THE JOURNAL OF CHIMNEY AND VENTING TECHNOLOGY
TABLE OF CONTENTS
8
ESCHFOE 2025 in Chicago
Global chimney leaders gathered in Chicago in August to navigate a changing industry.
6
Call for 2026-2027 Board Nominations
Nominate an industry leader to fill board vacancies for 2026-2027.
10
Every Chimney Job Is a Marketing Opportunity
How to turn every fall chimney job into free marketing.
12
NCSG Publishes New Safety Manual
Don’t wait for an accident: prevent injuries and protect your workers.
14
Professional and Pollution Liability Insurance
Understanding how this type of insurance protects chimney sweep businesses.
17
Mental Health and Business
Four small daily practices that can transform your life and your business.
18
Ladder, Lift, or Scaffolding?
A closer look at common height-access tools and how to use them safely.
22
The History of WETT in Canada: Part 2
Reflecting on the early days of WETT and the origins of its training program.
26
Building Your Business in the Digital Age
Ten actionable steps to help any chimney professional grow their business.
33
Lasting Legacy
How Clay Lamb built a 43-year career on trust and helping others.
35
2026 Convention Timeline
Save these dates for a smooth convention registration process this fall.
Darwin Award
Have you ever seen some interesting things on the job?
Submit a photo with your name and location to marketing@ncsg.org.
Classified Ads
Free Classified Ads for NCSG Members
National Chimney Sweep Guild (NSCG) members can run one 35-word classified ad for free each calendar year. 36+ words are $1 per word after. Additional ads are $1/word or $2/word for non-members. Classified ads are non-commissionable and must be pre-paid. To place a classified ad, email marketing@ncsg.org.
Policy ACTION CENTER
Let us know what’s going on!
Submit industry concerns to NCSG’s Policy Action Center. We post live on the website and look into how we can take action. While you’re there, you can also check out the blog for past issues we’ve addressed. Check your email and Facebook to stay up to date!
SWEEPI NG
Staff
Kailah Schmitz, CAE, Executive Director director@ncsg.org
Jessica Thornton, Associate Director and Certifications Coordinator jessica@ncsg.org
Jonathan Erdman, Director of Education education@ncsg.org
Sydney Kaizer, Director of Marketing and Communications; Sweeping Editor marketing@ncsg.org
Brittney Burton, Membership and Events Coordinator bburton@ncsg.org
Libby Almendarez, Membership and Certifications Coordinator office@ncsg.org
DISCLAIMER
The views expressed in Sweeping do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Chimney Sweep Guild (NCSG) or its staff.
ADVERTISING
To advertise, email Malisa Minetree at sweepingads@me.com or call (317) 603-7854.
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 does not necessarily constitute endorsement of products or services advertised. NCSG does not make any effort to review or substantiate claims made by advertisers.
PHOTOGRAPHY
Stock images by iStock, Adobe.
ARTICLE SUBMISSION
NCSG encourages industry partners to submit press releases and articles to the editor at marketing@ncsg.org. Submissions should contain items of interest or importance to the chimney and venting industry. Submissions should not contain direct solicitations, prices, or other forms of advertising verbiage. Submissions may contain images or artwork attached in a JPG format.
In all cases, NCSG reserves the right to edit submissions for 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.
© 2025 National Chimney Sweep Guild
D LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT
Don’t be this person! Your health and safety are the spotlight of this month’s Sweeping magazine.
We hope the many conventions and hands-on training events from the National Chimney Sweep Guild (NCSG) and other providers have you and your team practicing the proper procedure to get up on rooftops and back down safely. Our trade has changed dramatically over these last few years in the right direction with rooftop safety. In my travels, I find many other roof trades do not follow the same rooftop safety standards that we do. Especially the gutter cleaners. If the person in the photo above slips and falls, not only would they get hurt, but they may also ignite the fuel in the blower—ouch.
By Bill Thornton, President, National Chimney Sweep Guild
Another part of the world of safety is personal protective equipment (PPE). At the Cincinnati convention in 2025, Bob Ferrari and Jim Brewer held a PPE class on all the proper protection a sweep should use in our trade. It was a great class that I hope we can hold again in the future. Until then, use your PPE as needed, especially when mixing any mortar or insulation.
The NCSG has just published a safety manual to help you and your company be compliant with our OSHA settlement. Check out the article on page 12 to learn more.
New Education Director
In the spirit of health and safety, we're happy to share that Jonathan Erdman has accepted the NCSG director of education position beginning October 1. Jonathan is the owner of Rooftop Safety USA and has been contributing educational articles to Sweeping for the last few months. You can read his article for this month, Ladder, Lift, or Scaffolding?, starting on page 18 and get to know more about him on page 34. ■
EDUCATION UPDATE
TCall for 2026-2027 NCSG Board Nominations
By Kailah Schmitz, CAE, Executive Director, National Chimney Sweep Guild
The 2026-2027 National Chimney Sweep Guild (NCSG) Board of Directors nominations are now open! We're looking for industry leaders to fill the following positions:
• Region 2 Director (2 year term): Represents Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania
• Region 4 Director (2 year term): Represents Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, and Ohio
• Region 6 Director (2 year term): Represents Alaska, Arizona, California, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming
CALL FOR BOARD NOMINATIONS
Scan the QR code to nominate someone:
• At-Large Director (2 year term): Represents all NCSG members nationwide
Board members are the driving force behind the NCSG's mission. By serving, you’ll help shape the future of the chimney industry, bring members’ voices to the table, and open doors for new growth. It’s a chance to elevate your leadership, build powerful connections, and leave a lasting mark on the industry.
Submit your nomination by Monday, October 27. You may nominate yourself or someone else.
Eligibility
• To be eligible for nomination, candidates must be the designated representative of a member company, and
• The company must be an active NCSG member of at least one year.
Board Member Responsibilities
Key board member responsibilities include:
• Attending four annual board meetings
• Contributing to online discussions
• Welcoming new members
• Advocating for the industry
• Contributing to Sweeping magazine
• Serving on a NCSG committee
The nomination form and additional information is available on our website at ncsg.org/ membership/2026-2027-ncsg-board-of-directorsnomination or by scanning the QR code to the left. ■
ESCHFOE 2025 in Chicago
TThe European Federation of Chimney Sweeps (ESCHFOE) held its annual technical conference in Chicago in August, hosted by the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA). The National Chimney Sweep Guild (NCSG) was proud to be sponsor of this important international gathering. On behalf of the Guild, I attended ESCHFOE with NCSG Vice President and Region 4 Director Debbie Wiedwald to represent the voice of American sweeps in discussions that shape the future of our trade on the international level.
