Tech Q&A

from Sweeping Magazine - May 2020

Sweeps Say

Question: What have you enjoyed the most about being the NCSG Technical Advisory Council Chairman? Answer: Helping others!

This month, we are taking a break from the normal content, and it’s also my last regular contribution to the Q & A as the TAC Chairman. Moving forward, At-Large Director Steve Scally of Fireside Sweeps is taking the helm, and NCSG members couldn’t be in better hands! It has been an incredible privilege to serve my fellow Guild members! We are an amazing group, and I am honored to have been in a position to help. Many folks helped me when I was new, and have continued to, so it has also been a responsibility to give back to those that have given so much to myself and countless others. I’m indebted to all of you, and have to say a very big thank you! Thank you for the opportunity to give, and thank you for so much more! Thank you for asking the questions, for reading the articles, and for letting me know. I can’t count how many times over the years folks approached me at convention, at trainings, and at other events, and said “you’re the guy that writes the articles”. Owners have told me that they use the articles in company meetings. Employees and technicians have thanked me for useful or valuable article content. Some folks have simply said “I look forward to and enjoy your column.” In reality, it is I that needs to thank you! For giving me such a sense of gratitude, that I can make a difference. Thank you for adding a layer to my purpose, and for solidifying my sense of family within this Guild. And quite simply, thanks for reading! I didn’t just write the articles and Chair the TAC, I also served on it. The TAC members that volunteer to answer the helpline are an amazing and skilled group of industry professionals! It has also been my privilege to serve alongside them, answering calls from our membership. I have to also recognize them, for their service and commitment to helping the Guild and its members. You know who you are, and I couldn’t have done it without you, so thank you! And in answering those calls, I’ve received another gift. The chance to better get to know members of the Guild, from across the country. Whether its getting to know someone just a little bit in a phone call, or when they introduce themselves at convention. “I don’t know if you remember, but I called the TAC helpline a couple months ago and you helped me out.” Many times folks have approached me like that, and often we chat for a while. And in many cases we are now friends. Priceless gifts, your friendship, and my deep gratitude. I will continue to serve on the TAC answering calls but it has truly been an incredible experience throughout my time as TAC Chair. You trusted me to assemble the right individuals, to get you accurate information and answers, and to be a reliable resource. In doing so, you made me a better person, you let me get to know you, and you gave me the opportunity to help. I hope I did well. Thank you. I will be forever grateful. Michael Segerstrom Outgoing NCSG TAC Chairman