Meet Jason Ward

Meet Jason Ward with FireCrest Chimney Service LLC in Little Rock, Arkansas. He talks a little bit about how he got his introduction to the chimney industry, as well as how he is making some changes to grow his business. 

What is a question you get asked most about being a chimney sweep/chimney sweeping/the industry? 
Is this the worst you’ve ever seen?
 
How did you get started in the industry? 
My Captain at the fire department owned what would become my company. I was assigned to his engine company when I was a rookie. He liked me and asked me if I would start working with his company on our days off. The rest is history.
 
What advice do you wish you had received when you were getting started? 
Go get CSIA Certified and keep on learning. Do not be afraid to grow this business.
 
What is the biggest challenge you face on the job? What are your best strategies for overcoming it? 
Meeting the large demand during the late summer to spring season. We have added computerized scheduling which we use along with GPS mapping to keep our appointments as close as possible with the least amount of drive time. Another is growing the service staff. Our goal is to add another service truck this season, bringing our fleet up to three. We also plan to certify two of our helpers so they can take over their own vehicles.
 
What is your proudest accomplishment? 
Becoming a father to my son Collin!!!
 
Have you ever had to make your own tool to solve a particular problem? 
Yes we have. We’ve made some interesting chamber trowels and tile breaker.
 
Weirdest thing you have ever found in a chimney?
A hawk.
 
What do you like to do outside of work? 
Watch Red Sox baseball and spend time with my wife and son.
 
What is, in your opinion, the most valuable part of being a member of the National Chimney Sweep Guild? 
The potential for education and networking. You will meet someone on every level who has been where you are going.

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Thanks, Jason! If you know someone who should be recognized in the next Meet a Member, shoot Annemarie Stockton an email at astockton@ncsg.org.