February 2013 Sweeping Magazine

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February 2013 Volume 37 #2

Table of Contents Features 12 2013 Board of Directors Nominees

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14 NCSG Members Save BIG 16 Benefits Easily Worth 10x Your Dues 18 Diversification – Minimize Risk 22 Evolution of an Industry Staple 29 NCSG Innovation 2013

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Departments 3 Moving Forward 6 Editor’s Letter 8 Industry Watch 10 The Coach’s Corner

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32 Dates & Events 35 Progressive Perks

Sweeping: The Journal of Chimney and Venting Technology (ISSN# 10416692) 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).

37 Perspective 39 Darwin Awards 39 Display Ad Index

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: Sweeping: The Journal of Chimney and Venting Technology National Chimney Sweep Guild 2155 Commercial Drive Plainfield, IN 46168 FEBRUARY 13 SWEEPING 1

ResourcePage

NATIONAL CHIMNEY SWEEP GUILD

Committee Chairs and Task Forces for 2012-2013 Bylaws Diane Pilger (631) 863-2460 chimneygal@aol.com

Governance Randy Brooks (805) 646-8961 hearthhunter@aol.com

NFPA 211 Representative Randy Brooks (805) 646-8961 hearthhunter@aol.com

Convention Site Selection Diane Pilger (631) 863-2460 chimneygal@aol.com

Government Affairs Phil Mitchell (603) 659-7776 sootski@aol.com

NFPA 31 Representative John Pilger (631) 863-2460 chimneyman@aol.com

Discussion List Bo Tasso (815) 645-8103 bo@botasso.com

International Relations Steve Pietila (503) 644-0393 steve@american-chimney.com

NFPA 54 Representative Jim Brewer (757) 523-2400 jbrewer@magic-sweep.com

Ethics Mark Stoner (615) 459-2546 ashbusters@aol.com

Long Range Planning Diane Pilger (631) 863-2460 chimneygal@aol.com

Public Awareness Task Force Rob Lindemann (847) 918-7994 Rob@lindemannchimney.com

Finance Mark Maynard (920) 830-1920 mark@chimneyguy.com

Membership Bob Ferrari (530) 221-3331 bob@flueseason.com

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:

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

Fred Joy Installation and Venting of Pellet Stoves 317-203-0088 x: 7 Jay Walker Dryer Vents 317-203-0088 x: 8 Rett Rasmussen Vented and Vent Free Gas Logs and Controls 317-203-0088 x: 9

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

Rich Martinez Dryer Vents or Masonry 317-203-0088 x: * Rich Rua General Sweeping or Relining 317-203-0088 x: 0

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.

ADVERTISING RATES for Sweeping: The Journal of Chimney & Venting Technology may be obtained by contacting Malisa Minetree at (317) 815-4688 or sweepingads@me.com Design by Laura Houser Design • laurahouser.com • (317) 213-7497 NCSG encourages industry partners to submit press release and articles to Melissa Heeke, Sweeping Editor at mheeke@ncsg.org. 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

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President, Region 3 Jay Walker (850) 562-4692 • president@ncsg.org Vice President At-Large Diane Pilger (631) 863-2460 • chimneygal@aol.com Treasurer, Region 5 Mark Maynard (920) 830-1920 • mark@chimneyguy.com Secretary Jeremy Biswell (913) 236-7141 • fluesbrothers@yahoo.com Region 1 Phil Mitchell (603) 659-7776 • sootski@aol.com

TECHNICAL ADVISORY COUNCIL

Chris Prior Masonry Construction and Restoration and Priorfire Fireboxes 317-203-0088 x: 2

NCSG BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2011-2012

Region 2 Bob Fleer (410) 544-7600 • bobfleer@aol.com Region 4 Ken Hoelscher (937) 833-0505 • ken@abbeyroadchimneysweeps.com Region 6 Bob Ferrari (530) 941-5818 • bob@flueseason.com At-Large Directors Dennis Dobbs (256) 845-9814 • info@fireplaceservicecenter.com Fred Joy (785) 986-6432 • joyfredm@live.com Supplier Representative Edmund Poplawski (570) 504-7107 • epoplawski@olympiachimney.com

STAFF 2155 Commercial Drive Plainfield, IN 46168 (317) 837-1500 Fax: (317) 837-5365 Mark McSweeney, CAE Executive Director mmcsweeney@ncsg.org

Megan McMahon Office Manager mmcmahon@ncsg.org

Melissa Heeke, CAE Director of Communications & Marketing mheeke@ncsg.org

Debbie Cornelius Membership Development Coordinator dcornelius@ncsg.org

Ashley Eldridge, COI, CPP Director of Education ashley@ncsg.org

Donna Lee Kasmer CSIA Certification Coordinator dkasmer@csia.org

Candice Bradbury Director of Finance cbradbury@ncsg.org

Sharon Anderson Program Coordinator sanderson@ncsg.org

JAY WALKER NCSG PRESIDENT

T

oday’s trends are fast moving and involve people moving fast and using the most convenient process as possible to accomplish the little tasks that come their way. The trend has inevitably been the use of a smart phone.

NCSG has recognized this trend and has set new goals to stay up-to-date with today’s technology and trends. The NCSG Board of Directors is made up of mostly business owners like yourself who volunteer time to help advance the industry and keep the membership ahead of the curve. We all work in our businesses every day and strive to meet our clients’ expectations. One trait of a successful board member is to be forward thinking and look into the future and recognize the needs of our clients and the public. Two recent projects that NCSG has implemented are:

Moving Forward

associations throughout the country with ease. The video is available on NCSG’s YouTube channel (youtube.com/ NCSGhq) and is also available on DVD upon request. My hopes are that sweeps that are not members will view this and realize the great opportunities available by joining the Guild. Special thanks to Tom Vice of Home & Leisure Lifestyles, LLC and Gregg Boss of English Sweep, Inc. for their starring roles in the video!

NCSG has been working on other operational projects which include updating of our Standard Operating Procedures (which is an on-going task as it is a living document), restructure of the

1. Mobile App: This new mobile app (point your smartphone’s web browser to m.ncsg.org) allows members to gain access to NCSG’s web site information from the field with smartphones and tablets. This means you can access supplier coupons, installation manuals, Sweeping magazine articles, the Technical Advisory Council phone numbers, the Supplier directory, the member locator, the industry events calendar, codes for member benefits and NCSG contact info and social media links easily and reliably.

Basically, we’ve put the most functional pieces of the NCSG website in your pocket. You must log in to see the password-protected info (using the same info as the regular site).

2. NCSG Membership Video: Our new promotional video was developed to help promote NCSG’s mission, and can be used by state and regional FEBRUARY 13 SWEEPING 3

Guild’s media kit (advertising is now available in eNewslink in addition to Sweeping magazine), a bylaws amendment to get NCSG Director terms properly staggered, evaluations, ballots and plans for further board development.

On a more personal note, I would like to share some of my own personal experiences so that you may be able to reflect on your own life. In a recent church sermon, our pastor came out in front of the congregation and had a big jar of large rocks. He asked us if the jar was full, then without hesitation brought out a bag of pea sized gravel and began to pour it in the large jar.

The gravel ran down between the rocks and filled many of the voids around the bigger rocks. Again he asked if the jar was full.

Then brought out a bag of sand and repeated the process. The sand filled the voids around the big rocks and gravel. Again he asked if the jar was full. With no response, he took a pitcher of water and began to pour it in the jar. The water took up all the rest of the space in the jar. His message was used about putting God and your spirituality first (the big rocks), then family (gravel), then your work/job (sand) and all the little things that you do every day (water). I had heard this message before back in school and at a leadership program. The message teaches us that the big rocks must come first and then the littler things. You

ICSF 2011

ICSF 2011

won’t get anywhere by putting the little things first. And, if you only do the little things you would be a wreck. Set your goals and priorities in life, both personal and in business. What are the big rocks in your life? A project that you want to accomplish?

Time with your loved ones? Your faith, your education, your finances? A cause? Teaching or mentoring others? Remember to put these big rocks in first or you’ll never get them in at all.

In closing, I want to thank Dennis Dobbs for his work and knowledge in providing the membership with technical resources through this magazine’s “Technical Q&A” section and many other articles and consultations with sweeps all around the country as the chair of our Technical Advisory Council. I know Dennis has a special love for this industry and his past work has shown just that. When you see Dennis at the convention in Branson, be sure to thank him for his insights to chimney sweep education and for providing on-going knowledge to our members.

As always, Sweeps luck to you and your family and God Bless.

Jay K. Walker NCSG President

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Editor’s Letter

MELISSA HEEKE, CAE NCSG DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS

W

elcome to February! We hope that your heating season has moved from being frantic to the time of year when you have a well-scheduled and well-oiled machine in place. It’s amazing how cyclical this industry can be based on the weather, holidays and human nature. What little patterns we have in place today can make a big impact on our tomorrows, so today is the day to adopt new efforts to make a smarter business; now that you’ve caught your breath a bit.

I was recently asked to name my biggest accomplishment in my role as Director of Communications and Marketing for the National Chimney Sweep Guild. A friend jokingly said that it has to be that I have managed to pull together more than 100 issues of a magazine about chimney sweeping. I must agree that that is quite an accomplishment. I’ve had the benefit of working with many talented and passionate people on this

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magazine and I’m proud to share the fruits of our labor with the NCSG membership each month.

If you aren’t a subscriber to the magazine as a Guild member or otherwise, you may be wondering why you’re receiving this at all. This month’s issue is a little different, as it is our annual issue that is sent out to the entire industry. We welcome you to take a peek inside what it is that makes the NCSG tick. Our business-building features, our technical articles and a slew of information that you aren’t going to find elsewhere.

