JUNE 13 - Sweeping

Body language can tell you all sorts of things.

Like someone is having a stroke.

Know the sudden signs.

strokeassociation.org

Spot a stroke F.A.S.T.

June 2013 Volume 37 #5

Table of Contents Features 12 10 Marketing Essentials Every Business

P.14

Should Know by Heart

14 NCSG Innovation 2013 Recap 24 Highlights from NCSG’s First Ten Years

P.24

Departments 3

Moving Forward

6

Editor’s Letter

8

Industry Watch

9

Sweeps Advantage Coupons

10 The Coach’s Corner P.29 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).

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

18 New NCSG Members 23 Progressive Perks 28 Dates & Events 29 Perspective 31 Darwin Awards 31 Display Ad Index 32 Classifieds JUNE 13 SWEEPING 1

ResourcePage

NATIONAL CHIMNEY SWEEP GUILD

Committee Chairs and Task Forces for 2013-2014 NFPA 211 Representative Randy Brooks (805) 646-8961 hearthhunter@aol.com

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

Bylaws Jeremy Biswell (913) 236-7141 uesbrothers@yahoo.com Convention Site Selection Diane Pilger (631) 863-2460 chimneygal@aol.com

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

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

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

Long Range Planning Jeremy Biswell (913) 236-7141 uesbrothers@yahoo.com

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

Governance Jay Walker (850) 562-4692 SweepingJ@aol.com

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

Technical Advisory Council Michael Segerstrom (908) 253-9190 chimneysweeps@optonline.net

TECHNICAL ADVISORY COUNCIL To contact any member of the Technical Advisory Council, please call (317) 203-0088 and select the extension for the person who is best qualiďŹ ed to answer your question: Chris Prior Masonry Construction and Restoration and PriorďŹ re Fireboxes 317-203-0088 x: 2 Jim Brewer Gas Venting and NFPA 54 317-203-0088 x: 3 John Pilger Oil Flue Sizing, Relining or NFPA 31 317-203-0088 x: 4

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) reects 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 ďŹ replace 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 ďŹ rst-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 beneďŹ t 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 %FTJHO CZ -BVSB )PVTFS %FTJHO t MBVSBIPVTFS DPN t

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 ďŹ t 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. Š 2013 National Chimney Sweep Guild, 2155 Commercial Drive, PlainďŹ eld, IN 46168 (317) 837-1500

2 SWEEPING JUNE 13

NCSG BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2013-2014 President, At-Large Diane Pilger (631) 863-2460 chimneygal@aol.com Vice President, At-Large Jeremy Biswell (913) 236-7141 uesbrothers@yahoo.com Treasurer, Region 2 Bob Fleer (410) 544-7600 bobeer@aol.com Secretary, At-Large Fred Joy (785) 986-6432 joyfredm@live.com Region 1 Phil Mitchell (603)659-7776 sootski@aol.com Region 3 Ron Rust (803) 730-5858 tophatswp@aol.com Region 4 Ken Hoelscher (937) 833-0505 ken@abbeyroadchimneysweeps.com Region 5 Jasper Drengler (715) 304-8934 drengler01@gmail.com Region 6 Bob Ferrari (530) 941-5818 bob@ueseason.com At-Large Director Gregg Boss (636) 391-2226 englishsweep@att.net Supplier Representative Edmund Poplawski (570) 504-7107 epoplawski@olympiachimney.com

STAFF 2155 Commercial Drive PlainďŹ eld, IN 46168 (317) 837-1500 Fax: (317) 837-5365 Interim Executive Director Ashley Eldridge, COI, CPP Director of Education ashley@ncsg.org Melissa Heeke, CAE Director of Communications & Marketing mheeke@ncsg.org Candice Bradbury Director of Finance cbradbury@ncsg.org

Megan McMahon OfďŹ ce Manager mmcmahon@ncsg.org Debbie Cornelius Membership Development Coordinator dcornelius@ncsg.org Donna Lee Kasmer CSIA CertiďŹ cation Coordinator dkasmer@csia.org Sharon Anderson Program Coordinator sanderson@ncsg.org

DIANE PILGER NCSG PRESIDENT

T

his is my first President’s report and I am honored to be President of the NCSG. Many of you were at the NCSG Innovation 2013 Convention and Trade Show in Branson and what a convention it was.

The Trade Show was sold out and attendance was great. I would like to thank all the sponsors, volunteers, my Board of Directors and our professional and volunteer staff. All did a wonderful job.

Congratulations go out to Randy Brooks of Brooks Chimney Sweeping in Ojai, CA, on being awarded the NCSG President’s Award and to Blume The Merry Sweep in Greenville, SC as recipient of the NCSG Friendship Award. Congratulations also to Rich Rua of A Traditional Sweep in Portsmouth, RI for being awarded CSIA’s Don Leavitt Education Award.

President’s Report

Innovation 2014 will be in Columbus, Ohio, March 19 – 22, 2014. Save the date!

There are many things happening in the organization. Our membership committee is working hard on an outreach program to potential members. They are also working on an outreach program to all state guilds. The membership committee has developed a recruitment video, which is available for state guilds to use at their events. It is also available at NCSG’s YouTube page at www.youtube.com/NCSGhq. There is a renewed interest in the state guild presidents page on Facebook and we welcome state guild leadership to request an invite to join the

Thanks to Jim Gilliam and SNEWS for sponsoring the 7th Annual Pete Luter Innovation Awards program.

The judges had a hard decision but SaverSystems Paint and Peel Fireplace Cleaner was the winner. Runner-up was Fireside Distributors - Sweep America, Your Fireplace Store Sales Tool. Thank you to all who participated in the program for your submissions and the judges for their time and consideration.

If you were unable to attend the NCSG convention, you can relive some of the memories in this month’s issue. You can also view many pictures online. Just go to NCSG’s Facebook page. Blume, the NCSG’s convention photographer, and a host of others contributed many photos and comments to keep those at home updated and informed. Next year NCSG JUNE 13 SWEEPING 3

conversation. NCSG also has a new mobile app. The mobile app was built to be easily-accessed from your smartphone. to allow members to access the many areas of the NCSG website including the Installation Manual library, an industry calendar of events, member benefits and codes, etc. Enter m.NCSG.org in your smartphone’s internet browser to access the mobile app.

