june 13 - sweeping
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Sweeping: The Journal of Chimney & Venting TechnologyTRANSCRIPT
Body language can tell you all sorts of things. Like someone is having a stroke.
strokeassociation.org Spot a stroke F.A.S.T. Know the sudden signs.
JUNE 13 SWEEPING 1
Sweeping: The Journal of Chimney and Venting Technology (ISSN# 1041-
6692) is published 11 times annually, by the National Chimney Sweep Guild,
2155 Commercial Drive, Plainfield, IN 46168.
Annual dues to the National Chimney Sweep Guild are $459 for Voting
Member Companies and $689 for Supplier Member Companies, of which
$80 goes toward a subscription to Sweeping: The Journal of Chimney and
Venting Technology. Additional annual subscriptions are available for $80 by
contacting the National Chimney Sweep Guild at the office of publication
(NCSG, 2155 Commercial Drive, Plainfield, IN 46168).
POSTMASTER: Send address changes to:
Sweeping: The Journal of Chimney and Venting Technology
National Chimney Sweep Guild
2155 Commercial Drive
Plainfield, IN 46168
June 2013 Volume 37 #5
Features
Table of Contents
Departments
P.29
P.24
P.14
3 Moving Forward
6 Editor’s Letter
8 Industry Watch
9 Sweeps Advantage Coupons
10 The Coach’s Corner
18 New NCSG Members
23 Progressive Perks
28 Dates & Events
29 Perspective
31 Darwin Awards
31 Display Ad Index
32 Classifieds
12 10 Marketing Essentials Every Business Should Know by Heart
14 NCSG Innovation 2013 Recap
24 Highlights from NCSG’s First Ten Years
2 SWEEPING JUNE 13
ResourcePage
TECHNICAL ADVISORY COUNCIL
Chris Prior Masonry Construction and Restoration and Priorfire
Fireboxes 317-203-0088 x: 2
Jim Brewer Gas Venting and NFPA 54
317-203-0088 x: 3
John Pilger Oil Flue Sizing, Relining or NFPA 31
317-203-0088 x: 4
Randy Brooks IRC, NFPA 211 or Customer Communications
317-203-0088 x: 5
Bart Ogden Stainless Steel Lining, Video Scanning and Narrative
Report Writing 317-203-0088 x: 6
Fred Joy Installation and Venting of Pellet Stoves
317-203-0088 x: 7
Jay Walker Dryer Vents
317-203-0088 x: 8
Rett RasmussenVented and Vent Free Gas Logs and Controls
317-203-0088 x: 9
Rich Martinez Dryer Vents or Masonry
317-203-0088 x: *
Rich Rua General Sweeping or Relining
317-203-0088 x: 0
Committee Chairs and Task Forces for 2013-2014
BylawsJeremy Biswell(913) 236-7141
Convention Site SelectionDiane Pilger
(631) [email protected]
Ethics Mark Stoner
(615) [email protected]
GovernanceJay Walker
(850) [email protected]
Government AffairsPhil Mitchell
(603) [email protected]
International Relations
John Pilger(631) 863-2460
Long Range Planning Jeremy Biswell(913) 236-7141
Membership Bob Ferrari
(530) [email protected]
NFPA 211 RepresentativeRandy Brooks(805) 646-8961
NFPA 31 RepresentativeJohn Pilger
(631) [email protected]
NFPA 54 Jim Brewer
(757) [email protected]
Technical Advisory CouncilMichael Segerstrom
(908) [email protected]
ADVERTISING RATES for Sweeping: The Journal of Chimney & Venting Technology may be obtained by contacting Malisa Minetree at (317) 815-4688 or [email protected]
President, At-LargeDiane Pilger(631) 863-2460
Vice President, At-Large Jeremy Biswell(913) 236-7141
Treasurer, Region 2 Bob Fleer
(410) [email protected]
Secretary, At-Large Fred Joy
(785) [email protected]
Region 1 Phil Mitchell(603)659-7776
Region 3 Ron Rust
(803) [email protected]
Region 4
Ken Hoelscher(937) 833-0505
Region 5 Jasper Drengler
(715) 304-8934 [email protected]
Region 6
Bob Ferrari(530) 941-5818
At-Large DirectorGregg Boss
(636) [email protected]
Supplier RepresentativeEdmund Poplawski
(570) [email protected]
NCSG BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2013-2014
Interim Executive DirectorAshley Eldridge, COI, CPP
Director of Education [email protected]
Melissa Heeke, CAE Director of Communications &
Marketing [email protected]
Candice Bradbury Director of Finance
Megan McMahon Office Manager
Debbie Cornelius Membership Development
Coordinator [email protected]
Donna Lee Kasmer CSIA Certification Coordinator
Sharon AndersonProgram [email protected]
STAFF
2155 Commercial Drive Plainfield, IN 46168
(317) 837-1500 Fax: (317) 837-5365
NCSG encourages industry partners to submit press release and articles to Melissa Heeke, Sweeping Editor at [email protected]. Submissions should contain items of interest or importance to the chimney and venting industry. Submissions should not contain direct solicitations, prices, or a call to action on the part of our readers. Submissions may contain images or artwork attached in a .jpg format.
In all cases, NCSG reserves the right to edit submissions to fit space limitations, keep the release and publish at a later date, or refuse to publish the release for any reason. Neither publishing, nor refusing to publish the submission should be considered a statement of NCSG’s opinion regarding the release.
NCSG further reserves the right to reject at any time any advertising determined not to be in keeping with the publications’ standards. Acceptance of advertising by Sweeping magazine does not necessarily constitute endorsement of products or services advertised. NCSG does not make any effort to review or substantiate claims made by advertisers.
© 2013 National Chimney Sweep Guild, 2155 Commercial Drive, Plainfield, IN 46168 (317) 837-1500
NATIONAL CHIMNEY SWEEP GUILD
Be advised that advice given by NCSG’s Technical Advisory Council (TAC) reflects best practices of the chimney sweeping industry. However, we are unable to account for any particular type of situation since regional variations in construction practices and additional environmental, physical and geographical factors necessarily vary the level of service appropriate for a particular fireplace and/or chimney. Additionally, local laws and ordinances may govern and/or supersede the information and any recommendations provided. Final determinations are the responsibility of a local professional with first-hand knowledge of the situation, and the local Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ). Neither NCSG nor any member of TAC will be held liable for any damages whatsoever resulting from the use of or reliance on information provided by anyone associated with TAC. By your use of this member benefit you acknowledge acceptance of these terms.
To contact any member of the Technical Advisory Council, please call (317) 203-0088 and select the extension for the person who is best qualified to answer your question:
JUNE 13 SWEEPING 3
DIANE PILGERNCSG PRESIDENT Report
President’s
his is my first President’s report and I am honored
to be President of the NCSG. Many of you were at
the NCSG Innovation 2013 Convention and Trade
Show in Branson and what a convention it was.
The Trade Show was sold out and attendance was
great. I would like to thank all the sponsors, volunteers, my
Board of Directors and our professional and volunteer staff. All
did a wonderful job.
Congratulations go out to Randy Brooks of Brooks Chimney
Sweeping in Ojai, CA, on being awarded the NCSG President’s
Award and to Blume The Merry Sweep in Greenville, SC as
recipient of the NCSG Friendship
Award. Congratulations also to
Rich Rua of A Traditional Sweep in
Portsmouth, RI for being awarded
CSIA’s Don Leavitt Education Award.