The NCSG booth drew steady attention. Many attendees had the opportunity to experience our virtual reality training program firsthand, and several purchased copies of The Guide for Chimney Professionals: A Guild Handbook. Why does this matter for our members? European sweeps are facing deregulation, fuel
restrictions, and questions of professional identity. They are looking to the U.S. for guidance on entrepreneurship and adapting in a changing energy landscape, the same issues our members navigate daily.
Just as Europe once helped shape our training standards, we now have the opportunity to share our perspective and demonstrate leadership. NCSG’s presence means our members’ expertise, challenges, and successes are part of this international conversation.
The event was well-organized, with participation from both U.S. and European representatives. ESCHFOE attendees also visited Lindemann Chimney Service for a tour of their warehouse and manufacturing area, which was well received.
ESCHFOE 2025 Overview
Only 12 of the 24 member
countries were represented, probably due in part to the high cost of travel to the United States. Alex Gula, ESCHFOE president, expressed the difficulty representing the European Chimney Sweeps in Brussels, the de facto capital of the European Union (EU), particularly without communication between the representatives of each country present at these meetings. There are different country codes, different education standards, different pollution regulations, etc. He said it is most important to communicate the various needs in each country to keep a unified and focused voice. Some representatives want a full-time lobbyist in Brussels, but there is not enough money to do so. With pressure from the EU to severely limit burning any solid or fossil fuel, the focus has been on training chimney sweeps primarily in both residential and commercial duct cleaning,
By Bob Ferrari, Former Director of Education, National Chimney Sweep Guild
building performance, and HVAC work, as well as more traditional chimney sweeping in the countries that allow it. Petteri Virranta of Finland reported on the work of the “Ventilation” committee (which is known as HVAC in the United States). He emphasized the need for chimney sweeps to understand house physics, make up air systems, duct cleaning, and the areas of overlap with traditional chimney sweeping between these trades.
Country Updates
Croatia and Slovenia have chimney technician training programs but no students. Enrollment for the tech schools for chimney sweeps has been lower across the EU in general, though Germany had over 800 students this past year, but not for traditional chimney sweeping. Attracting young people into the traditional trade is a serious issue.
Norway changed the name from chimney sweeps to fire protectors, (sweeps are connected to local fire departments), but there is difficulty in people accustomed to the old identity in understanding what this “new” name means and they don’t know who to call. Norway’s chimney sweep schools are full with trainees and have wait lists for the schools. Norway sweeps as government
employees cannot complete repairs. Private companies will complete any needed fireplace repairs.
Denmark sweeps are trained and trusted but can’t attract young people. Young people are not identifying with the traditional image of a chimney sweep. Denmark has more free market chimney sweeps.
Finland has no registry of qualified chimney sweeps. Although many homes and vacation cottages burn wood, consumers have difficulty knowing if a sweep is qualified to do the work. Wood burning is still important for heat and as a backup heating system.
The Czech Republic is moving to zero solid fuel and toward HVAC work, but there are limitations on sweeps being allowed to do this work.
In Austria, sweeps have broad authority to oversee energy use in homes. One of their representatives asked for transitions to free market systems to proceed slowly. Chimney sweep companies are decreasing as companies are buying other sweep companies.
France has two education programs. One is only four weeks to complete, and the other takes
six months. Nobody seemed to think these were reasonable lengths of time to become a professional.
Sweden had statistics: 1.8 million customers; 11,700 flue fires (annually); 62,000 fires from use or installation errors; and 9100 carbon monoxide cases.
Germany reported that by 2045, there would be no gas or oil burning in Europe, let alone solid fuel!
Sweeps in many EU countries are regulated by the government. In general, sweeps have a lot of authority and respect within the EU. However, there is a movement toward a free market system which in some ways dilutes their voice in Brussels. European sweeps gained their respect from government endorsement and regulation. Facing deregulation is fraught with uncertainty and creates an identity crisis.
Next Year
The 2026 ESCHFOE conference will be held in Slovakia. NCSG looks forward to continuing its role in representing American sweeps and advancing our members’ interests in the global conversation shaping the future of our profession. ■
Bob Ferrari and Debbie Wiedwald represented the NCSG at ESCHFOE 2025 in Chicago.
YYou’re halfway through a chimney cleaning. The customer pokes their head out, coffee in hand, asks a few polite questions, and thanks you for showing up on time. Nice. But here’s what they don’t say out loud: they noticed your truck when you pulled in. They checked out your uniform. They felt a little more confident handing over a check because something about you said “professional.” That’s branding. And in the fall, when chimneys start smoking and phones start ringing, that brand can snowball into more jobs.
Busy season isn’t just about cranking out work. It’s your moment to embed your business into the neighborhood’s memory. And most sweeps are sleeping on it.
Let’s fix that.
Start With the Obvious: Be Seen
Your truck is a billboard. Park it smart. Clean it. Wrap it, if you haven’t already. It doesn’t have to be flashy, but it should look intentional. And yeah, the same goes for you and your crew.
Branded shirts, jackets, even hats. It’s not just for show; it signals consistency. People trust people who look polished.
Yard signs? Not too expensive and still effective, especially in tight-knit communities. If you have a loyal customer, ask if you can leave a sign up for a week.
Every Chimney Job Is a Marketing Opportunity
By Eric Ebbert, Vice President of Sales and Marketing, SaverSystems
“Another chimney serviced by [Your Company Name].” Simple. Effective. And don’t forget the curb appeal on digital media. Snap a quick photo at every job site and post it with a local hashtag. It’s like a yard sign online.
Leave a Subtle Mark
Here’s a move most sweeps miss: job site stickers. A tasteful, weatherproof sticker near the fireplace or stove that says, “Inspected and cleaned by [Your Name], [Date].” It’s functional. It reminds the customer when they’re due again. And when their neighbor asks, “Who cleaned your chimney?” it’s right there. You’re not just advertising, you’re anchoring memory.
Think of it like this: every sticker is a breadcrumb that leads back to your door.
The Follow-Up That Wins the Next Job
Once the job’s done, most guys ghost their customers. Big mistake. A simple follow-up text or email saying, “Thanks again for having us out. Let me know if anything smells off after that first burn,” does three things: 1) it shows you care, 2) it keeps the conversation open, and 3) it subtly positions you as the expert. Bonus points if you include a seasonal tip or reminder like, “Now’s a good time to check your dryer vent too. Buildup there can be just as risky.” You’re not selling, you’re serving. That builds trust.
Tell Micro-Stories, Not Marketing Slogans
People remember stories, not slogans. So, collect the little moments: the customer who said, “I didn’t even know it was that dirty!” Snap a quick before-andafter. Post it. Share the story. It’s engaging social media content and marketing that feels like a conversation, not a commercial. Also, stop chasing the “perfect” testimonial. The real gold is in the casual stuff people say in the moment. “Wow, it smells better already” is more believable than “Best chimney service ever!” Write those down. Use them.
