President’s Letter This issue we would normally be recapping the last convention. Instead we asked for submissions for memories from past years. As a child one of my earliest convention memories was St. Louis. The arch was absolutely amazing to a small town farm kid. I remember riding up to the top and looking out over the city. Over the course of our lives there are moments in time you will never forget. For me one of those was April 1st 1993 in Washington D.C. for the NCSG convention. Leading up to the convention I remember my dad had fired an employee who was supposed to join us. At that time I had a pen pal named Alan Kulwicki who I had written and invited to join us to see Washington. I was crushed to find out Alan died on a helicopter crash during the convention. During the banquet the band played a tribute to him. Once arriving home I found the last letter I’d receive from Alan in which he apologized for not being able to make it and had sent me an autographed photo which is still
framed and cherished to this day. I remember a Milwaukee convention as a kid and one in Kentucky. One of the best was in Indianapolis in 2002. This was a big year for the industry as we celebrated the grand opening of the Technology Center! As a sweep I take great pride in our building. People often ask how I know what I’m doing or where I learned my trade. I’m proud to respond that we have a dedicated school in Indiana where all of my technicians receive a certification and continue their education nonstop throughout their careers. This was also the event I met The Chimney Guy. Fast forward to Branson. Wow, seems like a lifetime ago. I was seated on the board and had no idea what I was in for. To start with, I couldn’t afford the hotel so I stayed at a super cheap hotel downtown. I even had to check out early and then slept on the couch in another sweep’s room the last night. I was told I had to wear a suit for the board meeting. Well, I only owned one and it
didnt fit all that well. I remember joining a committee and instantly wanted to meet more sweeps and do whatever I could to help. Louisville! Mind blown! I was extremely surprised when the board decided I was to take on the presidency. I was bombarded with people in my ear immediately all wanting to give advice. One particular sweep came up to me and asked if I was planning to serve or be served. That has stuck to this day and I have enjoyed that friendship ever since. I’m truly blessed to have made huge leaps in my own business the last 10 years and I owe it all to the sweeps who freely shared ideas and experiences with me over the years. Yes I had to do the work and fail in many ways, but I would have never gotten to this point without my fellow convention attendees. Every convention has produced a new friendship and new knowledge. As long as
Jasper Drengler Presidnet
I’m in the industry I will be a full supporter of the National Chimney Sweep Guild. I will probably even attend the conventions after retirement just to visit. Many of my best friends are sweeps from all over the country and I will cherish them the rest of my life. Can’t wait to see you all in Milwaukee! I hope we can shake hands and hug again by then. I miss you all and am thankful for being able to see you on social media in the meantime. Stay safe everyone.
Jasper Drengler NCSG President
S weeping | May | 2020
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