BOARD OF DIRECTORS ELECTION

WHY VOTE?

Soon, you’ll be receiving a link in your email to vote for the 2025-2026 National Chimney Sweep Guild (NCSG) Board of Directors.

Your participation in this election shapes the future of our industry and helps set priorities that affect all members. By voting, you’re ensuring that the voices and concerns of chimney professionals are represented at the leadership level. Your choice can impact decisions on training, advocacy, safety standards, and more, making a real difference in our work and industry.

Don’t miss this opportunity to influence NCSG’s future – your vote matters!

HOW TO VOTE:

If you live in Region 1, 3, or 5, you’re electing ONE regional director for your region only. All members in all regions are voting for TWO at-large directors. Supplier members are electing ONE supplier representative.

Ballot:

You will receive an email with your ballot link on January 13, 2025. If you’ve unsubscribed from NCSG emails but want to vote, please log into your profile at ncsg.org/login to resubscribe.

Deadline:

Submit your ballot no later than February 12, 2025. Newly elected board members will begin their terms at the annual meeting on March 5, 2025.

Only one vote per voting member company will be counted. Email office@ncsg.org for a physical ballot. Mailed ballots must be postmarked by February 5.

QUESTIONS?

National Chimney Sweep Guild 317-837-1500 | office@ncsg.org

Region 1 Director

Robby Murphy (incumbent)

• Hudson Valley Chimney Service (New York)

• 15 years in the industry

• 25 years as an NCSG member

Why are you interested in serving on the NCSG board?

Being born into this awesome industry, I have met many members that love being a member of the NCSG. Being a board member has helped me realize even more why they are so invested in being a part of such a well put together organization.

We put our members first, and I love being able to help them whenever needed. Being a business owner myself, I can see what our members really need and how it is best to get it to them.

I am rerunning to continue to help to improve the Guild’s presence in the country and globally. We have made great strides over the past 2 years, and I hope to continue to be a part of it. I look forward to serving another term.

Chris Pugliese

• Black Magic Chimney Sweeps (Vermont)

• 15 years in the industry

• 13 years as an NCSG member

Why are you interested in serving on the NCSG board?

I started my career off as a chimney sweep in the summer of 2009 with Black Magic Chimney Sweeps of Southern Vermont. Starting as a greenhorn with very little trade experience out of high school, I learned what it means to be a chimney sweep, which is much more than just a service provider for customers and their homes. The passion and love that people have for burning wood is carried within me as a passion to help keep customers’ homes safe and healthy.

Throughout the years, I’ve attended many industry trainings, trade shows, and events. Learning more and more every year about the technical side of our industry, taking that knowledge home, and sharing it with our team of sweeps has been very fulfilling for me as a mentor. I am very excited to submit my application for a seat on the NCSG board to continue my involvement within the industry and to help it grow. Thank you for your consideration.

Region 3 Director

Drew Stein (uncontested)

• Chimspector (South Carolina)

• 24 years in the industry

• 24 years as an NCSG member

Why are you interested in serving on the NCSG board?

I’ve spent 24 years in the chimney industry in various roles. I started under Ron Rust at Top Hat Sweepers, working with him for 12 years before moving to North Carolina to join Whitecaps. After five years as a sales rep for Olympia, where I gained new perspectives and professional growth, I started Chimspector in 2016 in my hometown. Since then, I’ve built a thriving business serving all of South Carolina and a second location in Western North Carolina.

I have served in various board positions with different organizations within and out of the chimney service community. A good friend, James Owens, suggested this position would be a great opportunity to continue to grow and provide a service to the community that has given me so much in my life. I look forward to the opportunity to give back to this community and continue to get the industry more recognition in the trades, higher standards of education and professionalism across the country, and develop working relationships and mentorships throughout Region 3.

Supplier Representative

Brian Barclay (uncontested)

• KW DRAFT (Texas)

• 28 years in the industry

• 20 years as an NCSG member

Why are you interested in serving on the NCSG board?

After high school, I joined the U.S. Coast Guard and became one of the last Certified Lighthouse Technicians, overseeing 51 lights on Western Lake Superior. After 12 years, I transferred to the Air Force Reserve, running training integration for the 27th Aerial Port Squadron and retiring with 23 years of service as a Master Sergeant (E-7).

With a degree in Speech Communication, I joined a manufacturer’s rep agency, where I helped grow Simpson DuraVent’s product lines. My success caught the attention of Simpson DuraVent’s VP of Sales, who hired me as North Central Sales Manager, where I eventually managed 17 states. After nearly 20 years, I became Director of Sales –Retail, overseeing over $33 million in annual sales with major customers like Home Depot, Lowe’s, and Tractor Supply Co.

Today, I’m the VP of Sales – Hearth at RM Manifold, leading the expansion of KW Draft Fans and venting accessories for the stove and fireplace industry across the Americas and beyond.

Region 5 Director

Robert Berry

• Full Service Chimney (Kansas)

• 37 years in the industry

• 35 years as an NCSG member

Why are you interested in serving on the NCSG board?