Your Brand is Your Reputation in the Wild
Every time you walk into a home, you’re not just sweeping a chimney. You’re showing people how you work, how you communicate, and most importantly, how you make them feel. That’s your brand. If you’re not intentional about it, people will still form an opinion, it just may not be the one you want. So, treat busy season like your brand’s spotlight. Don’t just rush the work. Make every job show who you are, what you stand for, and why you’re the one they’ll call again and tell their neighbors about.
Because when the season slows down, your brand’s the thing that keeps the phone ringing. ■
Health & Safety
W H A T D O E S I T M E A N T O Y O U ?
W h e n y o u l o o k a t h e a l t h a n d s a f e t y i n t h e c h i m n e y a n d
v e n t i n g i n d u s t r y , w h a t d o e s i t l o o k l i k e t o y o u ? I s i t
s o m e b o d y w e a r i n g a s a f e t y h e l m e t a n d c l i m b i n g a r o o f ?
S c a f f o l d i n g g o i n g u p t h e s i d e o f a h o u s e ? T o p - o f - t h e - l i n e
v a c u u m s w i t h H E P A f i l t e r s a n d r e s p i r a t o r s ? M a y b e i t ’ s
s o m e t h i n g a s s i m p l e a s a T y v e k s u i t . T h e s e a r e a l l i t e m s t o
k e e p y o u s a f e s o y o u m a k e i t h o m e a t t h e e n d o f t h e d a y .
T h e r e a r e c a m er a s y o u u s e t o s c a n t h e c h i m n e y f o r c r a c k s
i n t h e l i n e r a n d d r y e r v e n t s t o c h e c k f o r b l o c k a g e . T h e s e
s t e p s h e l p k e e p o u r h o m e o w n e r s s a f e .
Y o u t a k e t h e s e s t e p s d a i l y w h i l e a t w o r k t o k e e p t h e
h o m e o w n e r a n d y o u r s e l f s a f e . W h a t h a p p e n s w h e n y o u g o
h o m e ? W h a t s t e p s d o y o u t a k e f o r y o u r h e a l t h a n d s a f e t y
t h e r e ?
T h i s O c t o b e r , t a k e t i m e t o l o o k a t y o u r h e a l t h . T h i s i n d u s t r y
r u n s b e c a u s e o f t h e r i s k s t a k e n b y y o u e v e r y d a y t o k e e p
h o m e s s a f e . T h e C h i m n e y S a f e t y I n s t i t u t e o f A m e r i c a w a n t s
t o k e e p y o u s a f e , t o o .
C h e c k o u t t h e n e w C S I A w e b s i t e , a n d w h i l e t h e r e , l o o k
f o r t h e 2 0 2 6 e d u c a t i o n c a l e n d a r .
w w w . c s i a . o r g
EDUCATION UPDATE
TThe National Chimney Sweep Guild (NCSG) Residential Chimney Service Safety Manual brings together OSHA requirements, industry standards, and practical training tools into one resource for chimney professionals. It not only fulfills the Guild’s legal obligations but also provides clear guidance to prevent injuries and protect workers. At its core, the handbook is about making sure sweeps return home healthy and safe each day. It:
1. Sets the national safety standards for our trade
In 2017, the NCSG filed a lawsuit against OSHA over residential fall protection standards. We settled the legal agreement on December 1, 2023. The NCSG Residential Chimney Service Safety Manual facilitates compliance with the OSHA agreement and sets the national chimney sweep trade safety standards.
2. Fulfills the OSHA requirement to have a written safety program
Every company is required to have a written Injury and Illness Prevention Program (IIPP) or Safety and Health Management System (SHMS) that outlines how a company will identify, prevent,
NCSG Publishes New Chimney Safety Manual
By Bob Ferrari, Former Director of Education, National Chimney Sweep Guild
and control workplace hazards to comply with OSHA's General Duty Clause and specific standards.
While OSHA provides general guidelines and standards, each company must develop its own specific program tailored to its operations. This manual may be used to meet your requirement for a written IIPP/SHMS. Use it in your safety meetings. Use it for reviews. Use it for competency evaluations.
3. Fulfills the legal agreement with OSHA for a written fall protection program
Part of the NCSG/OSHA agreement is to provide a written
training program as well as hands-on training. This document recommends the use of fall protection throughout all phases of accessing and completing work while on residential roofs.
4. Gets you and your team home for dinner
This handbook aims to help employers and workers prevent injuries in the first place, and to understand what can be expected if they are visited by an OSHA field agent.
Although the agreement with OSHA only concerns fall protection, the NCSG included the wider context of the many health and safety concerns for professional chimney sweeps. We don’t want to avoid a fall only to get lung cancer or tweak our back. In this handbook, you will find standard operating procedures, measurable training competencies, and regulation references, all of which have one aim—to ensure every sweep comes home every night, healthy and happy to be with the ones they love. ■
Scan to get your copy of the safety manual through Amazon.
The safety manual is available to purchase on Amazon.
Pellet
INSURED & INFORMED
AProfessional and Pollution Liability Insurance
By Gordon Sheucraft, Risk Advisor, SouthPoint Risk
As a chimney sweep, your work goes far beyond simple cleaning. From sweeping chimneys to installing new fireplaces, you’re dedicated to keeping homes warm and safe. But every new skill or service brings potential risks, and that’s where professional and pollution liability insurance comes in, tailored to protect you, your reputation, and your livelihood. Many chimney sweeps mistakenly believe that their general liability policy automatically includes protection for professional errors and pollution incidents, but this is a misconception. In reality, general liability insurance typically does not cover pollution events or claims related to professional mistakes, and relying on it for these risks can leave your business dangerously exposed
Understanding Industry Risks
Chimney sweeps and fireplace service companies face unique hazards daily. Beyond standard property damage or fire risk, there’s also the potential for carbon monoxide leaks, smoke infiltration, and environmental contamination. For instance, improper installation might cause blocked flues or hazardous venting. Even thorough chimney cleanings can unsettle toxic soot or creosote, impacting clients’ homes or even the surrounding environment.
Professional Liability: Defending Against Costly Mistakes
Professional liability insurance, often called errors and omissions (E&O) insurance, covers you if a client claims your workmanship or advice caused them financial loss or harm. In this industry, scenarios might include:
• A missed structural issue during an inspection that leads to a fire
• Faulty fireplace installation causing property damage
• Misadvising a homeowner on repair needs, resulting in unexpected expenses
Such claims can lead to significant legal fees, damages, and settlements. Without E&O insurance, even one lawsuit could be financially devastating for your business.
