 Meet long-time member Sally McKnight of The Irish Sweep, Inc. in Alameda, California. As a former board member, Sally is someone you've likely seen around throughout the years and is definitely someone with a unique perspective on what it takes to be a successful chimney professional. What is a question you get asked most about being a chimney sweep/chimney sweeping/the industry? How do I know if my chimney is safe to use? Some customers are concerned about fire safety while others are concerned with structural safety and still others are concerned with seismic safety. Most customers tend to overlook the power of wind and rain, which over time causes mortar failure; I like to educate my customers and bring awareness to potential hazards created by our environment. How did you get started in the industry? I was hired by the owner of The Irish Sweep, Jim Halloran, as part time office staff. I could not communicate effectively on the telephone with customers, as I didn't know anything about fireplaces or chimneys. So I was asked to go out into the field and clean some chimneys as a means to further my education. Eventually a partnership was formed and in 1988 I purchased the business from Jim.
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 This month, I am excited to introduce you to Matt Blackmon and Billy Stickney of Patriot Chimney Service, LLC out of Blue Ridge, VA. They discuss how they got started with their business and how they are helping fellow veterans and service members transition into our industry.How did you get started in the industry?
Matt: I was in college and needed a part time job and came across the opportunity to join the chimney industry. I met my mentor and friend John B. and found the first "job" since being medically retired from the Marine Corps that I truly enjoyed. I quit school, went full time and the rest is history. Billy: As for me, I knew Matt from the Corps and I was a sheriff when I decided to part ways with it and try my luck in this field. Matt convinced me to come aboard, that it was good work and very rewarding. I was utterly surprised at how much I grew to love it. We wanted to contribute to the industry, knew we could do it better, raise awareness, give back to the community and ultimately give back to our veterans; so we ventured off on our own.  This month, I'd like you all to meet Russell Gardner of Fiddler On The Roof in Van Nuys, California. He's been in the industry for a long time and has met some pretty famous people along the way...What is a question you get asked most about being a chimney sweep/chimney sweeping/the industry?
You can make a living in Los Angeles at that?!?!?! What advice do you wish you had received when you were getting started? First become a CPA, a lawyer, and a psychologist before becoming a chimney sweep!  I'd like to introduce Blume (that's right... just Blume) as this month's Meet a Member. He owns and operates Blume, The Merry Sweep out of Greenville, South Carolina and has been a continuous member of the NCSG since the early 90s. From US Presidents to some furry friends, he's seen it all... What is a question you get asked most about being a chimney sweep/chimney sweeping/the industry?
How long have you been a sweep? Answer: "A while......." What advice do you wish you had received when you were getting started? Discipline and Time Management and you don't have to work for everybody.  John Ceaser of Ceaser Chimney Service, LLC in Manchester, New Hampshire is this month's member to know! Check out his interview below. What advice do you wish you had received when you were getting started?
Get as much training and take as many classes as I could. There is so much to learn and so many different ways to get education. Even after almost 10 years in the industry I am still finding out things I didn't know. I try to learn something new every day. I also schedule my work around various on site, off site, and traveling education classes to make sure myself and my technicians are up to date on the latest codes, standards and practices.  Approaching his 10th year of membership with NCSG, Jesse Doucette of Crown Chimney in Hooksett, New Hampshire shares part of his experience as a chimney sweep with us. What is a question you get asked most about being a chimney sweep/chimney sweeping?
How often should I have my chimney swept? What advice do you wish you had received when you were getting started? I wish I had been given advice on anything! I was kind of thrown into the industry and had to learn from scratch.  Bill Miner of Mountain Home Chimney & Flame in Midway, Arkansas shares some advice from his 34 years of experience... What advice do you wish you had received when you were getting started?
If you don’t want a lifelong hobby, go to college and get a career that pays well and stays at the office. Self-employment has its benefits, but you must weigh them over the long term long before you paint yourself in a corner. Short answer is make a reasonable business plan 10 years out and if chimney sweeping makes you happy and provides well, go for it. Learn the business side, you won’t always be a whipper snapper.  Allow me to introduce Mike Schamens of Quality Fireplace Inc. in Waukesha, WI. He keeps it short and to the point as he tells us a little bit about himself and his experience as a chimney sweep... |