We hope you enjoy this month’s issue and consider joining our association as a member!

Jerry Isenhour & Hope Stevenson Bring You

THE HOW TO'S OF BUILDING A SUCCESSFUL & PROFITABLE BUSINESS The 2013 Summit for Chimney Sweeps and Hearth Retailers is coming to the following areas: Sturbridge, MA January 15 - 17

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Industry Watch M&G DuraVent Gets Approval for PolyPro on Bryant, Carrier, Day & Night, Heil, Keeprite, Payne & Tempstar Furnaces

CSIA Seeks Guest Bloggers

M&G DuraVent recently announced that it has gotten more key approvals for PolyPro Venting Systems. Bryant 900 series, Carrier 59 series, Day & Night 90+, Heil 90+, Keeprite 90+, Payne all 2012 models, and Tempstar 90+ furnaces have all approved the use of PolyPro single-wall, concentric, and flex with their appliances.

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. PolyPro has been successfully venting appliances in Europe for close to 20 years.

The Chimney Safety Institute of America has created a new blog titled Wisdom from the Hearth (online at chimneysafety. wordpress.com) to help keep homeowners one-step ahead of the potential problems that can plague their fireplaces and chimneys.

Topics covered on the blog include EPA certified stoves, chimney swifts, winter-preparedness, media mentions and carbon monxodie and fire hazards.

If you are interested in blogging for CSIA, please contact Melissa Heeke, CSIA’s Director of Communications and Marketing at mheeke@csia.org.

Industry Watch Policy NCSG encourages industry partners to submit press releases to Melissa Heeke, Sweeping: The Journal of Chimney & Venting Technology editor, via email at mheeke@ ncsg.org. 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.

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The

Coach’s Corner

BY JERRY ISENHOUR OF CHIMNEY & VENTING CONSULTANTS IN CONCORD, NC

Reach Your Dream In 2013

T

he question I ask my clients at this time of year is, “What subjects would you like to be discussing on January 1, 2014 as you reflect on the year 2013?”

What accomplishments, what achievements, what advances do you plan to celebrate? Also, how will you view those initiatives that did not succeed? And how will you evaluate and be motivated by those failures? Because, as we all know, every successful person has also failed in their lifetime, sometimes dramatically and likely more than once. But in each instance those early failures drove them to try again with more determination and a broader perspective that helped them turn those early failures into truly dramatic successes. In each and every case the winner learns from each and every loss. They do this through an analysis of the loss and the events that prevented the success of the initiative.

The American icon Henry Ford lost his original company, the

Henry Ford Motor Company due poor planning and probably lack of funding. He then started the Ford Motor Company, and became famous and successful as the father of the assembly line.

Even today he is credited with ideas used by Toyota to become the world leader they are. And even more amazing was the fact that the Henry Ford Motor Company, which was reorganized after the departure of Henry, also became very successful and is credited with an iconic Cadillac brand and is a part of the General Motors family of brands.

There are a multitude of others who turned early failures into immense success -- Oprah Winfrey, Walt Disney and even Abraham Lincoln who in the 1830s went bankrupt but who went on to lead a divided country during the time of the Civil War. Steve Jobs lost Apple, initially, but then came back with renewed determination and ultimately had an inconceivable impact on the world of communication. Michael Jordan, was cut from his high school basketball team, yet, went on and became an NBA star.

It seems likely that in each case listed above, the person entered a project under-prepared. Perhaps they did not do their homework, perhaps they did not have the right team, possibly they had inadequate resources, and any one of a myriad of reasons could be why the failure occurred. But what each of them did was to honestly evaluate why they failed. Learn from that and move on.

That was their simple formula. Evaluate both your successes and failures, make the corrections needed and move forward. In other words compose the plan for success using the experience of the loss to assume the leadership position they attained.

Whatever your fears and concerns are about the economy or any of the other issues we are dealing with in America, remember each and every business owner in America is operating under the same conditions, the same restraints, the

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same fences and likely look at similar walls that block their path to winning. And at the end of 2013, some will celebrate success, others will be lamenting failures. And perhaps the only difference is one group addressed those issues that were within their control, overhead, marketing, training, pricing, etc. while the other did not. One group made and followed a plan, while the other simply responded to problems as they arose. The person that weathered the storms came to the party prepared and they continued to sail.

Have you ever looked at the enthusiasm of the successful person, how they simply ooze this aura from their bodies, the way in which they exude a confidence in themselves? How does a motivator like John Maxwell simply speak and it motivates his audience? It comes from confidence, energy and exuberance.

These are the qualities we need to cultivate within ourselves, this enthusiasm for success! It is this enthusiasm for success that will help propel you to the next level, that level you truly want to attain. That success that is marked by a business that runs smoothly, grows in value each year, and reaches its goals. A part of the plan must be the level of success you plan to attain, and with this the steps that will take you to the plateau.

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You will know you did a good job. It is all about you, it is truly all about you, your drive, your enthusiasm, your ability to turn failures around and how vested are you in the outcome. But you must be honest, you must also establish the accountability system required, and you must hold yourself accountable. This is a hard thing to do; this takes an inner strength, or as some may call it, the right stuff. I honestly do not think one is born with the “right stuff� rather I feel that we all have the right stuff, but it is up to the individual to hone the skills, to sharpen the blade and to fully develop the skills required for the right stuff!

Good luck and the best to each of you, my dear friends of this brotherhood we call chimney sweeps. My best to each of you and my hope for your personal success!

Make it your plan to REACH YOUR DREAM IN 2013 and as you plan likely it may take longer than a short year of your life to fully attain the dreams you have, but there is one thing for sure, the journey must be started, if we are to achieve the dream!

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. He will also be one of our featured presenters at the NCSG Innovation 2013 convention presenting The 12 Keys To Business Success.

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2013 NCSG Board of Directors Nominees Here are your nominees for the upcoming election of NCSG directors. Please note that the following nominees are running for two-year terms (2013-2015). New board members will be seated at the April 3, 2013 board of directors meeting in Branson.

Voting members: Ballots will be mailed from the NCSG office on Wednesday, February 5, 2013 and must be postmarked no later than Tuesday, March 5, 2013.

Seat: Region 5 (One Nominee) Representing: Voting members in Arkansas, Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Minnesota, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, Wisconsin

Jasper Drengler Drengler is the owner of Chimney Mechanix in Shawano, WI. When asked why he seeks election, Drengler responds, “I want to help other business owners; I want to share with them what I have learned. There is always room for improvements, for learning, for adapting for the future. NCSG members are the best sweeps, we need to continue this and educate ourselves and the public.”

Drengler attended Northeast Wisconsin Technical College to be an auto mechanic. He holds the CSIA Certified Dryer Exhaust Technician and Certified Chimney Sweep certifications and is the current president of the Wisconsin Guild of Chimney Service Specialists. He has sixteen year of experience in the industry and has owned his own company for nine years.

Drengler can be reached at (715) 304-8934 or drengler01@gmail.com.

Seat: Region 6 (One Nominee) Representing: Voting members in Alaska, Arizona, California, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington, Wyoming

Bob Ferrari - Incumbent Ferrari is the owner of Flue Season in Redding, CA. When asked why he seeks election, Ferrari responds, “It’s my time to give back to the industry which has opened so many doors for me.” He adds, “I think outside of typical boxes.

I’m articulate. I’m fun to be with.”

Ferrari holds certifications from the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA), Fireplace Investigation, Research & Education Service (F.I.R.E) and the National Fireplace Institute (NFI). He has

twenty-eight years of experience in the industry and has been with his company for the same amount of time.

Ferrari can be reached at (530) 221-3331 or bob@ flueseason.com

Seat: Supplier (One Nominee) Representing: Supplier and Dual (supplier/manufacturer) members nationally

Edmund Poplawski - Incumbent Poplawski is a regional sales manager at Olympia Chimney Supply in Scranton, PA. When asked why he seeks election, Poplawski responds, “I would respectfully like to continue as your Supplier Representative to the NCSG. Continuing on as your representative for another term will allow me to complete many tasks that I currently started on your behalf. I would like to continue adding value to your membership in this organization and relay information from you to this important organization.”

He adds the following personal qualities and skills of value to the Board and Guild, “I believe I can accurately articulate the position of supplier members to the Board and Guild members. Vast experience with public speaking and seminar teaching. Setting various goals for public awareness of the chimney and its importance to the home and the dangers of improper maintenance. ” Poplawski graduated from the University of Scranton with a degree in Electrical Engineering and is a CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep. He has five years of industry experience, is a member of various state chimney guilds and business and trade organizations both in and out of the chimney circle. He is a Boy Scout leader and a public speaker.

Poplawski can be reached at (570) 504-7107 or epoplawski@olympiachimney.com.

NCSG board members are responsible for: • Attending four board meetings each year: Two of the meetings are held at the CSIA Technology Center in Indianapolis (Spring - typically held for three days, Summer - typically held for two days), the November meeting is typically held online and via teleconference and the fourth is held immediately before the annual NCSG convention at the host city. Travel and lodging expenses

12 SWEEPING FEBRUARY 13

are reimbursed for board members attending meetings, with the exception of the convention meeting only.

• Participating in the NCSG members-only and board of directors’ electronic discussion lists.

• Connecting members to regional legislation affecting the industry.

• Communicating with members in region.

Bylaws Amendment Proposal A proposed bylaws amendment is included in the mail ballot sent to each of NCSG Voting members for consideration during the regular Board of Directors election. The ballots must be returned to the NCSG office by March 5, 2013 in order to be counted. Please vote in this important election. Read more about the proposed changes and see a sample ballot at: www.NCSG.org/ governance

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NCSG Members Save BIG with the Sweeps Advantage Coupon program!