Many state guilds are hosting or sponsoring events across the country this spring and summer. Take time to check the back of this issue of Sweeping, visit www.NCSG.org/events, check out the calendar on the mobile app or look for the Educational Dates and Events posted on the NCSG Discussion List (another member benefit) each week.

Our History Project, which NCSG Director Bob Fleer has taken on, could use your input and help. Scan, email or forward any pictures, stories or interesting historical information to him at history@ncsg.org. NCSG is trying to capture our history through pictures, stories and articles to help preserve our history now before we all forget and it is lost forever. If you have any questions regarding the history project, please send Bob an e-mail at bobfleer@aol.com or history@ncsg.org.

4 SWEEPING JUNE 13

As many of you know, Executive Director Mark McSweeney has left our organization for a new position with another association.

We wish him all the best. A transition and search committee has been formed and is in the process of finding a new Executive Director to lead the organization’s operations. They are working together to find the best candidate to fill the position.

By the time you read this I will have returned from a trip to Germany and Romania. My husband John and I were invited by ASFOCH – The Romanian Chimney Sweepers, Chimney Builders and Stove Builders Association, to participate in the Romanian Chimney Sweeper’s Day at the end of May. We will be traveling from Germany to Romania with our good friends from Germany Andreas and Silvana Gartner on this goodwill mission. The Romanians are looking at us for experience and new ideas about running day-by–day sweeping jobs. They are also looking for guidance as they are trying to build a fair and stable market for chimney sweeps in Romania.

Diane Pilger NCSG President

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Editor’s Letter

MELISSA HEEKE, CAE NCSG DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS

Happy New Year!

No, I haven’t completely lost it. This month’s issue opens a new governance year for the National Chimney Sweep Guild. Our 2013-2014 Board of Directors was sworn in at the NCSG Innovation 2013 convention in Branson in April and they’re ready to get started with their new duties and responsibilities. (Since convention, they have already met for a strategic planning meeting!) This month features the ďŹ rst of many columns from your new president Diane Pilger of Chief Chimney Services in Smithtown, NY.

This month’s issue also welcomes Taylor Hill of Spark Marketer with the ďŹ rst of what we hope are many marketing articles written with your chimney service company in mind. We also welcome back Jerry Isenhour of Chimney & Venting Consultants with a message about his perspective on change.

I hope that you are off to a fantastic start to your summer season and that you’re preparing for the quick return of home heating season. It will be here before you know it!

All the best,

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Industry Watch

M&G DuraVent Obtains Approval for Bosch Thermotechnology’s Greentherm Series, Models C 950 ES and C 1050 ES, and Therm C1210 ES and C1210 ESC for use with Concentric PolyPro Vacaville, CA – M&G DuraVent announced on April 1, 2013 that it has obtained a key approval for PolyPro Venting Systems. Bosch Thermotechnology has now approved PolyPro Concentric for their new gas tankless water heater Greentherm Series, Models C 950 ES and C 1050 ES and for Therm C 1210 ES and C 1210 ESC. Polypropylene venting provides the simplest and quickest venting option possible for a condensing tankless unit.

The Greentherm Series is approved for three new Polypropylene (PP) venting systems: concentric up and out, twin pipe, and common venting of up to four appliances.

Bosch provides complete venting kits for each approved venting systems.

In addition to Greentherm C 950 ES and C 1050 ES, Bosch has also approved PP venting for condensing cascades for models ThermC 1210 ES and C 1210 ESC. Bosch’s common venting kits are offered either side by side or back to back configurations, allowing for a single vent pipe for all units.

PolyPro is an engineered system specifically designed for venting heating appliances. Gasketed joints require no primers or adhesives and easily assemble in seconds with just a splash of water. Terminations are designed for superior performance in poor environmental conditions. PolyPro is tested and listed to the ULC S636 standard in Canada and rated as a Class IIA, IIB, and IIC vent system. PolyPro offers the only double-wall polypropylene flex in the U.S., making it durable for relining masonry chimneys, factory-built chimneys, and useful for relining B-vent pipe when retrofitting it to use as a chase.

PolyPro is superior in performance and easier to install than PVC or CPVC pipe, which were designed for irrigation, not venting. PolyPro has been successfully venting appliances in Europe for over 15 years.

8 SWEEPING JUNE 13

Olympia Chimney Supply Acquires Whitecaps Olympia Chimney Supply, Inc., Scranton, PA is proud to announce the acquisition of Whitecaps, Monroe, NC on April 1, 2013.

Olympia Chimney Supply has been supplying venting products to the Hearth & Chimney Sweep markets since 1999. While Olympia has become synonymous with chimney liners, components and venting products, it has gained market recognition for its extensive selection of chimney caps. Olympia feels that by acquiring Whitecaps, it will enhance its product offering by choosing a company that already has a renowned reputation for quality and craftsmanship. In addition to expanding its selection of chimney caps, Olympia will now be in a position to better serve the Southeastern region of the United States by having a distribution center in Monroe, NC. To enhance that service level, Olympia Chimney Supply has added Drew Stein to its family as the Regional Sales Representative for the Southeast region.

“This is an exciting time for both Olympia Chimney Supply and Whitecaps. The product fit is unsurpassed and nicely compliments one another. In addition, assuming ownership of Whitecaps’ Monroe, NC warehouse provides Olympia with the advantage of servicing the entire East Coast with a one-day ship point. Olympia is also very excited to make the reputable and respected Whitecap brand synonymous with the entire line of Olympia chimney caps,” commented Scott Brickel, CEO of Olympia Chimney Supply.

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

Is Change Good, Or Is Change Inevitable

A

s I read through the last issue of Sweeping magazine I was drawn to read the article written

by Mark McSweeney, his last as the Executive Director of the NCSG and CSIA. In it Mark was reflecting back over his tenure in that position. The last 10 years has certainly been a time of change, and looking at over my own over- 30 years in this industry, the change is remarkable.

