Sweeping Magazine - March/April 2020

Sweeping March/April 2020 VOLUME 44 #3

NCSG 2020

The Journal of Chimney and Venting Technology

Google My Business 101 2020 NCSG Convention Trade Show Exhibitors Meet a Member: Tim Smith

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Departments President’s Letter 3 Sweeps Say 4 Editor’s Letter 5 Tech Q&A 26 Coach’s Corner 28 Membership Memo 36 New Members 41 Around the Tech Center 42 Upcoming Events 43 Classifieds 43 Darwin Award 44

NCSG 2020

On the cover: the Rosen Plaza, photo-illustration by David Bruce, Red2 Design Bureau

Table of Contents Sweeping March/April 2020 Volume 44 Issue 3

Features

Google My Business 101

NCSG 2020 Trade Show Exhibitor Profiles

Meet a Member— Tim Smith

6 11 32 xhibitor Profiles

de Show

NCSG 2020

1 S W E E P I N G March/April 2020

Masonry Fireplace Construction and Restoration (866) 283-8667 Ext. 700

Smoke Chambers and Cast in Place Liner Installation (866) 283-8667 Ext. 706

Factory Built Fireplace Installation and Replacement (866) 283-8667 Ext. 701

Dryer Vents (866) 283-8667 Ext. 707

Gas Appliance Venting, Gas Logs and NFPA 54 (866) 283-8667 Ext. 702 Oil Appliance Venting and NFPA 31 (866) 283-8667 Ext. 703 Chimney Inspection, Documentation and NFPA 211 (Levels of Inspection) (866) 283-8667 Ext. 704

Installation and Venting of Pellet Stoves (866) 283-8667 Ext. 708 IRC and NFPA 211 (Code Questions) (866) 283-8667 Ext. 709 Customer Service and Customer Communication (866) 283-8667 Ext. 710 General Sweeping and Repair (866) 283-8667 Ext. 711

NATIONAL CHIMNEY SWEEP GUILD BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2019-2020

TECHNICAL ADVISORY COUNCIL

fireplaceservicecenter@gmail.com

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STAFF

Resources 2155 Commercial Drive Plainfield, IN 46168 (317) 837-1500 Fax: (317) 837-5365

Megan McMahon Executive Director mmcmahon@ncsg.org Annemarie Stockton Director of Communications and Marketing astockton@ncsg.org Russell Dimmitt Education Director rdimmitt@ncsg.org Charissa Benge Mahaffey Certification Coordinator cmahaffey@ncsg.org Penny Seals Academic Coordinator pseals@ncsg.org

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Sara Sichting Systems and Records Coordinator ssichting@ncsg.org Tammy Bruner Program Coordinator tbruner@ncsg.org Natalie Spruell Office Coordinator nspruell@ncsg.org

COMMITTEE CHAIRS and TASK FORCES 2019 – 2020

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 firsthand 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.

Region 6 Bob Ferrari (530) 941-5818 bob@flueseason.com

Vice President, Region 4 Jeff Keefer 513-248-9600 info@chimneycareco.com

At-Large Director Tom Hunkele (515) 249-6337 topnotchchimney@gmail.com

Treasurer, Region 3 Ron Rust (803) 730-5858 tophatswp@aol.com

At-Large Director Steven Scally (603) 895-8746 firesidesweeps@comcast.net

Secretary, Region 1 Matt Mair (603) 525-7905 matt@blackmoosechimney. com

At-Large Director Joe Sauter (317) 243-9687 joe@yourchimneysweep.com

Region 2 Bill Thornton (215) 540-9787 wissahickonvalleysweep@ yahoo.com

Stainless Steel Liner Installation (866) 283-8667 Ext. 705 To contact any member of the Technical Advisory Council, please call (866) 283-8667 and select the extension for the person who is best qualified to answer your question:

President, Region 5 Jasper Drengler (715) 304-8934 drengler01@gmail.com

Supplier Representative Stuart Karanovich (765) 966-5084 stuartk@saversystems.com

Bylaws Jeff Keefer 513-248-9600 info@chimneycareco.com

NFPA 211 Representative Jim Brewer (757) 523-2400 jbrewer@magic-sweep.com

Ethics Joe Sauter (317) 243-9687 joe@yourchimneysweep.com

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

Governance Tom Hunkele (641) 774-8056 topnotchchimney@gmail.com

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

Government Affairs Jeff Keefer 513-248-9600 info@chimneycareco.com

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

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

Scholarship Committee Gregg Boss (636) 391-2226 englishsweep@att.net

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

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 Layout and design by David Bruce, Red2 Design Bureau NCSG encourages industry partners to submit press releases and articles to editor David Bruce at red2designbureau@gmail.com. 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 publication’s 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. © 2020 National Chimney Sweep Guild, 2155 Commercial Drive, Plainfield, IN 46168. (317) 837-1500

C

ustomer Service Do you serve your customers? Do you have business because you do the best work in town? Are you back logged three months at times? Do people wait for you and pay your price because they understand quality?

That’s all great! One more question—would they call someone else and pay more for the same work, but better service? Just think about that.

What’s your idea of good service?

Do you mind paying more for a better quality product? Is service when the valet keeps your car close, the host has your favorite table ready and the staff remembers your favorite order? Do you willingly pay the plumbers their afterhours rates or go without for a couple days till you fit their schedule?

A few months ago I was offered

a super cheap cruise with a group of people I knew I’d have a good time with. I had been crazy busy with work and never looking into the trip details other than the cost and dates.

When I first set eyes on the ship I wasn’t super excited It was easily 20 years older than any other cruise ship I’d been on. More than once I reminded myself it was about the people and it was crazy cheap. The ship was smaller, it was dated etc. However, after a couple days, I realized the service was hands down the absolute best I’ve ever seen! Once I started to notice how above and beyond every single staff member was going, it made me smile. This was my very first time with this company but they treated me like I was a diamond level lifetime customer.

In my own business I feel we

President’s

Letter Jasper Drengler

President

flatlined a little this year, we grew too much, hired too fast and I’ll admit some customers received better service than others. I’m confident that even though my green horns do better work than some local brush pushers, I still want to raise the bar. The next couple months we will be coaching and improving and hiring. 2019 was amazing and 2020 is going to be better!

Be safe, be profitable!

Jasper Drengler NCSG President

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March/April 2020

Sweeps

Say

What are your best tips and tricks for getting the most out of the Trade Show?

“Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there and meet other sweeps.

Some of the most valuable information I get at convention is from having conversations with others.”

Kurt Felgemacher, Felgemacher Masonry “Visit every booth and strike up a conversation. Even vendors you aren’t using at this time. Amazing what you can learn and also pick up some techniques.”

Mark and Katie Maynard, The Chimney Guy, LLC “Make sure your name badge is turned so the vendor/supplier can read it. Comfortable shoes and ask the staff at the booth any questions you might have. Believe me, they love to answer any questions if they can. If you’re able to try a piece of equipment... do it. Other than that, relax and enjoy.”

Diane Pilger, Chief Chimney Services, Inc. “Download the app on your phone. It will help get you around as well.”

Steven Scally, Fireside Sweeps LLC

Look out for each month’s Sweeps Say question on Facebook!

The premier chimney cap for keeping smoke out of living spaces.

• Vacu-Stack® works with single wall, double wall, triple wall, or masonry.

• Solves draft problems related to hills and mountains, tall trees, and tall buildings near the chimney.

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• Sizes available from 3” to 30”+; custom and oversize available.

Air cooled and non-air cooled.

Model VSA-TDW for air cooled chimney

the authentic Available from leading distributors nationwide.

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• Standard construction is 100% austenitic stainless steel; also available in other alloys including copper and Type 316 for marine/coal appliances.

Improved Consumer Products, Inc. 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 last 40+ years, there is only one Vacu-Stack®.

Always ask for it by name and look for

the seal of authenticity on top of the cap.

100% made in USA

S

pring is in the air!

The staff here at NCSG are in full convention mode, and we are so excited to put on a great convention for both newcomers and veterans alike. The event wouldn’t be half as successful if it weren’t for our wonderful volunteers!

I’d like to give a massive thank you to those who have already signed up to volunteer. If you are interested in joining in the fun, we still have plenty of spots available. Just visit the convention website to check out the opportunities.

Speaking of convention, take a look at all of our 2020 Trade Show Exhibitor Bios on page 11.