Pollution Liability: Covering Environmental Exposure
Pollution liability insurance is less commonly understood but just as vital for chimney and fireplace professionals. Your work often disturbs hazardous materials—think creosote, soot, or potentially asbestos. If these substances contaminate a property or nearby area, the cleanup and liability costs can be enormous. Insurance in this category can cover:
• Indoor air quality claims from released particulates
• Cleanup costs linked to improper waste disposal
• Fines or mandates related to environmental harm
With environmental regulation becoming stricter, this protection is more important than ever.
Trust and Opportunity
Many property managers, contractors, and homeowners’ associations now require proof of these insurance coverages. Being fully insured not only protects you but also reassures clients and opens doors to bigger projects.
Conclusion
Professional and pollution liability insurance isn’t just a box to check—it’s fundamental protection. By insuring against both workmanship errors and environmental hazards, chimney and fireplace companies reinforce their reliability and professionalism, paving the way for sustained success and client trust.
Professional and pollution liability insurance ensures one accident or misunderstanding doesn’t undo years of hard work. You’re not just protecting yourself—you’re investing in your future, and in the continued trust of your community. ■
CHIMNEY PROFESSIONALS
TThe things that we all know about but rarely take time to focus on are the true drivers to our success—not just in business, but in life.
My name is Tommy Rhine, and I am a second-generation business owner in the chimney industry. I swept my first chimney when I was 11 years old. That was 26 years ago. I went on to purchase the company in 2019 (not a great year to buy anything).
During that time, I began to struggle with my health, both mentally and physically, which ultimately led to hospitalization several years later for a possible stroke. At 34 years old, this was unacceptable to me. Thankfully with the right help, I was able to finally be diagnosed with Lyme Disease.
Through this whole process, I began to doubt all my senses that came so naturally before—
struggling to focus on anything and fearing the worst in every situation. At my lowest, I was unable to handle the simplest of tasks that came with any sort of stress.
Fast forward through endless amounts of trial and error, where it is still a daily task to work on my mental and physical health, I have found ways to help mitigate stress. Though there are things that I could write about for hours, here are four simple practices anyone can do to keep their health in check:
1. Staying hydrated is a must. Track the amount of good fluid we are putting into our body. Often mild depression, irritability, and brain fog can be solved just by staying hydrated. It is general rule of thumb to shoot for a minimum of half your body weight in ounces.
Mental Health & Business
Four small daily practices that can transform your life and your business
By Tommy Rhine, Owner, Chim-Cheroo Chimney Service
2. Take time to read something positive in the morning. This helps to focus your mind while also accomplishing a simple task right off the bat, giving an early win to your day.
3. Fuel the machine! Solid nutrition is a must, and people often fall short due to busy schedules and lack of time, leading to improper nutrition and less energy.
4. Finally, you cannot be mentally healthy without a physical component. Taking time for something as simple as a walk can change your whole outlook on the day.
I have found after years of struggling with both my physical and mental health, it is the simplest of things that lead to long term success.
“Without our health, we have nothing.” –Arthur Schopenhauer ■
Tommy Rhine (right) owns Chim-Cheroo Chimney Service in Greenwich, OH. He is pictured with the company's original founder, Don Rhine (left).
LADDER, LIFT, OR SCAFFOLDING?
A closer look at common height-access tools and how to use them safely
By Jonathan Erdman, Owner, Rooftop Safety USA
TDon’t you just love social media? I posted a video recently in a private group of a method that can be used to secure a ladder to a chimney using straps. Let’s just say a very lively debate quickly ensued. I was surprised to see how much discussion revolved around using a ladder on a chimney. To be honest, the last straw for me was when someone commented that we really shouldn’t be posting such things. I’m not one to cater to less-than-professional social media commentary, but, to be frank, this was getting out of hand.
What happened at that moment? What nerve was hit? Here’s why I think it created quite the stir—it demonstrated that we, as an industry, are passionate about how we set up our work areas. We take pride in the work we do. So much that we are willing to call one another out when we think it is less-than-professional. (If only we could apply that same passion for professionalism to our social media comment sections, but I digress.)
The team from Lords Chimney in Houston, TX takes fall protection safety precautions when using a mechanically elevated work platform (MEWP).
The debate is real. There are some who are adamant that scaffolding is the safest way to do any work. Others rely more on mechanical lifts. How do you determine which to use? Which one is safer? Is one method better?
At the end of the day, each approach presents the same risk: the worker is working from height in an elevated position. My biggest fear, though, is that we will choose to use one of these tools and fail to use them properly. In an effort to make the work simpler, we may be introducing significantly more risks if we do not know how to properly use these tools as we work from height.
Most may know that I train workers on how to use ropes to access the roof and could write all day about this method. But there are times where scaffolding, lifts, and ladders must be used. Are we using them properly?
Ladders
In spite of the fact that we use them on almost every job, ladder safety is an area that is commonly overlooked. Unfortunately, workers will often use a ladder until it falls apart. They are expensive, to be sure. At the same time, however, they aren’t near as expensive as workers comp claims. And the lives of your employees are priceless. A ladder is an essential tool, and as such, it is an essential and very easily justified expense.
Ladders can kick out, blow over, and/or buckle under weight. Understand that when you use a ladder, there is no built-in fall protection. Therefore you have to do something to make sure the ladder you are hoping will protect your life is secure and stable. Especially if that ladder is to be used on a roof.
The recent OSHA settlement with the National Chimney Sweep Guild (NCSG) does permit us to use ladders on roofs with these stipulations: it must be secured to the chimney in two places. If it’s a foldable ladder, the arms must be fully locked in position. We are permitted to work from ladders. Ironically, OSHA does not require fall protection when working from a ladder. But as any of us know, it's a really, really good idea to have fall protection. Use ladder locks. Use leg levellers. Use straps or other devices to secure your ladder, and look for ways to secure yourself. Ladders are essential to our work and are great tools. Take care of them and yourself.
Scaffolding
This method wins the prize for most social media posts that should probably never actually be posted
on social media. There are a few different types of scaffolding, but the principles remain the same for each. Rather than go through the entire OSHA standard for scaffolding, here are some items that are most commonly missed when it comes to using scaffolding.
The level of scaffolding you are working from must be fully decked. You must have toe boards, mid-rails, and top rails. And no, the cross-member supports do not count as rails. If all these items are properly in place, fall protection is not required. That being said, the work must be able to be performed with all four sides intact to eliminate the need for fall protection. Which means, if you are building a chimney, you will most likely need to wrap your scaffolding setup around the chimney, but if midrails and/or top rails are not feasible, then fall protection must be worn. Toe boards are always feasible and must be always used.