Hence the name of this article.

their home and they are prepared to spend a couple hundred dollars. Once we arrive they commonly find out it is going to cost them thousands to give them what they thought they had before they ever called us”. And this does so accurately describe the work of a chimney service technician in the year 2013 and beyond. This does not make us bad, nor should it detract from our mission as a business owner. This is our role and our method of operation.

I remember the day in 2003 when I announced to the Board of Directors that I felt my time as the President of the two groups was coming to a close. I said that it was time for a change and that change was good. An important point was made at that meeting by one of the board members that also struck me. He added that CHANGE IS INEVITABLE. The question, of course, is how do we handle change and how do we direct the change so that it does not deter us from realizing our dreams. The key to accomplishing that lies in our willingness to accept change, even embrace it, so we can direct it for the best outcome.

The maturity I see exhibited is remarkable for an industry that only a few short years ago was an oddity, a lark. I can recall when our biggest public relations stunts may well have been dancing on a rooftop, or handing out red pieces to cloth we pulled from the fireplace to small children showing them evidence that Santa had been there. Who among us will remember when David and Dee Stoll got their publicity at the Sears Tower in Chicago many years ago? Likely a few of us still remember. But not everyone will, as we are sadly losing track of much of our industry’s history. This is one of the sad parts of change. One must look to the future, but one also must never forget their path or the roads that they have traveled.

The matter of change was further brought to me recently as I attended the NCSG convention in Branson MO. I watched, I listened and I learned as I observed the members of the industry at this event. I couldn’t help but recall my earlier days at conventions such as this and the discussions of those earlier times. But now I constantly see the signs of the maturing of the venting industry. I watch now with a certain pride as so many chimney professionals, my colleagues, have really delved into ways to make their companies successful, to step up to the plate and to make their businesses truly deliver their dreams. This is true even though their dreams may change and alter, as they inevitably do, as we age and mature. Our business models are no different and just like us they will age and mature.

Rob Lindemann said some things at the convention that stuck with me. He said, “The customer contracts with us to come to

10 SWEEPING JUNE 13

But alas, change is truly inevitable, as my friend said that day.

Change will occur. Look at your own business model. Has it matured? Has it changed? Does it even resemble the business model you may have had a few short years ago? Likely the changes will be very apparent. Others will be minute, but they are an important part of the change cycle you have undergone.

I write this article at a time where there are numerous chimney service training opportunities available on the same day, with different intents, in various sections of the country. That itself is a huge tell as to the level of maturity in our industry. I look and see so many people making larger and larger investments in their company training, tooling, facilities, marketing and other areas.

In my capacity as a business coach today I get to watch individuals who are gearing up to make their dreams happen, no matter the challenges they face. More and more we are seeking the tools to empower ourselves that when walls block our path, the business owner of today will ďŹ nd a way to scale the wall, to go around the wall, or, if needed, simply remove the wall.

All in all it is an excellent feeling for me to see these changes as I review the landscape of my chosen industry. It gives me a deep feeling of satisfaction as I see us all constantly striving to acquire the knowledge and learn the skills we need to move forward, to overcome obstacles, to rise to the occasion, to do whatever it takes to reach our goals. It reveals the heart and soul of our industry and the character of those who have made it strong, made it something we can all take pride in, made it a viable and recognized part of the landscape of North America.

So as the article started, CHANGE IS GOOD, but the true winner will realize that CHANGE IS INEVITABLE, we must adapt to it, accept it and proďŹ t from it. The results of this will be found in our dreams landing squarely in our laps, where we will have the perfect day over and over, the perfect day which is the goal by which we established the dreams we hold dear.

So challenge yourself if those dreams seem far away, challenge yourself that no matter the obstacle, no matter the critter that blocks our view and path, and no matter how small the bites of the elephant are that we have to take, we will persevere and we will absolutely reach our goals. Let us all pledge to accept the very real fact that change will occur. And let us be determined that we will view the change and that we will direct the changes that we encounter to our greatest beneďŹ t. Make the inevitable change a part of how you move to the next level.

Until next time, a phrase not heard often enough any longer, SWEEPS LUCK TO EACH OF YOU! About the Author: Jerry Isenhour is an industry consultant, educator and coach who authors a monthly article in Sweeping as a service to the industry. For more information about Jerry and how his team can assist you individually and your business in your quest for success and your ascent to the next level, take a look at his web site www.chimneyandventingconsultants.com He can be contacted at jerry@chimneyandventingconsultants. com or by phone at (704) 425-0217. You can also obtain great business tips from his Facebook page Chimney & Venting Consultants.

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BY TAYLOR HILL, SPARK MARKETER

10 Marketing Essentials Every Business Should Know by Heart

A

s a successful small business marketer, I am frequently asked about what the current winning tools or tactics are for getting more business, or beating out the competition. When this kind of question gets asked, I have learned that I need to stress a few fundamentals before I respond. I need to know if I am talking to a business owner who understands how to manage a business well, or if I am talking to someone who just wants some easy shortcuts that will give him an edge for a few months, but may risk blowing up his business in the long term.

I want to help people achieve their objectives, after all.

Is the heart of your business beating with these marketing essentials?

For those who are interested in growing a durable, thriving business, here are the basic elements every company should have a handle on. Each one of these is a big deal, so be sure to spend some time thinking about where your business is today for each point.

1. A well-defined Brand (Logo or word mark, colors, typeface, language and imagery) works in conjunction with your marketing to tell your message in a compelling way for one goal: so that your potential customers take action. People who are referred to you by someone they trust won’t care if your brand looks homemade or amateurish. But people who are coming from a web search or an advertisement make snap decisions based on professional presentation all the time. Don’t be your worst enemy. Make sure your brand is up-to-date, crisp and professional.

2. Solving a Problem should always be a part of your marketing strategy. One of my favorite examples of knowing what problem you are really solving is the guy buying a drill.

He’s not buying the drill just to have a drill, he solving a problem; he needs a hole. The drill is just the means to that end. Which do you really provide: clean chimneys or fire protection?