The best of the best suppliers and vendors will be at our show, so you definitely don’t want to miss out. Is it your first time attending the NCSG convention? Check out our

Sweeps Say article to my left for some tips on navigating the Trade Show, then head over to the Membership Memo to read about our First Time Attendee Orientation. It’s a great way for both business owners and employees to get the most out of their convention experience.

On page 6, Carter Harkins and Taylor Hill of Spark Marketer provide some excellent insights into Google My Business and why we all should be taking advantage of this free (for now) tool. With baseball season on the horizon, this month’s Coach’s Corner gets us all thinking about our own batting averages (Sales batting averages that is).

I hope this spring season treats you all well and that your profits grow (and your allergies do not). See you in Orlando!

Editor’s

Letter Annemarie Stockton

Editor

Visit our booth at:

Feb 20-22 Chimney Expo

Tel: 508-985-3746 rodstationusa@gmail.com

www.rodstationusa.com

April 1-4 NCSG Convention March/April 2020

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Google My Business 101 — What You Need To Know About Using This Free Tool To Manage Your Online Presence

I

By Carter Harkins and Taylor Hill Spark Marketer

H

opefully this isn’t the first time you’re hearing about Google My Business. It’s been important for a good while now, but you may not realize why it’s important, or just how important it is.

So let’s cover the basics, shall we?

What Is Google My Business?

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First things first, what the heck is Google My Business (GMB)? Well, it’s a free tool designed to help businesses manage their online presence on Google search and maps. You may know it as the business profile you see directly in search results or in maps when you search for a business.

Here’s the thing: Google has always wanted to give searchers answers to their queries as quickly as possible, without requiring them to leave the search results. That means they want to provide the searcher with everything they need to know about your business, without sending them to your website.

That’s where Google My Business comes in...

When a searcher searches for your business, your GMB profile shows up on the right hand side of search results. Your GMB profile is designed to quickly give the searcher the critical business info they’re looking for,

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like address, phone number, hours, etc.

Searchers seem to love it, which is why Google keeps adding more and more features and allowing businesses to add more and more content and info to their GMB profiles.

An added benefit for businesses who create robust GMB profiles is that Google oftentimes chooses to surface much of this content in search results, outside of just the GMB profile.

Why Google My Business Is Important (Or, Why You Should Be Utilizing GMB To The Max) You’ve got enough on your plate, why worry about creating a robust GMB profile?

Think about it: if you have a well-known brand, people are likely going to search for your company name on Google when they’re researching and comparing you with your competitors.

Of course, you want to make sure your website is optimized so it shows up in the search results they see, but Google is first and foremost going to show your GMB profile on the right hand side, along with the posts, images, reviews, and critical business information that’s been added to the profile. So, you want to make sure the GMB profile that surfaces for your business is

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packed with the info searchers are looking for.

If you have better (and more) reviews than the competition, images of your staff and the quality work you do, and answers to common questions right there in your listing, you’ll make it easy for potential customers to choose you.

Now, you may be thinking, “Well, if they get everything they need right there in my GMB profile, they may not ever visit my website.”

True, but you still need to have a good one.

Why? Your website validates your legitimacy to Google. Plus, according to BrightLocal’s 2019 Consumer Review Survey, after reading positive reviews in the GMB profile, the #1 thing people do is visit the company’s website.

So don’t worry, that website you put so much time, effort, and money into is still key.

That said, with the increasing importance of GMB and consumers’ reliance on it to research businesses, you may see fewer visits to your website. Just try not to freak out! We’ve seen some companies get more leads from GMB than from their website. A lead is a lead, so celebrate!

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What Can You Do In Google My Business?

Alright, so what all can you do in GMB and what features should you be taking advantage of? Currently, there are quite a few things you can do in GMB, like: 1. Add your basic business info, like name, address, phone number, hours, business description, etc.

2 Add photos and videos of your location (if applicable), services, team, work done, etc.

3.Respond to Google reviews. P.S. You should make it a goal to respond to all reviews because your potential customers are looking to see how you handle both satisfied and unsatisfied customers. According to BrightLocal’s 2019 Local Consumer Review Survey, 97 percent of consumers that read reviews read businesses’ responses to reviews, and 71% of consumers say they’re more likely to use a business that has responded to their existing reviews.

4. Create Google Posts. Google posts are a bit like social posts that can surface in search results.

They can be quickly created, images and videos can be added to them, and they can be used for

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Trade Show

Exhibitor Profiles

NCSG 2020 A.W. Perkins 36 Curtis Avenue Rutland, VT 05701 800-698-7412 www.awperkins.com tmartin@awperkins.com A.W. Perkins Company is the industry’s leading supplier of Professional Chimney Power Sweeping and Dryer Vent Cleaning Equipment. Our RoVac® Cleaning System pairs our RoVac Vacuum with the original ButtonLok Chimney Rods, Enforcer ButtonLok Steel Rods/Tools and Medusa whips, Stinger whips and creosote removing chains.

Our spring mounted brushes for dryer vent cleaning have become industry standard, and we now offer versions for pellet stoves and air ducts. Our newest item is the PterodacTILE Flue Tile Remover/Setter. We also make a line of high-temperature cements and mortars, high temperature silicone sealants, Hearthglass Cleaner, and Break-N-Burn fire starters. Contact us today for a catalog and look for us at industry trade shows.

Ahrens Chimney 2000 Industrial Ave. Sioux Falls, SD 57104 1-800-843-4417 www.ahrenfire.com ahrenschimney@qwestoffice.net A successful chimney professional needs products and knowledge to solve customer problems at a profit. Internationally respected for the Ahrens poured-in-place chimney lining system, Ahrens offers the products and tools to boost your bottom line. Chamber-Tech 2000, an amazing high temperature insulating mortar for smoke chamber

Sponsors in red restoration, along with our newly developed Ahren-Fire fireplace restoration system are just a couple of specialty products available as profit potential to you. Call and receive our Chim-Pro Chimney & Fireplace Restoration catalog and handbook. It contains all the tools, products and knowledge to get the job done right.

Approved Industries 78 Lawrence St, Hackensack, NJ 201-489-5100 and 866-439-0069 www.approvedindustries.com info@approvedindustries.com Approved Industries was founded on the belief that chimney safety is not an option—it is a necessity. The company’s dedicated team has trained countless chimney and venting professionals across the US and Canada. Through science and modern technology, Approved family of sprayed ceramic products—Thermocrete® and Smoktite—have brought innovation to the chimney repair and venting industry.

Thermocrete® is a premium, durable ceramic liner for use in the repair, restoration and energy conversion of chimneys and chimney flues.

Thermocrete seals holes and cracks, increases efficiency, and strengthens the chimney.

Thermocrete makes it easy to retrofit chimneys for conversion to natural gas. Installation is quick, cost effective and environmentally friendly.

And unlike traditional fuel conversion methods, Thermocrete requires no major construction and does not reduce the diameter of the flue.

Smoktite is a highly insulative ceramic product

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NCSG 2020

that is used to seal, smooth and insulate chimney smoke chambers without removing the damper frame or adjacent brickwork. Smoktite sprays on to seal the surface with a durable ceramic coating that is good up to 2291 degrees Fahrenheit and is impervious to acids, vapors, and water. Introduced in the summer of 2002, Smoktite is now being used by chimney professionals all across the country.

BAC Fireside Group 1871 Route 9H Hudson, NY 12531 800-873-1330 www.bacsales.com inventory@firesideamerica.com BAC Fireside Group is the eastern USA’s premiere fireplace and hearth products distributor. We are a complete source for all your hearth needs.

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Barnhill Chimney Supply 1588 Delaware Ave. Lexington, KY 40505 859-389-8607 orders@barnhillsupply.com At Barnhill Chimney, a service-based company that’s probably a lot like yours, we grew frustrated by caps that didn’t quite do the job. So when we launched Barnhill Chimney Supply, we developed products that we felt comfortable installing on our client’s homes. Our caps are made not just for clients but for installers, too. They’re easy to install, easy to access for cleaning, and come with a lifetime warranty. We’ve done the research in our shop, but also out in the field and up on rooftops. If we can’t be there climbing up those ladders with you, we’re happy that our products can be there helping to get the job done.

Blaze King Industries, Inc. 146 A Street Walla Walla, WA 99362 800-456-8818 www.blazeking.com cneufeld@blazeking.com Blaze King manufacturers a full line of wood and gas stoves and fireplace inserts. Blaze King currently has 13 wood models that meets EPA’s 2020+ emissions requirements. Visit our booth to learn more about our special program just for sweeps.