A very special thanks goes out to the NCSG Supplier members who help make NCSG membership beneficial for chimney sweeps nationwide. NCSG Members: To access these offers, log in to the Members Only section.

50% off Suggested Retail of any 8-inch All Fuel Decorative Chimney Housing Kits. - $131 Value

AirJet, Division of Continental Industries

50% off Suggested Retail of any 6-inch All Fuel Decorative Chimney Housing Kits - $111 Value 50% off Suggested Retail of any B-Vent (Gas) Decorative Chimney Housing Kits –48” by 17” square —$108 Value 0% off Suggested Retail of any B-Vent (Gas) Decorative Chimney Housing Kits- 36” by 17” square —$91 Value

Alpha American Company

$400 off any model of Yukon Multi-fuel furnace or $100 Off any model of the Jack Add-on Wood Furnace SAVE Up To $400 Buy a full Simpson Dura Tech (stainless steel or galvanized) Chimney System ($100 or more) and you receive $100 off the already discounted price 40% off Retail for Condar Custom-made Mesh Fireplace Screens for big and odd size installs—Savings 40%

Condar Company

Free Design Service on a Condar Custom-Designed Stovepipe Thermometer—$75 Value Free shipping and a free pair of black screen pulls when you buy Condar Mesh Fireplace Screens (n stock sizes of 16” to 36” height) Savings Vary FREE 13 x 13 Lock-Top with an order of $250 - $126.50 Value One Free Component Kit with any purchase of 6” UltraPro- $123 Value One 2.25 quart Woodfield porcelain-coated steamer with any Napoleon appliance purchase. - $52 Value One 13 x 13 HomeSaver Stainless Steel chimney cap with any order of $250 or more.- $46 Value

Copperfield Chimney Supply

One EasyClean Cap with any purchase of $250- $64 Value $75 off any 25’ order of UltraPro Stainless Steel Liner- $75 Value $40 off any Flue Stretcher Chimney Cap Sign up for a Copperfield Reline Workshop and save $20.

FREE 4 foot sample of HomeSaver UltraPro

Duct Cleaners’ Supply Dynacote LLC Earthcore Industries, LLC

FREE Rebuild Kit for small Build-A-Brush with purchase of DCS Brush Kit —$20 Value FREE Shipping of up to 12 Cans Dynacote Black or Grey—New Customers! -Value will Vary 5% off total purchase price of an Isokern DM44 or DM54 Chimney System—Save $100 to $500 15% off purchase of any Isokern Fireplace Kit. Specific kits and noted exclusions.- Save $100 to $500 Save $100 on an ENERVEX Vacu-fan (reconditioned RS12 or RS14 with handle and 3-prong plug) Great for dust control or demolition—$100 Value

ENERVEX, Inc.

FREE Loaner Fan for any home show in your area with FREE shipping to and from the show.—A savings of up to $100 Purchase one FDDS—ENERVEX Fireplace Draft Damper System and receive $100 Cash Refund $50 off any order for Crown Guard summer formula—1 or 3 gallons

Firesafe Industries

$50 off any order for Crown Guard HP winter formula-1 or 3 gallons $50 off any order for FireGuard applicator, ceramic powder or BA bonding agent Choose from 8 Piilgrim Ensembles; matching screen, toolset and wood holder (when available) and receive10% off the tool set and wood holder—$28 Value Any Princeton glass enclosure by Stoll and get extra 5% discount—$20 Value Extra 10% discount on Magnificent Oak series vented gas log with Tech 9000 burner—$45 Value

Fireside Distributors, Inc.

Any $1,000.00 net DuraVent by M & G Product order —$50 Value Extra 5% discount on AW Perkins Power Sweeping Rods,Brushes, Whips and Tools (All items with ButtonLoc Connector) - Savings Varies AW Perkins Power Sweeping Rods, Brushes, Whips and Tools (All items with ButtonLoc Connector) ANDA Rovac 3 Motor or 1 Motor Chimney Sweep Vac— Extra 10% Discount on Entire Order.—Savings Varies

14 SWEEPING FEBRUARY 13

Purchase 30 Draft King or Big Top HY-C chimney caps and receive a $75 rebate

HY-C Company

Place your first order of HY-C Roof VentGuards or Dryer VentGuards (min 12) and receive a $25 rebate Free freight on your first Fire Chief Wood Furnace order- Save up to $250

Lifetime Chimney Supply

Buy one liner kit and get one of equal or lesser value FREE- Save up to $400 15% Discount on Ventinox VFT and VG Liners (Only good through August 31, 2012)

Lindemann Chimney Supply

Choice of BestFlex Insert or Tee Liner Kit at rock Bottom Prices! Choose either #210206 BestFlex .005” Tee Liner Kit for $250 or #210625 Bestflex .005” Insert Liner Kit for $225 9” X 13” or 13” X 13” The Top Damper for $75 Delivered $250 off your first Quali-Fyre Purchase

Matters of the Hearth

Free shipping on first purchase—Save up to $300 Free upgrade to a red firebrick interior—$250 Value

Meyer Machine & Equipment

Receive $500 Instant Savings off the full price of The Ready-to-Roll Duct Cleaning package including the 20 HP General Power Vac—$500 Value Receive $1,000 Instant savings off full price of The Ready-to-Roll duct Cleaning package including the 31 HP Ranger Power Vac—$1,000 Value 20% off your first order of Smoothwall Liner—$220 Value 20% off M-Flex Stainless Steel liner kits. All M-Flex liners are UL listed and guaranteed for life.— $250 Value

National Chimney Supply

Buy two (2) Stainless Steel M-Flex CB Kits and get third liner kit of lesser or equal value for 50% off dealer price. - $361 Value FREE Shipping on $800 minimum order. (Regularly minimum order of $1,000) - $200 Value Buy 100 ft role of M-Flex and get 20 ft FREE - $470 Value Buy two (2) aluminum kits and get the third kit for 50% off. All aluminum kits are guaranteed for 15 years $150 Value Take 20% Off a Standard ForeverFlex Stainless Steel Liner Kit—Save up to $150

Olympia Chimney Supply

FREE Shipping on order totaling $1,000 or more (May include certain exclusions on certain heavy items) Savings vary by Order & Destination Purchase $750 or more in Ventis Products (Class-A Chimney, Single & Double Wall Black Stove Pipe and/or Pellet Vent) and receive 10% off the entire order—Savings will vary $50 CASH REFUND By Mail. Purchase 5 gallons Chimney Saver Water Repellent (Water or Solvent-Base), 1/2 Gallon CrackMagik Crack Sealant, and 5 gallons CrownCoat Brush Grade Crown Repair from your Distributor.

SaverSystems

Buy a 25 lb container of Cre-Away Pro and Cre-Away Applicator from distributor and receive a FREE Case of 6(lb) Cre-Away Creosote Modifier by mail. - $42 Value Purchase 2 cases of 12 (32oz) bottles of ACS and receive a FREE Case of 12 (32oz) bottles of Home & Hearth Cleaner - $41 Value

Smoktite LLC SNEWS

One FREE pail of Smoktite with the purchase of a complete Smoktite System—$94 Value With paid one-year subscription ($99) to the Chimney Sweep The Chimney Sweep News receive FREE, one each of remaining back issues in stock through 2011, postpaid—$999 Value

Stove Builder International Inc. (SBI)

FREE Moisture Reader with the purchase of a Flame NXT-1 Wood Stove for the Month of September and October, 2012—$69 Value

Ventech Industries, Inc.

6 Free Thermocrete CFS with a Thermocrerte Residential Dealership ~~~ 6 Free Thermocrete CFS with a Thermocrete Commercial Dealership PLUS On-site Commercial/Industrial Support! - Savings will Vary FREE shipping on your first purchase called directly into Wakefield Brush (does not include refractory panels)

Wakefield Brush USA Wohler USA, Inc.

10% off your online order. Must use discount code. $500 rebate with proof of purchase of a VIS2000 Pro Camera System Buy Four (4) Stainless Steel liner kits and receive One (1) Free of equal or lesser value - $899 Value

Z-Flex

Buy Four (4) Flexible Oil Vent Connector Kits and receive one (1) FREE of equal or lesser value - $500 Value Purchase Six (6) Z-Flex Aluminum Liner Kits and receive one (1) FREE of equal or lesser value - $191 Value

Supplier and Dual members: To participate, please contact Debbie Cornelius at dcornelius@ncsg.org.

FEBRUARY 13 SWEEPING 15

Benefits Easily Worth Ten Times Your Membership Dues Through cooperative efforts of the NCSG and chimney professionals like you, more and more people are aware of the chimney sweeping trade and the effects it can have on their overall safety. But as a member, is there more in it for you? Yes, membership provides you with a network of professional advisors and, if you get involved - lifelong friendships with the leading professionals in your field. Plus we even throw in a lot of great benefits to not only help make your business profitable but eliminate hours spent running the day to day operation of your business allowing you more time to spend with family and friends.

NCSG Members Sweep Up SAVINGS • Save on Technical Solutions (computer help) • Save on office supplies at Staples • Over $23,000 in Coupons • Discounts on Liability Insurance • Health Insurance Availability • Discounted Car Rentals • Savings on Shipping • Safety Services Co. Program Discounts NCSG Members Sweep Up SUCCESS • Discussion List Access • Help from the Technical Advisory Council • Discount on Employee Background Checks • Payroll Service Discounts • Codes & Standards Representation • CSIA Certification and Education Discounts • Subscription to Sweeping • Credit Card Processing Discounts NCSG Members Sweep Up PROFITS • Website Design Discounts • NCSG Innovation Convention Discounts • Company Listing at www.NCSG.org • Professional Affiliation to use in your Marketing • Discounts on Commercials on Hold

16 SWEEPING FEBRUARY 13

National Chimney Sweep Guild Membership Application

Our mission: To promote the success of our members by providing progressive services, encouraging professionalism and ethical accountability, and advancing the chimney and venting industry through public awareness of the trade.