Thanks to Jim Gilliam and SNEWS
for sponsoring the 7th Annual Pete
Luter Innovation Awards program.
The judges had a hard decision but
SaverSystems Paint and Peel Fireplace
Cleaner was the winner. Runner-up was
Fireside Distributors - Sweep America,
Your Fireplace Store Sales Tool. Thank
you to all who participated in the
program for your submissions and the
judges for their time and consideration.
If you were unable to attend the NCSG
convention, you can relive some of the
memories in this month’s issue. You can
also view many pictures online. Just go
to NCSG’s Facebook page. Blume, the
NCSG’s convention photographer, and a
host of others contributed many photos
and comments to keep those at home
updated and informed. Next year NCSG
Innovation 2014 will be in Columbus, Ohio, March 19 – 22,
2014. Save the date!
There are many things happening in the organization. Our
membership committee is working hard on an outreach program
to potential members. They are also working on an outreach
program to all state guilds. The membership committee has
developed a recruitment video, which is available for state guilds
to use at their events. It is also available at NCSG’s YouTube
page at www.youtube.com/NCSGhq. There is a renewed
interest in the state guild presidents page on Facebook and we
welcome state guild leadership to request an invite to join the
T
4 SWEEPING JUNE 13
conversation. NCSG also has a new mobile app. The mobile
app was built to be easily-accessed from your smartphone. to
allow members to access the many areas of the NCSG website
including the Installation Manual library, an industry calendar
of events, member benefits and codes, etc. Enter m.NCSG.org
in your smartphone’s internet browser to access the mobile app.
Many state guilds are hosting or sponsoring events across the
country this spring and summer. Take time to check the back
of this issue of Sweeping, visit www.NCSG.org/events, check
out the calendar on the mobile app or look for the Educational
Dates and Events posted on the NCSG Discussion List (another
member benefit) each week.
Our History Project, which NCSG Director Bob Fleer has taken
on, could use your input and help. Scan, email or forward any
pictures, stories or interesting historical information to him
at [email protected]. NCSG is trying to capture our history
through pictures, stories and articles to help preserve our history
now before we all forget and it is lost forever. If you have any
questions regarding the history project, please send Bob an
e-mail at [email protected] or [email protected].
As many of you know, Executive Director Mark McSweeney has
left our organization for a new position with another association.
We wish him all the best. A transition and search committee has
been formed and is in the process of finding a new Executive
Director to lead the organization’s operations. They are working
together to find the best candidate to fill the position.
By the time you read this I will have returned from a trip to
Germany and Romania. My husband John and I were invited by
ASFOCH – The Romanian Chimney Sweepers, Chimney Builders
and Stove Builders Association, to participate in the Romanian
Chimney Sweeper’s Day at the end of May. We will be traveling
from Germany to Romania with our good friends from Germany
Andreas and Silvana Gartner on this goodwill mission. The
Romanians are looking at us for experience and new ideas about
running day-by–day sweeping jobs. They are also looking for
guidance as they are trying to build a fair and stable market for
chimney sweeps in Romania.
Diane Pilger
NCSG President
www.olympiachimney.com • Phone: 1-800-569-1425
OLYMPIA CHIMNEY SUPPLY HAS ACQUIRED WHITECAPS... BRINGING HIGH QUALITY CAPS TO OUR AWARD WINNING CHIMNEY SOLUTIONS.
6 SWEEPING JUNE 13
Happy New Year!
No, I haven’t completely lost it. This month’s issue opens
a new governance year for the National Chimney Sweep
Guild. Our 2013-2014 Board of Directors was sworn in at
the NCSG Innovation 2013 convention in Branson in April
and they’re ready to get started with their new duties and
responsibilities. (Since convention, they have already met for
a strategic planning meeting!) This month features the first of
many columns from your new president Diane Pilger of Chief
Chimney Services in Smithtown, NY.
This month’s issue also welcomes Taylor Hill of Spark Marketer
with the first of what we hope are many marketing articles
written with your chimney service company in mind. We also
welcome back Jerry Isenhour of Chimney & Venting Consultants
with a message about his perspective on change.
I hope that you are off to a fantastic start to your summer
season and that you’re preparing for the quick return of home
heating season. It will be here before you know it!
All the best,
MELISSA HEEKE, CAENCSG DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS
Editor’sLetter
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IndustryWatch
M&G DuraVent Obtains Approval for Bosch Thermotechnology’s Greentherm Series, Models C 950 ES and C 1050 ES, and Therm C1210 ES and C1210 ESC for use with Concentric PolyPro
Vacaville, CA – M&G DuraVent announced on April 1, 2013
that it has obtained a key approval for PolyPro Venting
Systems. Bosch Thermotechnology has now approved PolyPro
Concentric for their new gas tankless water heater Greentherm
Series, Models C 950 ES and C 1050 ES and for Therm C
1210 ES and C 1210 ESC. Polypropylene venting provides the
simplest and quickest venting option possible for a condensing
tankless unit.
The Greentherm Series is approved for three new
Polypropylene (PP) venting systems: concentric up and out,
twin pipe, and common venting of up to four appliances.
Bosch provides complete venting kits for each approved
venting systems.
In addition to Greentherm C 950 ES and C 1050 ES, Bosch has
also approved PP venting for condensing cascades for models
ThermC 1210 ES and C 1210 ESC. Bosch’s common venting kits
are offered either side by side or back to back configurations,
allowing for a single vent pipe for all units.
PolyPro is an engineered system specifically designed for
venting heating appliances. Gasketed joints require no primers
or adhesives and easily assemble in seconds with just a splash
of water. Terminations are designed for superior performance
in poor environmental conditions. PolyPro is tested and listed
to the ULC S636 standard in Canada and rated as a Class IIA,
IIB, and IIC vent system. PolyPro offers the only double-wall
polypropylene flex in the U.S., making it durable for relining
masonry chimneys, factory-built chimneys, and useful for
relining B-vent pipe when retrofitting it to use as a chase.
PolyPro is superior in performance and easier to install than
PVC or CPVC pipe, which were designed for irrigation, not
venting. PolyPro has been successfully venting appliances in
Europe for over 15 years.
Industry Watch PolicyNCSG encourages industry partners to submit press releases to Melissa Heeke, Sweeping: The Journal of Chimney & Venting Technology editor, via email at [email protected]. Submissions should contain items of interest or importance to the chimney and venting industry. Submissions should not contain direct solicitations, prices, or a call to action on the part of our readers. Submissions may contain images or artwork attached in a .jpg format. In all cases, NCSG reserves the right to edit submissions to fit space limitations, keep the release and publish at a later date, or refuse to publish the release for any reason. Neither publishing nor refusing to publish the submission should be considered a statement of NCSG’s opinion regarding the release.
Olympia Chimney Supply Acquires Whitecaps
Olympia Chimney Supply, Inc., Scranton, PA is proud to
announce the acquisition of Whitecaps, Monroe, NC on April 1,
2013.
Olympia Chimney Supply has been supplying venting products
to the Hearth & Chimney Sweep markets since 1999. While
Olympia has become synonymous with chimney liners,
components and venting products, it has gained market
recognition for its extensive selection of chimney caps. Olympia
feels that by acquiring Whitecaps, it will enhance its product
offering by choosing a company that already has a renowned
reputation for quality and craftsmanship. In addition to
expanding its selection of chimney caps, Olympia will now be in
a position to better serve the Southeastern region of the United
States by having a distribution center in Monroe, NC. To enhance
that service level, Olympia Chimney Supply has added Drew
Stein to its family as the Regional Sales Representative for the
Southeast region.
