It’s time to renew your National Chimney Sweep Guild membership! Renew by Monday, September 30 to keep your member benefits. In this issue, hear from dozens of your fellow members about why they continue to renew their memberships.
5
Letter From the President
Renew your membership today! It is well-worth the investment.
11
Welcome to Our Newest Members
Shout out to the 35 newest members of the NCSG!
13
Happy Member-versary to You
We’re pleased to recognize our members that are celebrating their 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, and 40year member-versaries this year.
22
We Fix Leaky Chimney Systems
Understand the process by which masonry wets and dries and the differences in classes and types of water repellents.
35
I Was the 1,000th Member
Bob Ferrari reflects on his journey since being named the 1,000th NCSG member in 1986.
41
Call for Speakers: 2025 NCSG Convention
Submit your presentation proposal now through Friday, August 30 to speak at convention!
Throughout this issue, we are featuring many of our members who are celebrating 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, and 40-year anniversaries in 2024. However, we acknowledge that there is potential for database error, including missing or inaccurate join dates. If you would like to confirm your membership join date, please send us an email at office@ncsg.org so we can update our database. Please enjoy hearing from your fellow members in this issue, and renew your membership by September 30!
Darwin Award
Have you ever seen some interesting things on the job?
Submit a photo with your name and location to marketing@ncsg.org.
29
Classified Ads
Free Classified Ads for NCSG Members
National Chimney Sweep Guild (NSCG) members can run one 35-word classified ad for free each calendar year. 36+ words are $1 per word after. Additional ads are $1/word or $2/word for non-members. Classified ads are non-commissionable and must be pre-paid. To place a classified ad, e-mail marketing@ncsg.org.
Policy ACTION CENTER
Let us know what’s going on!
Submit industry concerns to NCSG’s Policy Action Center. We post live on the website and look into how we can take action. While you’re there, you can also check out the blog for past issues we’ve addressed. Check your email and Facebook to stay up to date!
SWEEPI NG
August 2024, Volume 48 #7
Staff
Kailah Schmitz, CAE, Executive Director director@ncsg.org
Jessica Thornton, Associate Director and Certifications Coordinator jessica@ncsg.org
Bob Ferrari, Director of Education education@ncsg.org
Sydney Kaizer, Director of Marketing and Communications; Sweeping Editor marketing@ncsg.org
Brittney Burton, Membership and Events Coordinator bburton@ncsg.org
Libby Fries, Membership and Certifications Coordinator ap@ncsg.org
DISCLAIMER
The views expressed in Sweeping do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Chimney Sweep Guild (NCSG) or its staff.
ADVERTISING
To advertise, email Malisa Minetree at sweepingads@me.com or call (317) 603-7854.
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 does not necessarily constitute endorsement of products or services advertised. NCSG does not make any effort to review or substantiate claims made by advertisers.
PHOTOGRAPHY
Stock images by iStock, Adobe.
ARTICLE SUBMISSION
NCSG encourages industry partners to submit press releases and articles to the editor at marketing@ncsg.org. Submissions should contain items of interest or importance to the chimney and venting industry. Submissions should not contain direct solicitations, prices, or other forms of advertising verbiage. Submissions may contain images or artwork attached in a JPG format.
In all cases, NCSG reserves the right to edit submissions for 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.
This is the membership issue of Sweeping magazine, where we remind you about the numerous benefits that come with your National Chimney Sweep Guild (NCSG) membership! Finishing off the fiscal year strong with 795 member companies, it’s time again to renew your membership. Look for your renewal invoice the first week of August and renew by Monday, September 30.
We are doing SweepStakes again this year! Every Friday in August, if you’ve renewed your membership, you’ll be entered into a drawing to win some awesome prizes chosen by your fellow members. Some of the prizes up for grabs this year include a Meta Quest virtual reality (VR) headset, Petzl helmet, and Amazon gift card. Learn more about SweepStakes on page 6.
The NCSG is ever-evolving to best serve its members. In just the past fiscal year alone, the NCSG has achieved ANAB-accreditation, launched a virtual reality education platform, settled the fall protection lawsuit, introduced a standardized registered apprenticeship program, hosted more than 700 sweeps for convention in Orlando, awarded 65 (and counting) certifications to industry professionals, expanded its manual library database, and so on. By renewing your membership, you’re ensuring the long-term success and growth of the entire chimney and venting industry.
Many of us are members of several vastly different organizations. One thing is consistent among all of these organizations, though – you get out of your membership what you put into it. I invite you to start volunteering with a committee or at a guild event like convention or expo. These are great places to start becoming more involved with your guild. These gatherings offer networking opportunities and a chance to learn from experienced professionals. This is exactly how I started my path to becoming the NCSG president.
On the cover and throughout the pages of this issue, we’re honoring the companies that are celebrating their 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, and 40-year member-versaries this year. Thank you all for your dedication to the industry and the NCSG!
Renew your membership today! It is well worth the investment.
Bill Thornton, President, National Chimney Sweep Guild
time to renew your membership!
Renew by Monday, September 30.
It’s time to renew your National Chimney Sweep Guild (NCSG) membership! Renew by Monday, September 30 to keep your member benefits.
2024 SweepStakes
We love early renewals! Everyone who renews their membership in the month of August will be entered into a weekly 2024 SweepStakes drawing to win one of several big prizes.
This year, we’re giving away a Meta Quest virtual reality (VR) headset, Petzl VERTEX® professional helmet, $100 Amazon gift card, one free registration to the 2025 NCSG Convention & Trade Show in Cincinnati, and 17 NCSG swag boxes.
Winners will be announced on Facebook every Friday in August. Be sure to follow the NCSG on Facebook to keep up!
The NCSG will wrap up the fiscal year strong with 795 member companies. Each of you are vital to shaping the future of the chimney and venting industry.
SweepStakes Eligibility
Members must meet at least one of the following requirements to be eligible to win one of the SweepStakes prizes:
• Renewed your membership before that week’s drawing (drawings are each Friday in August)
• Became a new member of the NCSG after October 1, 2023
• Opted into auto-renewal
• Opted into a monthly payment plan
How To Renew
Look for your renewal invoice sent via email in early July and reminders throughout August. You can choose to pay your membership dues annually or monthly.
If you’ve already set up autorenew previously, you don’t have to do anything! Your method of payment will be charged on Monday, September 30, and you will be automatically entered into the SweepStakes drawings.
giveaway prizes schedule PRIZE SCHEDULE
Friday, August 2
Petzl VERTEX® professional helmet
4 NCSG swag boxes
Friday, August 9
Meta Quest VR headset
4 NCSG swag boxes
Friday, August 16
$100 Amazon gift card
4 NCSG swag boxes
Friday, August 23
Surprise super swag box
4 NCSG swag boxes
Friday, August 30
Free registration to the 2025 NCSG Convention & Trade Show
Member Benefits
Chimney sweeps are stronger together than you are individually. As a member, you’re part of a larger movement dedicated to shaping the future of the chimney and venting industry.
“NCSG [membership] should be a badge of pride and honor,” said Adam Durkee of Right Way Enterprises in Simi Valley, CA, “and I feel it symbolizes
“Joining the guild has made me more money and a better technician, which in the end gets passed on to the customer for a better experience.”
responsibility, respect, and honesty. Being a member of the guild shows you care not only about customers, but also about your fellow competitors. Everyone needs a place [with] peers that can help push them [and] advance their abilities.”
Advocacy
With strength in numbers, the NCSG advocates for the industry’s best interests with federal, state,
Clay Lamb, American Chimney and Masonry
“For American Chimney, being a NCSG member was a non-negotiable. It showed commitment to our employees’ image, careers, and professionalism.”
and local governments, officials, and regulators, as well as key stakeholders within the industry such as the Hearth, Patio, and Barbecue Association (HPBA) and state and regional chimney sweep associations. The NCSG also sends representatives to National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) 211, 54, and 31 code councils.
“Our NCSG members volunteer a tremendous amount of hours advancing the chimney sweep
Sally McKnight, The Irish Sweep
“I renew my membership every single year because I believe the guild promotes professionalism for all sweeps in our country.”