Stabilizers must be used at a 4:1 height to base ratio. Simply put, if the narrowest width of your scaffolding base is 4 feet, then you need to have stabilizers (or outriggers) intact at 16" increments. You must review the manufacturers requirements for stabilizers and how to affix them to the style scaffolding you are using.
Mechanically Elevated Work Platforms
If your job requires the use of a mechanically elevated work platform (MEWP), or boom lift as we often call them, here are some important things to remember. Your company must have a written MEWP operator certification program. The program should include the steps you require your technicians to go through to verify they understand how to properly operate the lift.
The certification program needs to have two parts: a general safety overview of using MEWP equipment and a brand-specific training program. Different makes and models have varying controls. If you do not have someone onsite designated as a trainer, many rental companies offer training on their equipment.
Many companies are using aerial lifts, but very few have a documented certification program. This can be as simple as watching the brand-specific operation video, giving them several hours of nonproductive practice time in a controlled environment with a trainer present, and have a “driving test” where you can certify they properly and competently operate the equipment. Keep records of all this on file, and recertify them every few years to follow up and make sure they haven’t formed bad habits.
Photo
Conclusion
Regardless of which approach you take on the next chimney job, understand how to properly use these tools. Educate your team on the risks associated with using these methods. Look for ways to add layers of safety. And while you may think your way is the best way, please consider there may be other ways that are just as effective. And for Pete’s sake, please don’t post pictures on social media of your employees working from scaffolding if you aren’t sure if it is properly constructed. Let’s work together to elevate the safety standards in our industry. ■
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Jonathan Erdman is the new NCSG director of education. You can learn more about his background on page 34.
PERSPECTIVES FROM THE NORTH
The History of WETT in Canada: Part 2
By George LeBlanc and John Gulland, Wood Energy Technology Transfer
JEditor's Note:
As part of a new collaboration between the National Chimney Sweep Guild (NCSG) and Wood Energy Technology Transfer (WETT) in Canada, we’re excited to introduce a regular column from WETT in Sweeping magazine. This is part two of a multi-part conversation between George LeBlanc and John Gulland, reflecting on the early days of the organization and the origins of its training program. The first part of this article/conversation was published in the September 2025 edition of Sweeping (Vol. 49 #8).
John: Part of my work was to travel to virtually every provincial capital to meet with energy ministries and fire marshals’ offices, as well as industry participants. These meetings were fruitful and led to a consensus on a policy approach to wood-heat safety.
Three general strategies were agreed upon:
1. Because wood heating was virtually unregulated at the time, the development of solid-fuel standards at CSA and ULC should be accelerated with federal support;
2. In addition to safety testing and certification of all woodheat system components, professional installers, sweeps, inspectors and others that offer wood-heat services to the public should be trained and certified as having the necessary knowledge to protect public safety and;
3. Because homeowners are the ones mainly in control of wood-heating systems, a major public education effort was needed.
Although I was well placed in EMR’s policy section at that critical time, the ideas I championed were not my own. At the founding of the CWEI in 1977, the ideas of further standards development and a public information program were promoted. In September 1978, the fledgling Institute offered its first course for wood-heat professionals, using a basic manual produced by a volunteer committee titled Installation, Operation and Maintenance of Woodburning Appliances. So the industry had long known the need for product standardization, public education and professional training and had been suggesting these ideas to government for years.
John Guenin took over as CWEI executive director in June 1984. He was very good at getting federal and provincial government funding.
The first dilemma faced by the participants in these discussions was the absence of a reliable textbook covering the technical content necessary for the training of wood-heat professionals. At the time, the most influential and competent book on the
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subject was the Woodburners’ Encyclopedia by Jay Shelton, published in 1976. The book was good, but was not a training document and its content was
After some consultation, it was decided that a formal occupational analysis was needed for all categories of wood-heating professionals, which would define in detail the specific skills needed to comply with the regulations. Since CSA was already involved through federal funding to accelerate the development of solidfuel standards, it was agreed that CSA would form a standards committee to reach a consensus on a comprehensive occupational analysis. CSA B601, the resulting standard, was published in August 1984 under the title Qualification Code for Chimney Sweep Technicians, Installers and Inspectors of Solid-Fuel-Burning Systems. With B601 in place, work could begin on a training system for wood-
Also, that year the CWEI developed and delivered an ambitious program called Wood Energy ’84, consisting of 45 full-day seminars for professionals delivered in every province and territory. The objective was to provide some basic training and to gauge support for professional training and certification. Support was strong. The presenters recruited for Wood Energy ’84 eventually became some of the first WETT instructors: Mike O’Grady, Cal Wallis and John Gulland. Some of the industry members they met during Wood Energy ’84 were
The province of Ontario was a major participant in discussions of wood-heat safety during this period. The Ontario Task Force on Residential Wood Heat Safety was formally constituted in 1984. The Task Force met at Queen’s Park in Toronto and was chaired by a semi-retired university professor. It had representation from five different Ontario ministries. In the lead-up to the formation of the Task Force, I was spending a lot of time with Robyn McDonald, the Ontario Ministry of Energy staffer responsible for wood heating. He arranged that I would serve as secretary/consultant and write the final report. The Task Force met several times in 1984 and published its report in early 1985. The report offered a detailed policy framework for wood heat safety, and the government’s objective was to sort out which ministry would take the lead. One key recommendation made strongly by the industry representatives was that uniformity of regulations be achieved through referencing CSA B365, the solid-fuel installation code, in all relevant law. This was done, although there remains one holdout regarding fireplaces in the Ontario Building
Code. The Buildings Branch was the only agency that the industry was never able to establish a good working relationship with.
Notably, the wood-heat specialists that took part in the work of the Task Force provided supplementary comments to some recommendations, pointing out that they didn't go far enough. That is, industry wanted stronger regulation. Cal Wallis, chair of the Ontario Branch of the CWEI, sent a detailed letter to the minister proposing that the government put authority for wood-burning regulations under the Fuels Safety Branch of Consumer and Commercial Relations, which already had authority over oil and gas safety. The Ontario government declined that proposal but did provide major funding (along with the Feds) for the development of the WETT program and public education programs.
After a strong consensus was formed, and initial funding secured on the need for training, the first task was to develop a reference textbook to help training candidates to prepare for their courses, and as a lasting resource. The CWEI contracted with me to research and write the manual, with support from experienced specialists from across the country. As each chapter was completed in draft form, it was sent to a large number of experienced people for review and comment. There were a total of 65 reviewers from the wood-heat industry, government and insurance industry. The table of contents of the original — and even today’s version of the manual — reflects the sections laid out in CSA B601 all those years ago.