12 SWEEPING JUNE 13

3. Describing your Products and or Services is an essential part of your marketing message. While this seems elementary, go online in the chimney industry and see how many “lists” of things like chimney sweeping, chimney repair, chimney masonry, chimney relining, etc. there are without any descriptions at all! This is an area where a little storytelling could go a long, long way.

4. Know Your Competition. Know who they are, where they work and who they advertise and market to. You never know when you will find a lucrative place they are missing or one they are doing well in that has some room for you.

5. Have Marketing and Sales Objectives, otherwise known as goals. “I want more business” is not a goal. “I want to increase new business by 20% in Cook County this year” is a clear, measurable goal worthy of having and achieving.

6. Analyze and Review your Pricing. People buy from you for a lot of reasons. Being the cheapest, the fastest, etc. is not the reason most people purchase a product or service.

Trust and integrity far outweigh price alone. You will need to figure out what your local market’s “pain point” is, because it is different from region to region and state to state.

7. Define the Best Way to Sell your Product or Service in your area. This goes hand in hand with #8 because you may want to sell your services in a way that will eat up your budget. That doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t sell your services that way, but it does mean you are aware of the financial dangers of selling it that way. An example of this would be using Google AdWords indiscriminately, spending money on high-cost clicks that do not convert into paying customers, instead of fine-tuning your strategy and going after higher-value customers on less costly pay-per-click terms.

8. Setting a Realistic Advertising Budget can be really hard. There is a lot of pressure to make sure your schedule is full of paying customers; otherwise the whole house of cards

collapses. But simply throwing more money at advertising may not solve the problem. Talking to others in the industry about alternative methods of marketing can be invaluable when making decisions for #7 and #8.

9. Know what Metrics to Track and which ones to ignore, and then follow it. This one thing would save most businesses countless wasted dollars and wasted hours pursuing the wrong marketing strategies. Understanding what is meaningful information and what is just noise is an art, and marketing companies love to dazzle you with dashboards full of numbers designed to impress. (Or maybe they are designed to hide the really important but less-than-impressive numbers their systems aren’t addressing.) Here’s a hint: a “conversion” or a “lead” for your business means nothing if your cash register doesn’t ring at the end of it. Get the information that tells you that, and you’ll really know something.

10. Feedback from your customer, your marketing partners, your employees and your peers are all important in the marketing process. This information allows you to make small changes and tweaks in your business because you are getting valuable information regarding your business practices, customer service, employee relations, etc. Without this piece, you are making decisions in a vacuum, all alone. This is one of the most dangerous places for any business to find itself. You need feedback to grow and thrive.

So that’s it. The rest is just tools and tactics that either get the job done or they don’t.

To know what works for your business, you must test measure and evaluate. Don’t get caught up in chasing the latest whizbang whatsits of the marketing world, thinking that there is a shortcut to permanent success. There isn’t, and nothing is permanent. Instead, decide what you want your business to be, and then find the services, tools and tactics that move you toward your goals and objectives.

My business partner Carter and I are looking forward to being regular contributors to this column on marketing. Who knows, maybe we will even talk about some really cool and sexy bells and whistles along the way. But we have to start at the beginning, with the essentials. Thanks for the opportunity to share some thoughts with you, and here’s to continued growth and success!

About the Author: Taylor Hill is smart about marketing and about people. He is the Crew Chief at Spark Marketer where he is in charge of sales, client relations and client on-boarding and oversees all of the optimization process while keeping up with the latest from Google and the other search engines.

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NCSG Innovation 2013 Recap On April 4, Branson, Missouri mayor, the Honorable Raeanne Presley welcomed 560 chimney professionals for the NCSG Innovation 2013 convention and tradeshow for four days of learning and networking.

The event kicked off with 117 Voting (service company representatives) members in attendance at the annual membership meeting. During the meeting, NCSG President Diane Pilger welcomed guests from across the United States, Canada, Scotland and Denmark.

After the membership meeting and the CSIA information meeting, Jon Acuff, author of “Start: Punch Fear in the Face, Escape Average and Do Work that Matters” and “Quitter: Closing the Gap Between Your Day Job & Your Dream Job” delivered the 2013 keynote address.

Thursday afternoon brought the start of four days packed to the gills with education to advance the business and technical skills of those in attendance.

Highlights include a hands-on masonry workshop focused on efficient masonry fireplaces, tips for being healthy at any age, an online marketing survival session among dozens of exceptional sessions covering everything from flashing to tracking leads to make the most of your marketing efforts.

The NCSG Trade Show received rave reviews as 64 exhibitors demonstrated their newest products and services. 2013 welcomed the return of the popular Seek to Win! program rewarding those attendees who visited each of the participating vendor booths. Many of

the exhibitors also graciously donated tradeshow items to the CSIA Benefit Auction. This year’s auction raised over $18,000 to benefit the Chimney Safety Institute of America’s mission.

On Sunday, the convention experience came to a close with a general session led by Fran Kick. During the session, the participating attendees collaboratively determined what they wanted to take back home to implement. The Top 10 ideas ranked from the NCSG Innovation 2013 closing keynote are: 1. 31 points= Leverage marketing and tracking 2. 31 points= Try to get out of debt in 3-4 years but find an attainable goal of 3-7 to get completely out of debt.

Because with this economy, I don’t want to owe any debt.

3. 29 points= I will study my rear off to be able to offer a better service to our area. I will get certified to install gas appliances.

4. 29 points= Kiss my wife 5. 28 points= Take my wife on a date and turn off my phone and iPad. Because I don’t spend enough time with her alone with 100% attention.

6. 28 points= Start the 5-minute power meeting workdays to reinforce the employees.

7. 28 points= Five Minute Meeting every morning. Even if it is just me.

8. 28 points= Be more punctual to raise my closing rates.

9. 28 points= Learn computers because I am ignorant.

10. 28 points= Video scan every flue I work on.

Then the group gathered on the lawn of the hotel for its annual group photograph. Many thanks to Right Coast Juan (aka Blume of Blume the Merry Sweep in Greenville, SC) for capturing the group photo and also for serving as the Guild’s official photographer for the duration of the show.