Robert Berry, Full Service Chimney
“We owe thanks to the NCSG [for] all the work put into the annual conventions (for decades) plus the commitment to community.”
Braxton Hill, Turn of the Century Chimney
industry through education, certification, and advocacy initiatives,” said Debbie Wiedwald, advocacy committee chair, region 4 director, and owner of Blackburns Chimney Sweeps in Columbus, OH. “I volunteered to serve on the NCSG board in order to give back to the industry for all the help that I have received for my business and my growth.”
Home Safe Hearth and Chimney has been a member since the 1980s and remains a member in part due to the advocacy efforts of the NCSG board, committees, volunteers, and members.
“The NCSG advocates on our behalf regarding potential legislation that could cause irreparable harm to our trade, and they educate those in power as to what the ‘real’ story is as opposed to what fallacies are being lobbied to the legislative powers,” said Bart Ogden, president of the company. “Our grassroots partnership with the NCSG starts at the local and state levels, with us keeping track of current issues and trends and then relaying that information to the NCSG to assist us in addressing that information.”
Education and Certifications
The NCSG leads the industry with its education programs and accredited certifications. These opportunities allow you to demonstrate competency and confidence to your clients, ultimately helping you grow your business and the industry.
“My favorite benefit is education,” said Michael Danskin of The Clean Sweep in Knightsen, CA. “I keep renewing my membership because of the educational resources [for] all members.”
“A great challenge in the industry is unqualified people out there doing bad work for cheap prices,” said Katie Poole of The Chimney Guys in Pataskala, OH, which is celebrating its five-year member-versary this year. “It is our responsibility to set and hold forth the standard of care for our homeowners and their property.”
Technical Expertise
Your membership saves you time and gives you access to one-of-akind experts and resources. As a member, you can call or text the Technical Advisory Council (TAC) phone line anytime to access a team of expert consultants for
5-year member spotlight
Q: Who was your most famous customer?
A: “We have performed multiple fireplace restoration projects for the Chicago Blackhawks owners.”
Q: What is your proudest accomplishment?
A: “Relining the main fireplace of a historic Lake Geneva mansion and making it draft without a fan. Our team put in an extraodinary effort to make this possible and exceeded expectations.”
Q: In your opinion, what is the most valuable part of being an NCSG member?
A: “The camaraderie between members and the help and support that comes with it.”
40-year member spotlight
Jerry Neal, Sugarloaf Chimney Restoration
Q: Have you attended the NCSG Convention & Trade Show or Chimney Expo? What was your favorite takeaway?
A: “I have attended 33 national conventions and many regional conventions. I’ve made friends [from] all [over] country. We network and share job problems freely with each other.”
Q: In your opinion, what is the most valuable part of being an NCSG member?
A: “Taking advantage of all of the educational programs offered by the NCSG. Meeting, learning, and sharing ideas with other chimney sweeps.”
Q: What is the coolest project that you’ve worked on?
A: “Breaking out and relining the Oval Office fireplace using the Ahrens Chimney Technique.”
Q: What is one piece of advice you have for fellow industry professionals?
A: “Become the best sweep in your area by educating yourself and treating your clients with honesty and integrity.”
Erik Nunez, Chimney Crafters
5-year member spotlight
Tony Jancetic, Tony’s Chimney
Q: What advice do you wish you had received when you were getting started?
A: “I had just bought a $5,000 van and I was told that it wasn’t a good idea. In the end, it lasted about six months before dying. It’s always worth it to pay more for a reliable vehicle, tool, person, etc.”
Q: What is the weirdest thing you’ve found in a chimney or seen on the jobsite?
A: “I once rescued an albino flying squirrel who was trapped on a smoke shelf without injuring it. He really didn’t want to cooperate, so it was a challenge to be gentle.”
Q: In your opinion, what is the most valuable part of being an NCSG member?
A: “The brotherhood and mentorship that usually [starts] at guild events or classes. At any of these events, I spend every free moment finding someone more knowledgeable than myself and asking them as many questions as I can think of. ... Mentors with a thirst for teaching will always have more for you.”
guidance on codes, installations, etc. Plus, you also have access to the NCSG Manual Library, a database of 800+ hard-to-find wood stove, gas log, and factorybuilt fireplace manuals.
“[My favorite member benefit is] being able to call on board members of the TAC when I don’t know the answer or run across a tricky job — which happens a lot!” said Steve Lovsteen of Oliver Twist Chimney and Fireplace Specialists in Huntington Beach, CA. “A company with one employee or dozens will benefit greatly through education, Sweeping magazine, and being able to call upon fellow sweeps for help and guidance.”
Networking Opportunities
Perhaps the crowd-favorite benefit of NCSG membership is the camaraderie and networking opportunties with your industry peers. The NCSG hosts the largest gatherings of chimney sweeps each year, giving you multiple chances to plug into this network to exchange best practices and ideas. Plus, many of our members have become
lifelong friends through the NCSG.
“Everyone in the industry has friends we have met along the way, either at a convention, seminar, training, or online group,” said Victor Imgarten, international relations committee chair and owner of Clean Sweep Chimney Service in Saint Charles, MO.
“Personally, I would not have made it almost 50 years in this business without the NCSG and my sweep world friends.”
Braxton Hill of Turn of the Century Chimney in Andover, KS said, “The resources I have been able to utilize during these last five years, such as the TAC line, [manual] library, [mentor/mentee] roundtable Zoom meetings, and the expos have been priceless. If you know of a company that is not part of the guild, reach out to them and show them the benefits. I am looking forward to being a lifelong member.”
Reflecting on 2023 Accomplishments
This year was huge for the NCSG and its members. Here are a few of those achievements to look back on:
Bob Ferrari, who now serves as the NCSG’s director of education, was featured on the cover of Sweeping magazine in 1986 as the 1,000th member. At the time, Bob owned and operated Flue Relievers in Whitmore, CA.
WIN THIS PRIZE!
Win this Meta Quest virtual reality headset as part of the 2024 SweepStakes!
To enter, renew your NCSG membership by Friday, August 9.
New members as of October 1, 2023, those on auto-renewal, and those who have opted into monthly payment plans are also automatically entered into SweepStakes. Follow along on Facebook during the month of August to see if you’re the winner!
• In December, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the NCSG formally entered into a court-signed agreement, outlining amendments to fall protection rules. It took years and help from numerous chimney sweeps to finally reach this agreement.
• The NCSG was officially granted accreditation by the ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB) for its certifications in January. Having a reputable third-party accreditation is necessary for credibility, protects the customer’s investment, and offers reassurance that there is independent oversight.
• In March, more than 700 chimney sweeps reunited in Orlando, FL for the 2024 NCSG Convention & Trade Show, making this the largest gathering of chimney sweeps in the country of the year.
• The NCSG awarded 65 (and counting) certifications this year, setting the standard for industry professionalism.
• This year, the NCSG welcomed 35 new members into the community. They are featured on the next page.
• Most recently in July, the NCSG introduced its standardized registered apprenticeship program, a no-cost member benefit that is a significant step toward professionalizing the industry.
What will 2024 bring? Renew your membership by Monday, September 30 to continue enjoying your member benefits and the fruits of these accomplishments.
Member Types
• Voting Member ($499 annually/$44.58 monthly): Chimney service companies
• At convention, NCSG members experienced the new VR education platform for the first time. VR is set to revolutionize the way sweeps learn and train, bringing training centers and schools directly to your home or office.
• Affiliate Member ($279 annually/$26.25 monthly): Non-chimney service companies and groups affiliated with the industry
5-year member spotlight
Q: Have you attended the NCSG Annual Convention & Trade Show or Chimney Expo? What was your favorite takeaway?
A: “The best part is really just the sweep community of brothers and sisters and spending time with them.”
Q: What is the biggest challenge you face on the job? What are your best strategies for overcoming it?