1 Provide Company Contact Information

Name of Primary Individual Contact Person ________________________________________________________ Company Name ____________________________________________________________________________ (One company name will be listed online at www.NCSG.org, check which ONE name to post.)

Legal name registered with state of incorporation Other name (trade/assumed/fictitious/DBA) registered in states where doing business Not Yet Incorporated. Company name will be listed at Last, First.

Company Mailing Address _____________________________________________________________________ City __________________________________________State ____________ ZIP _______________________ Fax (______) ________________________________ Business Phone (______) __________________Cell?

Email Address ________________________________Web site Address http://____________________________ Company Shipping Address ( same as above) _____________________________________________________ City __________________________________________State ____________ ZIP _______________________ # of Full Time Employees ___________________________# of Seasonal & Part Time Employees _______________ Sweeping Inspections Dryer Vent Cleaning Masonry Repair Relining Installation Services Provided: Retail Sales Other _________________________________________________________ 2 Who referred you to NCSG? ____________________ 4 Select the appropriate membership category for your company. (Annual membership dues are 3 Sign the NCSG Code of Ethics on Behalf of noted next to each category.) $80 of your membership Your Company dues is applied to a one-year subscription to Sweeping:The I fully acknowledge that membership in the National ChimJournal of Chimney & Venting Technology. Members may not ney Sweep Guild carries with it certain responsibilities deduct this subscription from dues. and obligations which may hold me to a higher standard Voting ($459): Chimney service company of performance and professional behavior than applicable membership. Entitles company to one (1) vote in NCSG laws, rules or regulations. In this regard, I pledge: elections (voter must be designated representative who 1.To represent myself and my company in a professional manner by providing services, education and skills that signed the Code of Ethics). are in compliance with all codes and regulations applicable to the chimney service industry that are in effect in Affiliate ($239): Includes non-chimney service my service area. companies and groups affiliated with the industry which 2. To continually update my knowledge, skills and techare also not defined as a Supplier Member. niques as new information evolves within the industry.

3. To render my services and represent my company in International ($239): Non-voting membership for an honest and fair manner and to refrain from engaging chimney service companies outside of the United States. in unfair or deceptive practices or making any unfair or deceptive statements, including but not limited to use of the NCSG logo.

Senior ($139): Non-voting membership for retired 4. To conduct myself in a decent, respectful, and professweep company owners. Includes significant discounts on sional manner when serving in my capacity as a chimney convention registration. sweep, or when attending a function or event of an organization in the chimney or hearth products industry.

Supplier and Dual Members: See additional application.

5. To comply with the proper usage of the NCSG Trademark as defined in the NCSG Trademark Use Guidelines 5 Payment Information document.

I agree to conform to NCSG’s Code of Ethics during the term of my membership. By agreeing to this Code of Ethics, I understand that it is my responsibility to remain abreast of any changes to the Code of Ethics, that my actions and those of my company and employees may be reviewed by a committee of my peers, and that failure to abide by these ethical obligations is a violation of NCSG policy and, in accordance with NCSG’s Ethics Violation Procedure originally adopted October 21, 1989, and subsequently amended, may result in disciplinary action as determined by NCSG or its delegated committee. I agree to hold harmless NCSG and its committees from any and all liability resulting from any disciplinary action taken against me. I represent and warrant that I am authorized to sign this application, and the information contained herein is true, accurate, and complete.

For Office Use Only O2F C2F AUTH__________________ COID _________________ REC’D BY: ______________ DATE: _________________ FAXED COE Rev. 1/22/13 Valid 1/22/13-8/31/13

Check Enclosed - Check # __________________________ NCSG also accepts Visa, MasterCard and AmericanExpress.

Card Number _________________________________ Card Security Code _______________ Exp. __________ Name on Card ___________________________________ Cardholder Signature ______________________________ NCSG also accepts direct debit payments. Please contact Candice Bradbury at (317) 837-1500 or cbradbury@ncsg.org for more information on payment options available.

6 Send this application with dues payment to: National Chimney Sweep Guild 2155 Commercial Drive Plainfield, IN 46168

By Fax: (317) 837-5365

For assistance or to learn more, please call NCSG at (317) 837-1500 or visit us online at www.ncsg.org

BY BRIAN NOE, ChFC®, CLTC

Diversification – Minimize Risk Part 2 of 2

I

n our last article we discussed what I believe to be true diversification and how true diversification can minimize risk in your life.

Let’s focus more on your business and investment risk.

In previous articles we discussed how to protect your business from creditors and frivolous lawsuits.

Regardless of how much reasonable protection you implement for your business you are still exposed to business risk beyond your control. This includes: Economic risks such as changing interest rates, inflation, customer income levels, or price pressure from non-competing products on customer disposable income (gas, health care, food price increases).

Government risks such as changing tax rates, regulation, and a host of (real and perceived) changing laws and rule interpretation.

Market risks from competitors or the inability to keep pace with e-marketing.

Environmental risks from earthquakes, hurricanes, tsunamis, fires, or oil spills may directly or indirectly impact you and your customers.

With all of this risk (and more) on your business do you want to have the same risk exposure on your investments?

in retirement.

So why may these ‘new’ strategies cause consternation?

This consternation may derive from the ‘promise’ that in retirement you would live off your interest income and pass your assets on to your children. This is a promise that may not be kept based on past strategies and failure to adapt to the new economy.

If your lifelong ideology has been tested or shattered you are left with “what do I do now”? This is a difficult question to answer.

We seem to be offered only two choices.

Guess on a strategy and hope it works.

Live with fear and anger which can lead to blaming others for your real or perceived shattered dreams.

It is easy to let the noise of the day limit us into poor decisions, or possibly worse, no decision paralysis.

Either way are you up at night with the ‘feeling’ that things are just ‘not right’?

I’m not aware of a single individual, elected or hired, who can keep you from learning new skills, finding new customers, hiring good people, having friends, contributing to charity (time or money), or loving other people.

So what can we do?

How did your investments perform in 2008-09? Do you have an uneasy feeling about your investment strategy today, whether conservative or aggressive or in between?

We discussed a few of many of the ‘new normal strategies” available to you to help you achieve your lifestyle goals now and

18 SWEEPING FEBRUARY 13

Let’s Let’s Let’s Let’s Let’s

tame our Animal Spirits (this is an Economic Theory). face facts so our fear fades eliminate limitations (stop blaming others) not believe in everything we think reset our expectations on how ‘easy’ it should be or worse,

that we are ‘entitled’ to unsustainable ‘high’ returns with low risk and certainty

and your legacy to make decisions today that can help avoid unintended tax consequences.

With true diversification feeling rich is better than being rich.

Consider setting aside what you need to provide for your lifestyle, retirement, and legacy in protected investment asset classes.

With a full life as a result of true diversification we can develop an investment plan that isn’t hope or a reaction to fear, it’s a plan we can look forward to.

Our grandparents had to survive amidst scarcity due to deaths and injuries of World War I, the depression, the dust bowl, and additional deaths and injuries of World War II. They endured this with limited health care and limited government bail outs, subsidies, or social programs.

We are clearly in a superior economic cycle despite our current challenges. A little gratitude may be in order to help with our lifestyle reset.

In 2008-09 who protected you from harm? Did the banking industry protect you? Did the money management industry protect you?

When you look at your retirement distribution scenario(s) did you find out you may pay more taxes in retirement than your working years? For younger people this may be a probable result.

Could the same be true for your estate legacy?

Consider defining the minimum required strategy development process that you want your advisors to develop with you.

Consider starting with an investment strategy that protects you from economic, market, geopolitical, and environment risk.

If you fall short of your goals (we all face certain realities) then consider the absolute number one resource available to you to achieve your goals– your business!

By expanding your business capacity you can save more and ensure your current lifestyle and your future. Imagine that, YOU take control of your life and finances doing what you do BEST! If you have excess capacity, then you are free to invest is potentially higher risk higher return investments WITHOUT harming your lifestyle and future, on your terms and conditions.

Today this may be a new concept for you. Tomorrow it could be reality.

Let Life Happen – Enjoy It! About the Author: Brian Noe of MW Financial Group, Ltd. was a guest speaker at the NCSG 2011 convention held in Hartford, CT where he discussed How to Get Out of Business and The Economy and Animal Spirits. Brian has a son Eric who served four years in the U.S. Army. Eric is ranked first in his class with a degree in Computer Science, is working in his field and plans on attending graduate school in 2013. His daughter Kara recently graduated undergraduate school with distinction and is planning to attend graduate school to become a Physicians’ Assistant.

Brian thoroughly enjoys helping others spend more time with their families and friends while becoming financially successful. He can be reached at (860) 606-0834 or Brian_Noe@MWFinancial.com

Consider incorporating future tax liabilities during retirement

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Evolution of an Industry Staple

T

he installation of stainless steel flue liners is certainly not a new concept in the chimney sweeping industry. Over the last couple of decades, these liner systems have evolved as well.

Liner systems come in various shapes, thickness, weight and diameters.

Stainless steel liners are used to vent several different fuels and for many different applications and appliances. For the duration of this article, I will focus on UL 1777 listed liner systems for use on solid fuel burning insert and/or hearth appliances.