The 2013 convention and trade show wrapped up on Sunday evening with the annual banquet and awards ceremony. CSIA President John Pilger awarded the

Don Leavitt Education Award to CSIA Instructor Rich Rua of A Traditional Sweep in Portsmouth, RI. Unfortunately, Rich wasn’t able to attend, so Mr. Pilger took a page from last year’s national political campaign season and presented the award to an “Invisible Rich Rua”.

Outgoing NCSG President Jay Walker awarded the NCSG Friendship Award to Blume of The Merry Sweep in Greenville, SC in honor of the many friendships he has formed and the many conversations that he’s prompted on the NCSG Discussion List. Past-President Randy Brooks of Brooks Chimney Sweeping in Ojai, CA was awarded the NCSG President’s Award for his continued support of the industry by generously serving in several leadership capacities over the last several years.

NCSG Innovation 2014 will be held at the Hyatt Regency in Downtown Columbus, Ohio next March 19-22. The downtown Columbus hotel is in the heart of the city and is within easy walking distance to the Arena District and Huntington Park - an ideal location for business and leisure travelers alike. To reserve your room for the convention, visit www.NCSG.org/innovation or call (888) 421-1442 and ask for the National Chimney Sweep Guild rate.

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18 SWEEPING JUNE 13

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In May 2008, the Chimney Safety Institute of America, adopted the following position on After-Market Parts for Listed Products: The CSIA recommends the use of original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts on any product listed by a nationally-recognized listing agency. Using only OEM parts and replacement parts maintains the original integrity and performance characteristics of the product. If, however, after-market parts are installed, the CSIA recommends the following: t 5IF VTF PG UIF BGUFS NBSLFU QBSU EPFT OPU conflict with policies established by the authority having jurisdiction. t 5IF BGUFS NBSLFU QBSU JT EFTJHOFE BOE manufactured to perform in the same manner as the original and does not alter the basic design and operation of the system. t 5IF JOTUBMMFS FYQMBJOT UIF JOTUBMMBUJPO PG UIF after-market part and the reason for its use to the homeowner. t 5IF JOTUBMMFS EPDVNFOUT UIBU UIF homeowner acknowledges and authorizes the installation of the after-market part.

CSIA 2013 Education Calendar As of 5/2/13 - Schedule subject to change. Please contact the Chimney Safety Institute of America prior to making travel arrangements.

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June 7 | CSIA Technology Center June 28 | Richmond, VA July 8 | Oceanside, CA August 2 | CSIA Technology Center

August 9-10 | PAGPCS - State College, PA Diagnosis and resolution of chimney performance problems, solving air pressure problems, identifying the symptoms of indoor air pollutants, determining combustion air requirements for vented appliances.

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June 24 – 29 , 2013 | CSIA Technology Center August 12 – 17 , 2013 | CSIA Technology Center September 30 – October 5, 2013 | CSIA Technology Center Fundamentals of sweeping and inspection of chimney systems, equipment operation, health and safety considerations and step-by-step instruction in codes, clearances, standards and practices. CCS CEUs: 4 T, 4 C&S, 4 C&L, 4 H&S NFI CEUs: 16 T

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May 19 | Rutland, VT July 31 - August 1 | CSIA Tech Center In-person intensive review sessions help candidates prepare for the CSIA Certified Dryer Exhaust Technician® exam. The review sessions are not a substitute for advanced study.

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Progressive Perks

Merci, Takk, Moran Tang, Gracias, Tak, Danke Sehr, Dziekup!!

No words can begin to express the value placed on volunteers who helped make NCSG Innovation 2013 a success! According to Independent Sector, an hour of volunteer time was worth $22.15 in 2012. Volunteer time estimated in a dollar amount is one way to capture the value of volunteer time, but to the NCSG and CSIA, board members and staff it is worth far more !

Those of you who “stepped up to the plate”, and many of you more than once during convention not only helped make this a fabulous event, but you are helping build a stronger profession.

Short and sweet as it may be, I say again - THANK YOU!!!

Yvette Aube

Herb Fulmer

Matt Oesterling

Vince Aube

Jeff Gitlin

Lauren Pilger

Martin Aube

Evan Havers

Jim Pritchett

Richie Baxley

Phil Heagney

Thomas Rhines

Judd Berg

Frances Hetsch

Jim Robinson

Albert Bailitz

Steve Hoover

Ghayas Salem

John Bentley

Donna Jo Hudson

Clint Sanner

Chuck Benzinger

Tom Hunkele

Terry Sanner

Darin Bibeau

Barbara Joy

Jennifer Sauter

Brandi Biswell

Beth Kline

Ellen Sauter

Renee Brigman

Bill Kline

Jonathan Sauter

Ron Brigman

Jack Lutz

Cory Schafer

Gregg Chaffin

Katie Maynard

Kathy Segerstrom

Ian Conway

Amy Maynard

Sarah Shippee

Luke Conway

Sally McKnight

Matt Simpson

Jessica Cromwell

Mark Moesley

Tom Smail

Lou Curley

Ron Moser

Dawn Smith

Terry Dearborn

Chris Muckerheide

Tim Smith

Mark Dent

Scott Munroe

Drew Stein

Frank Dombrowski

Jerry Neal

Mike Stiles

JUNE 13 SWEEPING 23

Highlights from NCSG’s First 10 Years Understanding where an organization has been is an

1977

important part of determining the best course for the future.

The chimney Sweep Guild, brainchild of Kristia Associates’ Eva Horton, forms in Portland, ME, with 22 members. Guild operations are handled by Kristia Associates, a wood stove import company.

This timeline was initially compiled by previous Guild staff members for the 20th anniversary of the organization and has since been updated by volunteers and staff members alike. We are currently working on a history timeline project

The Chimney Sweep Guild publishes the first issue of The Chimney Sweep Guild News.

and would love to preserve your memories. Pictures and other information can be scanned, emailed or forwarded to Bob Fleer who is heading up this project at history@

More than 100 chimney sweeps attend first Chimney Sweep Guild convention in Portland, Maine.

ncsg.org. He will use the information to help enhance the

1978

historical timeline of the Guild. Please call Bob at (410) 544-

First Board of Directors meets on July 7 in Washington, DC. Board of Membership expands to 400 individual members.