A: “Personally, for the first few years my biggest challenge was managing people. I never set out to be the leader of 15 men and women, but here I am. What has helped over the years is getting systems into place with set expectations and consequences for not achieving them.”
Katie Poole, The Chimney Guys
WELCOME TO OUR NEWEST MEMBERS!
August West Chimney, Weston, CT
Barnhill Supply, Midway, KY
Bells Fireplace Services, Dayton, OH
Chimney Scientists, West Conshohocken, PA
Clean Sweep Chimney Service, Ventura, CA
Clean Sweep Chimney Sweeps, Fountain Inn, SC
Coastal Chimney Sweeps, Somersworth, NH
Eco Grizzly, Canoga Park, CA
Fireplaces Plus of Oklahoma, Dewey, OK
Fireside Advisors, Cortland, OH
Flue Pros Chimney, Mount Solon, VA
Green & Clean Home Services, Mentor-On-The-Lake, OH
Green Mountain Chimney Care, Putney, VT
Haulin’ Ash Chimney Sweeps, Bellingham, WA
Hearthside, Andover, KS
Heating Services of Star Valley, Afton, WY
HY-C Company, St. Louis, MO
Ignite Chimney and Fireplace, Chicago, IL
Jamison’s Chimney Service, Waltonville, IL
JBH & Associates, Murrysville, PA
Mikes Chimney Sweep, Harrisburg, PA
Millie Monroe Construction, Norcross, GA
Northwest Chimney Solutions, Cosby, MO
Northwest Metalcraft, Arlington Heights, IL
Patriot Chimney Sweep & Masonry Repair, McHenry, IL
Raytown Chimney, Raymore, MO
Rettinger Fireplace Systems, Voorhees, PA
Smart Inspector Tools, Palos Hills, IL
Southern Professional Chimney and Masonry, Lexington Park, MD
SouthPoint Risk, Nashville, TN
Swift Sweeps Chimney Service, Bailey, NC
The Country Sweep, Wolfeboro, NH
Wellbuilt Equipment, Crete, IL
WNC Chimney Solutions, Waynesville, NC New members from the most recent membership/fiscal year (October 1, 2023-September 30, 2024) as of July 8, 2024.
Westminster Chimney Sweep, Westminster, MD
40-year member spotlight
Daniel Smith, Coffman’s Chimney Sweeps
“Coffman’s Chimney Sweeps is proud to say we have been members of the NCSG for 40 years! Being a member of the guild is a great way to feel a part of the chimney sweep community. It has been a great way to keep up with the latest industry trends and products.
The guild does a great job of organizing conventions and seminars including the annual NCSG Convention & Trade Show. These conventions are a great way to meet and talk to other business owners and technicians within our industry and discuss specific business matters about our trade that you can’t get at your local networking group. The speakers and classes are such a valuable resource.
The NCSG provides continuing education opportunities that help us stay up to date. The monthly Sweeping magazine also helps us keep up with what’s going on in our industry.
The guild has always been there for us with information or advice when we have had any questions over the years. Our thanks to the NCSG for all they do for our company and our chimney sweep industry!”
which are also not defined as a supplier member
• International Member ($279 annually/$26.25 monthly):
Non-voting membership for chimney service companies outside of the United States
• Retired Member ($179 annually/$17.92 monthly):
Non-voting membership for retired chimney sweep company owners who still wish to maintain fellowship in the industry
• Supplier Member ($729 annually/$63.75 monthly): Any sole proprietorship, partnership, or corporation that manufactures and/ or supplies goods and/ or services to the chimney service industry
• Dual Member ($729 annually/$63.75 monthly): Chimney service/supplier company combination
Conclusion
By renewing your NCSG membership, you can continue reaping the many benefits it offers, including industry advocacy, education resources, certifications, networking opportunities, and access to expert technical advisors. Renewing your membership also allows you to be part of a community that is shaping the future of the chimney and venting industry.
Renew by Monday, September 30 to keep your benefits, and renew early to be entered into the weekly SweepStakes drawing to win one of the prizes. ■
NEW member spotlight
Q: What advice do you wish you had received when you were getting started?
A: “In the beginning, I didn’t even know being certified was a thing. I wish I could go to my first job being certified first. Because knowing all the chimney codes and safety standards before climbing on the roof is key before going to any job.”
Q: What is your proudest accomplishment?
A: “Staying in business for so many years and [building] a wonderful relationship with thousands of clients [who have] been using my services for years.”
Q: How has the industry changed since you’ve been a part of it?
A: “The chimney industry is growing, and online classes are offered, so it is easier to get an education faster and easier, helping us as professionals be better in what we do.”
Q: What is one piece of advice you have for fellow industry professionals?
A: “Keep learning, get certified, and [take] classes all the time! The codes and the industry [are] evolving every single day. The more knowledge you get, the more professional you are, [and] the more clients you get.”
15-year member spotlight
Nathan Wright, Hearth and Pool
“Hearth and Pool in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, has been a family business for over 45 years.
We are unique to the hearth industry because we also service and install pools and hot tubs. We pride ourselves in constant education and we strive to help push the envelope of our industries’ standards and practices.
Our company’s values are rooted in honesty and integrity, and we believe that everyone should be treated like family. We aspire to build lifelong relationships with our clients and believe it is our duty to our community to help those who may not be able to help themselves.
Being a member of NCSG has allowed us to build relationships with other industry leaders to ensure that we are providing the best service to our community. We are honored to be a part of this awesome hearth family.
Thank you NCSG!”
David Zilberman, Green and Clean Home Services
HAPPY MEMBER-VERSARY!
40 YEARS
Blue Sky Chimney Sweeps/ Bless Your Hearth Laurens, SC
Chim Chimney Sweeps/ D.J. Cross Media, PA
Coffman’s Chimney Sweeps Georgetown, IN
Professional Chimney Sweep Visalia, CA
Professional Fireplace and Chimney Service Morristown, TN
Sugarloaf Chimney Restoration Barnesville, MD
The Chimney Chap Hanson, MA
Your Chimney Sweep Indianapolis, IN
35
YEARS
American Chimney and Masonry Portland, OR
Chimney Kleen Cumberland Furnace, TN
Chimneys Plus Moncure, NC
Full Service Chimney Olathe, KS
Hearth Masters Independence, MO
Smoke Stacks Butler, WI
30 YEARS
Black Goose Chimney Sweep Newport News, VA
Countryside Chimney Sweep Topeka, KS
ENERVEX Alpharetta, GA
Kleen Sweep Maintenance Chimney Sweeps Lombard, IL
Old Dominion Chimneys Elkton, VA
25
YEARS
Allen’s Chimney Sweep Service Columbia, TN
Billy Sweet Chimney Sweep North Andover, MA
Chimney Care Company Loveland, OH
Lucky Sweep Chimney Services and Sales Versailles, MO
Mountain Man Fireplace and Chimney Evergreen, CO
The Chimney Doctor NOVA Woodbridge, VA
20 YEARS
A.W. Perkins Co. Rutland, VT
A-1 Rooftop Chimney Sweep Deer Park, WA
Bridgewater Chimney Sweeps Bridgewater, NJ
Doodlebuggers Service Network, A Division of La Tello Brands Pensacola, FL
Fireside Hearth and Leisure Lisbon, NH
Lords Chimney - A Division of Lords Services Houston, TX
The Cinder Box Zionsville, IN
Up On the Roof Chimney Sweep Freehold, NJ
West Texas Chimney and Venting Solutions Amarillo, TX
15
YEARS
Aardvark Residential and Commercial Services Grandview, MO
ABA Hearth and Home San Carlos, CA
American Chimney and Fireplace Louisville, KY
Black Magic Chimney Sweeps of Southern Vermont Manchester Center, VT
Black Moose Chimney and Stove Antrim, NH
Chimney Doctor San Luis Obispo, CA
Crown Chimney Hooksett, NH
DuctMedic Lincoln, NE
Energy Center – Manhattan Pool Manhattan, KS
Hearth and Pool Services Tahlequah, OK
Kegerreis Stoves Bernville, PA
Magic Mountain Chimney Sweeps Westminster, MD
Quality Fireplace Waukesha, WI
Fire N’ Stone Tilton, NH
Silver Bow Hearth and Home Butte, MT
Swims and Sweeps Topeka, KS
10
YEARS
Albert the Chimney Sweep Valparaiso, IN
Allen Chimneys Wayne, NJ
ARC Home Services Pace, FL