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Blue Collar Entrepreneur Magazine 582 Pleasant St. apt. 1M Holyoke, MA 01040 413-887-2374 www.BlueCollarMagazine.com Davehannah@comcast.net A national trade magazine serving Chimney Sweeps and Hearth Product Professional that publishes quarterly in March, June, September and December to over 6,000 trade companies began in 2015 by Dave Hannah. Our prime mission is to provide the chimney service industry educational content, build membership in state, regional, National Guild and HPBA affiliate associations. We also support important industry causes like the CSIA/NCSG, HPBA, Sweep Away Cancer and Warrior Horse. This magazine is a supplier member of the NCSG. Our print national magazine is subscription free to all in our industry and is wholly funded by the advertising of our loyal vendors of the chimney service industry. Complimentary magazines will be available at our booth in Orlando. Magazine Challenge Coins will also be available. Our convention trade show booth will offer Eva Horton Day shirts for sale to benefit Sweep Away Cancer and Warrior Horse. On Eva Horton Day, June 12, 2020, a tile to honor Eva Horton as the 1977 founder of the guild will be revealed at the CSIA Tech Center. We will also raffle at convention, $600 bottle of Commander Select Horse Soldier Bourbon to benefit Warrior Horse.

Brandtastic 2265 Palmview Cir. Auburndale, FL 33823 407-414-5270 www.brandtastic1.com/chimney-sweep-websitedesign-seo/ frank@brandtastic1.com Fire Up Your Web Marketing with Brandtastic Web Design, SEO, Photography, Content Creation, Google Ads, Social Media Management, Blogging, Facebook Ads, Review Building, Email Marketing, Video and More!

Certified Chimney Professionals PO Box 300, Lemont, PA 16851 814-689-1576 CertifiedChimneyProfessionals.com contact@CertifiedChimneyProfessionals.com Certified Chimney Professionals has been providing an alternative in Chimney Sweeping Certification since 2010, as well as hosting hundreds of sweeps at the annual Chimney Expo held each year.

We offer the traditional Chimney Professional Certification and the industries FIRST comprehensive Chimney Relining Certification and Certified Master Chimney Technician Certification. (CCP, CCR & CMCT Certifications) Our certifications are designed around the needs/ desires of the modern sweep. Online certification, comprehensive, & at a low cost. We save you time, travel and $$$! Or, we also come to your company for in-house training! Call for more info.

Chimney Products, Inc. 11011 Glenoaks Blvd. Suite #1 Pacoima, CA 91331 800-366-8677 www.chimneyproductsinc.com chimneyproductsorders@gmail.com Chimney Products Inc. is a leading manufacturer and distributor of quality American made chimney caps, dampers, heat reflectors, smoke guards and more. Known for many years as RMR Products, Chimney Products Inc. is proud to serve chimney sweeps, stores and contractors all over the United States of America.

Chimney Safety Institute of America 2155 Commercial Drive Plainfield, IN 46168 317-837-5362 www.csia.org office@csia.org The Chimney Safety Institute of America has been the industry leader in chimney and dryer vent maintenance education since 1983. A nonprofit organization run by a volunteer board of directors, we are dedicated to the education, training and certification of chimney and industry related professionals, and to educating the public about the dangers of chimney fires and other problems related to the maintenance and performance of chimney and venting systems. Our nationallyrecognized credentials available to professionals

include CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep, CSIA Certified Dryer Exhaust Technician, and CSIA Master Chimney Sweep.

ChimSpect Software 4734 Middlebranch Ave, Canton, OH 44705 888-468-1156 www.ChimSpect.com Jim@chimspect.com ChimSpect is dedicated to saving you time, increasing your profits and reducing liability with detailed chimney inspections and report writing.

The ChimSpect app and software are designed to create detailed chimney inspection reports in record time using all the information required

by NFPA 211 and record any other information your company wants included. Print or email your report with all your pictures, findings, conclusions and your customers’ signature from Apple or Android devices. ChimSpect is co-owned by a veteran software developer, Bill Ferguson, with over 40 years’ experience. Bill is a Certified Chimney Inspector, F.I.R.E. The company’s other co-owners are Jim and Becky Ferguson, owners of Ferguson’s Fireside Chimney Cleaning Inc started 1982. F.I.R.E, CSIA, CCP Master Chimney Technician Closing Commander 604 Gallatin Ave Suite 111, Nashville, TN 37206 615-455-5980 www.closingcommander.com Closing Commander unlocks the cash trapped in open estimates by effectively automating followup communications with customers.

Copperfield Chimney Supply 304 South 20th Street, Fairfield, Iowa 52556 800-247-3305 www.copperfield.com jsimmons@copperfield.com Copperfield is the largest chimney supply company in North America. Copperfield was founded in 1978 and currently distributes chimney and hearth products to professionals in the United States. Known for its selection, service, and helpfulness, Copperfield has long been the industry leader not only with products but also education. The education Copperfield provides has assisted many professionals in taking their

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NCSG 2020

business to the next level both technically and professionally. Knowing that a reliable supplier is the key to success, Copperfield has the lowest back order rates and fastest shipping in the industry with all orders placed by 3 pm customer time shipped the same day.

CUI 1026 Old Stage Rd. Simpsonville, SC 29680 800-845-5301 www.cuiheat.com tiffany@cuiheat.com CUI is committed to providing dealers and distributors products quickly. We maintain the largest inventory of ready-to-ship products in the industry—with $22 million in inventory to start the peak heating season, and a minimum of $12 million inventory at the end of the season. We’re ready to ship to you whenever your need arises.

We process over 600 phone calls per day, and ship orders in the system by 1 p.m. Eastern the same day.

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Cumberland Creative 5202 Centennial Blvd Suite 101 Nashville, TN 37209 601-341-2155 www.cumberlandcreative.co Matthew@cumberlandcreative.co At Cumberland Creative we specialize in capturing and telling stories in a way that is authentic, genuine, and visually captivating.

Cumberland assists clients with all aspects of content marketing from concept creation, production, post-production, and implementation.

Cumberland has partnered with chimney companies for years from Tennessee to New York and everywhere in between. We help our clients make the most out of their marketing dollars.

CVC Success Group 1715 Colfax Dr. SE Concord NC 28025 704-425-0217 www.cvcsuccessgroup.com info@cvcsucessgroup.com CVC Success Group provides business coaching, consulting and is a provider of education both in person and on-line through our CVC Base Camp Education Platform. We have been providing industry support services as our product full time since 2010, and we have a team of coaches

March/April 2020

and trainers who have been through training and certification under the John Maxwell, Zig Ziglar and Jeffrey Gitomer Organizations. CVC Coaching holds the distinction of being an “NCSG Approved Provider of Education to the NCSG membership”. Check out our monthly articles in Sweeping Magazine & the NCSG Webinar we present monthly as a member benefit of the NCSG. We offer deep industry depth in the area of educational presentations, technical support services and our network of experts brings you access to the leading support staff that works to maintain our mission of “Turning Your Business Dreams Into Your Business Realities”. So if you are ready to move to the level you dream of, let’s talk during the show. We look forward to the opportunity to help you live your business dreams!

Direct Connect Solutions 3646 Old Clarksville Pike, Joelton, TN 37080 615-386-3946 www.DCScompass.com info@directconnectsolutions.com Direct Connect Solutions is a consulting company offering a variety of services including their premium Field Management Software Solution “Compass”, which will revolutionize the way your company engages with your customers.

Duct Cleaners’ Supply 11153 S. Wilton River Rd. New Richland, MN 56072 800-634-2822 www.ductcleanerssupply.com 4viper@ductcleanerssupply.com Duct Cleaners’ Supply has the innovative products you need to get the job done and the every day items you use at affordable prices. Our Patented Build-A-Brush™ and Revolution Rods™ allow you to sweep systems with ease and give you unmatched versatility. For more information check out our website at www.ductcleanerssupply.com or call 800-634-2822.

DuraVent 28 W. Adams St. Detroit, MI 48226 800-835-4429 www.duravent.com marketing@duravent.com

ENERVEX, Inc 1685 Bluegrass Lakes Parkway Alpharetta, GA 30004 770-587-3238 www.enervex.com johna@enervex.com ENERVEX is a world-leading supplier of mechanical draft systems and integrated venting design solutions. Products include ENERVEX Controls, ENERVEX Dampers, RS Chimney Fan, RSHT Chimney Fan, and IntelliDraft. The ENERVEX Chimney Fan System is the Guaranteed Solution To Smoking Fireplaces.