7600 with questions about the project.

Through the efforts of Guild member Larry Hempsall, the first National Chimney Sweep Week was held October 2-8 and recorded in the Congressional Record.

Golden Flue

1979

The Cure For The Flue

The National Fire Protection Association invites the Guild to appoint a representative to the NFPA 211 technical committee.

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1980 Members vote to change name to National Chimney Sweep Guild at fourth annual convention in Minneapolis, MN.

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The quarterly Chimney Sweep Guild News becomes monthly Sweeping.

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1981 Guild turns down a merger offer with the Wood Heating Alliance, now Hearth Patio Barbecue Association, deciding to go it alone for sweeps’ sake.

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50 03%&3 $"-1-800-468-1052 Visit: www.goldenflue.com 24 SWEEPING JUNE 13

1982 The U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) asks Guild members for help in a public education campaign designed to reduce deaths and injuries from solid-fuel appliances.

More than 300 sweeps attended NCSG’s ďŹ fth birthday party, celebrated in SpringďŹ eld, MA, with a 60-pound birthday cake.

regulations, they offer to help educate consumers through their media contacts.

1983

1985

CPSC asks Guild members to participate in an investigation of prefabricated, metal chimneys. Guild asks CPSC to require labels on wood stoves that explain the need for yearly maintenance.

NCSG asks CPSC to ban homeowner do-it-yourself cleaning kits because of incomplete or inaccurate instructions, and the importance of inspection by a professional. Guild president Harry Richart presents evidence of oil and gas ue deterioration to CPSC, including ue tiles eaten through by condensation.

The newly formed Chimney Safety Institute of America holds its ďŹ rst meeting. Original directors include: Harry Richart, president; Hugh Maine, vice president; John Jamnick, secretary; and Lesley Van Dusen, treasurer. Mary Ann Beaufait was appointed to one of the open seats on the new board, and U.S. Congressman Robert Toricelli agrees to serve on advisory board.

NFPA adopts recommendation that every chimney must be inspected annually and cleaned when necessary.

1984 Harry Richart established the ďŹ rst Technical Advisory Committee and selected its members.

Don Leavitt of Don Leavitt Enterprises in California is awarded the ďŹ rst Presidents Award.

Guild meets with FTC ofďŹ cials to discuss problems with untrained or fraudulent chimney sweeps. Although the FTC decides against

1986 NCSG publishes the ďŹ rst edition of Successful Chimney Sweeping. Two years in the making, the manual represents the ďŹ rst time standard chimney service practices were written down anywhere.

1987 Guild ofďŹ ces consolidate in Olney, MD. In an effort to reach insurance companies with chimney safety information, NCSG exhibits at the National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies convention in St. Louis.

Watch for more of our history to be shared in future editions of Sweeping: The Journal of Chimney & Venting Technology and online at www.NCSG.org

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New NCSG Supplier Member Brian Noe ChFC®, CLTC – MW Financial Group, Ltd. 197 Scott Swamp Road Farmington, CT 06063 800-438-3162 860-606-0834 Brian_Noe@MWFinancial.com Let’s Adapt Your Core Values & Beliefs t 0VS QIJMPTPQIZ JT UP JOUFHSBUF PVS TUSBUFHJFT UP ZPVS WBMVFT t %FTQJUF MJGF T VQT BOE EPXOT XF XJMM SFNBJO DPNNJUUFE UP your values t 5SVF %JWFSTJmDBUJPO DBO IFMQ ZPV BWPJE QPPS EFDJTJPOT when under duress you have a better chance to achieve a “winning” outcome True Diversification is a Life Plan – a Combination of; t 1FSTPOBM %FWFMPQNFOU t $IJMESFO T 'VUVSF t .BSSJBHF t &NQMPZFFT t #VTJOFTT

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INDEPENENT AUDITORSâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; REPORT To the Board of Directors National Chimney Sweep Guild Indianapolis, Indiana We have audited the accompanying ďŹ nancial statements of National Chimney Sweep Guild (NCSG), which comprise the statement of ďŹ nancial position as of August 31, 2012 and the related statements of activities and cash ďŹ&#x201A;ows for the year then ended, and the related notes to the ďŹ nancial statements.

Managementâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Responsibility for the Financial Statements Management is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of these ďŹ nancial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America; this includes the design, implementation, and maintenance of internal control relevant to the preparation and fair presentation of ďŹ nancial statements that are free from material misstatements, whether due to fraud or error.

Auditorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Responsibility Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these ďŹ nancial statements based on our audit. We conducted our audit in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the ďŹ nancial statements are free from material misstatement.

An audit involves performing procedures to obtain audit evidence about the amounts and disclosures in the ďŹ nancial statements. The procedures selected depend on the auditorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s judgment, including the assessment of the risks of material misstatement of the ďŹ nancial statements, whether due to fraud or error. In making those risk assessments, the auditor considers internal control relevant to the Companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s preparation and fair presentation of the ďŹ nancial statements in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s internal control. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes evaluating the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of signiďŹ cant accounting estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the ďŹ nancial statements.

We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufďŹ cient and appropriate to provide a basis for our audit opinion.

Opinion In our opinion, the ďŹ nancial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the ďŹ nancial position of the National Chimney Sweep Guild as of August 31, 2012 and the results of its activities and its cash ďŹ&#x201A;ows for the year then ended in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

Report on Supplementary Information Our audit was conducted for the purpose of forming an opinion on the ďŹ nancial statements as a whole. The accompanying additional information show on pages 13 through 16 is presented for purposes of additional analysis as required by and is not a required part of the ďŹ nancial statements. Such information is the responsibility of management and was derived from and relates directly to the underlying accounting and other records used to prepare the ďŹ nancial statements. The information has been subjected to the auditing procedures applied in the audit of the ďŹ nancial statements and certain additional procedures, including comparing and reconciling such information directly to the underlying accounting and other records used to prepare the ďŹ nancial statements or to the ďŹ nancial statements themselves, and other additional procedures in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America. In our opinion, the information is fairly stated in all material respects in relation to the ďŹ nancial statements as a whole.