Ash Away Chimney Service Finksburg, MD
Atlanta Fireplace Specialists Atlanta, GA
Atlanta Fireplace Tech Norcross, GA
Chim, Chim, Cher-ee Professional
Chimney Sweeps Mayfield Village, OH
Chimney USA Chicago, IL
Clean Sweep Chimney Company Highland, MI
Felgemacher Masonry Cheektowaga, NY
Heath Chimney Services Anniston, AL
Oconee Chimney Company Madison, GA
Smoke Alert Garner, NC
Star Heating and Air Conditioning Columbia, MO
The Chimney Doctor/JLS Masonry Memphis, TN
5
YEARS
21st Century Chimney Sweep Perry, KS
5 Star Chimney Service Westborough, MA
A Cleaner Chimney Winston-Salem NC
Ace Chimney Sweeps Elkton, MD
Air Pure Mechanical Group Hamburg, NJ
AR Bowen Hearth Solutions Prince Fredrick, MD
Ash Busters Cliamax, NC
Brandtastic Auburndale, FL
Certified Chimney Care Greencastle, IN
Certified Fireplace and Chimney Topeka, KS
Chimco Boonton, NJ
Chimney Champions Jacksonville, FL
Chimney Crafters Ingleside, IL
Coastal Chimney Surfside Beach, SC
Courtesy Home Maintenance Huntsville, ON
Top Hat Metalworks Smyrna, TN
Edwards Hearth and Home Port Republic, VA
Four Winds Masonry and Chimney East Rochester, NY
Frechette Chimney Sweeping Sanford, ME
Idaho Fireplace and Chimney Meridian, ID
KLZ Enterprises DBA Countryside Stove and Chimney Holland, NY
Lehman Hardware and Appliances Dalton, OH
Mighty Ducts Cheyenne, WY
Mr Ts Chimney Service
Saint Peters, MO
Nexus Chimney Services
Holly Springs, NC
Planet Duct
Colorado Springs, CO
Ponderosa Hearth and Home Clovis, CA
Portland Fireplace and Chimney Portland, OR
Shawn’s Chimney Sweep and Stove Co Santa Fe, NM
Smart Choice Chimney Service Savage, MN
SOMD Hearth Leonardtown, MD
Stove Depot and Chimney Works Grand Junction, CO
The Chimney Guy Seven Points, TX
The Chimney Guys Pataskala, OH
The Chimney Sweep Experts St. Louis, MO
Tony’s Chimney Grantham, NH
15-year
member spotlight
Angelo Farruggia, Fire N’ Stone
Q: Have you ever had to make your own tool to solve a problem on the job?
A: “Recently I found myself on a job with a 3’ long 4” thimble and a broken rod in the chimney. While I normally have a hook for this task, I could not find it on my truck. Being an hour from our shop, I had to improvise, so I took a bustout rod and zip-taped one end of a bungee cord to the end to hook and [pulled] out the broken rod.”
Q: What is one piece of advice you have for fellow industry professionals?
A: “Never be afraid to fail. Not every move you make will be a winner, so brush off the bad ones and move on. It takes some L’s to make a million.”
Q: How has the industry changed since you’ve been a part of it?
A: “I have seen the industry change from what used to be considered a side gig of sorts for many to a more business-based trade professional scope. This has helped us gain credibility as a profession, and I look forward to this continued growth for us all.”
35-year member spotlight
Robert Berry, Full Service Chimney
Q: What is a question you get asked the most about being a chimney sweep/chimney sweeping/the industry? What is your answer?
A: “Early on the question was, ‘It’s cool you’re a chimney sweep and all, but when are you gonna find a real job... you know, a career?’ My answer: ‘Yeah, so chimneys get dirty and catch on fire and occasionally burn homes down (with people inside). You’ve got a career, do you save children from fire?’ I find my career in the chimney industry very rewarding.”
Q: What advice do you wish you had received when you were getting started?
A: “Choose hard things. If you imagine two answers to a problem, one solution is easy and the other is hard. The harder option is almost always the right choice. In both major and minor matters, treat nothing as trivial, accept the challenge, and make decisions that will make you proud in the years to come.”
Q: What is your proudest accomplishment?
A: “Breaking from conventional wisdom and challenging the premise that chimney service providers are somehow ‘less than’… it’s simply not true. We’re proud to have built a chimney company that competes for intellectual, hard-working, honest employees… and hiring the best talent to take their existing skills and become chimney sweeps.”
Q: What is the biggest opportunity for the industry?
A: “More outreach to the public and better education for homeowners is the low-hanging fruit. People need to better understand that the quality of chimney repairs matter. The biggest opportunity for the industry is setting and maintaining a higher standard to ensure quality and increase the integrity of professionals across the industry.”
CELEBRATING 15 YEARS WITH THE NCSG: A JOURNEY OF GROWTH AND SUCCESS FOR AMERICAN CHIMNEY & FIREPLACE
Doug Hetsch, American Chimney and Fireplace
Doug Hetsch founded American Chimney & Fireplace in 2007, initially as a way to supplement his income as a new pilot. However, he quickly fell in love with the chimney and fireplace industry. In 2009, Doug took a significant step by becoming certified and joining the National Chimney Sweep Guild (NCSG), a move that would prove pivotal for the business.
The turning point came when fellow guild member Hans Marsen, who had recently relocated to Louisville, KY, reached out through the guild to source chimney parts locally. This connection opened Doug’s eyes to the vast opportunities within the industry. Attending the NCSG Convention & Trade Show for the first time in 2010 was a game-changer, providing him with access to proper training and mentorship.
Starting from a humble shed in 2007 and moving to a garage in 2010, American Chimney & Fireplace began to flourish. The business’ growth accelerated when Doug’s new wife, Frances, joined the team in 2011. Her involvement was transformative, and by 2012, they moved into their first official location. Today, the company operates from a 10,000 sq. ft. warehouse that includes a fireplace showroom and a training facility. They now have 21 employees and run 8-12 service vehicles.
Doug has continued to advance his expertise, earning the prestigious Master Chimney Sweep certification and NFI gas and wood certificates. He now serves as the visionary of the company, guiding its strategic direction. Additionally, Doug’s dedication to the industry is evident in his role on the Ethics Board of the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA). It was a humbling and immense honor for him to be chosen as the closing keynote speaker for last year’s NCSG Convention & Trade Show.
Levi Bogue, the operations manager and the most senior employee, has been with the company for over a decade and also holds a Master Chimney Sweep certification. One of the most fulfilling aspects of building American Chimney & Fireplace has been witnessing the personal growth of their employees, many of whom have become husbands and fathers. The company takes pride in providing a career path within the chimney and fireplace industry, emphasizing the value of continuous learning and professional development.
Being a member of the NCSG has been instrumental to the company’s growth and success. The numerous training sessions and business-building events held yearly by the NCSG have been invaluable.
American Chimney & Fireplace’s core focus is to enhance the client’s understanding of their fireplace, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience through education and exceptional service. Frances has been the driving force behind the company’s daily operations for the last 13 years. Her dedication and leadership have been key to their sustained success. The company’s experience in the industry has been overwhelmingly positive, enriched by relationships with vendors, trainers, and the many industry events they attend yearly.
As American Chimney & Fireplace celebrates 15 years with the NCSG, they reflect on a journey marked by growth, learning, and a deep commitment to their clients and employees. The guild has been a cornerstone of their success, and they look forward to many more years of shared achievements and continued excellence in the chimney and fireplace industry. ■
20 Year History
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Lifetime
BOARD member spotlight
Debbie Wiedwald, Blackburns Chimney Services
Q: From your own perspective, why should a company renew their membership or join the NCSG?
