Assessments, Restart Ready, How to Grow Your Business, Recruiting & Hiring Demystified, The Culture Advantage, The Price is Right … Or Is It? , Scale to Your

December 2020

Sweet Spot, Master Your Marketing and, Proposals Made Easy. John Meredith moderated the events with great depth and zeal committed to help all sweeps nationwide.

These free Zoom Webinars hosted by CSIA/NCSG is our way of giving back and providing value to you. We are family and we take care of our own.

As we move into 2021, we will continue to work for your success. We have a stout training program slated for the new year both in-person, technical, hands-on and business. These courses will be located in the North East, Mid-Atlantic, Mid-West, West and South. Each session will start with a review and certification test on the first day and by staying for the following day/days of training your CEU’s for the classes will count toward recertification. CSIA is on the road bringing education and certification to your area. Lastly, we will be offering more virtual classes and you can always depend on the CSIA SureFire E -Learning to maximize your learning experience.

In closing, as I promised upon taking over as your President, CSIA will never be stagnant and our mutual success is intertwined. Be bold, be proactive. CSIA is the juggernaut for success.

“It behooves every man to remember that work of the critic is of altogether secondary importance, and that, in the end, progress is accomplished by the man who does things” -Theodore Roosevelt CSIA IS THE STANDARD OF EXCELLENCE IN THE CHIMNEY AND VENTING INDUSTRY.

Chuck Roydhouse CSIA President

www.CSIA.org

NEW CERTIFICATIONS New Jersey Nicholas Malave High Point Chimney Services Raritan Colorado Jake Zuercher Inglenook Energy Conifer Gavin Lemley Chimney Sweeps of America Wheat Ridge Florida Kyle McGregor Doodlebuggers Service Network Pensacola Illinois Aaron Florian Safeway Chimney Sweeps Frankfort Noah Sorensen Country Hearth & Home West Peoria Kansas Julius Berney The Fluesbrothers Chimney Service Kansas City Michigan Justin Leemhuis Capac Joel Jewett Kalamazoo Minnesota James White III Jack Pixley Sweeps Spring Lake Park Missouri Alan Noltkamper A+ Chimney Services, LLC Bourbon

Jeffrey Kleinhans Up On The Roof LLC Freehold Carlo Vitale Vitale Inspection Services LLC Robbinsville Oregon Todd Lemense Chimcare Portland Portland Andy De Chimcare Portland Portland Pennsylvania Gary Juck Wells & Sons Chimney Service Gilbertsville Brandon Undorfer Wells & Sons Chimney Service Gilbertsville Edward Butterworth Tor Chimney & Fireplace Doylestown

Arkansas James Calvin Ralls A-1 Chimney Pro, Inc Conway Indiana Gary Smalling Smalling Masonry LLC Indianapolis Michigan Kevon (Doc) Binder Sr. Doctor Flue, Inc Tecumseh New Jersey Didier Trujillo American Chimney Service Westwood Oklahoma Tate Waddle C&C Chimney Skiatook Pennsylvania Dave Curley Lou Curley’s Chimney Service Drexel Hill

Tennessee Texas Timothy Simpson Daniel Ingram Ashbusters Chimney Service Inc 1st Choice Chimney Commercial LLC Smyrna Flower Mound Vermont Jeff Lombardi Chimney Savers Randolph Jason King Demers Chimney Service LLC Lunenburg

Florida Mike Priest Doddlebuggers Service Network Pensacola Georgia David Rivera Peach State Dryer Vents & Air Ducts Fayetteville Indiana Austin VanHaitsma AmeriClean Merrillville

Kentucky Brian VanDyke Checkmark Handyman Services Hebron

New York Albert Whitelaw Dryer Geeks East Islip

Louisiana Charles Sellards Dryer Rescue Prairieville

Ohio Eldon Adamson Sr. Aqua Force Pressure Washing LLC New Carlisle

Maryland Benjamins Zonis Handyman On Call Finsburg North Carolina Kevin Davenport Hayesville New Mexico Rachel Baker A.B.C.&D.E Santa Fe

Christopher Jones Ohio Dryer Vent Solutions Wooster Pennsylvania Roberta Hahn Dryer Vent Wizard of Reading PA Reading Virginia Josh Hofheins Black Goose Chimney Sweep Newport News

The SureFire Training Advantage • • •

How much is it costing you to have an untrained technician in the field?

Are you too busy to train your new hires but struggling to find an effective in-house training system to do it for you?

Are you concerned you can’t afford the training program you need?

Why it works: • Proven Learning Paths • Reduced Callbacks • Faster Certification • Consistent Results

We have the experience to know what works.

We run chimney companies and still have our pulse von the daily challenges that companies face.

We are the official online training partner for the Chimney Safety Institute of America.

We have the New CSIA Chimney Sweep Review and Exam (SureFire is the only place you can take it.)

Now offering over 200 courses, modules, and quizzes.

Including the new CSIA Review and all NFI Reviews.

We have brought together the largest, most diverse network of industry experts.

Currently, we have over 20 course instructors.

Now you can obtain 100% of the CEU’s necessary to re-certify through the CSIA.