“I’m not sure at what point I met Jan Herald. It might have been when she joined the B365 committee in the mid-1980s. She was definitely one of the reviewers of the WETT manual draft chapters when I started sending them out. Most of the reviewers didn’t give me much feedback, despite their best intentions. But Jan was the most helpful in giving insightful suggestions, as anyone who knew her can imagine. During this period, I was careful not to burden people with too much dependence on them because they all had busy lives and challenging jobs, whereas WETT was my main preoccupation for which I was being paid. But I did lean on Jan more than most because she didn’t pretend to know things she didn’t and had such good judgement. I did try to sub-contract some of the writing to another consultant once, but it backfired badly and cost me a lot of time.” – JG
Before setting out on the development of training materials, the CWEI contracted with Vince Aubé, an experienced training system consultant. This was a smart move that paid dividends for the
following several years and resulted in the modular structure of the WETT courses. Tex McLeod, who was working for EMR at the time and was a friend of the industry, introduced the CWEI to Vince, which was a big help. Tex also participated on the B601 committee at CSA as an observer.
I recommended to the Board that the program be called Wood Energy Technical Training and the Board agreed. Brian Weeks, a chimney sweep and also a graphic artist working for Gulland Associates Inc., not only created many of the illustrations in the manual and course workbooks, he also created the WETT logo, which is distinctive and still stands up after decades of use.
The WETT Reference Manual was presented in final printed form at the CWEI’s annual meeting in 1987. It was 700 pages with 15 separate chapters. The pace of developments during this period was breathtaking. As soon as the WETT manual was completed, I got to work at creating the course materials, including participant and instructor workbooks for each course, exam papers, a policies and procedures manual and so on.
The first WETT course was a three-day program designed for people who already had several years of experience in wood heating to “grandfather” them into certification. Thereafter, candidates with less experience would take a four-day course to get basic certification. The first courses were delivered in 1988.
The CWEI contracted with Vince Aubé to create and deliver the first of two train-the-trainer courses, so that a stable of instructors could be trained in effective adult education techniques and to gain familiarity with the course workbooks and delivery process. In the next two years, WETT courses were delivered across Canada and the full training system began to take shape.
In light of the rapid growth of the CWEI and the vast expansion in revenue and expenditures in just a very few years, it was perhaps inevitable that the Institute would run into financial trouble. Considering the unfunded short-term liabilities of some $300,000 that the board was not fully informed of, John Guenin, who at the time housed the CWEI in his basement, was dismissed from his role as executive director. Despite the problems under his leadership, Mr. Guenin did make things happen quickly, which was desirable and necessary during that period.
CWEI president Peter VanderPlaat and board members Dan Thiesen, Bill Tully and others, deserve recognition for clear and decisive thinking during a period of intense stress. Together, they negotiated with the CWEI’s creditors on a settlement. My
company, Performance Woodburning (also one of the creditors), was asked to take on the day-to-day administration of the CWEI. The board members helped me move the documents and records to my offices in Killaloe and gave wise council in helping my company get started.
Since the CWEI was insolvent, the only reasonable solution was to separate WETT into a standalone not-for profit corporation and wind down the CWEI. Wood Energy Technology Transfer Inc. was incorporated shortly after Performance Woodburning took over its administration in late 1990.
And that is how the WETT program came about.
George: There was so much activity in such a short number of years, but I recall some of these as well. I had attended a CWEI meeting in 1988 with Patrick Bourque, my employer, and he was a director for CWEI. I was there to volunteer to become a director as well, but CWEI was announcing it was shutting down its operations and needed to salvage the WETT training program. None of the existing members there could be attached to the program, so I left that meeting becoming the first president of
WETT. The train-the-trainer program held in Ontario in 1988, and in Halifax in 1989, produced a group of 26 instructors from every province and including Northwest Territories, three from Newfoundland, three from BC, two from Quebec, six from Ontario, four from Nova Scotia, five from Alberta and two from New Brunswick. The demand for training was exceptionally high, so John Gulland—as the first association manager—and his team were experiencing an overwhelming volume of mailings to and from participants, including manuals and workbooks.
George: Thanks, John, for this interesting conversation to share with our membership. You were always my Jedi! The soul of solid fuel burning! ■
Part 3 of this article will continue in the November 2025 edition of Sweeping magazine. Part 1 was published in the September 2025 edition.
From Soot to Success: Building Your Business in the Digital Age
By Trent Simmons, Owner, Top Hat Chimney Sweeps
AAs chimney sweeps, we've all been there. You finish a job, the homeowner is thrilled, and you're ready to move on to the next. But how do you find that next customer? In an increasingly digital world, it can feel like "good" leads are either scarce or come with a hefty price tag. But what if you could change that?
Our company recently "greenfielded" a new geographic location, starting from scratch. What we learned in that process—and what we continue
to practice in our established market—is that a successful lead generation strategy is a multifaceted approach. It combines a strong digital presence with the timeless power of human connection. The "secrets" aren't really secrets at all; they're actionable steps that any chimney professional can implement to grow their business. Here's our roadmap to success:
Step 1: Get Your Digital House in Order
Before you can be found, you have to be visible. This is the foundation of your digital strategy. Think of your online presence as your digital storefront. It must be accurate, consistent, and up-to-date across all platforms. The cornerstone of this is a modern, mobile-friendly website. Your website is your central hub. It should be fast-loading, clearly outline your services and service area, and have prominent contact information. A professional website reinforces your credibility and gives you a platform to showcase your work, with before-andafter photos serving as powerful visual testimonials.
Leveraging Your Website for Lead Capture
A good website doesn't just look pretty; it works for you. Make sure there is a way to collect customer information from your site, even if they don't immediately book an appointment. Tools like a form fill for appointment requests, a chatbot for instant questions, or a well-timed pop-up window offering a discount can capture valuable contact information. Once you have this lead data, don't let it go cold. The leads that do not book an appointment should be added to a marketing campaign (via email, text message, or phone calls) to continue to reach out until they book a service or "die"—that is, indicate they are no longer interested. This persistent, automated follow-up can turn a casual browser into a paying customer.
The Top 10 Business Listing Sites for Chimney Sweeps:
1. Google Business Profile: This is non-negotiable. An optimized Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business) is the single most important tool for local search. It gets you on Google Maps and helps you show up when customers in your area search for services.
2. Yelp: A powerhouse for local service businesses, Yelp is a critical platform for customer reviews and discovery.
3. Angi (formerly Angie's List) & HomeAdvisor: These are two of the largest online directories for home services. They are a primary source of leads for many in our industry.
4. Facebook Business Page: Your business needs a presence on the world's largest social media platform. A Facebook page allows you to share updates, photos, and connect with your community. Leverage social media beyond a basic page by regularly sharing before-andafter photos, posting educational content (e.g., "5 Signs Your Chimney Needs a Sweep"), and running targeted ads to reach new audiences.