“This is an exciting time for both Olympia Chimney Supply
and Whitecaps. The product fit is unsurpassed and nicely
compliments one another. In addition, assuming ownership of
Whitecaps’ Monroe, NC warehouse provides Olympia with the
advantage of servicing the entire East Coast with a one-day
ship point. Olympia is also very excited to make the reputable
and respected Whitecap brand synonymous with the entire line
of Olympia chimney caps,” commented Scott Brickel, CEO of
Olympia Chimney Supply.
The 2012 – 2013 offers are available in the “Members Only” section of the NCSG website at www.NCSG.org.
These coupons will be good until June 30, 2013.
These are just a few of the many offers available to you as a member of the National Chimney Sweep Guild. Visit www.NCSG.org to
learn more and to start saving!
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PUT YOUR NAME ON THIS PAGE and be recognized each month as a Supplier Member participant of the 2013-2014 Sweeps Advantage Coupon Program.
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JUNE 13 SWEEPING 9
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10 SWEEPING JUNE 13
Is Change Good, Or Is Change Inevitable
BY JERRY ISENHOUR OF CHIMNEY & VENTING
CONSULTANTS IN CONCORD, NCCoach’s Corner
The
As I read through the last issue of Sweeping
magazine I was drawn to read the article written
by Mark McSweeney, his last as the Executive
Director of the NCSG and CSIA. In it Mark was
reflecting back over his tenure in that position. The last 10 years
has certainly been a time of change, and looking at over my
own over- 30 years in this industry, the change is remarkable.
Hence the name of this article.
I remember the day in 2003 when I announced to the Board of
Directors that I felt my time as the President of the two groups
was coming to a close. I said that it was time for a change and
that change was good. An important point was made at that
meeting by one of the board members that also struck me. He
added that CHANGE IS INEVITABLE. The question, of course,
is how do we handle change and how do we direct the change
so that it does not deter us from realizing our dreams. The key
to accomplishing that lies in our willingness to accept change,
even embrace it, so we can direct it for the best outcome.
The matter of change was further brought to me recently as
I attended the NCSG convention in Branson MO. I watched,
I listened and I learned as I observed the members of the
industry at this event. I couldn’t help but recall my earlier days
at conventions such as this and the discussions of those earlier
times. But now I constantly see the signs of the maturing of the
venting industry. I watch now with a certain pride as so many
chimney professionals, my colleagues, have really delved into
ways to make their companies successful, to step up to the plate
and to make their businesses truly deliver their dreams. This is
true even though their dreams may change and alter, as they
inevitably do, as we age and mature. Our business models are
no different and just like us they will age and mature.
Rob Lindemann said some things at the convention that stuck
with me. He said, “The customer contracts with us to come to
their home and they are prepared to spend a couple hundred
dollars. Once we arrive they commonly find out it is going to
cost them thousands to give them what they thought they had
before they ever called us”. And this does so accurately describe
the work of a chimney service technician in the year 2013
and beyond. This does not make us bad, nor should it detract
from our mission as a business owner. This is our role and our
method of operation.
The maturity I see exhibited is remarkable for an industry
that only a few short years ago was an oddity, a lark. I can
recall when our biggest public relations stunts may well have
been dancing on a rooftop, or handing out red pieces to
cloth we pulled from the fireplace to small children showing
them evidence that Santa had been there. Who among us will
remember when David and Dee Stoll got their publicity at the
Sears Tower in Chicago many years ago? Likely a few of us still
remember. But not everyone will, as we are sadly losing track
of much of our industry’s history. This is one of the sad parts of
change. One must look to the future, but one also must never
forget their path or the roads that they have traveled.
But alas, change is truly inevitable, as my friend said that day.
Change will occur. Look at your own business model. Has it
matured? Has it changed? Does it even resemble the business
model you may have had a few short years ago? Likely the
changes will be very apparent. Others will be minute, but they
are an important part of the change cycle you have undergone.
I write this article at a time where there are numerous chimney
service training opportunities available on the same day, with
different intents, in various sections of the country. That itself is
a huge tell as to the level of maturity in our industry. I look and
see so many people making larger and larger investments in
their company training, tooling, facilities, marketing and other
areas.
JUNE 13 SWEEPING 11
In my capacity as a business coach today I get to watch
individuals who are gearing up to make their dreams happen,
no matter the challenges they face. More and more we are
seeking the tools to empower ourselves that when walls block
our path, the business owner of today will find a way to scale
the wall, to go around the wall, or, if needed, simply remove
the wall.
All in all it is an excellent feeling for me to see these changes
as I review the landscape of my chosen industry. It gives me a
deep feeling of satisfaction as I see us all constantly striving to
acquire the knowledge and learn the skills we need to move
forward, to overcome obstacles, to rise to the occasion, to do
whatever it takes to reach our goals. It reveals the heart and
soul of our industry and the character of those who have made
it strong, made it something we can all take pride in, made it a
viable and recognized part of the landscape of North America.
So as the article started, CHANGE IS GOOD, but the true winner
will realize that CHANGE IS INEVITABLE, we must adapt to it,
accept it and profit from it. The results of this will be found in
our dreams landing squarely in our laps, where we will have the
perfect day over and over, the perfect day which is the goal by
which we established the dreams we hold dear.
So challenge yourself if those dreams seem far away, challenge
yourself that no matter the obstacle, no matter the critter that
blocks our view and path, and no matter how small the bites of
the elephant are that we have to take, we will persevere and we
will absolutely reach our goals. Let us all pledge to accept the
very real fact that change will occur. And let us be determined
that we will view the change and that we will direct the changes
that we encounter to our greatest benefit. Make the inevitable
change a part of how you move to the next level.
Until next time, a phrase not heard often enough any longer,
SWEEPS LUCK TO EACH OF YOU!
About the Author: Jerry Isenhour is an industry consultant,
educator and coach who authors a monthly article in Sweeping
as a service to the industry. For more information about Jerry
and how his team can assist you individually and your business
in your quest for success and your ascent to the next level, take
a look at his web site www.chimneyandventingconsultants.com
He can be contacted at jerry@chimneyandventingconsultants.
com or by phone at (704) 425-0217. You can also obtain
great business tips from his Facebook page Chimney & Venting
Consultants.
12 SWEEPING JUNE 13
s a successful small business marketer, I am
frequently asked about what the current
winning tools or tactics are for getting more
business, or beating out the competition. When
this kind of question gets asked, I have learned that I need to
stress a few fundamentals before I respond. I need to know
if I am talking to a business owner who understands how to
manage a business well, or if I am talking to someone who just
wants some easy shortcuts that will give him an edge for a few
months, but may risk blowing up his business in the long term.
I want to help people achieve their objectives, after all.
Is the heart of your business beating with these marketing
essentials?
For those who are interested in growing a durable, thriving
business, here are the basic elements every company should
have a handle on. Each one of these is a big deal, so be sure to
spend some time thinking about where your business is today
for each point.
1. A well-defined Brand (Logo or word mark, colors,
typeface, language and imagery) works in conjunction with
your marketing to tell your message in a compelling way for
one goal: so that your potential customers take action. People
who are referred to you by someone they trust won’t care if
your brand looks homemade or amateurish. But people who
are coming from a web search or an advertisement make snap
decisions based on professional presentation all the time. Don’t
be your worst enemy. Make sure your brand is up-to-date, crisp
and professional.