New Members

FLORIDA Hygienic Air, Inc • Jeff Addington • Clermont GEORGIA Peach State Dryer Vent & Air Ducts • David Rivera • Fayetteville

REGION

PENNSYLVANIA Dryer Vent Wizard of Reading PA • Roberta Hahn • Reading

REGION

REGION

NEW YORK Captain Chimney • Brandon Fellows • Schenectady Chimney MD • Michael Colongione • Massapequa

REGION REGION

REGION

REGION

REGION REGION

1 212 2 23 3 3 3

NORTH CAROLINA Home Air Solutions Inc • Almoumar Monzer • Raleigh SOUTH CAROLINA Chimspector • Drew Stein • Columbia

REGION

Duct Cleaners’ Supply

REGION

800.634.2822

REGION

www.ductcleanerssupply.com

Introductory Price:

$160

Custom bracket for ductwork. Can be attached to VIPER® rods. Rechargeable. Built-in LED illumination. Captures still shots or video

The VIPER’S EYE™ kit camera connects wirelessly to your smartphone or tablet using WiFi.

Easily inspect, video, or photograph.

Turn your business upside-down!

IOWA The Chimney Sweep • Ben Waynar • Fort Dodge

REGION REGION

REGION

REGION

REGION REGION

4 45 5 5 65 6 6 6

S weeping | December | 2020

37

Megan McMahon Executive Director

Around the Tech Center Season’s greetings!

I hope this finds you all doing what you can to stay healthy — mentally and physically. 2020 has certainly been an interesting year and in the midst of a pandemic where the future remains uncertain, there is not a better time to practice gratitude and enjoy the simple moments and beauty in life. We could all use a little reminder for the many things we have to be thankful for, no matter how big or small.

As we continue to navigate through the challenges of this past year, I hope you

38

S weeping | December | 2020

have found strength you did not know existed and continue to persevere. Take time for family, cherish the opportunity to slow down, focus on your mental and physical health, carve out time to reflect and strengthen relationships with those around you. Choose to remain extra grateful for loved ones and the blessings that life has provided to you. There is good in each day, celebrate it.

From our families to yours, we wish you much happiness, success, health and peace.

Dates and Events

Classifieds

Blue Collar Chimney Expo

GasVent Software for Sizing Chimneys only $195

Spring Show April 1-June 30 2021 Fall Show Labor Day - Dec 30, 2021

Chimney Expo 2021 King of Prussia, PA Valley Forge Casino Feb 18 - 20 2021

HPB Expo Louisville, Ky. Exhibition June 24 - 26 and Education 23 - 25, 2021

Copperfield Rip and Replace Jan./Feb. 2021 One-Week Masonry School March 2021 Hands-on relining Workshop April 2021 Professional Chimney Inspection June/July 2021 Professional Inspection Delivery August 2021

Call 1-800-648-9523 for more info and visit www.elitesoft.com to download a free trial version Profitable Well Established Chimney Sweep Business for Sale Western Maryland Established 1988 Includes all equipment, tools, two service vans and trailer Current database over 4,000 customers Call (301) 432-8500 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 email office@ncsg.org or call 317-837-1500.

S weeping | December | 2020

39

Darwin Award

Just think, you know there's wood under that metal.

James Carlin Carlin Chimney & Duct Service Toms River, NJ

40

See a chimney in your area that had you scratching your head?

Send it to the editor, Annemarie Stockton at astockton@ncsg. org for publication in Sweeping.

Include a few words about the scene and location.

Advertisements

Ahrens Chimney Technique 800-843-4417 ahrenschimney@qwestoffice.net 4 Approved Industries (2) 866-439-0069 info@approvedindustries.com 20, 21 Blue Collar Enterpreneur Magazine 413-887-2374 www.magazineforbluecollarentrepreneurs.com 19 Chim Cap Corp 800-262-9622 www.chimcapcorp.com 39 Copperfield 800-247-3305 www.copperfield.com 5 Copperfield Academy 800-569-1425 www.copperfield.com Inside front cover CVC 704-425-0217 jerry@cvccoaching.com 17 Duct Cleaners' Supply 800-634-2822 4viper@ductcleanerssupply.com 37 ENERVEX 770-587-3238 www.enervex.com 9 F&C Distributors 630-241-0506 sales@fandcdistributors.com 15 Gelco www.gllchimneyproducts.com 10 ICP 508-695-7000 www.chimneycaps.com 18 Lindemann Chimney Company 866-629-8006 www.lindemannsupply.com 7 Locktop www.gllchimneyproducts.com 28 National Chimney 800-897-8481 www.nationalchimney.com Back cover New England Chimney Supply (2) 866-513-2378 www.newenglandchimneysupply.com 3, 29 Rodstation USA 508-985-3746 www.rodstationusa.com 14 Sand Hill Wholesale & Mfg., Inc 800-258-5496 www.sandhillwholesale.com 24 SnapLok Rotary Sweep Systems 888-570-5407 www.snaploksystems.com 11 Z-Flex 800-654-5600 www.z-flex.com 6

S weeping | December | 2020

nationalchimneystore.com 800.897.8481

2020 DIDN'T SLOW US DOWN

We remained open and safe throughout all of COVID-19 No layoffs in 2020 No price increases for all of 2020

We have been fully operational and stocked all year Always on time shipping and quick deliveries