 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!
1 Comment
 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... |