2. Solving a Problem should always be a part of your
marketing strategy. One of my favorite examples of knowing
what problem you are really solving is the guy buying a drill.
He’s not buying the drill just to have a drill, he solving a
problem; he needs a hole. The drill is just the means to that
end. Which do you really provide: clean chimneys or fire
protection?
3. Describing your Products and or Services is an
essential part of your marketing message. While this seems
elementary, go online in the chimney industry and see how
many “lists” of things like chimney sweeping, chimney repair,
chimney masonry, chimney relining, etc. there are without any
descriptions at all! This is an area where a little storytelling
could go a long, long way.
4. Know Your Competition. Know who they are, where
they work and who they advertise and market to. You never
know when you will find a lucrative place they are missing or
one they are doing well in that has some room for you.
5. Have Marketing and Sales Objectives, otherwise
known as goals. “I want more business” is not a goal. “I want
to increase new business by 20% in Cook County this year” is a
clear, measurable goal worthy of having and achieving.
6. Analyze and Review your Pricing. People buy from
you for a lot of reasons. Being the cheapest, the fastest, etc.
is not the reason most people purchase a product or service.
Trust and integrity far outweigh price alone. You will need to
figure out what your local market’s “pain point” is, because it is
different from region to region and state to state.
7. Define the Best Way to Sell your Product or Service in your area. This goes hand in hand with #8
because you may want to sell your services in a way that will
eat up your budget. That doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t sell
your services that way, but it does mean you are aware of the
financial dangers of selling it that way. An example of this
would be using Google AdWords indiscriminately, spending
money on high-cost clicks that do not convert into paying
customers, instead of fine-tuning your strategy and going after
higher-value customers on less costly pay-per-click terms.
8. Setting a Realistic Advertising Budget can be really
hard. There is a lot of pressure to make sure your schedule is
full of paying customers; otherwise the whole house of cards
10 Marketing Essentials Every Business Should Know by Heart
BY TAYLOR HILL, SPARK MARKETER
A
JUNE 13 SWEEPING 13
collapses. But simply throwing more money at advertising may
not solve the problem. Talking to others in the industry about
alternative methods of marketing can be invaluable when
making decisions for #7 and #8.
9. Know what Metrics to Track and which ones to ignore,
and then follow it. This one thing would save most businesses
countless wasted dollars and wasted hours pursuing the
wrong marketing strategies. Understanding what is meaningful
information and what is just noise is an art, and marketing
companies love to dazzle you with dashboards full of numbers
designed to impress. (Or maybe they are designed to hide the
really important but less-than-impressive numbers their systems
aren’t addressing.) Here’s a hint: a “conversion” or a “lead” for
your business means nothing if your cash register doesn’t ring
at the end of it. Get the information that tells you that, and
you’ll really know something.
10. Feedback from your customer, your marketing partners,
your employees and your peers are all important in the
marketing process. This information allows you to make
small changes and tweaks in your business because you are
getting valuable information regarding your business practices,
customer service, employee relations, etc. Without this piece,
you are making decisions in a vacuum, all alone. This is one of
the most dangerous places for any business to find itself. You
need feedback to grow and thrive.
So that’s it. The rest is just tools and tactics that either get the
job done or they don’t.
To know what works for your business, you must test measure
and evaluate. Don’t get caught up in chasing the latest whiz-
bang whatsits of the marketing world, thinking that there is
a shortcut to permanent success. There isn’t, and nothing is
permanent. Instead, decide what you want your business to
be, and then find the services, tools and tactics that move you
toward your goals and objectives.
My business partner Carter and I are looking forward to being
regular contributors to this column on marketing. Who knows,
maybe we will even talk about some really cool and sexy
bells and whistles along the way. But we have to start at the
beginning, with the essentials. Thanks for the opportunity to
share some thoughts with you, and here’s to continued growth
and success!
About the Author: Taylor Hill is smart about marketing and
about people. He is the Crew Chief at Spark Marketer where he
is in charge of sales, client relations and client on-boarding
and oversees all of the optimization process while keeping up
with the latest from Google and the other search engines.
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On April 4, Branson, Missouri mayor, the Honorable
Raeanne Presley welcomed 560 chimney professionals
for the NCSG Innovation 2013 convention and
tradeshow for four days of learning and networking.
The event kicked off with 117 Voting (service company
representatives) members in attendance at the annual
membership meeting. During the meeting, NCSG
President Diane Pilger welcomed guests from across the
United States, Canada, Scotland and Denmark.
After the membership meeting and the CSIA information
meeting, Jon Acuff, author of “Start: Punch Fear in the
Face, Escape Average and Do Work that Matters” and
“Quitter: Closing the Gap Between Your Day Job & Your
Dream Job” delivered the 2013 keynote address.
Thursday afternoon brought the start of four days
packed to the gills with education to advance the
business and technical skills of those in attendance.
Highlights include a hands-on masonry workshop
focused on efficient masonry fireplaces, tips for being
healthy at any age, an online marketing survival
session among dozens of exceptional sessions covering
everything from flashing to tracking leads to make the
most of your marketing efforts.
The NCSG Trade Show received rave reviews as 64
exhibitors demonstrated their newest products and
services. 2013 welcomed the return of the popular
Seek to Win! program rewarding those attendees who
visited each of the participating vendor booths. Many of
NCSG Innovation 2013 Recap
the exhibitors also graciously donated tradeshow items
to the CSIA Benefit Auction. This year’s auction raised
over $18,000 to benefit the Chimney Safety Institute of
America’s mission.
On Sunday, the convention experience came to a close
with a general session led by Fran Kick. During the
session, the participating attendees collaboratively
determined what they wanted to take back home to
implement. The Top 10 ideas ranked from the NCSG
Innovation 2013 closing keynote are:
1. 31 points= Leverage marketing and tracking
2. 31 points= Try to get out of debt in 3-4 years but find
an attainable goal of 3-7 to get completely out of debt.
Because with this economy, I don’t want to owe any
debt.
3. 29 points= I will study my rear off to be able to offer a
better service to our area. I will get certified to install
gas appliances.
4. 29 points= Kiss my wife
5. 28 points= Take my wife on a date and turn off my
phone and iPad. Because I don’t spend enough time
with her alone with 100% attention.
6. 28 points= Start the 5-minute power meeting workdays
to reinforce the employees.
7. 28 points= Five Minute Meeting every morning. Even if
it is just me.
8. 28 points= Be more punctual to raise my closing rates.
9. 28 points= Learn computers because I am ignorant.
10. 28 points= Video scan every flue I work on.
Then the group gathered on the lawn of the hotel for its
annual group photograph. Many thanks to Right Coast
Juan (aka Blume of Blume the Merry Sweep in Greenville,
SC) for capturing the group photo and also for serving
as the Guild’s official photographer for the duration
of the show.
The 2013 convention and trade show wrapped up on
Sunday evening with the annual banquet and awards
ceremony. CSIA President John Pilger awarded the
Don Leavitt Education Award to CSIA Instructor Rich Rua of
A Traditional Sweep in Portsmouth, RI. Unfortunately, Rich
wasn’t able to attend, so Mr. Pilger took a page from last year’s
national political campaign season and presented the award to
an “Invisible Rich Rua”.
Outgoing NCSG President Jay Walker awarded the NCSG
Friendship Award to Blume of The Merry Sweep in Greenville,
SC in honor of the many friendships he has formed and the
many conversations that he’s prompted on the NCSG Discussion
List. Past-President Randy Brooks of Brooks Chimney Sweeping
in Ojai, CA was awarded the NCSG President’s Award for his
continued support of the industry by generously serving in
several leadership capacities over the last several years.