The UL 1777 test, as it pertains to the focus of this article, covers all metallic chimney liners intended for field-installation into either new or existing masonry chimneys that are used for natural draft solid fuel burning residential type appliances in which the maximum continuous flue-gas temperatures do not exceed 1000° F (538°C) under normal operating conditions.

The testing is limited to, and solely intended for, liners being installed into existing masonry chimneys with or without a fire-clay tile liner.

1777 tested liners can likewise be a substitute for said tile liner in a new masonry chimney structure.

These listed liners are intended to be installed in accordance with the Standard for Chimneys, Fireplaces, Vents, and Solid Fuel Burning Appliances, NFPA 211 and such codes as the International Residential Code, IRC. Additionally, these tested liners are not intended to vent any appliances that may result in condensation of corrosive acids on the liner or that have the ability to create positive pressure in the chimney system. here it would be more accurate to say that they must be installed in accordance with their listing, since that does change based on the fuel/application. What is true is that this liner so installed does meet the standard language found in the above referenced documents.

NFPA 211 and IRC simply require these factory built liners to be installed in accordance with the terms of their listing (UL 1777) and their manufacturer’s installation instructions. This will include all required elements including insulation and all component pieces such as tees, connectors, unions, top plates, clamps, storm collars and termination caps.

The National Chimney Sweep Guild’s annual convention and trade show is a great place to lay both hands and eyes on the many different options when it comes to committing your loyalty to one or two of these listed systems.

22 SWEEPING FEBRUARY 13

To insulate or not to insulate, that is the question. Ask any liner distributor if sales of insulation parallel sales of liner foot for foot and the answer will be no. The answer will most likely be not even close, or an even greater ratio than 4:1 liner to insulation. Not only will the use of the required insulation help maintain the temperature inside of the liner, but when the chimney liner stays warm all the way up the chimney there is less chance for condensation to occur. When condensation occurs in a chimney, combustion by-products attach themselves to the liner often resulting in heavier creosote buildup. In order to maintain the listing and subsequent warrantee of the system, insulation is required for all solid fuel applications.

I see a lot of installations that omit the listed termination and opt for a decorative shroud or a termination cap that matches additional chimneys on the house. These are real concerns that we, as installers of these chimney systems, must consider since we do not want to complete the job with a system that is not listed.

Identification of a liner system in the field has always been a difficult and sensitive issue. We all see installations that we didn’t install ourselves and rarely do we have documentation from the client on the species of liner, manufactures installation instructions or specific knowledge of requirements in the field. Documentation of these questions and unknown answers in the inspection report are critical to minimizing your liability following any type of loss related to that system as a whole, even if the liner system played little or no role in the cause and origin.

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I frequently investigate hearth fire cases that involve this type of installation. In these cases, I am retained by an insurance company representing a hearth dealer/installer, chimney sweep/installer, product manufacturer, property owner or even tenants that rent the location of the loss.

At this point, all parties mentioned have insurance companies of their own and all have also retained experts. Accurate information based in fact and sound evidence will rise to the top as all investigators dig through the evidence and forensically reassemble the pieces of these listed systems. Additional supporting evidence is collected and secured for even further more in-depth investigation at a later time and place.

Installers omitting required steps and components of these listed systems have a high level of liability in these cases. Service companies performing inspections on these systems likewise have high levels of liability.

For the chimney sweep/service company, the lack of identification of any liner system not accompanied by a detailed written concern to the client articulating unanswered questions related to the installation being inspected is, in the litigation and subrogation world, known as “failure to warn.” It is also of utmost importance to document when it is not possible to perform part of the inspection. This is serious business and both points must be taken into consideration in all inspections we perform as service technicians.

In closing, we are never going to be able to field identify every product of stainless steel chimney liner out there. We can’t expect every installer has performed the required NFPA-211 level II inspections on the pre-existing system prior to the install. We certainly can’t expect homeowners to have available manufacturer’s installation instructions and listing requirements for these listed systems in their homes.

What we can expect is to raise the level of professionalism in our own trade to install and maintain these systems as required by the manufactures and as a result, save lives and property in the general population.

24 SWEEPING FEBRUARY 13

CSIA Update Publication for CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep®s

CSIA Launches Mobile App CSIA has recently launched the BETA version of a new mobile app just for CSIA Certified Chimney Sweeps. (In this case, BETA means that we’re putting the apps out there with a few needed improvements already in mind. We’ll collect feedback and incorporate the changes that make sense before we call it a wrap.

Please send feedback directly to mheeke@ csia.org.)

The mobile app was built to be easily accessed from our website and social media (no need to download from the Apple App Store store) and a multitude of smartphones. The app has the look-andfeel of native apps on iOS (Apple), Android and BlackBerry phones and will work on all of these devices. The apps are integrated with our existing database and website to share data in real-time.

For CSIA Certified Chimney Sweeps, this means the ability to view CEUs, inspection SOPs, the Chimney Fires white paper, the CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep locator, CSIA’s events calendar, the CSIA contact info and social media links are always handy. And, we’ll be adding additional technical resources in the coming months!

You must log in to see the passwordprotected info (using the same info as the regular site).

Point your smartphone to m.csia.org to check out the beta version of the new CSIA mobile app. If you’re an NCSG member, also check out NCSG’s mobile app at m.ncsg.org.

CSIA.org has also recently been redesigned to reformat depending on what kind of device you’re using. It’s called

www.CSIA.org

Responsive Web Design and it means that the websites will look good on your smartphone, tablet PC. And remember, please send feedback directly to Melissa Heeke at mheeke@csia.org.

CSIA Proctors Needed CSIA is looking for more CSIA Certified Chimney Sweeps and Certified Dryer Exhaust Technicians to serve as volunteer proctors to support our certification testing programs. If you are willing to donate the time it takes to complete the exam, we would like to hear from you. While the two exams for the CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep program may take as much as 3 hours, the C-DET exam only takes 30 minutes (after the paperwork is completed).

For sweeps interested in getting even more involved by becoming instructors, this is the first logical step. Potential instructors need to learn the procedures required for exam administration, such as taking and emailing a digital photo.

If you are interested in either opportunity, please contact Donna Lee Kasmer, Certification Coordinator at (317)8375362 or dkasmer@csia.org for complete information and the application.

Payment Plans Now Available for Education CSIA has repeatedly heard that finances stand in the way of many sweeps when it comes to education. At CSIA, we believe that the more you learn, the more you earn ADVERTISEMENT

and we want to make it easier for you to learn more! CSIA will now work with you to develop a customized payment plan to make attending CSIA education more affordable. Contact Candice Bradbury at (317) 837-5362 or cbradbury@csia.org for more information on setting up direct debit payments.

Military Vet? CSIA Classes Approved for VA Education Benefits The following courses held at the CSIA Technology Center near Indianapolis have been approved for U.S. Veteran’s Administration (VA) benefits: • Chimney Physics • Installing & Troubleshooting Gas Hearth Appliances • Installing & Troubleshooting Woodburning Hearth Appliances • Inspection & Report Writing • National Chimney Sweep Training School This means that course registration and housing costs may be covered under the Post-9/11 GI Bill, the Montgomery GI Bill (Active or Selected Reserve), the Reserve Educational Assistance Program or the Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance Program, depending on personal eligibility.

Since individual benefits are based on a complex formula including the dates and length of service, veterans must contact the Department of Veterans Affairs directly for personal eligibility information. Vets can call the National Call Center directly at (888) 442-4551 or visit the GI Bill website at www.gibill.va.gov.

CSIA 2013 Education Calendar As of 10/22/12 - Schedule subject to change. Please contact the Chimney Safety Institute of America prior to making travel arrangements.

CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep® Review & Exam January 25, 2013 | Jamison Masonry Restoration - Oreland, PA February 8, 2013 | CSIA Technology Center March 15, 2013 | Orlando, FL April 3, 2013 | Branson, MO April 26 , 2013 | Manchester, NH May 3, 2013 | Scranton, PA June 7, 2013 | CSIA Technology Center

Chimney Physics March 4-5, 2013 | CSIA Technology Center 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 in a two-day in-person format.

CSIA CEUs: 3-T 3-CS 3-HS 3-CL NFI CEUs: 4 E

June 28, 2013 | Richmond, VA

CSIA Certified Dryer Exhaust Technician® Review

July 9, 2013 | Oceanside, CA

February 7, 2013 | Arlington, VA

August 2, 2013 | CSIA Technology Center

April 3, 2013 | Branson, MO

August 9, 2013 | Kansas City, MO

August 1 , 2013 | CSIA Technology Center

September 13, 2013 | Atlantic City, NJ October 18, 2013 | Latham, NY

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.

November 15, 2013 | CSIA Technology Center

CSIA CEUs: 1.25-T, 1.25 CS, 1-HS, 1-CL NFI CEUs: 4 E

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

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.

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

Inspection and Report Writing May 16–17, 2013 | CSIA Technology Center Chimney inspections and evaluations, report writing including regional and environmental influences, effective photo documentation, digital organization and administrative procedures.

The CSIA Technology Center is located near Indianapolis, Indiana.

Hate to travel? CSIA’s online education is now offered weekly!

CSIA Certification Review Sessions, Chimney Physics, Lining Masonry with Stainless Steel and eLearning!

ADVERTISEMENT Register today at www.CSIA.org or call us at (317) 837-5362.

Good for you, your business, and your busy schedule.

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.

Online review sessions also available weekly!

Ready to get started?

Learn more and register right now.

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W W W. C S I A . o r g / E L E A r N I N g (317) 837-5362

Custom Education Available for Sponsorship Companies, associations and state guilds are encouraged to bring CSIA education to your meeting. Available events range from single-day CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep review and exam sessions to three-day Diagnosis and Documentation sessions.