5. Better Business Bureau (BBB): Listing your business with the BBB adds a layer of trust and professionalism that many customers value.
6. Houzz: While often associated with larger home renovation projects, Houzz has a strong directory for local home service professionals, including chimney sweeps.
7. Porch: A home services platform similar to Angi, Porch can connect you with homeowners looking for various services, including chimney care.
8. Bing Places for Business: While Google dominates search, Bing still holds a significant market share. Having an up-to-date listing on Bing ensures you're not missing potential customers.
9. Nextdoor: This neighborhood-specific social network is a goldmine for local referrals. People are constantly asking for recommendations for trusted service providers.
10. Your Local Chamber of Commerce Website: Most chambers have a business directory. This not only helps with local SEO but also shows your commitment to the community.
Trent Simmons is the owner of Top Hat Chimney Sweeps in Auburn, AL.
On all of these platforms, ensure your business name, address, phone number, and website are identical. This "NAP" (name, address, phone number) consistency is a major factor in how search engines rank your business.
Step 2: Ask the Right Questions
Every customer you visit is a valuable source of information. After you've completed the work, always ask two simple, yet powerful, questions:
• "How did you find us?"
• "Why did you choose us?"
The answers to these questions will provide invaluable feedback on your marketing efforts and help you understand what's working and what's not.
Step 3: The Power of the Review
Online reviews are your most effective sales tool. A positive review from a happy customer is worth more than any paid advertisement. Make asking for a review a standard part of your process. You can use a variety of methods: a follow-up email with a direct link, a text message, or even a printed card with a QR code. Consistency in asking for reviews will steadily build your online credibility.
To take this a step further, think beyond written reviews. After a great job, ask the customer if they'd be willing to provide an audio or video testimonial. A short video clip of a homeowner happily talking about their experience or a quick audio recording can be incredibly powerful. These media-rich testimonials are perfect for your website homepage, social media channels, and even paid advertisements. They add a human element that text simply can't replicate, building deeper trust and connection with potential customers.
Step 4: Unlock the Referral Network
Once you've done a great job and secured a positive review, take it one step further. "Which three friends, family, or neighbors could benefit from our services?" This simple question moves the conversation from a yes/no to a direct request for a referral. People are often happy to recommend a trusted professional to their friends and family, and this wording makes it easy for them to think of specific people who would be a good fit.
Incentivize Your Team
A referral program isn't just for customers—it's a powerful tool to motivate your team. By incentivizing your technicians and office staff to actively seek referrals, you empower them to "create their own economy," which benefits both them and the
business. The average cost per lead for home service businesses is well over $100 and can often be closer to $250. This means a referral program that pays team members a set amount, like $50 for every booked referral, is an incredibly efficient and cost-effective way to generate high-quality leads.
To make this work, give your team the tools to succeed. Provide them with a simple way to book appointments on the spot or at least easily track who is getting the referral. This might be a dedicated link, a specific referral code, or a quickentry form on a mobile device. By paying your team for booked referrals, you’re not just rewarding them; you’re investing in a marketing channel with an exceptionally high return.
Step 5: "Soot-to-Soot" Canvassing
This may sound old-school, but it works. After completing a job, knock on six doors around that house. Introduce yourself and mention you just finished working for their neighbor. This is a powerful, trust-building tactic. You're not a stranger—you're the person who just solved a problem for someone they know.
Ask them if they're experiencing any of the common chimney issues you've just seen, such as a leaky or smelly chimney, safety concerns, or a desire to change the look of their fireplace. This approach is highly effective because it's personal and hyper-local.
To maximize this effort, place door hangers on the other doors in the neighborhood. These should be professional and include your contact information, services, and a clear call to action. Additionally, if the homeowner is willing, place a yard sign on the property while you're working. This serves as a powerful, on-the-spot advertisement for every car that drives by.
Step 6: Join Your Local Chamber of Commerce
Membership in your local chamber of commerce is more than just another directory listing. It provides networking opportunities, credibility, and a chance to engage with other local business leaders. It also allows you to network with other trades. Building relationships with roofers, plumbers, HVAC companies, and realtors is a goldmine. They are often the first to identify chimney issues and are regularly asked for referrals by their clients. By having a reciprocal referral agreement, you can send them business for things you don't do, and they can send you business they can't handle.
Step 7: Harness the Power of a BNI Chapter
A business network international (BNI) chapter is a professional networking group where you build a reciprocal referral network. In a BNI chapter, you are the exclusive chimney professional, and other members—from real estate agents to contractors— become your extended sales team. This is a highly effective way to generate a steady stream of highquality, pre-qualified leads.
Like the chamber of commerce, BNI is built on the principle of networking with other trades. For example, the HVAC technician at your meeting may have a client with a clogged flue, the roofer might find a cracked chimney crown, and the plumber may discover a leak that's affecting the fireplace. This network creates a system of "passing leads" that benefits everyone involved.
A Holistic Approach to Growth
The key takeaway is that lead generation is not a single activity but a continuous cycle. It's about combining the efficiency and scale of a strong digital presence with the trust and personal connection that comes from being active in your community.
For a small to medium-sized business, managing all of this can feel overwhelming. This is where a customer relationship management (CRM) system can be a game-changer. A CRM can help you track leads, manage customer interactions, and automate follow-up tasks like sending review requests, freeing you up to focus on the work itself. By consistently implementing these steps and leveraging the right tools, you can create a robust pipeline of new business, ensuring your company continues to grow and thrive—one sweep at a time. ■
Brett Conklin
At-Large Director
What makes your company unique?
Everyone likes to think their company is unique, and we definitely strive to provide something special. Sure, I could say we put the customer experience at the top of our priorities, and that does make us stand out, but to be fair, plenty of great companies in our industry care about that too. Honestly? What makes Chimney Monkey memorable is the mix of quality work, a people-first approach, and, let’s not forget, our adorable and memorable name and logo.
What does success mean to you as a business owner?
For me, success means everybody wins. Our employees get to live their best lives, our customers have a surprisingly positive experience (even when it’s about issues they didn’t know they had), and the community benefits from safer, cozier homes. If all three of those groups are smiling, that’s success in my book.
How do you envision the chimney industry 50 years from now?
I think we’ll keep seeing a blend of the ancient and the modern. Fire has been at the center of human life for thousands of years, and it always will be, but technology will keep evolving around it. Fifty years from now, we’ll still be gathering around a flame, but inspections might be done with AI-driven tools, smart sensors, or who-knows-what kind of gadgets. The key will be to keep learning: holding on to the hard-earned knowledge of the past while adding new skills to stay relevant.
What’s something people usually don’t know about you?