NCSG Innovation 2014 will be held at the Hyatt Regency in
Downtown Columbus, Ohio next March 19-22. The downtown
Columbus hotel is in the heart of the city and is within easy
walking distance to the Arena District and Huntington Park - an
ideal location for business and leisure travelers alike. To reserve
your room for the convention, visit www.NCSG.org/innovation
or call (888) 421-1442 and ask for the National Chimney Sweep
Guild rate.
Many thanks to our
2013 sponsors!
Lifetime Chimney Supply M&G Dura VentSaverSystemsVeracity Insurance
CLOSED CIRCUITInternal Evaluation System
NCSG Charter Members
Paul Bourque Huntsville, AL
Don Leavitt
San Diego, CA
David Harris Broken Arrow,
Oklahoma
Dan Wheeler Santa Rosa, CA
John Cline, Menlo Park, CA
Dale Meisinger, N. Augusta, SC
Alan Hisey, St. Louis, MO
Eva B. Horton, Greenwich, CT
Harry Richart, Hasbrouck Heights, NJ
NewNCSGMembers
REGION 2
REGION 1
REGION 4
REGION 5
REGION 3
NCSG REGIONS
REGION 1
Connecticut, Vermont, Massachusetts, New York, Maine, Rhode Island, New Hampshire
REGION 2
Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania
REGION 3
Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia
REGION 4
Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, Ohio
REGION 5
Arkansas, Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Minnesota, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, Wisconsin
REGION 6
Alaska, Arizona, California, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington, Wyoming
NEW YORK
CONNECTICUT
VERMONT
NEW JERSEY
NORTH CAROLINA
ALABAMA
TENNESSEE
MICHIGAN
ILLINOIS
COLORADO
TEXAS
MINNESOTA
18 SWEEPING JUNE 13
CSIA Update www.CSIA.org
®s
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In May 2008, the Chimney Safety Institute of America, adopted the following position on After-Market Parts for Listed Products:
The CSIA recommends the use of original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts on any product listed by a nationally-recognized listing agency. Using only OEM parts and replacement parts maintains the original integrity and performance characteristics of the product. If, however, after-market parts are installed, the CSIA recommends the following:
conflict with policies established by the authority having jurisdiction.
manufactured to perform in the same manner as the original and does not alter the basic design and operation of the system.
after-market part and the reason for its use to the homeowner.
homeowner acknowledges and authorizes the installation of the after-market part.
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CSIA 2013
Education CalendarAs of 5/2/13 - Schedule subject to change. Please contact the
Chimney Safety Institute of America prior to making travel arrangements.
Register today at www.CSIA.org or call us at (317) 837-5362.
Hate to travel? CSIA’s online education
is now offered weekly!
CSIA Certification Review Sessions, Chimney Physics,
Lining Masonry with Stainless Steel and eLearning!
National Chimney Sweep Training School
April 29 – May 4, 2013 | CSIA Technology Center
June 24 – 29 , 2013 | CSIA Technology Center
August 12 – 17 , 2013 | CSIA Technology Center
September 30 – October 5, 2013 | CSIA
Technology Center
Fundamentals of sweeping and inspection of chimney systems,
equipment operation, health and safety considerations and
step-by-step instruction in codes, clearances, standards and
practices. CCS CEUs: 4 T, 4 C&S, 4 C&L, 4 H&S NFI CEUs: 16 T
Installing and Troubleshooting
Gas Hearth Appliances
July 15–19, 2013 | CSIA Technology Center
Service and installation, including appliance standards, combustion requirements, pipe sizing and installation, troubleshooting, carbon monoxide testing and fuel conversion.
CEUs: 4-T 4-CS 4-HS 4-CL NFI CEUs: 16 T
Chimney Physics
June 6-7 | MCSC - Taunton, MA
June 10-11 | VACHP - Fredricksburg,VA
August 9-10 | PAGPCS - State College, PA
Diagnosis and resolution of chimney performance problems, solving air pressure problems, identifying the symptoms of indoor air pollutants, determining combustion air requirements for vented appliances.
CSIA CEUs: 3-T 3-CS 3-HS 3-CL NFI CEUs: 4 E
Inspection and Report WritingMay 3-4, 2013 | NYCSG - Albany, NY
Chimney inspections and evaluations, report
writing including regional and environmental
influences, effective photo documentation, digital organization
and admin procedures. CSIA CEUs: 6-T, 6-CL NFI CEUs: 12 T
CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep® Review & Exam
May 3 | Olympia Chimney Supply - Scranton, PA
May 18 | Regional Chimney Supply - Gaithersburg, MD
June 7 | CSIA Technology Center
June 28 | Richmond, VA
July 8 | Oceanside, CA
August 2 | CSIA Technology Center
August 9 | Memphis, TN
September 13 | Atlantic City, NJ
October 18 | Latham, NY
November 15 | CSIA Technology Center
In-person intensive review sessions help candidates prepare
for the exams. The review sessions are not a substitute for
advanced study. CSIA CEUs: 1.25-T, 1.25-CS, 1.25-HS, 1.25 CL
NFI CEUs: 6 T
CSIA Certified Dryer Exhaust Technician® Review
May 19 | Rutland, VT
July 31 - August 1 | CSIA Tech Center
In-person intensive review sessions help candidates prepare for the CSIA Certified Dryer Exhaust Technician® exam. The review sessions are not a substitute for advanced study.
CSIA CEUs: 1.25-T, 1.25 CS, 1-HS, 1-CL NFI CEUs: 4 E
Masonry Repair for Chimney
Professionals May 16-17 | SACP and Ashbusters - Smyrna, TN
June 17-19 | CSIA Technology Center
An intensive class combining a short period of
classroom theory followed by hands-on projects relating to the
theory lessons. CSIA CEUs: 12 T (2 day) or 16T (3-day)
Now you can access more of the industry’s favorite seminars in a self-paced, online format. It’s easy with CSIA’s eLearning program — offered every week!
Need to renew your CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep credential? You
can now earn all of the CEUs entirely online. We offer individual
sessions in affordable bundles so you can earn just the CEUs you
need: $39 per session, $99 for 3 sessions or $149 for 5 sessions.
Ready to get started? Learn more and register right now.
W W W. C S I A . O R G / E L E A R N I N G( 3 1 7 ) 8 3 7 - 5 3 6 2
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ProfitHeat up your
Certified Chimney Sweep Review
Certified Dryer Technician Review
Build your profit by learning to professionally service gas and woodburning hearth appliances. Turn your employees into gas and woodburning
appliance professionals in just a few days. Students will work with live appliances in the CSIA Technology Center lab, learning how to troubleshoot gas or hearth appliances, depending on which course you choose. Instructors will help them determine the proper venting system for each appliance, as well as how each appliance should be serviced. Students will also get an objective overview of a variety of hearth appliances.
Heat up your profit with: Installing and Troubleshooting Gas Hearth Appliances July 15-19, 2013
Offered at the CSIA Technology Center near Indianapolis.
Register today at www.csia.org or call us at (317) 837-5362.
NFI Certification Exam Included with registration!
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ProgressivePerksBY DEBBIE CORNELIUS
MEMBERSHIP DEVELOPMENT COORDINATOR
Merci, Takk, Moran Tang, Gracias, Tak, Danke Sehr, Dziekup!!