A: “Being an NCSG member provides many benefits. NCSG members volunteer a tremendous amount of hours advancing the chimney services industry through education, certification, and advocacy initiatives.
I am very grateful for the industry legends who formed our professional organization. I volunteered to serve on the NCSG board in order to give back to the industry for all the help that I have received for my business and my growth.
I appreciate the informationsharing during conventions and the NCSG Facebook page. Business owners should continue their NCSG membership or join their professional organization in order to increase their knowledge and to strengthen the industry.”
enervex: 3+ decades strong with the ncsg
John Altiere, ENERVEX
For over three decades, ENERVEX (formerly EXHAUSTO) has been a dedicated member of the NCSG, contributing to the chimney sweep industry’s advancement.
Since its inception in 1991, ENERVEX has played a pivotal role in demonstrating how mechanical draft equipment, particularly chimney fans, can resolve draft issues, enhancing the efficiency and safety of residential fireplaces and stoves. Over the years, the company’s flagship product, the RS chimney fan, gained widespread acceptance among chimney sweeps as a reliable solution for draft problems, celebrating its 65th anniversary recently.
ENERVEX remains committed to promoting cleaner emissions, energy conservation, and efficiency. The demand for mechanical draft control continues to grow, with gas-fired applications on the rise due to consumer demand for modern fireplace designs that must incorporate mechanical draft solutions. The attempts to reduce particle emissions from wood-fired applications will further put mechanical draft control in the spotlight.
“Joining the guild coincided with the introduction of the chimney fan,” said John Altiere, the company’s national sales manager. “In 2002, we were among the six original sponsors of the CSIA Technology Center. We take great pride in our membership and cherish the relationships we’ve built in this remarkable industry.”
ncsg membership: key to american chimney and masonry’s 40-year suCCeSS
Clay Lamb, American Chimney and Masonry
For over 40 years, American Chimney and Masonry provided services to the Greater Cincinnati marketplace.
For American Chimney, being a National Chimney Sweep Guild (NCSG) member was a non-negotiable. It showed commitment to our employees’ image, careers, and professionalism.
NCSG membership confirmed that we were part of the professional trade organization dedicated to education and the safety of our customers and staff. Membership provided our employees access to industry insights, including a host of instructional videos on the NCSG website (ncsg.org). These resources helped us stay updated on the latest tools and code standards, ensuring our team’s skills were advancing.
The NCSG conventions were fantastic! They offered a wealth of educational opportunities, keeping us informed and up-to-date with the latest industry trends. They fostered a sense of community. Networking with so many industry peers is something you don’t easily find in other professional organizations, and it’s something we valued.
Membership boosted the credibility of our service employees and reassured our customers of our commitment to their home and family’s safety.
The guild’s involvement in fire safety benefits everyone.
With active participation from industry leaders and educators, NCSG is at the forefront of promoting best practices in our industry and helps maintain high standards. ■
Regional UPDATES
REGION 1
Matt Mair
Region
1 Director
With this being our membership issue, I wanted to address an important decision that Region 1 members will need to make soon. My term on the board of directors will be coming to an end soon, and someone new will need to take over my position beginning March 2025.
Membership itself is important to anyone looking to grow their company. The educational efforts offered by the NCSG right now are invaluable; very forwardthinking and bold decisions have led us here. The advocacy committee is involved in many meetings to decide future code updates and stays on top of new legislation that may affect our industry.
All of these efforts and decisions are made by a group of members who have chosen to step up and become involved. We all firmly believe that good things only happen when you push hard, serve, and put time into something bigger.
If you enjoy your National Chimney Sweep Guild (NCSG) membership benefits, please consider stepping up and joining the NCSG Board of Directors. The accomplishments mentioned in the previous membership article all originated from people like you who chose to allocate some time and effort into the organization. I would be happy to speak with anyone who has questions about what it’s like to be on the board. See you soon at the 2024 Chimney Expo! ■
REGION 3
James Owens
Region 3 Director
The National Chimney Sweep Guild (NCSG) has been a staple in the industry for over four decades. I have been in business for 35 years and have been a member for most of those years.
There is a lot of value in being a member and attending the conventions, trade shows, and neverending education opportunities. My team and I have benefited greatly from the networking and camaraderie that makes this industry feel like family.
Through my time as the region 3 director and serving on several NCSG committees, I have come to appreciate the NCSG now more than ever.
The sacrifices that are made are not publicized for all to see. Volunteers are donating a lot of their time to make a difference for our members and our industry. It really gives me a newfound appreciation for others that came before me and the accomplishments that they made possible.
The NCSG continues to get better, and for that I am proud to be a member. ■
By Stuart Karanovich, Business Development Manager, SaverSystems
This is the first in a series of three articles about water remediation and professional chimney technicians. In this article, we will concentrate on water remediation in masonry chimneys and the types of water repellents available to treat your customers’ water remediation issues. Articles in coming months will deal with proper crown and flashing construction and their special water remediation issues.
Water Intrusion
Most experts agree that the durability of an external masonry chimney depends primarily on its ability to resist water penetration. The most important factors that influence whether a chimney will resist water intrusion are chimney design, material selection, and the quality of construction and workmanship. We can affect these factors only when we are called upon by the homeowner or circumstances to tear down and rebuild a chimney. In the vast majority of cases, we are in a position to remediate the water intrusion without the luxury of tearing down and rebuilding the chimney properly.
To treat water intrusion, we first need to understand water intrusion. Although brick and mortar appear to be solid and relatively dense, a closer inspection will reveal that they are actually very porous. In fact, they are a network of interconnected pores called capillaries, which circulate water by means of suction. These capillaries are too small to be seen clearly by the naked eye, but can absorb and circulate large amounts of water.
The same capillary action that allows a masonry chimney to become saturated also allows it to dry itself. As the sun warms and wind blows over the surface of the masonry, the water that was trapped in the capillary structure moves to the surface in vapor form and is wicked away. This process is continual, until all the moisture evaporates and leaves the masonry dry, or another event wets the structure. If the chimney never completely dries between wetting events, the pore structure can be overwhelmed, and the result is water entering the living space. This is usually when we are called in by the homeowner, who is surprised to learn their chimney is
the culprit!
Water Repellents
Making an informed decision about the type of water repellent to use can mean the difference between a satisfied client and an irate one. There is a vast array of choices available to us, so which should we choose? A discussion of the basic classes and types of water repellents will take a lot of the guesswork out of the equation and help you navigate to the correct product.
There are two classes of colorless water repellents for masonry: film formers and penetrants. As the names imply, film formers produce a continuous film on the surface of the masonry. Penetrants penetrate up to 1/4 inch into the masonry structure and do not form a film on the surface.
Solvent vs. Water Based
Additionally, water repellents can come in either solvent- or water-based forms. The water or the solvent is merely a carrier to deliver the water repellent. Some locales may restrict the use of traditional solvent-based water repellents due to the amount of volatile organic compounds (VOC) that they release into the atmosphere. Most manufacturers now produce a VOC compatible version of their solvent-based water repellents which are legal to use in those jurisdictions. I often field the question, “Why would I want to use a solvent-based water repellent? Are they better than the water-based products?”
The easy answer is no. In the high 90% of issues you will be remediating, a water-based water repellent will perform extremely well. However, most water repellents cannot be applied when temperatures are expected to drop below freezing. Solvent doesn’t generally freeze and dries quicker than water, so if
you have an application where you expect the temperature to drop below application guidelines before it dries, a solvent-based product might be a good choice. Additionally, if you are treating a surface that may have been treated with an unknown product, a solvent-based product can provide a better chance to penetrate it. While water-based water repellents can be used for most applications, there are wide ranging differences in their compositions and performance. Many of them are latex-based, providing complete films to resistant water despite claims that they are breathable.
Film Forming Water Repellents
In many cases, use of a filmforming water repellent can accelerate the type of damage you are trying to stop. If a masonry chimney becomes wet, and the vapor is blocked from being wicked off the surface through use of a film forming water repellent, the moisture can condense into a water droplet as the temperature drops, and – as the temperature continues to fall – expand as it forms into ice crystals, resulting in spalling or delaminating.