CSIA has made sponsoring events even easier with a new low minimum attendance requirement and rebates on all registrations over the minimum.

We do ask that you allow at least 90 days lead-time when scheduling your sponsored event.

Please contact Sharon Anderson at (317) 837-5362 for more information and to bring CSIA education to your next meeting.

What makes the CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep® credential the industry standard?

• The Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) is a non-profit organization governed by volunteer industry professionals and technical experts across the country.

• The CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep® (CCS) credential was established over 30 years ago as a method for homeowners to measure a chimney sweep’s technical expertise.

• CSIA does more for the industry than certify chimney sweeps. CSIA’s mission includes public and professional education with a commitment to the elimination of residential chimney fires, carbon monoxide intrusion and other chimney-related hazards that result in the loss of lives and property.

• CSIA devotes its resources to educating the public and related industries through traditional and social media and its

relationships with affiliated trades such as home inspectors, REALTORS and oil heating service managers.

• CSIA is the go-to source for accurate chimney safety information. CSIA Certified Chimney Sweeps have been spotted on NBC’s Today Show, Good Morning America, Dateline and 20/20, in the New York Times, Consumer Reports and Popular Mechanics, among many other national, regional and local publications and media.

• CSIA has proven itself academically by being accredited by the Indiana Commission on Proprietary Education.

Find a CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep in your area at www.CSIA.org

Light it Right with the Top Down Approach (Excerpted from CSIA’s Wisdom from the Hearth blog for homeowners and related professionals) Let’s face it. Getting your fireplace or stove fire lit quickly and easily can be hit or miss.

You’ve been there; desperately trying to stuff paper below the wood stack in a vain attempt to spark your fire, because the kindling you first placed at the bottom of the pile burnt out before igniting your fire.

Well, what if we at the Chimney Safety Institute of America told you that their was a way to easily start a fire…every time… and with less smoke!?!

Okay, there is such a way, but it will require a leap of faith on your part; a conscious decision to abandon the “log cabin” style of fire building that you were raised on.

This, our friends, is the top down approach to building a fire, where you place the kindling on top and enjoy a stress free firelighting experience.

1. Place your largest pieces of wood in the bottom of your fireplace or wood stove with the ends of the logs at the front and back (don’t let the logs run parallel to the fireplace opening).

2. After placing the bottom row, add levels of smaller logs on top of your large base logs until the wood is stacked to about half the height of the fireplace.

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3. Now it’s time to add your kindling, stretching it across the top of your wood stack with the biggest pieces of kindling going first and working your way up to just wood shavings on top of the pile, stopping just below the fireplace opening.

4. Light the wood shavings on the top of the wood stack – it should take just a single match!

We consider the top down approach to fire building to be a “light it and you’re done” kinda thing. Even better, you’ll notice less smoke by lighting from the top, and you won’t have large logs collapsing down into smaller ones as the fire burns, which will help keep embers and ash from being pushed out into your living space.

Read more at the Wisdom from the Hearth blog at www.csia.wordpress.com.

CSIA Seeks Guest Bloggers The Chimney Safety Institute of America has created a new blog titled Wisdom from the Hearth (online at chimneysafety. wordpress.com) to help keep homeowners one-step ahead of the potential problems that can plague their fireplaces and chimneys.

Topics covered on the blog include EPA certified stoves, chimney swifts, winterpreparedness, media mentions and carbon monoxide and fire hazards.

If you are interested in blogging for CSIA, please contact Melissa Heeke, CSIA’s Director of Communications and Marketing at mheeke@csia.org.

It is the mission of the Chimney Safety Institute of America to foster public awareness of issues relating to chimney and venting performance and safety, and to promote the education of associated professionals through technical training and certification opportunities.

NCSG Innovation 2013 Branson, MO • April 4-7, 2013 The BIG Power of a Small Idea Wow! This year’s convention is going to knock your socks off! NCSG has designed an educational lineup that will provide you and your company with more opportunities to build business (and a more healthy body!) No matter how you define success, you will find something at NCSG Innovation 2013 that will stretch your imagination, test your technical abilities and get that lightbulb over your head to appear.

Meet our Keynote speaker, Jon Acuff of the Dave Ramsey Group.

During Jon Acuff’s keynote address, The Big Power of a Small Idea, NCSG Innovation 2013 attendees will learn tactical, practical things they can do to turn the chaos of the current marketplace into an opportunity. The Internet is not done swallowing up industries. There are some very deliberate ways that the chimney industry can grow with the new technology and leadership opportunities available.

Bring any questions you have about how you can grow your business with technology and social media.

Attendees will also learn how to Keep Kickin’ It In! with closing keynote Fran Kick. You’ll learn a ton of new skills and will head back to the office or the field with brilliant new ideas. Plan to keep the inspiration, innovation, and ideas going and growing

ter s i g Re DAY TO nd a E! SAV

after Innovation 2013.

Fran Kick’s closing session will help you capture what you learned and prioritize what you’ll do when you get home. Find out how you can “make it last” motivating yourself and others. Fran promises to help take “what you know and learned” and create new habits of innovation that’ll bring out the best. He’ll help you see things differently so you can free yourself to do things differently.

The 2013 convention also offers sessions about Listings & Product Safety with Steve Penatzer of Olympia Chimney Supply, How to Handle Difficult Customers with Hope Stevenson of Dave Pomeroy Signature Training, and a Efficient Masonry Fireplaces Workshop to name a few.

NCSG will also offer outstanding technical sessions which will help field techs improve skills and learn new techniques. You aren’t going to want to miss this!

First time attendees, use promo code FIRST to take $100 off your full convention registration.

Registration discounts end February 14, 2013!

NCSG Innovation 2013 will be held under one roof at Chateau on the Lake in Branson, Missouri. It has complimentary indoor and outdoor parking, three amazing restaurants, first class relaxation at Spa Chateau and a full service Marina on Table Rock Lake.

Just call 1-888-333-LAKE (5253) and mention that you’re with the National Chimney Sweep Guild (or visit www.NCSG.org/innovation) to lock in rates starting at $129 for a mountain view and $134 for a lake view.

The discounted hotel rate is available only through February 21!

Chartered Dinner Cruise Made in the USA April 4, 2013 Join fellow sweeps and industry friends for a two-hour chartered dinner cruise aboard the Showboat Branson Belle. NCSG Innovation 2013 attendees and guests can experience this ALL-IN-ONE dinner, show and cruise at a significantly discounted rate which has been even further discounted through a generous sponsorship from Olympia Chimney Supply. *Chartered Cruise and Dinner Show tickets are available for an additional fee ($29/person) through the regular registration process.

NCSG Innovation 2013 • April 4-7 • Branson, MO Schedule as of 12/7/12. Schedule subject to change. CEU information available at www.NCSG.org/innovation.

Wednesday, April 3 8 AM 1:00 PM 3:00 PM 6:00 PM 6:00 PM 6:00 PM

CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep® & CSIA Certified Dryer Exhaust Technician® Review & Exam Sessions - Additional Registration Required NCSG Board of Directors Meeting CSIA Board of Directors Meeting Committee Meetings State Guild President’s Meeting Chimney Sweeping Around the World

Thursday, April 4 9:00 AM 9:45 AM 10:30 AM 11:00 AM 12:15 PM 2:15 PM 2:15 PM 3:45 PM 4:00 PM 4:00 PM 7:00 PM

NCSG Membership Meeting CSIA Informational Meeting Coffee Break - Sponsored by SaverSystems Keynote Address: The Big Power of a Small Idea with Jon Acuff of the Dave Ramsey Group 2013 NCSG Group Photo: Be Part of History Concepts for a Debt-Free Lifestyle with Jeremy Biswell of The Flues Brothers in Kansas Clearing the Smoke; Why are Wood Stove Brochures so Confusing? w/Rick Vlahos of HPBEF Break - Sponsored by Lifetime Chimney Supply Online Marketing Survival Guide for Local Service Businesses w/Taylor Hill & Carter Harkins of Spark Marketer Cast Masonry Liners – History, Installation & Benefits with James Golden of Golden Flue, Inc. Chartered Dinner Cruise Branson Belle Showboat Sponsored by Olympia Chimney Supply - Additional Registration Required

Friday, April 5 8:15 AM Healthy at Any Age with Brandi Biswell of The Flues Brothers Chimney Service in Kansas 8:15 AM Hiring Exceptional Employees with Hope Stevenson of Dave Pomeroy Signature Training 10:00 AM Testing & Troubleshooting Gas Hearth Products with Art Sewell of Valor Fireplaces 10:00 AM 50% Chance of Sun-How to Change Your Forecast with Rob Lindemann of Lindemann Chimney 10:00 AM New Sweep Seminar & Tradeshow Sneak Preview 1:00 PM Innovation 2013 Opening Tradeshow Session 6:15 PM Pete Luter Innovation Awards Presented by The Chimney Sweep News

SEEK to WIN! at the NCSG 2013 Trade Show When you visit all of the trade show exhibitors participating in the SEEK to WIN! program, you can enter to win prizes like an iPad, a GPS, a portable DVD player or one of several cash prizes!

N13_RegistrationMailer.indd 2

Saturday, April 6

Innovation 2013 Closing Tradeshow Session Bakery Basket Sponsored by Experience Columbus Flashing with Gregg Boss of English Sweep Inc. Forward Scheduling; Tapping the Gold Mine with Russ Dimmitt of Copperfield 3:15 PM Listings & Product Safety with Steve Penatzer of Olympia Chimney Supply 3:15 PM How to Handle Difficult Customers with Hope Stevenson of Dave Pomeroy Signature Training 8:00 PM CSIA Benefit Auction - Get Great Deals!