No words can begin to express the value placed on volunteers
who helped make NCSG Innovation 2013 a success! According
to Independent Sector, an hour of volunteer time was worth
$22.15 in 2012. Volunteer time estimated in a dollar amount is
one way to capture the value of volunteer time, but to the NCSG
and CSIA, board members and staff it is worth far more !
Those of you who “stepped up to the plate”, and many of you
more than once during convention not only helped make this a
fabulous event, but you are helping build a stronger profession.
Short and sweet as it may be, I say again - THANK YOU!!!
Yvette Aube
Vince Aube
Martin Aube
Richie Baxley
Judd Berg
Albert Bailitz
John Bentley
Chuck Benzinger
Darin Bibeau
Brandi Biswell
Renee Brigman
Ron Brigman
Gregg Chaffin
Ian Conway
Luke Conway
Jessica Cromwell
Lou Curley
Terry Dearborn
Mark Dent
Frank Dombrowski
Herb Fulmer
Jeff Gitlin
Evan Havers
Phil Heagney
Frances Hetsch
Steve Hoover
Donna Jo Hudson
Tom Hunkele
Barbara Joy
Beth Kline
Bill Kline
Jack Lutz
Katie Maynard
Amy Maynard
Sally McKnight
Mark Moesley
Ron Moser
Chris Muckerheide
Scott Munroe
Jerry Neal
Matt Oesterling
Lauren Pilger
Jim Pritchett
Thomas Rhines
Jim Robinson
Ghayas Salem
Clint Sanner
Terry Sanner
Jennifer Sauter
Ellen Sauter
Jonathan Sauter
Cory Schafer
Kathy Segerstrom
Sarah Shippee
Matt Simpson
Tom Smail
Dawn Smith
Tim Smith
Drew Stein
Mike Stiles
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24 SWEEPING JUNE 13
1977
The chimney Sweep Guild, brainchild of Kristia Associates’
Eva Horton, forms in Portland, ME, with 22 members. Guild
operations are handled by Kristia Associates, a wood stove
import company.
The Chimney Sweep Guild publishes the first issue of The
Chimney Sweep Guild News.
More than 100 chimney sweeps attend first Chimney Sweep
Guild convention in Portland, Maine.
1978First Board of Directors meets on July 7 in Washington, DC.
Board of Membership expands to 400 individual members.
Through the efforts of Guild member Larry Hempsall, the first
National Chimney Sweep Week was
held October 2-8 and recorded in the
Congressional Record.
1979
The National Fire Protection Association
invites the Guild to appoint a
representative to the NFPA 211 technical
committee.
1980 Members vote to change name to
National Chimney Sweep Guild at fourth
annual convention in Minneapolis, MN.
The quarterly Chimney Sweep Guild
News becomes monthly Sweeping.
1981 Guild turns down a merger offer with
the Wood Heating Alliance, now Hearth
Patio Barbecue Association, deciding to
go it alone for sweeps’ sake.
1982
The U.S. Consumer Products Safety
Commission (CPSC) asks Guild members
for help in a public education campaign
designed to reduce deaths and injuries
from solid-fuel appliances.
Highlights from NCSG’s First 10 YearsUnderstanding where an organization has been is an
important part of determining the best course for the future.
This timeline was initially compiled by previous Guild staff
members for the 20th anniversary of the organization and
has since been updated by volunteers and staff members
alike. We are currently working on a history timeline project
and would love to preserve your memories. Pictures and
other information can be scanned, emailed or forwarded
to Bob Fleer who is heading up this project at history@
ncsg.org. He will use the information to help enhance the
historical timeline of the Guild. Please call Bob at (410) 544-
7600 with questions about the project.
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JUNE 13 SWEEPING 25
More than 300 sweeps attended NCSG’s fifth birthday party,
celebrated in Springfield, MA, with a 60-pound birthday cake.
1983
CPSC asks Guild members to participate in an investigation of
prefabricated, metal chimneys. Guild asks CPSC to require labels
on wood stoves that explain the need for yearly maintenance.
The newly formed Chimney Safety Institute of America holds its
first meeting. Original directors include: Harry Richart, president;
Hugh Maine, vice president; John Jamnick, secretary; and Lesley
Van Dusen, treasurer. Mary Ann Beaufait was appointed to one of
the open seats on the new board, and U.S. Congressman Robert
Toricelli agrees to serve on advisory board.
NFPA adopts recommendation that every chimney must be
inspected annually and cleaned when necessary.
1984
Harry Richart established the first Technical Advisory Committee
and selected its members.
Don Leavitt of Don Leavitt Enterprises in California is awarded the
first Presidents Award.
Guild meets with FTC officials to discuss problems with untrained
or fraudulent chimney sweeps. Although the FTC decides against
regulations, they offer to help educate consumers through
their media contacts.
1985
NCSG asks CPSC to ban homeowner do-it-yourself cleaning
kits because of incomplete or inaccurate instructions, and
the importance of inspection by a professional. Guild
president Harry Richart presents evidence of oil and
gas flue deterioration to CPSC, including flue tiles eaten
through by condensation.
1986
NCSG publishes the first edition of Successful Chimney
Sweeping. Two years in the making, the manual represents
the first time standard chimney service practices were
written down anywhere.
1987
Guild offices consolidate in Olney, MD. In an effort to reach
insurance companies with chimney safety information,
NCSG exhibits at the National Association of Mutual
Insurance Companies convention in St. Louis.
Watch for more of our history to be shared in future
editions of Sweeping: The Journal of Chimney & Venting
Technology and online at www.NCSG.org
Brian Noe ChFC®, CLTC – MW Financial Group, Ltd.197 Scott Swamp RoadFarmington, CT [email protected]
Let’s Adapt Your Core Values & Beliefs
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Registered Representative and Financial Advisor of Park Avenue Securities LLC (PAS), 197 Scott Swamp Road, Farmington, CT 06032. Securities products/services and advisory services are offered through PAS, a registered broker-dealer and investment advisor, 860-677-2600. Financial Representative, The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America (Guardian), New York, NY. PAS is an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of Guardian. MW Financial Group, Ltd. is not an affiliate or subsidiary of PAS or Guardian. PAS is a member FINRA, SIPC. Neither Guardian or any of its subsidiaries, employees or agents provides tax or legal advice.
26 SWEEPING JUNE 13
New NCSG
Supplier Member
INDEPENENT AUDITORS’ REPORT To the Board of DirectorsNational Chimney Sweep GuildIndianapolis, Indiana
We have audited the accompanying financial statements of National Chimney Sweep Guild (NCSG), which comprise the statement of financial position as of August 31, 2012 and the related statements of activities and cash flows for the year then ended, and the related notes to the financial statements.
Management’s Responsibility for the Financial StatementsManagement is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of these financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America; this includes the design, implementation, and maintenance of internal control relevant to the preparation and fair presentation of financial statements that are free from material misstatements, whether due to fraud or error.
Auditor’s ResponsibilityOur responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audit. We conducted our audit in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free from material misstatement.An audit involves performing procedures to obtain audit evidence about the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. The procedures selected depend on the auditor’s judgment, including the assessment of the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to fraud or error. In making those risk assessments, the auditor considers internal control relevant to the Company’s preparation and fair presentation of the financial statements in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes evaluating the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of significant accounting estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our audit opinion.