Estoban Corporation - Chim-Scan® 1643 Old Hwy 34 Fairfield, IA 52556 641-472-7643 www.chimscan.net info@chimscan.net Estoban Corporation designs chimney inspection cameras and air duct inspection systems. Our chimney inspection cameras and chimney cleaning tools are designed to operate in common chimney flues sized from 3” venting pipe to 18”x18” fireplace flues. Chim-Scan® is THE chimney sweep camera of choice since 1984, we have designed and built systems that have stood the test of time. We do all repair and update work on our systems.

Firesafe Industries 5335 Ritchie Road, Bealton, VA 22712 800-545-6607 www.firesafeinc.com Firesafe Industries’ 37 years of extensive fieldwork combined with the latest scientific research, tools, and technology have allowed us to develop higher quality products and more efficient repair systems. Our experience in ceramic engineering and polymer coatings has led to vast improvements in chimney lining systems and chimney maintenance products. Our chimney lining products and systems include the cast-in-place GUARDIAN chimney liner®, GUARDIAN S.C.R. smoke chamber restoration system, ChamberGuard smoke chamber pargeting material, ChamberSpray sprayable smoke chamber system, and the FireGuard ™ ceramic mortar joint and resurfacing system for vitreous clay flue linings. Our maintenance product, CrownGuard,

is a severe weather crown repair and protection membrane. Our Plaster Creosote Dissolver is used to remove heavy glaze creosote.

Imperial Mfg. Group 1450 Discovery Parkway, Alton, IL 62002 618-465-3133 ext. 3252 www.imperialgroup.ca megan.williams@imperialgroup.ca Manufacturer of Black Stove Pipe & Fittings, Galvanized Furnace Pipe & Fittings, UL Stove Boards, Chimney Brushes, Chimney Caps, Stove & Fireplace Maintenance / Cleaning Products, Bath & Dryer Venting Products and Insulated Flex Duct. We have a 270,000 sq. ft. manufacturing and distribution facility located in Alton, IL (St. Louis Area) and 6 other manufacturing facilities throughout Canada.

Improved Consumer Products PO Box B, Attleboro Falls, MA 02763 508-695-7000 www.chimneycaps.com More than 35 years ago, we built our business in a small New England town and that’s where we’ve stayed. In that time, ICP has developed and offered unique products for solving difficult chimney draft problems. Our strong background in chimney technology and metallurgy has resulted in ICP being recognized as one of the country’s most respected and trusted sources for chimney products and problem-solving information.

Our engineers are ready to speak with you at any time about your special requirements, to resolve particular needs, or to troubleshoot difficult chimney draft problems. Please call whenever we can be of assistance.

InOvate Dryer Products 250 S. Central BLvd. Ste 207 Jupiter, FL 33458 561-744-0473 www.inovate.com info@inovate.com For more than 20 years, InOvate has focused on improving product performance and home safety. Helping home service companies deliver superior solutions is a passion here. You’ll find a commitment that has translated into many success stories for InOvate customers. Home

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Service Company product solutions include the Dryerbox, DryerClamp, Dryer-Ell, DryerFlex, DryerJack, DryerWallVent, Defender and the LintAlert. Each product comes with an arsenal of service training, sales training and marketing support. Count on InOvate as your partner in success for delivering superior home service solutions to your customers.

Jeremias Flue Systems 983 Industrial Park Marietta, GA 30062 518-744-8322 www.jeremiasinc.com info@jeremiasinc.com Jeremias is one of the world`s leading manufacturers of flue and chimney systems for the exhaust of gases and ventilation, covering all kinds of domestic, commercial and industrial applications. Jeremias Group product range includes 90 different CE or UL certified systems covering commercial and domestic applications complimented by freestanding Industrial steel chimneys up to 4 feet in diameter. Jeremias offers its clients a wide range of high quality products, technical support for projects, and stack sizing software.

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KW USA 120 S. Sylvania Ave. Suite A Fort Worth, TX 76111 817-393-4029 www.KW-USA.com KW-sales@RMmanifold.com KW USA is a manufacturer of draft control products for the Hearth, Kitchen, and Domestic markets. The RSD High-temperature exhaust fans are rated for gas or solid fuel applications, and are the ideal solution to create perfect draft for fireplaces, pizza ovens, cooking appliances, and domestic heating appliances. KW USA also offers barometric dampers, mechanical dampers, electrostatic particle separators, flue silencer, and all the other accessories you need to complete your system.

Lindemann Chimney Supply 110 Albretch Drive, Lake Bluff IL 60044 800-722-7230 LindemannChimneySupply.com Erin@Lindemannchimney.com “We measure our success by the impact we have on the world.” That’s our mission. The vehicle is

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a wholesale distribution company that delivers supplies and tools to the chimney service industry. We are nowhere close to success if all we do is get you what you need, when you need it, and make a few bucks. We’re about building relationships with our customers forged out of trust and mutual respect. We partner with businesses, learn how they operate, and listen to how we can help. We’ve help launch hundreds of sweep companies and work with the industry’s top professionals. We are on a mission to help sweep companies around the country reach their full potential. If you are serious about your profession and share similar values as us, we’d love to partner with you.

Market Hardware, Inc. 4800 Montgomery Lane Suite 750, Bethesda, MD 20814 888-381-6925 www.markethardware.com NCSG@markethardware.com For nearly 17 years, we’ve been the leading provider of custom Websites and Internet marketing services in the chimney cleaning industry. By focusing on chimney sweeps, we’ve gained unique and invaluable ‘insider’ intelligence. Expertise we’ve sharpened through our partnership with NCSG and various major industry suppliers. So, when it comes to Websites, SEO, Social Media and more, we know what works, what doesn’t and why. Which is also why we’re recommended to advise members just like you.

You’ve probably seen us speak at conferences, read our articles or attended one of our quarterly Webinars. We’re set up to help you rule your local market and keep you a dominant player year-in, year-out.

Masonry Heater Association of North America 2180 S. Flying Q Lane, Tucson, AZ. 85713 520-883-0191 www.mha-net.org execdir@mha-net.org The Masonry Heater Association of North America believes that the masonry heater is the premium wood-burning system available in North America. Not a woodstove or masonry fireplace, masonry heaters designs are different. They operate on the principle that a fuel load is burned

rapidly and resulting heat is stored in a masonry mass. When operated correctly, they provide high efficiency and low emissions. Masonry heaters have been used for centuries in Europe and Asia and more recently are becoming a household name in North America. Stop by the Masonry Heater Association’s booth and learn more.

Mongoose Metals, Inc. 2525 Commercial St. NE Salem, OR 97301 503-364-4318 www.mongoosemetals.com duane@mongoosemetals.com My Fireplace Products 2818 Laurier Boulevard, T4, #1805, QuĂŠbec, QC, Canada 855-294-0714 www.myfireplaceproducts.com info@myfireplaceproducts.com My Fireplace Products is a reliable web-based platform that allows chimney sweeps to buy

top-quality stoves, inserts, fireplaces, furnaces, chimney products and parts. My Fireplace Products offers prepaid freight on single-unit orders almost anywhere in North America. With the discount offered to professionals, chimney sweeps are able to compete with home center pricing while generating good margins. Today, hundreds of chimney sweeps buy on My Fireplace Products and have been able to significantly improve both their top and bottom line. Not only do they reach more customers by offering a larger selection of price points, they can also access industry-specific products that they could not find before.

National Chimney 2147C Fletcher Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46203 800-897-8481 www.nationalchimney.com gsalem@nationalchimney.com National Chimney was founded in 1992. The goal of National Chimney is to provide the highest level of support to chimney professionals. They focus on building a large selection of high-quality, U.S. made products, while providing reliable tech support and creating a superior customer support team. National Chimney remains the premier manufacturer of stainless steel liner and components. It continues to develop efficient manufacturing processes, innovative products, and locally-based distribution centers across the country.

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National Fireplace Institute 1901 N. Moore St. Suite 600 Arlington, VA 22209 703-524-8030 www.nficertified.org info@nficertified.org The National Fireplace Institute is the certification organization for hearth appliance sales, installation and service personnel. The Hearth Design Specialist is specifically directed to the sales/support staff. There are certifications for installers and service personnel in Woodburning, Gas and Pellet appliances. NFI Certification is recommended by over 120 hearth industry manufacturers. Reference manuals are available for each certification. NFI exams are offered at many industry events, at any of the 500+ PSI/ LaserGrade test facilities or online from your own home or office.