9:00 AM 9:00 AM 1:30 PM 1:30 PM

Sunday, April 7 8:00 AM Efficient Masonry Fireplaces Workshop with Leading Industry Experts 9:00 AM Best Practices for Generating Leads & Tracking Results with John Meredith of SaverSystems and Mark Stoner of Ashbusters Chimney in Tennessee 11:00 AM Codes & Standards Update with Randy Brooks, Jim Brewer and John Pilger 11:00 AM 12 Keys to Business Success with Jerry Isenhour of Chimney & Venting Consultants 2:15 PM Closing Keynote – Keep Kickin’ It In! Presented

by Fran Kick Sponsored by Veracity Insurance 6:00 PM Cocktail Hour 7:00 PM Closing Banquet & Awards Ceremony

Find seminar descriptions, CEUs and more at www.NCSG.org/innovation

anks h t y n a M o our t s! r o s n o p s 2013

CLOSED CIRCUIT

Internal Evaluation System

Lifetime Chimney Supply M&G Dura Vent SaverSystems Veracity Insurance

1/11/2013 3:29:37 PM

NCSG Innovation 2013 • April 4-7 • Branson, MO NCSG MEMBER RATES Primary Spouse 1st Additional 2nd Additional 3+ Additional Single Day Banquet Only Tradeshow Only Senior Members

Until 2/14/13 $449 249 399 349 299 179 69 49 $100

After 2/14/13 $499 299 449 399 349 179 69 49 $100

Company___________________________________ Address ____________________________________ City, State ZIP ________________________________ Phone ______________________________________ Fax ________________________________________ Email _____________________________________ Check here to opt-in to email from exhibitors.

STANDARD Until After RATES 2/14/13 2/14/13 Primary $549 $599 Spouse 349 399 1st Additional 499 549 2nd Additional 449 499 3+ Additional 399 449 Single Day 279 279 Banquet Only 89 89 Tradeshow Only 79 79 Child banquet tickets are available for kids 12 and under.

Chartered Cruise and Dinner Show Showboat Branson Belle -- Additional Registration Required. -$29/person - Join us aboard the Showboat Branson Belle on the evening of April 4 for the spectacular “Made in the USA” dinner show and a two-hour cruise on Table Rock Lake.

Advanced convention registation closes March 14!

REGISTRANT INFORMATION Please write name as you would like it to appear on your badge.

Name _____________________________________________________________ First time attendee?

Yes Registrant Type ______________________________________________________ $ ___________________ Name _____________________________________________________________ First time attendee?

Yes Registrant Type ______________________________________________________ $ ___________________ Name _____________________________________________________________ First time attendee?

Yes Registrant Type ______________________________________________________ $ ___________________ Name _____________________________________________________________ First time attendee?

Yes Registrant Type ______________________________________________________ $ ___________________ Registration Total $ ___________________ Showboat Branson Belle Tickets ($29/each) Qty: _______ Cruise Total $ ___________________ 2013 Convention Patch ($3/each - Pickup on-site.) Qty: ________ Patch Total $ ___________________ PROMO CODE ___________________ GRAND TOTAL $ ___________________

MAIL TO: National Chimney Sweep Guild 2155 Commercial Drive, Plainfield, IN 46168 FAX TO: (317) 837-5365 CALL: (317) 837-1500 REGISTER ONLINE: NCSG.org/innovation NCSG also accepts direct debit payments.

Please contact Candice Bradbury at (317) 837-1500 or cbradbury@ncsg.org for more information.

For Office Use Only O2CR C2F AUTH _______________ OrgID ________________ Profile ID ___________________ REC’D BY _____________ DATE ______________________

PAYMENT INFORMATION Check # ___________________ Payment Method: Visa MC AmEx Account # __________________________________ Card Security Code _____________ Exp. __________ Name on Card _______________________________ Signature ___________________________________ Cancellations must be made in writing and sent to: NCSG, 2155 Commercial Drive, Plainfield, IN 46168.

Refund Policy: Prior to 1/9/13, 90% ; 1/10/13-2/14/13, 75%; No refunds are available after 2/14/13.

The Measure of Technology

Your Front Line

Dates & Events February 18-22, 2013 CSIA (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 February 19-21, 2013 Madison, WI The “How To’s” of Building a Profitable Business brought to you by Jerry Isenhour and Hope Stevenson For more information, please contact Barb Andricks at bandricks@olympiachimney.com

Wohler Mini Viper S 32

Wohler Handy Viper M

February 25- March 1, 2013 CSIA (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 March 1, 2013 Copperfield Reline Workshop Cleveland, OH For more information, please contact Russ Dimmitt at russ.dimmitt@copperfield.com

Wohler Viper L

Wohler Viper XL and XXL

Wohler Vipers Tackle big and small jobs with our tough team of Vipers • Effortlessly clean chimneys, flue gas systems, vents, ducts, and pipes • Lightweight, stainless steel cages for easy transport • Precisely adjustable brakes • Save time and money on every job!

• Wohler Mini Viper S 32 - navigates the smallest spaces • Wohler Handy Viper M - cleans spaces up to 10” in diameter • Wohler Viper L - our most popular cleaning tool • Wohler Viper XL and XXL - can be fitted with various cleaning brushes and camera heads to get big jobs done in little time

Wohler USA Inc. • 978-750-9876 www.wohlerusa.com

32 SWEEPING FEBRUARY 13

March 4-5, 2013 Chimney Physics CSIA Technology Center For more information, please call (317) 837-5362 or visit www.CSIA.org March 4-8, 2013 CSIA (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 March 11-15, 2013 CSIA (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 March 18-22, 2013 CSIA (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 March 25-29, 2013 CSIA (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 April 3, 2013 CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep Review and Exam Branson, MO For more information, please call (317) 837-5362 or visit www.CSIA.org

April 22-26, 2013 CSIA (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 April 23, 2013 Copperfield Reline Workshop East Hartford, CT For more information, please contact Russ Dimmitt at russ. dimmitt@copperfield.com

Share Your Dates & Events Please share your information for upcoming industry events. Please note that NCSG Dates & Events listings must be considered educational or informative for the industry (sales events and open houses will not be listed). When you submit your information for Sweeping: The Journal of Chimney & Venting Technology, your event will also be included online at www.NCSG. org and in the Guild’s weekly email to the NCSG Discussion List. For additional information, please email Megan McMahon at mmcmahon@ncsg.org.

April 3, 2013 CSIA Certified Dryer Exhaust Technician Review and Exam Branson, MO For more information, please call (317) 837-5362 or visit www.

CSIA.org April 4-7, 2013 NCSG Innovation 2013 Convention Branson, MO For more information, please call (317) 837-1500 or visit www.

NCSG.org April 15-19, 2013 CSIA (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

April 26, 2013 Copperfield Reline Workshop Philadelphia, PA For more information, please contact Russ Dimmitt at russ.dimmitt@ copperfield.com April 26, 2013 CSIA Certifeid Chimney Sweep Review and Exam Sponsored by NEACHP Manchester, NH For more information, please call (317) 837-5362 or visit www.CSIA.org April 29- May 3, 2013 CSIA (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 April 29- May 4, 2013 National Chimney Sweep Training School CSIA Technology Center For more information, please call (317) 837-5362 or visit www.

CSIA.org

For more industry events, please visit www.NCSG.org/events.

FEBRUARY 13 SWEEPING 33

Member Get a Member Program

Golden Flue The Cure For The Flue

Did you know that by promoting membership in the NCSG, you help the Guild meet its goals AND you will reap rewards too! To take advantage of potential savings on your next NCSG dues, simply visit www.

NCSG.org to obtain a copy of the membership application form. Make sure you put your name under Item #2 “Who referred you to the NCSG?” OR you may send an email to dcornelius@ncsg.org and request that NCSG membership information be sent on your behalf to people who should join. Please provide the complete contact information i.e. name, address, telephone number and email address if available.

• Golden Flue Cast Masonry Liners • Stainless Steel Insulating Mix GF Cast Masonry Mix • Reline Fireplace & Smokechamber • Reline Oil Or Gas Flues Reduce Creosote / Increase Draft

Your participation in the Member-Get-A-Member program helps strengthen the Guild’s membership and allows you to win too!!

GF SS/Insul Mix

• You get $50.00 off membership dues for each new member (1-4 new members*)

• Offer Exceptional Protection Over Wrapped Insulation

TO ORDER CALL

• You get Free membership Dues (equal to 1 year), when you recruit 5+ new members*

1-800-468-1052

Save some money on your next NCSG dues by simply promoting membership in the NCSG at every opportunity you have.

Visit: www.goldenflue.com

*New Member - has not been a member of the NCSG for at least two (2) years

WeatherShield® tops them all.

• The industry standard for keeping out squirrels. birds, leaves, and other debris.

• Works with single wall, double wall, triple wall, or masonry chimneys.

• Sizes available from 3” to 30+”; custom and oversize can be ordered. Air cooled and non-air cooled. 100% made in USA. • Standard construction is 100% austenitic stainless steel; also available in other alloys including copper and Type 316 for marine/coal appliances.

Model WSA-TDW for air cooled chimney

WeatherShield

®

the authentic Available from leading distributors nationwide.

34 SWEEPING FEBRUARY 13

• Our pioneering work in chimney technology and metallurgy has made us a trusted source for products and problem-solving information.

Improved Consumer Products, PO Box B Attleboro Falls, MA 02763 (508) 695-7000 Fax: (508) 695-4209

www.chimneycaps.com

Although there have been many attempts to copy it over the past almost 40 years, there is only one WeatherShield .

®

Always ask for it by name and look for the seal of authenticity on the top of the cap.