OpinionIn our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the National Chimney Sweep Guild as of August 31, 2012 and the results of its activities and its cash flows for the year then ended in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
Report on Supplementary InformationOur audit was conducted for the purpose of forming an opinion on the financial statements as a whole. The accompanying additional information show on pages 13 through 16 is presented for purposes of additional analysis as required by and is not a required part of the financial statements. Such information is the responsibility of management and was derived from and relates directly to the underlying accounting and other records used to prepare the financial statements. The information has been subjected to the auditing procedures applied in the audit of the financial statements and certain additional procedures, including comparing and reconciling such information directly to the underlying accounting and other records used to prepare the financial statements or to the financial statements themselves, and other additional procedures in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America. In our opinion, the information is fairly stated in all material respects in relation to the financial statements as a whole.
March 31, 2013, MERRILL & THOMAN, LLP, Certified Public Accountants
NATIONAL CHIMNEY SWEEP GUILDSTATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITONYEAR ENDED AUGUST 31, 2012
ASSETSCash and cash equivalents $ 260,548Accounts receivable 16,915Due from CSIA 23,338Inventory 4,107Prepaid expenses 9,266Property, technology and equipment 24,269TOTAL ASSETS $ 338,443
LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETSLiabilitiesAccounts payable and accrued liabilities $ 8,899Advance dues and prepaid revenue 281,595Accrued payroll and other 43,858
Total Liabilities 334,352Net AssetsUnrestricted net assets 4,091Total liabilities and net assets $ 338,443
NATIONAL CHIMNEY SWEEP GUILDSTATEMENT OF ACTIVITIESYEAR ENDED AUGUST 31, 2012
Changes in net assets:
Operating RevenueDues $ 412,929Advertising income 150,441Trade show and convention income 239,246Retail sales 2,493Interest income 250Other 3,344Total Operating Revenue 808,703
Operating ExpensesMember services 258,351Publications expenses 182,103Trade show and convention expenses 248,643Supporting activities
General management – staff expenses 21,759 General management – other expenses 12,398
Organization and development 4,312 Technology 803
Total Operating Expenses 728,369Change in net assets before depreciation and amortization 80,334Depreciation and amortization 6,441Change in net assets from operations 73,893Net assets – beginning of year (69,802)Net assets – end of year $ 4,091
NATIONAL CHIMNEY SWEEP GUILDSTATEMENT OF CASH FLOWSYEAR ENDED AUGUST 31, 2012
Reconciliation of change in net assets from operations to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities: Change in net assets from operations $ 73,893
Adjustments to reconcile change in net assets from operations to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization 6,441 Decrease (increase) in:Accounts receivable 57,361Prepaid expenses ( 1,430)Inventory ( 183)
Increase (decrease) in:Accounts payable and accrued expenses (22,736)Unearned revenue (48,174)Total adjustments ( 8,721)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating Activities 65,172Cash flows from investing activities: Purchase of property, equipment and technology (29,924)Net change in cash 35,248Cash and cash equivalents – beginning of year 225,300Cash and cash equivalents – end of year $ 260,548
JUNE 13 SWEEPING 27
Same day shipping for orders placed
before 2:00PM Eastern Time.
Dates & EventsJune 17-21, 2013CSIA (online)
- Chimney Physics
- CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep Review
- CSIA Certified Dryer Exhaust Technician Review
- CSIA eLearning
- Health & Safety Multi-User Courses
- Lining Masonry Chimneys with Stainless Steel
For more information, please call (317) 837-5362 or visit www.CSIA.org
June 17-19, 2013Masonry Repair for Chimney Professionals
CSIA Technology Center
For more information, please call (317) 837-5362 or visit www.CSIA.org
June 20, 2013New Jersey Chimney Sweep Guild Meeting
Monroe, NJ
For more information, please contact Stephen Kuber at (732) 920-8770 or
email at [email protected]
June 24-28, 2013CSIA (online)
- Chimney Physics
- CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep Review
- CSIA Certified Dryer Exhaust Technician Review
- CSIA eLearning
- Health & Safety Multi-User Courses
- Lining Masonry Chimneys with Stainless Steel
For more information, please call (317) 837-5362 or visit www.CSIA.org
June 24th - 25th Hope Stevenson & Rick Vlahos Business/Educational Seminar
Sponsored by Olympia Chimney Supply
Vancouver, WA
For more information please contact Mark Calomino at mcalomino@
olympiachimney.com
June 24-29, 2013National Chimney Sweep Training School
CSIA Technology Center
For more information, please call (317) 837-5362 or visit www.CSIA.org
June 28, 2013CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep® Review & Exams
Richmond, VA
For more information, please call (317) 837-5362 or visit www.CSIA.org
June 28, 2013Negative Air Pressures and How to Deal With Them
Elliot, ME
For more information, please contact Donna Smith at dsmith@
ventechindustries.com
June 29-30, 2013Sweepfest 2013
Sponsored by the NEACHP
For more information, please contact Phil Mitchell at [email protected]
June 29-30, 2013
Hope Stevenson & Rick Vlahos Business/Educational Seminar
Sponsored by Olympia Chimney Supply
Golden, CO
For more information please contact Mark Calomino at mcalomino@
olympiachimney.com
July 1-5, 2013CSIA (online)
- Chimney Physics
- CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep Review
- CSIA Certified Dryer Exhaust Technician Review
- CSIA eLearning
- Health & Safety Multi-User Courses
- Lining Masonry Chimneys with Stainless Steel
For more information, please call (317) 837-5362 or visit www.CSIA.org
July 8, 2013CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep® Review & Exams
Oceanside, CA - Golden State CSG
For more information, please call (317) 837-5362 or visit www.CSIA.org
July 8-12, 2013CSIA (online)
- Chimney Physics
- CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep Review
- CSIA Certified Dryer Exhaust Technician Review
- CSIA eLearning
- Health & Safety Multi-User Courses
- Lining Masonry Chimneys with Stainless Steel
For more information, please call (317) 837-5362 or visit www.CSIA.org
July 15-19, 2013CSIA Installing and Troubleshooting Gas Hearth Appliances
CSIA Technology Center
For more information, please call (317) 837-5362 or visit www.CSIA.org
July 15-19, 2013CSIA (online)
- Chimney Physics
- CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep Review
- CSIA Certified Dryer Exhaust Technician Review
- CSIA eLearning
- Health & Safety Multi-User Courses
- Lining Masonry Chimneys with Stainless Steel
For more information, please call (317) 837-5362 or visit www.CSIA.org
July 22-26, 2013CSIA (online)
- Chimney Physics
- CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep Review
- CSIA Certified Dryer Exhaust Technician Review
- CSIA eLearning
- Health & Safety Multi-User Courses
- Lining Masonry Chimneys with Stainless Steel
For more information, please call (317) 837-5362 or visit www.CSIA.org
July 29th - 30thHope Stevenson & Rick Vlahos Business/Educational Seminar
Sponsored by Olympia Chimney Supply
Golden, CO
For more information please contact Mark Calomino at mcalomino@olympiachimney.
com
Please send notice of your events for NCSG Dates & Events listings at
[email protected] for inclusion here, in weekly posts to the discussion list
and online at www.NCSG.org/dates. The event must be considered educational or
informative for the industry (sales events and open houses will not be listed).