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New England Chimney Supply 34 Commerce Street, Williston, VT 05495 866-513-2378 www.NewEnglandChimneySupply.com ps@nesbestflex.com New England Chimney Supply is always striving for a higher level in everything we do, and we continually nurture the right path. Our unique, diverse, and talented employees make a powerful team that will create an experience for you that is unparalleled in the industry. We all strive to “make it happen” for you. Our brand new facility in 2016 is fully operational and our path is already benefiting from it. To establish the right path, all great companies need guidance & values to base all decisions. We present NECS’s Company Core Values which you can always count on: Honesty & Integrity, Pride in Our Company & Our Products, Self-Improvement & Growth Oriented, Committed & Hard Working, and Excellence in Service.

PASS, LLC 1865 Lockeway Dr #606, Alpharetta, GA 30004 866-612-7277 www.wescheduleit.com lois@wescheduleit.com PASS, Inc has been performing sales, scheduling and virtual office services for small businesses since 2005. We act as if we’re your local office and focus on the benefits of your business. Having your phones answered professionally during

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business hours will help increase your sales and your bottom line. Clients that use PASS, Inc. have had increases in sales of up to 85%. Our state of the art scheduling software not only provides for online scheduling and mobile accessibility; it also provides you with full email marketing capabilities as another way to help grow your business. Don’t miss another call or opportunity for business, PASS the calls on to us! Call 866-612PASS (7277) Peke Safety 3461 Runaway Lane Naples, FL 34114 800-277-1637 www.pekesafety.com contact@pekesafety.com Peke Safety LLC has been supplying safety masks, respirators, and head protection products to the chimney sweep community for over a decade.

Our flagship product, the Powercap Active IP, cleverly combines a positive pressure powered air respirator, head impact protection, and a face shield to protect the eyes from flying debris, all in a light-weight, head-mounted unit with the same profile as a baseball hat. We look forward to continuing to serve and protect chimney sweeps throughout 2020 and beyond.

Regency Fireplace Products 1710 Afton Road Sycamore, IL 60178 | 815-756-3110 Fax: 815-756-3130 krutherford@regency-fire.com www.regency-fire.com Proudly made in North America, Regency Fireplace Products has proven to be a world leader in the design, manufacture and marketing of hearth products. We use only the finest materials in our manufacturing facilities; taking pride in building a reliable and quality line of Wood, Gas and Pellet products. Regency Wood Stoves and Inserts have been certified by the Environmental Protection Agency. Our engineers have carefully designed the firebox to create airflow around the wood so that it burns completely, resulting in very little ash and next to no polluting smoke into our environment. Our state of the art facility spans over 240,000 square feet and is constantly being upgraded with the latest in manufacturing technology. Regency Fireplace Products line is

sold through a carefully selected network of over 2000 professionally trained specialty fireplace retailers.

RLH Industries, Inc. 1574 Calkins Drive, Gaylord, MI 49735 800-289-2446 989-732-0493 integrityventingsystems.com info@rlhindustriesinc.com RLH Industries, Inc. is a service centered, factory direct source for the best quality UL/ ULC listed stainless steel and aluminum chimney lining systems since 1983. In addition, we manufacture our exclusive line of beautiful direct vent terminations: the Homestyle and Eurostyle Collections. We have the right people, systems and company culture to guarantee your expectations are not just met, they are exceeded.

Our commitment to innovation, service, safety and the highest manufacturing standards make us an industry leader. With RLH Industries, Inc. you can “Expect More!” Call us at 800-289-2446 for your free catalog today!

Rodstation Unit 42, Vale Business Park, Llandow, Cowbridge, Vale Of Glamorgan, CF71 7PF United Kingdom 01144 1446 500695 www.rodstation.co.uk sales@rodstation.co.uk RodStation design and manufacture a wide range of chimney brushes, tools and a revolutionary range of power sweeping equipment. Rodstation are known for high quality and excellent service, backed by over 40 years’ experience in the stove and chimney industry. As one of the UK’s leading suppliers, their equipment is approved by the UK Chimney Associations. Rodstation equipment is used by chimney sweeps worldwide and currently distributed in 14 Countries. Rodstation’s unique colourcoded power sweeping equipment is operated using a cordless drill with push lock flexible rods which are available in different flexibilities and colours to assist rod selection for flue type. The patented design Flue Boss® power sweeping head is lightweight and features a quick change mechanism for replacing cord and a domed head to ease passage through flues. A range of over 40 tools and brushes accompany

their colour-coded range of equipment.

Rooftop Safety USA LLC Virginia Beach, VA 757-390-2774 www.rooftopsafetyusa.com jim@rooftopsafetyusa.com Rooftop Safety USA is dedicated to helping chimney professionals work safely on the rooftops. We offer training & equipment that allows you to set up fall protection systems before leaving the ground, with no need to install anchors in the clients’ roof. Jim Brewer has over 40 years of experience in the chimney service industry and also provides training on gas hearth systems, chimney inspections, understanding code requirements and general sweeping techniques.

Sand Hill Wholesale 1955 Alum Creek Drive, Columbus, OH 43207 800-258-5496 www.sandhillwholesale.com info@sandhillwholesale.com Sand Hill is America’s oldest national distributor of fireplace, wood and gas heating products. In addition to the stocked products in our 118-page color catalog, we can also special order many other products for you. Offering the Sweeps Perfection™ line of rain caps and the Homeowners Choice™ relining systems, we have what you need for your job, ready to ship. Whether you need a new chimney brush, custom chimney cap, replacement catalytic combustors or custom ovalized chimney liner, Sand Hill offers that too.

Sand Hill provides excellent customer service. We ship the same day when we receive your order by 3:00 P.M. Eastern Time. We offer the best dating programs in the industry and give Free Freight on qualified orders.

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SaverSystems 800 S. 7th St. Richmond, IN 47374 800-860-6327 www.saversystems.com customerservice@saversystems.com SaverSystems has manufactured chimney repair and maintenance products since 1987. Their ChimneySaver Water Repellent is the industry standard for eliminating water penetration in chimneys. CrownCoat, CrownSeal and FlashSeal offer long-term, cost-effective solutions for repairing damaged crowns and flashings. ACS and Cre-Away, the industry’s leading creosote modifiers, assist in the removal of glazed creosote. SaverSystems also manufactures the HeatShield family of products, including Heatshield ChamberCoat and Cerfractory Foam (smoke chamber repair), Cerfractory Flue Sealant (flue liner repair), and Poultice Creosote Remover (PCR), the most effective and non-destructive solution for removing 3rd degree glazed creosote.

Check out their free videos on their websites to learn how to correctly apply these problem-solving products and to help you increase your sales.

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Southeast Hearth Patio Barbecue Association P.O. Box 2766 864-325-3338 www.sehpba.org cindy@sehpba.org The SEHPBA fosters and promotes the business interests of enterprises in the Hearth, Patio and Barbecue Industries through education for our members and our involvement with local and federal government affairs issues.

ServicePal 541 Jefferson Ave, Suite 100, Redwood City, CA 94063 650-394-5484 www.servicepal.com sales@servicepal.com ServicePal is the #1 iPad app for chimney inspections, dryer went inspections, gas service, invoicing, estimates and work orders.

ServicePal has a comprehensive app for office workers, allowing you to schedule, dispatch and communicate with customers and technicians.

Automated reminders can be setup, notifying customers using text messaging. ServicePal

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for Office runs on any web browser without additional software installation. Using our popular Form Designer you can customize any of our forms to suit your needs. ServicePal for iPad is an electronic clipboard deigned for technicians, allowing access to customers, jobs, invoices, inspections, equipment installation and service history. ServicePal has a payment integration allowing you to securely take card payments in the field.

ServiceTitan 801 N. Brand Blvd. Suite # 700 Glendale, CA 91203 855-899-0970 www.servicetitan.com hello@servicetitan.com ServiceTitan® SaaS Software is helping the leading home service businesses dramatically increase revenue and improve efficiency.

Skytech Control Systems 9230 Conservation Way, Fort Wayne, IN. 46809 260-459-1703 www.skytechpg.com kparker@skytechpg.com Skytech has been a recognized leader in fireplace remote systems for more than 20 years and is synonymous with bold innovations, rock solid reliability and unrivaled customer support. That’s why, when the hearth industry needs something done right the first time, they look no further than the experts at Skytech.

SnapLok Systems, LLC 24 Tobey Rd. Bloomfield, CT 06002 888-570-5407 www.snaploksystems.com dave@snaplocksystems.com SnapLok® is the next generation of power sweeping technology with several patents pending. Our mission is to provide state-of-the-art technology at an affordable price. The SnapLok® Power Sweep System uses our patented Dual Button - Push Lock connection. This design makes the connection extremely strong and allows the rods to be connected faster and easier than any other rod system on the market with a slight twist of the rod to lock the buttons into place. We offer Free Shipping on all orders placed direct and all our equipment comes with a one year, hassle

free warranty. Join the thousands of sweeps worldwide that have switched to SnapLok, now the world’s No. 1 choice for sweeping equipment.