I am the founder and active President of Full Service, Inc., serving Kansas City customers since 1987. A former member of the Kansas Guild of Chimney Sweeps, I also served as President and Education Director of the Society of Professional Property Inspectors (SPPI).

My background includes manufacturing precast concrete products, fabricating sheet metal for the hearth industry, and developing tools and processes for the chimney industry. I also oversaw a sales dashboard system to help small businesses track sales and financials, improving performance.

I’m seeking a nomination to help the NCSG support quality chimney work and ensure businesses thrive. My goal is to represent companies providing code-compliant, high-quality services, strengthening the industry and advocating for its growth and success.

Roland Perez

• AAA Home Services and Aaron’s Chimney Services (Texas)

• 39 years in the industry

• 20 years as an NCSG member

Why are you interested in serving on the NCSG board?

I started in the chimney sweeping business with my brother at Carlos Garcia Chimney Sweeps, which opened in 1979. A few years later, the name changed to Aaron’s Chimney Sweep, where we learned both minor and major chimney repairs. In 1999, I purchased John James AAA Home Services, and in 2019, I purchased Aaron’s Chimney Sweep. I advanced my career by joining the Texas Chimney Sweep Guild and serving as its president, during which Copperfield and others supported guild training on relining with stainless flex and flue pipe. I also trained through Ahren’s Masonry School, CSIA, SaverSystems, and Approved Industries’ Thermocrete program. I prioritize education for myself and my technicians, encouraging attendance at local training sessions and conventions.

To me, learning is key to prosperity. This belief drives me as I grow the business alongside my children and eight additional technicians in plumbing and chimney services.

William Vehon

• 1st Choice Chimney Commercial (Texas)

• 13 years in the industry

• 13 years as an NCSG member

Why are you interested in serving on the NCSG board?

Born and raised in Texas, I started working in my father’s restaurant at age nine, gaining teamwork and leadership skills. I later became a minority partner in K&G Men’s Center, retiring at 31. Since then, I’ve led businesses, ministered part-time, raised a family, and co-founded 1st Choice Chimney Commercial in Dallas/Fort Worth.

I’m seeking the nomination because I feel my experience and leadership are greatly needed somewhere outside of my own pursuits. I desire to help others to let them benefit from sound leadership and understanding of business and life in general.

My goals for NCSG members are to pass along the tenets I’ve learned through a life spent leading and sacrificing for others and helping them realize our purpose on this earth and in business is not just to make a living but to leave a legacy for the next generation.

AT-LARGE DIRECTOR

Brett Conklin

• Chimney Monkey (Illinois)

• 4 years in the industry

• 4 years as an NCSG member

Why are you interested in serving on the NCSG board?

While I am fairly new to the chimney industry, I quickly found a home here. The mix of the science of fireplaces and chimneys combined with the prehistoric link of humans enjoying their lives centered around a fire really stirs my soul.

The NCSG is at the forefront of continuing to build and improve the industry. I whole-heartedly support the NCSG and its goals. I’m currently a member of the Education and Marketing Committees, and I volunteer annually at the convention and expo. Our company is also a sponsor for the convention.

I want to give even more to the NCSG and its members, and I feel I can do that as a board member. My previous career as an IT contractor in DoD/IC gives me a different viewpoint, as well as skills in helping teams build plans and take action to move things forward.

I look forward to working with the NCSG Board of Directors to support all the members and help build our industry even more!

Lee Roff

• Lords Chimney (Texas)

• 20 years in the industry

• 20 years as an NCSG member

Why are you interested in serving on the NCSG board?

20 years ago, after four years in the military, my father and I started our chimney company, Lords Chimney, in Houston, TX. We now have 15 full-time employees.

The NCSG has been essential to our company’s growth and development. I have benefited from the NCSG for these 20 years, and now I would like to give back. I’m passionate about providing opportunities to new sweeps that the NCSG has provided to me.

I am master certified by the CSIA and NCSG. As a subject matter expert, I also helped write the new NCSG certification exams.

As a married father of three boys, an Army veteran, a university graduate with a degree in entrepreneurship and finance, and a successful small business owner, I have a unique perspective and skill set that would be valuable to the NCSG. I’m a stable, honest, creative, and level-headed problem solver. I believe these qualities will benefit the NCSG.

Byron Schramm

• Midtown Chimney Sweeps (Colorado)

• 20 years in the industry

• 15 years as an NCSG member

Why are you interested in serving on the NCSG board?

I’m a second generation fireplace professional and founder of Midtown Chimney Sweeps Franchising, operating in 10 states. I’ve held professional contractor licenses in the fireplace installation and service trade since I was 20 years old. I am married with three sons who are taking an interest in the family business of keeping America’s fireplaces and chimneys operating well.

If elected to serve as at-large director, I will share the findings from my recent 7 month trip across central Europe studying the chimney sweep industry. I will suggest that we plan for the long view in our industry. I will suppress shortsighted personality conflicts and recommend that such members leave their leadership positions. The United States is far behind its first world siblings in Europe, and it is time to look to the future. We have a bright sunrise ahead if we will get the right folks into leadership, looking down the long road of regulation and training toward our children’s children instead of fussing over a local grievance in our native village.