Progressive Perks

BY DEBBIE CORNELIUS MEMBERSHIP DEVELOPMENT COORDINATOR

Join Us – NCSG Innovation 2013, Branson, MO Two of the NCSG member benefit providers will be exhibiting and available at the NCSG trade show to answer questions about how you can save money by utilizing their services.

Complete Merchant Solutions (CMS), the preferred credit card processor for NCSG members will be in Booth #D9. With any new member account received between February 15th and May 15th you will receive a FREE credit card reader for your smart phone or tablet/Ipad! If you are unable to attend the NCSG trade show contact Allan Maughan, Senior Account Executive at (801) 623-4000 Ext. 155 or amaughan@cmsonline. com.

Veracity Insurance Solutions offers discounted general liability insurance with coverage for creosote in their insurance package. Also included in this package is installation/tool coverage that covers the owner and employee’s tools as well as equipment/product the insured is contracted to install. Stop by Booth #G9 at the NCSG tradeshow to see how you can receive better coverage for less money! Need an insurance question answered before convention? Contact Chelsea at (866) 395-1308 or chelsea@veracityins. com.

Looking for a great way to meet new people at convention? Consider volunteering! Volunteers are much needed and greatly appreciated to make NCSG Innovation 2013 a success! We are in need of help at registration, scanners for the business

and technical sessions, runners for the CSIA Auction and various other events. Whether you can help for one, two, three hours or more we can use your help. Either give me a call or drop me an email at dcornelius@ncsg.org and we can schedule the time or times you have available

ADDED SAFETY, EFFICIENCY AND VALUE

Chim-Pro Interlock Flex

Chim-Pro Corrugated Flex

Chim-Pro Rigid

Strong Triple Locking Crimp Holds T ogether , Even On Tough Jobs

Double Locking Crimp Remains Strong Yet Very Flexibl e With No Memo ry

Horizontal Sides Of Corrugation Offer Added Strength & Flexibility

Featuring In Which ALL FITTINGS Are Attached With A Band, Even The Tee Cap And Elbows, Quick & Simple, No Drilling & Riveting

Visit www.chim-proliner.com for more details Manufactured by

CHIMNEY TECHNIQUE INC. • 2000 Industrial Ave • Sioux Falls, SD 57104

1-800-582-1392 FEBRUARY 13 SWEEPING 35

NewNCSG Members

NCSG REGIONS

REGION 1 CONNECTICUT Justin Hayes • Four Seasons Chimney and • Watertown

NEW JERSEY Raouf Fouad Srafen • Srafen, Raouf Fouad.• Princeton Fatbardh Muja • Top Notch 1 • Haledon Ron Zisko • East Coast Chimney Sweeps, Inc. •Manalapan

PENNSYLVANIA Bruce Burnley • Bruce’s Chimney Service, Inc. • Stroudsburg

REGION 4 KENTUCKY Micah Weigold • Hearthside Chimney & Masonry • Florence

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

NCSG Charter Members Paul Bourque Huntsville, AL

John Cline, Menlo Park, CA

Don Leavitt San Diego, CA

Dale Meisinger, N. Augusta, SC

David Harris Broken Arrow, Oklahoma

Eva B. Horton, Greenwich, CT

Dan Wheeler Santa Rosa, CA

36 SWEEPING FEBRUARY 13

Alan Hisey, St. Louis, MO

Harry Richart, Hasbrouck Heights, NJ

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

Perspective

BY MARK MCSWEENEY, CAE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Take Some Advice “Fear less; hope more.

Eat less; chew more.

Talk less; say more.”

-Swedish quote from “Dear Abby”

L

ast month the world lost a syndicated icon when Pauline Phillips, better known to many of us as “Dear Abby,” lost her battle with Alzheimer’s disease at the age of 94. Her column lives on in the pen of her daughter, Jeanne, but when I reflect on the legacy that she created in the 57 years of her column, I can’t help but think of the correlation between the influence of decades of her accumulated advice and the volumes of invaluable counsel our members give each other every day.

So I thought I would share.

One of the advantages of being in an association like NCSG is the opportunity to pick the brains of your professional peers to get ideas and find solutions. A couple of years ago I facilitated a group discussion at our convention about practical business tips based on real life input from chimney sweeps and other small business owners across the country. Between the information I gathered ahead of time and the plethora of ideas shared during the session itself, I ended up with a nice list of over 200 tips.

In the interest of sharing the collective knowledge of our membership,, here’s a sampling of the professional advice that was collected in the area of leadership and development.

Perhaps some of this will trigger some of your own thoughts as you plan strategies for the year ahead.

5 Tips on Managing Yourself • Recognize when you’ve outrun your abilities. When one entrepreneur saw that her skills were not adequate to manage

her company, she hired a president to handle day-to-day operations. Could you use a business or office manager?

• Get a business coach. Skilled consultants can help you learn how to take your company to the next level. Resources such as SCORE can help (www.score.org).

• Open yourself to being transformed. Listen, really listen, to employees. Let go of old notions of leadership (managing by fear, for example).

• Be self-aware. Many business owners say self-awareness is essential to understanding what leadership style works for you.

• Be a servant leader. Consider it your responsibility to serve employees and customers.

5 Tips on Creating an Innovative Environment • Show your employees and/or peers that you think of innovation as an ongoing process. Some ideas will work and many won’t. Keep experimenting.

• Listen, listen, listen. Innovation is a collaborative process.

• Be open to “accidents,” the unexpected connections that spark new ideas. Inspiration comes from everywhere—often from outside your own field.

• Draw on your own employees—they know the company’s problems and goals best. This is probably one time you don’t need outside consultants.

• Be patient. Creativity can’t be hurried.

5 Tips for Renewing Yourself as a Leader • Take a time-out each day. Put a “Gone Thinking” sign on your door and don’t let anyone disturb you.

• Pursue hobbies and interests outside your business. They’ll FEBRUARY 13 SWEEPING 37

provide relaxation and may inspire creative ideas that you can feed back into the business.

• Take a vacation or a sabbatical. (But first, make sure you leave the company in good hands!)

• Spend time with your family. Kids provide a refreshing perspective. If you don’t have kids of your own, consider spending time with friends or family who do.

• Do something you’ve always wanted to do but never did— learn a new instrument, take a course in acting, learn to fly, take up gardening, you name it.

5 Tips on How to Be More Efficient • Don’t start your office organizing by shopping for containers.

Determine what files and books you need to store, measure them, then go to the store.

• Trim the “FAT.” File, Act or Toss papers and emails instead of letting them pile high on your desk. You should be able to make a decision immediately as papers cross your desk.

• Take advantage of electronic devices and the abundance of digital programs available to categorize work.

• Choose the calendar system that’s best for your organizational style, and stick with it. If it is computer-based, back up, back up, back up!

• Manage your time ruthlessly. In a sense, it is what you are selling.

you want for success. Do you need advice on managing cash flow or a mentor to help keep you energized and motivated?

Both are good. Be clear.

• Be prepared. Share a snapshot of your business today. Share goals, so your mentor has a picture of your dream for success.

Then, ask questions and listen for great ideas.

• More is better. Develop a network. No one person has all the answers. Not you, your CPA, your mentor. You may want a mentor for business planning and a mentor for finance and cash flow.

• Good cash flow is important especially at start-up and growth stages. Always be wary of economic slowdowns. A mentor can help you plan a collections policy, make plans for a line of credit and project cash flow based on sales.

• Seek industry expertise. Find a mentor who can address industry specific issues.

5 Tips on Networking

• Consider joining or creating your own MIX (Management Information Exchange) Group. This is small group of your peers, typically no more than 12, from non-competing geographical markets that review each other’s operations serving as a panel of confidential advisors with the intent of helping each other’s businesses be as strong as they can possibly be.

• Join your local Chamber of Commerce and go to the meetings/ events 5 Tips to Get a Good Mentor • Join local service groups such as Rotary, Sertoma, Kiwanis, etc.

• Think about the end result. Let your mentor know what advice • Join an area professional networking group (i.e. www.bni.com or www.bnicanada.ca), or a free online professional networking site such as is proud to offer: LinkedIn (www.linkedin.com).

• Join NCSG if you are not already a member and register today to attend the industry’s leading convention and tradeshow, NCSG Innovation (www.ncsg. org/innovation) coming up this April in Chimney Pipe available PelletVent Pro available Branson, MO. in 6” & 8” Diameters. in 3” & 4” Diameters.

This is as good a time as any to start strategically planning for the year ahead.

How is it going to be different than last year? As the boss of your business, what can you do to gear yourself up to make this the best year yet?

DuraBlack

Don’t let yourself get overwhelmed.

There’s great advice out there everywhere, you just need to look around and make the decision to act.

In a 1990 interview with Larry King, Pauline Phillips exclaimed, “There is always an answer, even if it’s say, look, pal, you can’t change anybody but yourself.”

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38 SWEEPING FEBRUARY 13

Until next time, here’s to good advice and to your continued success!

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 mheeke@ncsg.org for publication in Sweeping. Or, mail it to NCSG, 2155 Commercial Drive, Plainfield, IN 46168.

A weird chimney I saw while working in Easton, PA. - Submitted by Hunter Yannotti of Luna Chimney Sweeps and Hearth Products in Andover NJ

Display Ad Index Page #

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19 Smoktite

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38 Whitecaps

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32 Wohler

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IFC Novaflex

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24-28

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Chimney Safety Institute of America

FEBRUARY 13 SWEEPING 39

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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 mmcmahon@ncsg.org or (317) 837-1500.

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National Chimney Sweep Guild 2155 Commercial Drive Plainfield, IN 46168

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