Spark Marketer 604 Gallatin Ave, Suite 113, Nashville, TN 37206 855-646-3538 www.sparkmarketer.com sales@sparkmarketer.com Spark Marketer is a digital marketing company based out of Nashville, TN. We help small to medium-sized local service businesses grow online using our “do-it-with-you” marketing system. Our packages are based on a combination of easy-to-use tools, along with training and expertise, and a dedicated workforce ready to assist with regular ongoing marketing tasks. We bring real world experience, observation, and a little fortune telling together to make sure our blue collar proud clients have the knowledge and

tools they need to grow their businesses as big as they want to.

SureFire Training Academy 3302 Reed Road Clarklake, MI 49234 833-444-4787 www.surefire.academy info@surefire.online The SureFire Training Academy is the first and most comprehensive online chimney training platform on the market. This on demand style of training allows you and your technicians to train 24/7 at the time(s) most convenient for them on a variety of topics from technical, safety, customer service, marketing, business and sales. Whether it’s from a computer or your favorite mobile device, you will be plugged into hundreds of hours of content from the brains of over 20 industry leaders. SureFire is also the official online training partner of the Chimney Safety Institute of

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America (CSIA) so you can earn your Continuing Education Units (CEUs) as well as take the official CSIA review required to get certified.

Suzhou Rainbow Environmental Equipment Co., Ltd No.98 Yangpu Road, SIP, Suzhou, China. +86 512 6915 5620 www.chimney.cc www.szhuading.com william@rainbowchimney.com Rainbow Environmental, China’s largest chimney manufacturer, are devoted to providing a full range of services in industrial, commercial and residential areas. We are equipped with a staff team of more than 1,000 skilled employees and a total production area of 2,000,000 square feet, realizing a production capacity of 50 containers per month. Furthermore, we have 2 warehouses in the USA (CA&NC). Our twin-wall prefabricated stainless steel chimney products obtained CE certificate issued by TÜV and ULC S629 and UL103 by OMNI-LAB. Our sales staff, technical team and production line are ready to help and provide assistance with everything from the initial design to product optimization and mass production.

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Timburn 1127 Riverwood Drive, Burnsville, MN 55337 952-223-4117 www.timburn.com jcook@timburn.com Timburn produces very effective liquid fire starting systems that, in addition, contain a creosote modifying compound that reacts with chimney deposits to reduce their combustibility.

We will also add free private labeling to aid our distributors in increasing revenue and building their brand.

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Top Hat Metal 1120 Courier Place, Smyrna, TN 37167 615-768-5294 tophatsheetmetal.com office@tophatsheetmetal.com Top Hat Metal is a custom metal fabrication company specializing in custom chimney caps.

Valor Radiant Gas Fireplaces 190-2255 Dollarton Highway, N. Vancouver, BC, Canada 800-468-2567 www.valorfireplaces.com info@valorfireplaces.com Warming homes since 1890, Valor continues to set new standards in gas fireplace efficiency, comfort control and fashionable design. Our mission is to be a leader in the design and production of innovative, energy-efficient home comfort products.

Veracity Insurance Solutions, LLC 260 South 2500 West, Suite 303, Pleasant Grove UT 84062 866-395-1308 www.veracityins.com chris@veracityins.com Veracity has been providing insurance coverage to the sweeping industry for over a decade. As an endorsed insurance provider by NCSG, our goal is to provide the sweeping industry with competitive pricing and coverage through national “A” rated insurance carriers. Because the insurance industry seems to be in constant fluctuation, we strive to continually align ourselves with carriers that will meet your industry’s needs. We provide General Liability, Property Insurance, Inland Marine, Commercial Auto, Pollution (soot/ creosote) and Professional Liability coverage’s.

Contact us with your insurance questions.

Spraying Thermocrete is easier than ever!

New commercial equipment package includes a “Roof Rover” to raise and lower the hose and spray machine at no extra cost.

No more hand over hand!

Increases: • Safety • Performance • Durability Approved Industries is currently looking to expand our Thermocrete network by offering more for your money than ever before. Call or visit online to apply for a dealership and start offering your customers the only field applied ceramic with a more than 20 year history.

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Who sprayed SmokeChambers before Smoktite? Nobody!

Thats because we invented the Smoke Chamber Spray. Why are we the best? Our specialized compospray Smoktite. Don’t settle for less.....

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Wohler 5 Hutchinson Drive Danvers, MA 01923 978-750-9876 www.wohlerusa.com g.elliott@wohlerusa.com For over 80 years, the name Wohler has been a synonym for quality and progressive innovations in the field of measuring instruments, visual inspection systems and cleaning equipment for heating, ventilation, plumbing, chimney sweep, non-destructive testing, and facility management applications. Wöhler Technik GmbH with its headquarters in Bad Wünnenberg, Germany founded Wohler USA Inc. in 2002. Ever since the Wohler USA Team has become bigger and bigger.

Today’s North American Headquarters is located in Danvers, Massachusetts.

Z-Flex 20 Commerce Park North Bedford, NH 030110 603-669-5136 www.Z-Flex.com dclarke@z-flex.com Z-Flex® – Engineered for Maximum Efficiency.

Innovations in materials and construction produce products that deliver superior performance, increased efficiency, easier handling and faster, simpler installation, greater reliability, safety and increased service life.

Z-Flex® pioneered flexible chimney liner solutions with Triple Lock® construction, industry accepted as the strongest mechanical locking method available.

THE GUARANTEED SOLUTION TO SMOKING FIREPLACES Steel Chimney Adapter (Optional)

GOOD

Fan Speed Control

Manual Control System Manual control with variable fan speed Fan quietly operates to create perfect draft conditions, eliminating spillage

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BETTER

Manual EcoDamper

Fan Speed Control

EcoDamper System

Manual pull-cable damper and control with variable fan speed Damper prevents loss of conditioned air when fireplace is not in use

RSHT CHIMNEY FAN

BEST

Manual EcoDamper

EFC211 Speed Control and Alarm

EFC/EcoDamper System Manual pull-cable damper and control with variable fan speed & alarm Control monitors fan operation and damper prevents conditioned air loss

For more information, call 800.255.2923 or visit enervex.com

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BECAUSE KNOWLEDGE IS POWER

CHIMNEY RELINING

WO R K S H O P

CO S T: $149/ P E R S O N NFI/CSIA CEUS: TBD T I M E : 8:30 A M –5:00 PM I N S T R U C TO R : MICHAEL SEGERSTROM ( LU N C H P R O V I D E D BY CO P P E R F I E L D )

4 Hours of Classroom Training + 4 Hours of Hands-On Training The following will be covered: • Insulating liners in the field • Clay liner removal methods and safety • Liner top terminations including caps, dampers, and chase covers • Class A transition and extensions • Base terminations and connections • Smoke chamber transitions and reconstruction methods MARYLAND APRIL 15, 2020 M E LV I L L E C H U R C H H A L L H O S T E D BY T R I N I T Y C H I M N E Y

5 6 60 Fu r n ace Ave E l k r id g e, M D 21075 TENNESSEE APRIL 17, 2020 T N F I R E P L AC E & C H I M N E Y 3 5 33 N e al D r i ve K n ox vi l l e, T N 37918

INDIANA A P R I L 24, 2020 H O M E LU M B E R 2101 Lincoln H ighway East N ew Haven, IN 46774 NEW HAMPSHIRE A P R I L 27, 2020 CEASER CHIMNEY SERVICE 750 E I nd ust r ial Par k Dr ive Un it #5 M anc hester, NH 03109

R E G I S T E R O N L I N E AT W W W. CO P P E R F I E L D. CO M O R C A L L 570 - 340 - 0482 Pre -R egist rat ion i s re q u i re d.

Onsite regist rati o n s w i l l n o t b e accep ted ! R e gi s t rat i o n i s NOT op en to ma n u fa c t u re r s o r d ist r ib utor s.

A minimum of 15 registrants are required for training to commence. Should fewer than fifteen people be registered for the event 14 days prior to the scheduled date, Copperfield will regrettably cancel the event. If the event is sold out, you will be placed on a waiting list and notified if there is a cancellation. Important: If any event details do change, we will communicate directly to each person registered to attend.