Areas that do not have multiple freeze-thaw cycles are also not immune to damage. As water moves through the brick and mortar, it picks up mineral and metallic salts in liquid form. With a penetrating sealer, we can see this as efflorescence as it was wicked to the surface. Film formers can trap these salts inside the brick causing the same effects as spalling caused by freezing water.
Film formers generally have less than half the expected life span of penetrating water repellents. Some of this is due to chemical composition, and much is due
to UV degradation. Film formers sit on the surface and therefore are continually subjected to damaging UV exposure. Despite these deficiencies, some municipalities have begun using these coatings to combat graffiti.
Penetrating Water Repellents
There are six main types of penetrating water repellents: siloxanes, silanes, silicates, methyl siliconates, RTVs, and blends. Penetrating water repellents achieve their repellency by coating the pore structure below the surface. They change the contact angle at which water reacts to the pore, changing it from a positive pressure (suction) to a negative pressure (repellent). Due to their silicone structure and because they work below the surface, the UV radiation from the sun does not break them down nearly as quickly as a surface film former. In addition, because they coat the pores of the substrate rather than filling them, they have extremely high vapor transmission rates, which allow them to breathe normally and dry at a natural rate.
Siloxanes
Siloxanes achieve excellent penetration due to their small molecular size. They bond with silica and alumina in brick and mortar in the presence of UV light from the sun to form a permanent chemical bond with the substrate. Water-borne siloxanes can be applied to damp surfaces and have a long life of 10 years or more. They exhibit very good vapor transmission capabilities and water repellency.
Silanes
Silanes have a smaller molecular size than siloxanes and have excellent penetration. Because they are also resistant to UV radiation from the sun, they enjoy
a lifespan of up to 10 years. Some water-borne silane-based products may be applied to damp surfaces as well, but they are less effective on lower alkaline surfaces such as brick because they require alkalinity in the substrate to cure. They are best suited for horizontal, alkaline surfaces such as concrete drives and walkways. They exhibit very good vapor transmission capabilities and water repellency. Because both silanes and siloxanes react with the silica in masonry, care must be exercised during application to ensure that there is no overspray on glass surfaces (which is almost entirely silica) as it can be difficult to remove if it is allowed to cure before wiping it off the surface.
Silicates
Silicates are commonly used to restore deteriorated masonry and to consolidate natural stone by stabilizing the substrate. They are not commonly used with brick. They exhibit poor vapor transmission capabilities, poor water repellency, and have a fiveyear lifespan.
Methyl Siliconates
Methyl siliconates are sometimes injected into brick masonry to form a barrier to damp rising. An alkaline solution reacts with the silica in the substrate in the presence of carbon dioxide to form a water repellent surface. They exhibit good vapor transmission capabilities, fair water repellency, and have a fiveyear lifespan.
RTVs
RTV stands for Room Temperature Vulcanization. It is a silicone rubber that contains petroleum distillates that cure at room temperature. When cured, it is elastic and can bridge small gaps. It is commonly used as an anti-graffiti coating and forms a
skin if over-applied due to large molecule size. They exhibit good vapor transmission capabilities, good water repellency, and have a five to 10-year lifespan.
Blends
Blends can be made by combining any of the above penetrating water repellents. For instance, blending siloxanes and silanes can make a very effective water repellent for horizontal cementitious applications. Field mixing is not recommended as correct proportions are extremely important to the finished product and in a blend, the final product takes on some properties of both repellents, somewhat modified. These more formulated products often provide the best performance properties, especially where multiple substrates and non-alkaline substrates are encountered. Blends can incorporate more reactive polysiloxane materials to improve performance on more neutral substrates like brick, low surface tension components to wet out previously treated substrates, amino functionality to obtain higher water beading and resist mold and mildew formulation, and no or low surfactant levels for early water resistance, and solvent free to have low VOCs complying with environmental regulations.
Conclusion
By understanding the process by which masonry wets and dries and the differences in classes and types of water repellents, you should be able to make an informed decision regarding how to best remediate your customer’s water penetration issues. ■
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INVEST IN YOUR BUSINESS THROUGH NCSG MEMBERSHIP
Jim Brewer, SureFire Training Academy
Ibelieve membership in the National Chimney Sweep Guild (NCSG) is an important investment for any company involved in the chimney service industry.
As a membership organization, the NCSG works to promote and protect the chimney service industry. Notable accomplishments over the years include the development of the Levels of Inspection standard and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) fall protection agreement. These are examples of the organization working for the benefit of all of the members.
The NCSG also maintains a seat on several National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) committees to insure the chimney service industry is represented when codes are developed that could impact our members.
The NCSG’s annual convention is a great opportunity for all chimney people to gather for education, socializing, and discovering the latest products from suppliers at the trade show. I always look forward to seeing all of my industry friends at this annual gathering.
Support your industry by joining the NCSG! ■
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5-year member spotlight
“Even though my current company is celebrating 5 years of membership, I have been involved with the NCSG for 40 years with three different companies.
I started out in August of 1984 working for Joe Tremblay with Chimney Sweeps of America. Joe was heavily involved with the NCSG and Indiana state guild, which of course got me involved. I attended my first convention in 1985 and got certified. I eventually went on my own, then bought Joe’s company when he retired. I have since sold it to an employee and started my current company, that I hope to sell in the next couple of years.
I have attended too many conventions to count, (or remember) but every single one I have come away from with new ideas, new products, and tons of education. This industry is amazing in many ways, one of them is that it’s always evolving and expanding, so there is always something new to learn that makes me a better tech and a better business owner.
The NCSG has helped me quite a bit through this journey, the NCSG is responsible for so much that many of us take for granted… building the only national training center for sweeps, offering business building classes and networking with others in the industry and creating the first national certification.
I can say that without the NCSG I may not be in the position I am today.”
Tim Smith, Certified Chimney Care
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BUILDING THE CHIMNEY INDUSTRY, FRIEND BY FRIEND
Victor Imgarten, Clean Sweep Chimney Service
Having been a proud member of the National Chimney Sweep Guild (NCSG) for more years than I can recall, I could share a magazine’s worth of things that the NCSG has done for the entire industry.
Many things in our industry are taken for granted or accepted as “the way it has always been.” Unfortunately, many of you don’t know that it took years to accomplish what we might now take for granted.
Everyone in our industry (and beyond) has benefited from what the NCSG’s dues-paying members have contributed to the world of codes, fire safety, and business practices.
Many of you probably agree – the number one benefit that most sweeps enjoy is the Levels of Inspection that set the standard and guidelines that most of us run our businesses by. Go find an old NFPA 211 and compare the changes, mostly thanks to the NCSG, dues dollars, and several dedicated people.
Organized education is offered by everyone today and sometimes taken for granted. However, basic training started at the first NCSG convention. More than a few of us had no idea how to run a business until the NCSG started in-depth business seminars.
From my personal standpoint, the best NCSG benefit is the people – truly not what I would have said years ago at my first convention (back in the day, we had hippy or military folks with hardly a business person in sight).
Everyone in the industry has friends we have met along the way, either at a convention, seminar, training, or online group. Some have become best friends or family, and their children are now part of the second (and even third!) generation in the industry.
Personally, I would not have made it almost 50 years in this business without the NCSG and my sweep world friends.
So it does not matter if you’re a one-person show or the biggest, the NCSG is working for you and the industry every day of the year. ■
25-year member spotlight
Jake
Johnson, Mountain Man Fireplace & Chimney
Q: What is the biggest challenge you face on the job? What are your best strategies for overcoming it?
A: “Finding and keeping good employees. [I am] working with my department managers to be proficient and keep morale high.”
Q: What is your proudest accomplishment?
A: “Passing $4 million in revenue.”
Q: In your opinion, what is the most valuable part of being an NCSG member?
A: “The camaraderie with other sweeps.”
Q: What is the coolest project that you’ve worked on?
A: “Sweeping the White House!”