March 31, 2013, MERRILL & THOMAN, LLP, CertiďŹ ed Public Accountants

NATIONAL CHIMNEY SWEEP GUILD STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITON YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31, 2012

NATIONAL CHIMNEY SWEEP GUILD STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31, 2012

ASSETS Cash and cash equivalents $ 260,548 Accounts receivable 16,915 Due from CSIA 23,338 Inventory 4,107 Prepaid expenses 9,266 Property, technology and equipment 24,269 TOTAL ASSETS $ 338,443

Reconciliation of change in net assets from operations to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:

LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS Liabilities Accounts payable and accrued liabilities Advance dues and prepaid revenue Accrued payroll and other

Depreciation and amortization Decrease (increase) in: Accounts receivable Prepaid expenses Inventory

Total Liabilities Net Assets Unrestricted net assets Total liabilities and net assets

$ 8,899 281,595 43,858 334,352 4,091 $ 338,443

NATIONAL CHIMNEY SWEEP GUILD STATEMENT OF ACTIVITIES YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31, 2012 Changes in net assets: Operating Revenue Dues Advertising income Trade show and convention income Retail sales Interest income Other Total Operating Revenue Operating Expenses Member services Publications expenses Trade show and convention expenses Supporting activities General management â&#x20AC;&#x201C; staff expenses General management â&#x20AC;&#x201C; other expenses Organization and development Technology

$ 412,929 150,441 239,246 2,493 250 3,344 808,703

258,351 182,103 248,643

21,759 12,398 4,312 803

Total Operating Expenses 728,369 Change in net assets before depreciation and amortization 80,334 Depreciation and amortization 6,441 Change in net assets from operations 73,893 Net assets â&#x20AC;&#x201C; beginning of year (69,802) Net assets â&#x20AC;&#x201C; end of year $ 4,091

Change in net assets from operations

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$ 73,893

Adjustments to reconcile change in net assets from operations to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:

Increase (decrease) in: Accounts payable and accrued expenses Unearned revenue Total adjustments

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6,441

(

57,361 ( 1,430) 183)

(22,736) (48,174) ( 8,721)

Net cash provided by (used in) operating Activities 65,172 Cash ďŹ&#x201A;ows from investing activities: Purchase of property, equipment and technology (29,924) Net change in cash 35,248 Cash and cash equivalents â&#x20AC;&#x201C; beginning of year 225,300 Cash and cash equivalents â&#x20AC;&#x201C; end of year $ 260,548

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Dates & Events June 17-21, 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 June 17-19, 2013 Masonry Repair for Chimney Professionals CSIA Technology Center For more information, please call (317) 837-5362 or visit www.CSIA.org June 20, 2013 New Jersey Chimney Sweep Guild Meeting Monroe, NJ For more information, please contact Stephen Kuber at (732) 920-8770 or email at chimneysweep@comcast.net June 24-28, 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 June 24th - 25th Hope Stevenson & Rick Vlahos Business/Educational Seminar Sponsored by Olympia Chimney Supply Vancouver, WA For more information please contact Mark Calomino at mcalomino@ olympiachimney.com June 24-29, 2013 National Chimney Sweep Training School CSIA Technology Center For more information, please call (317) 837-5362 or visit www.CSIA.org June 28, 2013 CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep® Review & Exams Richmond, VA For more information, please call (317) 837-5362 or visit www.CSIA.org June 28, 2013 Negative Air Pressures and How to Deal With Them Elliot, ME For more information, please contact Donna Smith at dsmith@ ventechindustries.com June 29-30, 2013 Sweepfest 2013 Sponsored by the NEACHP For more information, please contact Phil Mitchell at sootski@aol.com June 29-30, 2013 Hope Stevenson & Rick Vlahos Business/Educational Seminar Sponsored by Olympia Chimney Supply Golden, CO For more information please contact Mark Calomino at mcalomino@ olympiachimney.com

28 SWEEPING JUNE 13

July 1-5, 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 July 8, 2013 CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep® Review & Exams Oceanside, CA - Golden State CSG For more information, please call (317) 837-5362 or visit www.CSIA.org July 8-12, 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 July 15-19, 2013 CSIA Installing and Troubleshooting Gas Hearth Appliances CSIA Technology Center For more information, please call (317) 837-5362 or visit www.CSIA.org July 15-19, 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 July 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 July 29th - 30th Hope Stevenson & Rick Vlahos Business/Educational Seminar Sponsored by Olympia Chimney Supply Golden, CO For more information please contact Mark Calomino at mcalomino@olympiachimney. com

Please send notice of your events for NCSG Dates & Events listings at mmcmahon@ncsg.org for inclusion here, in weekly posts to the discussion list and online at www.NCSG.org/dates. The event must be considered educational or informative for the industry (sales events and open houses will not be listed).

BY ASHLEY ELDRIDGE, INTERIM EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Times Are Changing

A

s I look back on previous conventions, I am reminded of how I felt when I attended my first one in Minneapolis in 1980. The real reason I went from Virginia to Minnesota was to get CSIA Certified. fi d I really had no idea what to expect, but I knew that would be an important step in marketing my business and making sure I was doing the right thing for my customers. My first impression was that there were lots of folks there who were real characters. It was there I first met Fred Toldo and Norman Lenz. Fred had spiders on his top hat and Norman had a brush that was 36 inches round. The camaraderie I experienced at that convention was as amazing as the technical subjects being discussed. I decided to do my best to return as often as possible. Hearing that others were having the same challenges I was encountering was encouraging and enlightening. Everyone was willing to share their techniques and solutions to the problems we were all finding in the field. I came away thinking “What a great bunch of people”.