Technical

Q&A

Michael Segerstrom

NCSG Technical Advisory Chair

This time of year we look at questions specific to the NCSG Convention. One question that comes up every year, is “what are the technical benefits of attending the convention?”

Answer: there are several, and they are each important, in different ways. First we’ll look at the technical benefits of attending the trade show at NCSG convention. Every year, there are both new and existing products on display at the trade show. This gives us the opportunity to see these products, hold them in our hands, and at times use them.

An in-person look at these products can help us make decisions if these products are right for us. We may have only seen the item on social media or a website. Now it’s in our hands, which really helps us see and understand what it can really do.

The trade show portion of convention is especially great for discovering new products, that we were completely unaware of, or that were just introduced. Many times a new product is actually launched at convention. And being there gives us a first look.

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Next, let’s talk about technical classes. The NCSG works hard to provide great classes with great instructors, and every year there’s something different. But technical classes are always a part of the schedule. In addition to receiving valuable CEUs, we can get technical training

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that might be hard to find somewhere else. This training could also be for something new, or something very specific, in addition to the normal technical type of classes.

Another great part of the NCSG Convention that can provide very technical benefits, is our opportunity to interact with and talk to chimney service professionals from across the country and even around the world. Between classes, after hours, at meals and social gatherings, we have the chance to talk shop with folks from all over, about all kinds of things.

Discussing technical challenges we face is very common at convention and it’s these discussions that can provide a sometimes much-needed different perspective. Or even the simplest piece of advice from a fellow professional, can turn into a game-changing piece of gold!

Whatever our interests are, the NCSG Convention provides great learning and socializing opportunities for all. There are many great reasons to attend convention. Technical benefits is just one!

Coach’s

Corner Jerry Isenhour

What is Your Sales Batting Average?

I’M A

CHIMNEY SWEEP I SOLVE PROBLEMS

YOU DIDN’T KNOW YOU HAD IN WAYS YOU WOULDN’T UNDERSTNAD

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A

meme floating around on social media recently said the following: “I Am A Chimney Sweep, I Solve Problems You Didn’t Know You Had In Ways You Wouldn’t Understand”. As I saw this meme appear in my timeline, I thought to myself, that is a dead-on a statement that tells the story of what a chimney sweep does and the services they provide.

Each chimney service must realize many consumers do not know what you do, nor do they understand how you do it.

This says it in a way that really brings to light the need for the right sales communication skills, including building trust and a relationship with the customer.

A customer being unaware of any problems is likely one of the largest issues a chimney technician is likely to confront, until it is brought to light from a chimney sweeping service or inspection. And likely the resolution is one the customer does not truly understand.

Chimneys and fireplaces are not well understood by those outside of the industry.

But these chimney, fireplace and venting issues affect the health, safety and welfare of the consumer. And this is where sales come into play. Sales approaches should provide for the resolution of these problems and focus on the aforementioned health, safety and welfare.

Sales is all about providing a resolution to a problem or a path to a desire, and the world of sales involves delivering this message in a way that provides what the buyer needs and wants.

But to accomplish the goal of selling the resolution is often as

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follows, while we win at some, we likely lose more sales than we close. Let me ask you a few questions. What percentage of the sales presentations that you make do you close at the job site? What percentage do you close with follow-up?

And how many times does the follow up need to occur in order to make it happen? What is the combined percentage of these? This is all a part of your sales batting average. In other words when you are up to bat how often do you get on base (make the sale)? Is it 20, 30, 40, 50 percent or even higher? If you don’t know this number, then you need to start running your averages. This is one of the most important data points you can review to tell you just how good your performance is. What is your goal average?

The next question for you to address for yourself is, what is the average price of the sales you make each time you are at bat.

Do you average $400.00, $500.00, $600.00 perhaps $1000.00 or even as high as $1500.00 or more?

Again, this is the computation that you use to determine what your sales batting average is as a sales tech. What is your goal for this average For success to occur, set goals for yourself. Once you establish what your batting average is, what is your goal for improvement. Setting your goals provides a target to shoot for, without goals there is no target to aim for. Do you set your goals for a 10 percent improvement, or are you goals even higher?

Let’s be realistic, you are likely not going to double your performance overnight. It

takes practice, the right tools and commitment to build your performance to a higher level.

Now as you set these goals for higher levels of achievement, what are some of the tools you can use to increase your batting averages?

Here are a few that can work wonders for you and can be a huge boost to your efforts.

The first is to understand what DISC Assessment is (a form of behavior assessment) that if properly used can greatly increase your ability to achieve high sale results. There are two parts to this knowledge, the first is understanding your own DISC Assessment. Once you understand your own, the next step is to take the steps to understand the DISC of those you present to.

The use of this assessment tool will assist you in being able to present to a prospect in the way the prospect wants to be presented to, that they listen and buy into. The next is to start the process of recording your sales conversations with your customers. Always request permission to do this, and most will comply. It’s as simple as asking in the following manner, when it is time to have the conversation reviewing your

findings and sharing the resolution, simply say the following request “Mr./Ms. [blank], if you have a few minutes I would like to review our findings with you in regards what we have uncovered during our service. If it is OK with you, I would like to record our findings and we can email the recording to you for review if you like. We can also store this in our customer files if you need to review this later or have additional questions.” Amazingly most customers will allow you to record the presentation. This recording will now become a very valuable tool for you to use to improve your presentation process. But it is only valuable if you use the tool. Let me explain how you can use this tool to get better.

First listen to the recording and grade yourself.

Did you answer the customer’s questions in a way the customer could understand? Did you listen well? Did you interrupt the customer?

Did you sell value? Did you sell value in the way the customer understood the value? Did you say things that would entice the customer to trust you, or did you say things that could have not been helpful, perhaps even things that could have caused the customer to turn off?

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This is vastly important anytime you did not make the sale, but also important when you made the sale, as you may find ways to improve.

This will allow you to ask yourself the golden question when the sale was not made: how did I fail to build trust with the customer? Where did I fail to build a relationship with the customer?

Now what else can you do with this recording?

You can share it with you manager or other mentors and ask them to grade your performance.

They may point out things that you never realized.

It could be your words, it could be your tone, it could be the speed at which you talked, it could be the way you interrupted the customer, and it could be any number of small things that can be a tremendous boost to your talents.

But you can even go further and send the recording to an outside person whom you respect the opinion of. Ask them the same question, it may amaze you what you learn.

will move you to a higher level in all walks of life, both personal and professionally.

It’s all about getting better, raising you batting average. Ty Cobb has the highest batting average in the history of baseball, but I bet that when Ty Cobb played, he was always on a quest to get better and better. There are some people in this industry with great batting averages. You can become one of them, but only if you are setting your goals to be better and the best.

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. A Past President of NCSG & CSIA along with serving in several volunteer industry positions over his career. 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.cvcsuccessgroup.com He can be contacted at jerry@cvcsuccessgroup.com or by phone at (704) 425-0217.

You can also obtain great business tips from his Facebook page CVC Coaching and Youtube channel CVC Coaching.

Sales success will center on your ability to properly communicate in an effective manner—a manner that builds the trust and the relationship.

While being a great technician can provide you confidence, your communication skills are key. Knowing how to properly communicate

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Meet A

Member Tim Smith

32 S W E E P I N G

Meet Tim Smith of Certified Chimney Care in Greencastle, IN. Tim tells us about his start in the industry, some challenges he faces, and why he has remained involved with NCSG. What is a question you get asked most about being a chimney sweep/chimney sweeping/ the industry?

“You’re really a chimney sweep?”

How did you get started in the industry?

After graduating high school in 1983, I messed around for a year and had a few odd jobs.

One day my parents told me that I needed to find a full time job. My sister told me a chimney sweep was in the restaurant where she worked and mentioned needing a helper. (Many of the old timers will remember Joe Tremblay). Anyway, I called him up that evening and started the next day. The rest is history. So basically, I got started just as a way of getting my mom and dad off my back.

March/April 2020

What advice do you wish you had received when you were getting started?

I can’t pick just one so I would say, take some business management courses, learn how to properly inspect, get a camera system, and hire an office person ASAP. What is the biggest challenge you face on the job?

What are your best strategies for overcoming it?

One of the great things about being a sweep are the challenges that occur almost daily. Whether it’s figuring out how to access a chimney on a difficult roof, a tricky installation or dealing with a difficult customer, I consider myself a pretty good problem solver, so I welcome the challenges.

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Who was your most famous customer?