Q: How has the industry changed since you’ve been a part of it?
A: “Way more technology –for example, [I] can’t imagine working without a digital camera.”
15-YEAR member spotlight
Mike Schamens, Quality Fireplace
Q: What is a question you get asked the most about being a chimney sweep/ chimney sweeping/the industry? What is your answer?
A: “‘Do you do it from the top?’ NO! We can do it all from the bottom in most cases, but will go up top if its safe.”
Q: What is one piece of advice you have for fellow industry professionals?
A: “Have an abundance mindset. Don’t have a scarcity mentality. Be kind to others.”
Q: What is the biggest challenge you face on the job? What are your best strategies for overcoming it?
A: “Finding good help. We advertise and offer incentives to current employees.”
Q: What is your proudest accomplishment?
A: “I was able to buy a building for the company after settling with the estate after building my dream home.”
Q: What is the biggest opportunity for the industry?
A: “Roofing. We are on them already, why not sell them too?”
10-year member spotlight
Heath Burr, Heath Chimney Services
“After a decorated career in the Air Force, I made the leap to small business ownership in 2013 when I began Heath Chimney Services.
Through hard work, education, and training, we established the business as a resource for customers to not only service their fireplaces and chimneys, but to learn about them as well.
The importance of customer education and empowerment remains paramount among my team of certified professionals today.
It’s that dedication to our customers that has given us opportunities to be part of our community and support groups that feed the homeless and advocate for children within the foster system of our great state of Alabama.
Heath Chimney Services values the relationships that have been established over the years, including those that have began through the NCSG. The NCSG and fellow members have been a great resource for our team, and we look forward to the years ahead with those who, like us, choose to surround ourselves with others that drive us to be better.
As our industry changes and develops, Heath Chimney Services seeks to perfect and refine ourself to reflect the very best that our special trade can be.”
5-year member spotlight
“The Chimney Sweep Experts is a family-owned company that has been in business since 2017.
We have over 23 years of experience in this industry, and we pride ourselves on delivering the best quality customer service possible and always finding the best solution for the customer. We prioritize quality work and cleanliness to make sure every customer gets the best service.
Being a member of the NCSG gives us access to resources from the online library and also allows us to be found by customers looking for a qualified chimney professional.”
Lexi Van Auken, The Chimney Sweep Experts
I WAS THE 1,000TH MEMBER OF THE NCSG. YOU CAN BE, TOO.
Bob Ferrari, National Chimney Sweep Guild
The human brain is really adept at adopting another person’s knowledge and point of view.
We all learned from others around us–we all got our knowledge foundation first as infants and small children from imitating our parents. As we learned language, our ability to exchange knowledge accelerated.
Humans are wired for empathizing with others. In fact, the same brain neurons light up whether we are doing something or watching someone else do it. This is called “mirroring,” and it’s why we groan when our favorite sports team makes a bad play, or cry watching a film, or become entranced as a great storyteller pulls us into their fiction.
We read facial motion and body language. We react to pheromones – a chemical sharing of fear, sexual attraction, threat, or security, often by what we call “a feeling.”
In our deepest cellular structure, we humans are made to be together, to be part of a social community, to share experiences, emotions, wounds, and healing. Those who cannot make this social connection, whose brain is missing some of this wiring, often have significant social, communication, and behavioral challenges.
Why do humans have this mirroring capacity? If we are meant to go it alone, we would not need this embedded social relationship system for learning, connecting, and sharing.
Have you looked in the mirror?
Did you think you gained everything you know, everything you love about our trade, every spin of the brush, flick of the trowel, on your own?
We each stand on the shoulders of others.
Do you know the various codes and standards, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
regulations, certification processes, marketing, and best practices? You do? Well, where do you think it came from? Yes – your trade association, the National Chimney Sweep Guild (NCSG). From others – those who put their money together with other sweeps to make our chimney world better.
Are you aware that there are areas in our country where “the only good chimney is the one that’s not there?” Are you a believer in the ambiance of an electric fireplace?
You are? Of course you are. It takes “us” to stand in the way of these very real forces.
You’re a chimney sweep.
Look in the mirror – you will see behind you a long line of those who have given their time, money, and experience to bring you your expertise.
The question isn’t, “Please would you become a member of the NCSG?” The question is, “Why aren’t you a member of your industry trade association?” Why shouldn’t you pool a little of your money with the other sweeps who carry us forward?
Each of us has been carried by others, as each of us has also stood on our own. It is the chimney “welfare” recipients who pretend that they only stand on their own, who ignore their foundation freely passed on to them and for their benefit. The community – this “mirroring” I talked about earlier – is important to your personal development and to your business.
Maybe you are in one of these camps: “What do I get out of it?” Read what is written above.
“Someone in the organization frustrated and angered me, or did bad work, or…” Get over it.
We need adversaries and opposing viewpoints to be smart and strong. We
should burn with the desire to make a difference in our families, our business, our country, and our trade.
People of passion fight hard and love hard. We chimney sweeps are nothing if not passionate.
Where there is desire, there is gonna be a flame, Where there is a flame, someone’s bound to get burned,
But just because it burns doesn’t mean you’re gonna die,
You’ve gotta get up and try, try, try…”
Get up and try. Give back to our industry.
“It costs too much.” I call BS. If you have even a half-decent business, you have the money. It’s an inexpensive commitment.
It is said that 90% of things get done by 10% of the beneficiaries. That makes the 90% simple business welfare recipients. Which group are you in?
My first business was called Field and Flue. I was doing landscaping in the spring and summer and chimneys in the fall and winter. I started it in 1984 with $60. I had a wife and 3 kids living in a 400-square-foot cabin in the woods in Northern California. I brought in under $5,000 a year, just messing around with whatever came my way.
This wasn’t going to cut it as the kids entered adolescence. A friend called and said, “I’ve got the business you ought to be doing. I’m sweeping chimneys.” I worked for him for one day – we swept two chimneys and installed a cap. He gave me two rods, a 6” and an 8” round brush, and a cheap garage sale vacuum with no filter. I bought a ladder, put it all in my Datsun pickup, and made a business card. Fall came. I blew my knee out playing soccer. I didn’t have a clue about the accounting that goes with hiring someone. I hired a kid to help me (I was on crutches). That $400 in payroll cost me a $1,200 Internal Revenue Service (IRS) fine. I was hoping to make an extra $200 a month. That became $200 a day. Then $5,000 a day. And then, more than that. I had a lot to learn. To a $5,000-per-year earner, several hundred dollars is huge. I wrote the check and joined the NCSG. It turned out that this “nobody” from the sticks was the 1,000th member. We have rarely gone over 1,000 member companies in our nearly 50-year history. I could’ve been the 1,000th member multiple times. So can you.
The NCSG opened the doors to the support and knowledge I needed. Tom Grandy’s instruction on pricing at the 1989 convention in San Diego saved my butt. Copperfield taught me relining, among
other skills. Dale Feb made me a professional. Jerry Isenhour showed what an industry can do if it has a vision. Lindemann’s, at their own expense, handed me a business plan. Tom Urban, besides showing me how an expensive (to me) camera would more than pay me back in better inspections, prays for me. My MIX group cared for me and sought my good year after year. You sweeps have reached out to me in my darkest moments. My list of those I owe is so long I could never put it on this page.
But the door that opened those relationships was the NCSG. It still does.
Our industry has matured. There are new opportunities – as well as threats – for us to explore and exploit. We are faster, better, and stronger together. We have myriad educational opportunities and certifications from multiple organizations. All of them find their root in the NCSG.
You are without doubt smarter and better trained than I was. You will raise our collective boat and add more value to the organization – far more than I did or could.
It is time again to say yes. Get up and try.
Join the NCSG or renew your membership today. ■
NEW member spotlight
Moshe
Torgeman,
Eco Grizzly
“Our company is a dynamic and innovative team with a rich heritage in the construction masonry field, spanning three generations.
What sets us apart is our commitment to in-house training, ensuring that all our technicians and installers uphold the highest standards of quality and expertise. This approach not only guarantees exceptional service for our clients but also empowers our team members.