I learned so much from the conversations and classes that I would never have seen if I didn’t make the effort to go. In a XBZ UIF PUIFS TXFFQT BU UIF DPOWFOUJPO XFSF MJLF B .*9 HSPVQ

for me. Some were not shy in telling me all of the things they thought I was doing wrong and how their methods were the way to go. I was able to pick and choose which direction I wanted for my business. Options are always a good thing!

After returning from Minneapolis, I put together the Chimney Sweep Guild of Virginia in an effort to keep the dialog alive. In later years, the NCSG established a program where some state guilds became affiliated on an official level. Virginia was one of the first to sign up and get in that information stream.

In today’s instant information society, it is important to keep that personal contact. There are many people that I have met over the years who I only see at the NCSG convention and it is like no time has passed at all. It is encouraging to see my friends succeed. That is what the annual convention is all about.

While not all of the suggestions were useful back at that convention in Minneapolis, there were many more that were a tremendous help when I got back home and went to work. Not all of the ideas I embraced had to do with technical aspects of the business. There were lots of ideas that incorporated handmade tools and unique approaches. I left feeling much more JUNE 13 SWEEPING 29

conďŹ dent about how I was operating my ďŹ&#x201A;edgling company. I also recognized that there was much to do, especially from an operational standpoint. Shortly after returning, I embraced the computer and proceeded to put all of my customers in a database that I created. That was a huge improvement over the 3x5â&#x20AC;? index cards that I was using to store this information previously.

Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been involved with many more conventions over the years and I have never been disappointed. There are things that happen that canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be scripted, but make for fond memories. I remember feeling energized every time I returned home. I had loads of new ideas I could incorporate in my business.

The biggest challenge was in making the commitment to try these new ideas. I confess that there were many that would have served me well that were not given the attention they so deserved.

Attending the convention as a small business owner reinforced the idea that I needed to be as visible in my community as possible. My plan was to go to as many meetings as possible and teach homeowners about chimney safety. While it did take a lot of time after ordinary work hours, it was one of the best decisions I made. I was able to build relationships with the ďŹ re department, home inspectors, building ofďŹ cials and the general public that paid dividends for years.

Speaking to the Lions Club, the Rotary Club, participating in public television auctions and even vocation day at school will all help you learn more about what the average client wants to know. When I had my sweep business, I even conducted safety meetings for the local, large manufacturing plant. All of these resulted in immediate bookings, but the greater result was general recognition. When someone asked for a referral, they were much more likely to be given my company name since I was â&#x20AC;&#x153;knownâ&#x20AC;?. You are unlikely to ever get a better referral that that of a happy client. It is what most sweeps are trying to achieve in our market.

Just like you, the NCSG tries to raise the bar at every convention.

We want you to have an experience like I did and make every effort to attend every year. I should add, many thanks to all that contributed to making the convention in Branson another great opportunity for sweeps around the world to share. It is rewarding to hear, year after year, â&#x20AC;&#x153;This was the best convention ever!â&#x20AC;?

Sometimes it is a useful exercise to look back and remember those things that we did when we were ďŹ rst starting out. The simple stuff like business cards and posters in the windows of the hearth shops still have the best return. Over the years, NCSG has changed the focus of the convention from being focused entirely on technical subjects to hosting a mix of technical and business classes. This is an important change as sweeps face the challenges of operating a small business in this economic climate. Most with small businesses would prefer to sweep a chimney than deďŹ ne our ideal customer. Knowing who that ideal customer is will lead to greater proďŹ ts and a better experience for us and for them. As one small example, it is certainly a worthwhile task.

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There have been many changes over the years; that is indisputable. Rather than ďŹ ghting change, it is important to look for opportunities to keep you and your business fresh and relevant.

I am reminded of the quote that goes something like this, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Find something you love to do and youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll never work a day in your lifeâ&#x20AC;?. Chimney sweeps love what they do or they would do something else. There is no substitute for saving lives and property on a daily basis. Keep up the good work!

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.

Submitted by Frank Dombrowski of Lebanon Valley Chimney Sweeps. His customer says she calls it her “Who-ville chimney”.

Display Ad Index Page #

Advertiser

Phone

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30

Ahrens Chimney Technique

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Lifetime Chimney Supply LLC

877-234-7473

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Lindemann Chimney Company

800-722-7230

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National Chimney

800-897-8481

www.nationalchimney.com

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New England Chimney Supply

888-900-8106

www.newenglandchimneysupply.com

6

Novaflex

800-654-5600

www.novaflex.com

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Olympia Chimney Supply

800-569-1425

www.olympiachimney.com

27

Sand Hill Wholesale

800-258-5496

www.sandhillwholesale.com

4

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800-860-6327

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lack of funding would like to join a company which will bring you your own dreams. We are not seeking a buy in person from funds, rather a person who can buy in with their skills and talents and can assist us in our business exit plans. All replies will be in strict conďŹ dence. Please reply via email to jerry@chimneyandventingconsultants.com

GasVent Software for Sizing Chimneys only $195. Call 1-800648-9523 for more info and visit www.elitesoft.com to download a free trial version.

Operations Manager. Growing Hearth Retailer, Full service chimney company is seeking a candidate to oversee ďŹ eld operations. Installation, service, and repair. Must have minimum 5 Yearsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; experience in the industry and possess a CSIA certiďŹ cation, as well as NFI, MHP or speciďŹ c certiďŹ cations. Please send resumes to Bobsmith@chesterchimney.com.

One of our clients with a progressive and ďŹ nancially stable company in the Mid-Atlantic states is seeking a person who is interested in coming on board as a working technician, with the potential of moving into a leadership role as general manager and part owner to satisfy our needs for an exit plan. We offer a dynamic compensation plan. We are looking for this transition to occur over a 3 - 5 year time frame. Seeking an individual who may have their own business now but due to local economies or

CLASSIFIED ADS FREE FOR NCSG MEMBERS Members can run one 35 word classiďŹ ed free each year! Regularly classiďŹ ed ads are $2/word or $1/word for NCSG members. ClassiďŹ ed ads are non-commissionable and must be pre-paid. To place a classiďŹ ed ad, please contact Megan McMahon at mmcmahon@ncsg.org or (317) 837-1500.

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