I’ve had the pleasure of working for a few sports, radio and local TV personalities. Bob Kevoian of the Bob & Tom Show was probably my favorite; he was just a really nice guy. But I guess the most famous would be the current VP of the United States of America.

Have you ever attended NCSG Annual Convention & Trade Show? If so, what was your favorite takeaway?

I try to go to as many as I can. I learn so much, even after all these years. I take away at least a few things at each convention that either make me more money, make my job easier or make my job safer. However, my favorite takeaway is the family of sweeps I get to reunite with and new sweeps that I meet.

What is your proudest accomplishment?

Marrying my beautiful wife and raising my great kids.

Have you ever had to make your own tool to solve a particular problem?

Several times. Sweeps today are lucky, we didn’t have all these nice tools back when I started. We had to improvise and make our own crude tools.

Some worked better than others but they usually got the job done.

Weirdest thing you have ever found in a chimney?

A pickup truck bed full of dead birds out of one chimney! Ducks, snakes and coffee can full of money. The latter was a hidden stash of the homeowner’s grandfather, who had passed away.

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March/April 2020

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Membership

Memo

By Annemarie Stockton Director of Communications and Marketing

W

e get it — your first time attending an NCSG Convention can be overwhelming. Whether you are traveling solo or with your team, it’s important to get the most out of your convention experience by being fully equipped with the right information.

1

Prepare for your first convention.

If it’s your first time, you may be wondering just what you’ve signed up for. We will walk you through the essentials for convention like the agenda and some events you can’t miss. We will also discuss how to navigate the convention and the hotel, as well as point out who you should talk to if you have any questions or issues.

6 Reasons to Check Out the 2 New Attendee Orientation

Learn how to get the most out of the sessions.

Our speakers will give you tips and expertise that could transform your business and boost your skills. We will help you determine which sessions you should attend based on what you want to gain from convention. We also will walk you through what to expect from the sessions, what you should bring, and how the NCSG app can keep you organized.

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3

S W E E P I N G

Navigate the Trade Show.

The Trade Show is a huge part of convention as it puts you face to face with some spectacular suppliers. We will give you some useful tips on navigating a trade show floor and interacting with the exhibiting companies. You will also find out how to participate in our Seek to Win program to score some awesome prizes!

March/April 2020

4

Network the right way.

Ask anyone – one of the most beneficial parts of going to convention is networking with your peers in the industry. But if you’re new, figuring out who you should connect with can seem daunting. We will help you identify and connect with individuals who can help guide you through the convention and beyond. The comradery and friendship is unique and special in this industry; convention gives you a chance to take part in that.

5

Explore Orlando and the special events.

6

Implement what you’ve learned long after convention is over.

A large part of the convention experience is what goes on after the classes are done. We will walk you through the special events going on throughout the week such as the opening night celebration, CSIA auction, and banquet. We will also give you some ideas of what to do and where to eat around Orlando when you have some free time.

Have fun and explore the city!

So you’ve attended all the sessions, connected with suppliers, and met some awesome professionals. Now what? We will give you your next steps on how to take what you’ve learned and start applying it to your business. NCSG doesn’t stop once convention is over. Learn how to get the most out of your NCSG membership year round!

Roydhouse Round Up

by Chuck Roydhouse, CSIA President president@csia.org “Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success.” - Henry Ford We are one month away from the convention in sunny Orlando, Florida. The National Chimney Sweep Guild Convention is on so many levels very important for all of us to attend. This is our trade; professionals, educators, and vested vendors come together as an industry family to reconnect, rejoice, and renew commitments to each other, the Guild, and education. Much like an annual family reunion, we make this effort to show our love and passion for the sweeping community. Your professional staff, NCSG Board of Directors, and the CSIA Education Department, all work hard to offer the very best in all events, so you and your company can maximize your return on investment (ROI).

Speaking of ROI, what better place to be to have access to the very best training, which is split into both technical and business tracks? Added bonus: all classes are awarded CSIA CEUs in the categories you need to renew!

The classes are taught by industry experts such as: Jim Brewer, Tom Urban, Mark Stoner, Stuart Karanovich, Rick Vlahos, and Taylor Hill, just to name a few. If you are looking for inspiration, Navy SEAL Morgan Luttrell is our keynote speaker, and the closing keynote speaker is Marine Staff Sergeant (Ret.) Johnny “Joey” Jones. Both of those fine American patriots have a compelling story to tell and I can attest to how great of a person and speaker Joey Jones is, as I’ve had the honor of sitting next to and eating dinner with him at the Warrior Horse Leadership Conference.

Don’t forget to attend the CSIA Informational Meeting right after the NCSG Annual Meeting on Wednesday morning. This meeting will be jam packed with lots of new and exciting things we have developed and are ready to deploy in order to benefit all of our credential holders.

The CSIA and the Chimney Success Institute of America are providing value in all of our services. Whether you are looking for technical, hands-on, or online study, business training or multiple certification credentials, we have all the tools you need to succeed. CSIA is all about return on the investment of your dollars and time. ROI is what we are all about.

Lastly, please stop by the CSIA booth and say hello. We love to connect with our clients and hear how we can help you succeed.

Make the commitment and investment in yourself, your team, and our industry. Join us this year for a great experience, and remember: we are family. Let’s come together and make the Guild and CSIA stronger.

“Nothing great in the world has been accomplished without passion.” - Donald J. Trump, President

Chuck Roydhouse President, CSIA CSIA is The Standard of Excellence in The Chimney and Venting Industry!

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CSIA NEWS

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New

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ILLINOIS American Heritage Fireplace • Jim Sako • Chicago

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41 S W E E P I N G March/April 2020

Around the

Tech Center.

Megan McMahon

Executive Director

Last year in Norfolk, NCSG hosted the largest group of first time convention attendees to date! Not only was this an incredible milestone for the Guild but it was also an amazing opportunity to welcome the first timers into our industry. One of my favorite parts of convention is seeing the networking that takes place unfold. Our seasoned convention attendees are the BEST at making this happen!

With Orlando just a few weeks away, I would like to encourage you to welcome those first-time attendees again this year! First-timers will have a yellow badge at convention. NCSG encourages you to introduce yourself to them, exchange information, share stories, helpful tips, support and check in with them throughout the week and AFTER! Providing this service to newbies is the best way to ensure longevity for our Guild for years to come!

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Upcoming

Events

April 2020

April 1-4, 2020 NCSG Annual Convention The Rosen – Orlando, FL For more information, please call (317) 837-1500 or visit http://www.ncsgconvention.org

Classifieds CLASSIFIED ADS FREE FOR NCSG MEMBERS Members can run one 35-word classified free each year! Regular classified ads are $2/word or $1/ word for NCSG members. Classified ads are noncommissionable and must be pre-paid. To place a classified ad, please contact Natalie Spruell at nspruell@ncsg.org or 317-837-1500.

Profitable Well Established Chimney Sweep Business for Sale Western Maryland Established 1988 Includes all equipment, tools, two service vans and trailer Current database over 4,000 customers

CHIMNEY SWEEP & REPAIR COMPANY FOR SALE Central/Northern Virginia Established 1981 2017 revenue: $ 1,009,000.00 2018 revenue: $ 1,083,000.00 2019 revenue: $ $1,266,214.03 EBITDA: $272,704.29 All equipment and vehicles convey Operations and management staff to remain Turn-key operation Secure long-term lease for offices and warehouse Owner financing with 25% down Sale price: $ 475,000.00 Call 540-272-3485 Live close to the Rocky Mountains, beautiful lakes and fishing, and close enough to Denver for events and airport.

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A thriving CHIMNEY SWEEPING AND REPAIR COMPANY of 35 years caring.for wood, pellet and gas burning appliances. A contract with a.local stove and fireplace shop for installations. In a lease renewed yearly. Bringing in over $400,000 of revenue in 2019 with plenty of potential. We are ready to pass it over to the right caring business owner. Willng to stay, train and support.

We have an opening for a certified chimney sweep. To qualify, the candidate must possess a valid driver’s license with a clean driving record, pass a background check and the physical and mental endurance for this industry. The position also demands a clean, courteous and articulate character that is ready to care for the customers. $17-25 an hour depending on certifications held, experience.

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March/April 2020

43 S W E E P I N G

Darwin

Award

Seen in York, PA. Plastic trash can lid screwed onto the chimney cap!

-Gary Richardson (The Village Chimney Sweeps) See a chimney in your area that had you scratching your head? Send it to the editor, Annemarie Stockton at astockton@ncsg.org for publication in Sweeping. Include a few words about the scene and location.

Ad Index 44 S W E E P I N G

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March/April 2020

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