We provide opportunities for our employees to expand into new locations and become business owners themselves, fostering a culture of growth and entrepreneurship.
We are always looking to expand to more markets and hire more people to the Grizzly family, continually striving to bring our exceptional services to new communities and offer more individuals the chance to grow with us.
We are excited to contribute to the industry and share our passion for excellence with the NCSG community.”
THE NCSG ADVANTAGE
Jamie Wallace, Chimney Heroes
The greatest benefit I see as a member currently is keeping up to date with best business and trade practices. This has been vital in growing our business to meet the demands of new industry standards, new technology which helps in the field and office, and methods for training new technicians.
Not to mention the great relationships built while attending conventions and workshops, with knowledge never guarded or protected, and always shared willingly to help your fellow sweep!
You don’t get to experience how special and unique our trade is until you have been an active member of the NCSG.
Spark YOUR MARKETING
The Customer Service Dilemma
By Carter Harkins and Taylor Hill, Co-Owners, FutureNow Marketing (formerly Spark Marketer)
Afew days ago, I was coming home when my wife texted me to see if I could stop and get a few things from the grocery store. Being a good husband (or at least one who tries really, really hard), I said sure, text me what you need and I’ll pick them up.
Little did I know going in that what should have been a five to 10-minute stop turned into a 30-minute search to find the right person to help me! And I thought…
What is Customer Service?
Have you ever thought about what customer service is? Being a digital marketer on the cutting edge (again, I try really, really hard here) I asked Claude 3.5, one of the best and newest generative artificial intelligence (AI) models, and this is what I got.
Customer service refers to the support and assistance provided by a company to its customers before, during, and after they purchase or use its products or services. It involves:
• Addressing customer inquiries and concerns
• Resolving issues or complaints
• Providing information about products or services
• Assisting with purchases, returns, or exchanges
• Ensuring customer satisfaction
The goal of customer service is to create positive experiences for customers, foster loyalty, and maintain a good relationship between the company and its clientele. This can be delivered through various channels, including in-person interactions, phone calls, emails, chat systems, and social media platforms.
Then I asked it to give me an example of bad customer service.
• Scheduling issues: The customer calls to report a leaking pipe. The company promises to send
someone “between 8:00 am and 6:00 pm” the next day, giving an unreasonably large time window.
• No-show: The technician doesn’t arrive at all on the scheduled day. The customer calls back and is told there’s no record of their appointment.
• Rescheduling difficulties: When trying to reschedule, the customer is told the next available slot is in two weeks, despite the urgency of the leak.
• Unprofessional behavior: When a technician finally arrives, they’re dressed unprofessionally and track mud through the house without offering to clean up.
• Lack of expertise: The technician seems unsure how to fix the problem and makes the leak worse while attempting repairs.
• Hidden fees: After a botched job, the technician presents a bill much higher than the quoted price, citing various hidden fees.
• Poor follow-up: When the customer complains about the service, the company is unresponsive
Carter Harkins and Taylor Hill are the authors of Blue Collar Proud: 10 Principles for Building a Kickass Business You Love, and co-owners of FutureNow Marketing, a home services marketing company specializing in human-centered AI that will optimize your business and generate leads. They’re trusted thought leaders in the industries they serve, so you’ll find them regularly speaking at service industry trade shows and conferences and writing for trade magazines. The time is now to leap into the future of marketing! Visit www.futurenowmarketing.com.
and refuses to take responsibility for the additional damage caused.
• Refusal of service: The company then blacklists the customer, refusing to provide any future services due to the complaint.
This scenario demonstrates a lack of respect for the customer’s time and property, poor communication, inadequate training, dishonest pricing practices, and a failure to take responsibility for mistakes. Such an experience would likely result in property damage, financial loss, and extreme frustration for the customer.
It’s a great answer by any standard, human OR machine. But then the AI surprised me when it asked me a question!
Would you like me to discuss how this situation could have been handled better?
Now I was curious, so, of course, I answered, “Yes, please.”
• Efficient scheduling: Offer a specific 2-3 hour time slot for the appointment, respecting the customer’s time.
• Confirmation and reminders: Send appointment confirmations via email or text, with reminders the day before and when the technician is en route.
• Prompt service: Prioritize urgent issues like leaks. If unable to provide same-day service, offer temporary solutions or emergency contacts.
• Professionalism: Ensure technicians arrive on time, are well-groomed, wear clean uniforms, and use protective coverings for floors.
• Expertise: Send properly trained technicians equipped to handle the reported issue. Provide ongoing training to staff.
• Transparent pricing: Offer clear, upfront quotes. Explain any potential additional costs before work begins.
• Quality work: Fix the issue correctly the first time. If complications arise, communicate clearly with the customer about the problem and solution.
• Follow-up: After the service, contact the customer to ensure satisfaction. Address any concerns promptly.
• Accountability: If mistakes occur, take responsibility, offer sincere apologies, and provide appropriate compensation or free followup service.
• Continuous improvement: Use customer feedback to improve services and train staff.
Then, as if everything else wasn’t already enough, it gave me the following advice:
By implementing these practices, the company would demonstrate respect for the customer, professionalism, and a commitment to quality service. This approach is more likely to result in customer satisfaction, positive reviews, and repeat business.
The Rest of the Story
So after I gathered all the groceries except for one item, I spent 15 minutes looking for that item as well as someone who could help point me to that item. Once I found the manager to help me, I had a frank conversation with him about not having enough people on the floor to help, and he said the same thing that everyone is saying these days – lack of good labor and/or payroll.
And while I understand that, it did not take the sting out of a simple task taking so much time. So for me, when the new grocery store across the street opens, I’ll be shopping there. I know they will be helpful because of the way they treat their employees, plus it’s a chain for which we already travel out of the way to shop when we have time.
Are There Ways To Solve the Customer Service Dilemma?
The short answer is yes. Aspire to the 10 things that a mere AI bot suggested for a great customer experience. Use the tools that are now at your disposal to make it easier than it’s ever been, and focus on the training of staff that are customerfacing. It’s easy to say and harder to do. But if you want to compete as a modern service business, then you should know that all the high-tech marketing in the world will never overcome bad customer experiences.
Sometimes you just have to take good advice to heart, no matter how it finds you! ■
Call for Speakers!
The National Chimney Sweep Guild (NCSG) is accepting proposals for speaker presentations at the 2025 NCSG Convention & Trade Show on March 4-8 in Cincinnati, OH! Proposals are due Friday, August 30
Share your talent, knowledge, and expertise with your fellow chimney sweeps. Speakers get free registration to convention (approximately $500 value) and one free room night per speaking day. Anyone is welcome to submit a proposal, but sales pitches are not allowed. Please be prepared to include the following information in your proposal: speaker headshot(s), speaker bio(s), presentation title and description, audio/visual and other equipment needs, and speaker contact information. All proposals will be reviewed by the Speaker Selection Committee in September for final approval. Submit your proposal at https://rb.gy/680260 or scan the QR code above. ■
NEW Certifications
from June 2024
35-year member spotlight
Edwin Alvarez
Hudson Valley Chimney Service
Josh Booher
Smalling Masonry
Timothy Parker
Appalachian Chimney Sweep
Jessica Pope Owens Chimney Systems
Timothy Shinkaroff
Hudson Valley Chimney Service
Travis Slocum
Hudson Valley Chimney Service
Kristina Thielen
Owens Chimney Systems
Steve Pietila, American Chimney and Masonry
Q: What is your favorite benefit of being an NCSG member?
A: “The NCSG Convention [& Trade Show] is my favorite benefit and the one that I believe is most valuable to the membership. The trade show, as well as speakers from within and outside the industry, help me and my employees continue to grow and improve our company and services.”
Q: From your own perspective, why should a company renew their membership or join the NCSG?
A: “We are stronger together. We can support advocacy of our trade as well as issues that are important to our clients. We build relationships with our colleagues and those in related industries to network and develop professionally as well as share the bond of this unique trade.”