28 SWEEPING JUNE 13
JUNE 13 SWEEPING 29
s I look back on previous conventions, I am
reminded of how I felt when I attended my first
one in Minneapolis in 1980. The real reason
I went from Virginia to Minnesota was to get
CSIA Certified. I really had no idea what to expect, but I knew
that would be an important step in marketing my business and
making sure I was doing the right thing for my customers. My
first impression was that there were lots of folks there who were
real characters. It was there I first met Fred Toldo and Norman
Lenz. Fred had spiders on his top hat and Norman had a brush
that was 36 inches round. The camaraderie I experienced
at that convention was as amazing as the technical subjects
being discussed. I decided to do my best to return as often as
possible. Hearing that others were having the same challenges I
was encountering was encouraging and enlightening. Everyone
was willing to share their techniques and solutions to the
problems we were all finding in the field. I came away thinking
“What a great bunch of people”.
I learned so much from the conversations and classes that I
would never have seen if I didn’t make the effort to go. In a
for me. Some were not shy in telling me all of the things they
thought I was doing wrong and how their methods were the way
to go. I was able to pick and choose which direction I wanted
for my business. Options are always a good thing!
After returning from Minneapolis, I put together the Chimney
Sweep Guild of Virginia in an effort to keep the dialog alive. In
later years, the NCSG established a program where some state
guilds became affiliated on an official level. Virginia was one of
the first to sign up and get in that information stream.
In today’s instant information society, it is important to keep that
personal contact. There are many people that I have met over
the years who I only see at the NCSG convention and it is like
no time has passed at all. It is encouraging to see my friends
succeed. That is what the annual convention is all about.
While not all of the suggestions were useful back at that
convention in Minneapolis, there were many more that were a
tremendous help when I got back home and went to work. Not
all of the ideas I embraced had to do with technical aspects of
the business. There were lots of ideas that incorporated hand-
made tools and unique approaches. I left feeling much more
BY ASHLEY ELDRIDGE, INTERIM EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Times Are Changing
s
fi d
A
30 SWEEPING JUNE 13
confident about how I was operating my fledgling company. I
also recognized that there was much to do, especially from an
operational standpoint. Shortly after returning, I embraced the
computer and proceeded to put all of my customers in a database
that I created. That was a huge improvement over the 3x5” index
cards that I was using to store this information previously.
I’ve been involved with many more conventions over the years
and I have never been disappointed. There are things that
happen that can’t be scripted, but make for fond memories. I
remember feeling energized every time I returned home. I
had loads of new ideas I could incorporate in my business.
The biggest challenge was in making the commitment to try
these new ideas. I confess that there were many that would
have served me well that were not given the attention they so
deserved.
Attending the convention as a small business owner reinforced
the idea that I needed to be as visible in my community as
possible. My plan was to go to as many meetings as possible
and teach homeowners about chimney safety. While it did take
a lot of time after ordinary work hours, it was one of the best
decisions I made. I was able to build relationships with the fire
department, home inspectors, building officials and the general
public that paid dividends for years.
Speaking to the Lions Club, the Rotary Club, participating in
public television auctions and even vocation day at school will
all help you learn more about what the average client wants
to know. When I had my sweep business, I even conducted
safety meetings for the local, large manufacturing plant. All of
these resulted in immediate bookings, but the greater result was
general recognition. When someone asked for a referral, they
were much more likely to be given my company name since
I was “known”. You are unlikely to ever get a better referral
that that of a happy client. It is what most sweeps are trying to
achieve in our market.
Just like you, the NCSG tries to raise the bar at every convention.
We want you to have an experience like I did and make every
effort to attend every year. I should add, many thanks to all
that contributed to making the convention in Branson another
great opportunity for sweeps around the world to share. It is
rewarding to hear, year after year, “This was the best convention
ever!”
Sometimes it is a useful exercise to look back and remember
those things that we did when we were first starting out. The
simple stuff like business cards and posters in the windows of
the hearth shops still have the best return. Over the years, NCSG
has changed the focus of the convention from being focused
entirely on technical subjects to hosting a mix of technical and
business classes. This is an important
change as sweeps face the challenges
of operating a small business in this
economic climate. Most with small
businesses would prefer to sweep
a chimney than define our ideal
customer. Knowing who that ideal
customer is will lead to greater profits
and a better experience for us and
for them. As one small example, it is
certainly a worthwhile task.
There have been many changes over
the years; that is indisputable. Rather
than fighting change, it is important
to look for opportunities to keep you
and your business fresh and relevant.
I am reminded of the quote that goes
something like this, “Find something
you love to do and you’ll never
work a day in your life”. Chimney
sweeps love what they do or they
would do something else. There is
no substitute for saving lives and
property on a daily basis. Keep up
the good work!
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JUNE 13 SWEEPING 31
Display Ad Index
Darwin Awards
Have you snapped a photo of a peculiar chimney in your area that made you shake your head in disbelief?
Send it to Melissa Heeke at [email protected] for publication in Sweeping. Or, mail it to NCSG, 2155 Commercial Drive, Plainfield, IN 46168.
Page # Advertiser Phone Email or Website Address
30 Ahrens Chimney Technique 800-582-1392 [email protected]
19-22 Chimney Safety Institute of America 317-837-5362 www.csia.org
3 Duct Cleaners’ Supply 800-634-2822 www.ductcleanerssupply.com
32 Firesafe Industries, Inc. 800-545-6607 www.firesafeinc.com
24 Golden Flue, Inc 800-468-1052 www.goldenflue.com
26 ICP 508-695-7000 www.chimneycaps.com
BC Lifetime Chimney Supply LLC 877-234-7473 www.lifetimechimneysupply.com
13 Lindemann Chimney Company 800-722-7230 www.lindemannchimney.com
7 National Chimney 800-897-8481 www.nationalchimney.com
25 New England Chimney Supply 888-900-8106 www.newenglandchimneysupply.com
6 Novaflex 800-654-5600 www.novaflex.com
5 Olympia Chimney Supply 800-569-1425 www.olympiachimney.com
27 Sand Hill Wholesale 800-258-5496 www.sandhillwholesale.com
4 SaverSystems, Inc 800-860-6327 www.saversystems.com
8 Smoktite 866-439-0069 www.smoktite.com
Submitted by Frank Dombrowski of Lebanon Valley
Chimney Sweeps. His customer says she calls it her
“Who-ville chimney”.
32 SWEEPING JUNE 13
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One of our clients with a progressive and financially stable
company in the Mid-Atlantic states is seeking a person who is
interested in coming on board as a working technician, with the
potential of moving into a leadership role as general manager
and part owner to satisfy our needs for an exit plan. We offer a
dynamic compensation plan. We are looking for this transition
to occur over a 3 - 5 year time frame. Seeking an individual who
may have their own business now but due to local economies or
lack of funding would like to join a company which will bring
you your own dreams. We are not seeking a buy in person from
funds, rather a person who can buy in with their skills
and talents and can assist us in our business exit plans. All
replies will be in strict confidence. Please reply via email to
Operations Manager. Growing Hearth Retailer, Full service
chimney company is seeking a candidate to oversee field
operations. Installation, service, and repair. Must have minimum
5 Years’ experience in the industry and possess a CSIA
certification, as well as NFI, MHP or specific certifications. Please
send resumes to [email protected].
CLASSIFIED ADS FREE FOR NCSG MEMBERSMembers can run one 35 word classified free each year! Regularly
classified ads are $2/word or $1/word for NCSG members. Classified ads
are non-commissionable and must be pre-paid. To place a classified ad,
please contact Megan McMahon at [email protected] or
(317) 837-1500.
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National Chimney Sweep Guild2155 Commercial DrivePlainfield, IN 46168
1305
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