Well, anybody who’s met me knows I like to talk (and that my filter is… let’s say, minimal). So, there aren’t a lot of secrets here. But if there’s one thing people might not expect, it’s how much I enjoy listening and learning from others—whether it’s employees, customers, or other leaders. Turns out, talking and listening can go hand-in-hand. ■
It’s always “Sweet Home Chicago” with Brett (center), Brad (left), and Art (right) running Chimney Monkey.
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Lasting Legacy
How Clay Lamb built a 43-year career on trust and helping others
WWhen Clay Lamb launched his chimney and masonry business in Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1981, the industry looked very different.
“Back then, the industry was still emerging in many ways. There were no YouTube tutorials or Facebook groups, just a lot of trial, error, and long hours,” Clay recalled. “It was an opportunity to make a lot of money ($49 an hour!) and be a part of an industry.”
Over the next 43 years, Clay witnessed the industry evolve dramatically. The early days of telemarketing and handwritten estimates gave way to stainless steel liners, advanced scanning technology, and heightened compliance standards.
“At its heart, the work has always been about solving problems and earning trust. Those parts never changed,” he said.
A longtime National Chimney Sweep Guild (NCSG) member, Clay credits the organization with shaping his career: "When I joined NCSG, I found myself surrounded by people who cared deeply about the craft and were willing to help each other grow."
“The friendships, camaraderie, and shared knowledge were invaluable. The trade shows were very educational and showed me how big our industry really is,” he said. Training, certifications, and ongoing code updates helped him build a business rooted in professionalism and safety.
Some of Clay's fondest memories come from NCSG events, like a family-filled convention in Orlando that mixed learning with plenty of fun. But beyond the events, he’s always valued the industry’s open exchange of knowledge.
Now retired from day-to-day operations, Clay focuses on MIX Groups Online, where he continues to mentor others. “Some of the proudest moments of my career have come from watching someone I encouraged launch their own chimney and fireplace company,” Clay said. ■
REGION 4
EDUCATION UPDATE
TThe National Chimney Sweep Guild (NCSG) is pleased to announce Jonathan Erdman as our new director of education beginning October 1, 2025. Jonathan brings both industry experience and a strong background in safety and compliance, making him a valuable addition to the NCSG team.
Before joining the chimney trade, Jonathan spent years in Walmart’s logistics division, eventually serving as asset protection manager in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley. In that role, he oversaw the safety, security, and compliance of more than 700 employees while managing billions of dollars in merchandise. Though successful, the role was demanding, and Jonathan stepped away in 2019 to focus on his family.
A year later, a chance meeting with the owners of Blue Ridge
Jonathan Erdman Hired as NCSG Education Director
By Kailah Schmitz, CAE, Executive Director, National Chimney Sweep Guild
Chimney introduced him to a career path he hadn’t considered. What began as a 30-day trial quickly turned into a new passion. Jonathan discovered that chimney work combined everything he enjoyed—problemsolving, technical repairs, and the opportunity to help families maintain safe homes. He went on to serve as production manager at Blue Ridge Chimney and later as general manager of The Chimney Guys in Charlottesville. In 2024, Jonathan took another major step when he acquired Rooftop Safety USA from industry veteran Jim Brewer. Working alongside Jim during the transition gave Jonathan, in his words, “a much deeper appreciation for the organizations that serve and watch over our industry.” That perspective has shaped his vision for education and professional growth across the trade.
As he begins his role at NCSG, Jonathan looks forward to building on that foundation.
“This role is a big deal to me,” he said. “The chimney industry is very education-rich, and being part of that makes me feel like I’m part of the next generation of movers and shakers in the industry. What a privilege!”
Outside of work, Jonathan enjoys exploring new places with his girlfriend, Jess, and spending time with their five children. Hiking, visiting museums, and watching movies together top their list of favorite activities. He also writes for Calvary Chapel Magazine, a side passion that allows him to blend storytelling with his industry experience.
Please join us in welcoming Jonathan to the NCSG team! He can be reached by email at education@ncsg.org. ■
November 28, 2025
Registration Opens
December 1, 2025
Black Friday Special Ends
December 31, 2025
Early Bird Registration Deadline
January 31, 2026
On Time Registration Deadline
February 2, 2026
Hotel Room Block Closes
February 24-28, 2026
2026 NCSG Convention & Trade Show
The Importance of Coaching: From Athletes to Business Owners
By Michael Boudart, President Emeritus, Lindemann Chimney Co.
IIn an era where self-reliance is often celebrated, the value of coaching remains irreplaceable. Coaching, at its core, involves an external expert providing structured guidance, feedback, and accountability to help individuals or teams achieve their potential. Whether in sports or business, coaches act as mirrors, reflecting blind spots that selfassessment often misses. Let’s explore why coaching is essential across domains, emphasizing the role of external perspectives, and concludes with how events like business leadership conferences—such as those offered by Lindemann University— deliver these benefits to small business owners.
Coaching in Athletics: Building Champions Through External Insight
Athletes, from Olympic hopefuls to weekend warriors, exemplify the transformative power of coaching. Consider a runner training for a marathon. They might push themselves daily, tracking splits and mileage, but without a coach, they could overlook inefficiencies in form, overtraining risks, or nutritional gaps. A coach provides an objective viewpoint, analyzing performance data and observing
from the sidelines to spot issues the athlete can't see amid the sweat and determination.
One key reason external guidance is crucial here is objectivity. Athletes are deeply immersed in their routines, making it hard to self-diagnose flaws. A coach, unburdened by personal ego, can deliver honest feedback—perhaps adjusting a swimmer's stroke to shave seconds off a lap time. This external input prevents plateaus; studies from sports psychology, like those in the Journal of Applied Sport Psychology, show that coached athletes improve 2030% faster than self-trained ones due to tailored strategies.
Coaches enforce accountability. An athlete might skip a session alone, but a coach's expectations create structure, turning sporadic effort into consistent progress. They also introduce fresh perspectives, drawing from experience with multiple athletes to innovate training methods.
For instance, Michael Phelps' coach, Bob Bowman, didn't just drill laps; he incorporated mental resilience techniques, helping Phelps navigate pressure that he might not have addressed independently. Without such external sources, athletes risk stagnation, injury, or burnout—
reminders that even the most talented need guidance to excel.
Transitioning to Business: Why Owners Need Coaches Too
The principles of athletic coaching translate seamlessly to the business world, where entrepreneurs and owners face analogous challenges. Running a company is like competing in a high-stakes race: market shifts, competition, and internal hurdles demand agility. Yet, business owners often operate in isolation, juggling roles from CEO to mason’s helper, especially in small enterprises. Here, a business coach—or mentor— serves as that vital external voice, illuminating paths obscured by daily operations.
For small business owners, coaching addresses blind spots in strategy and operations. An owner might excel at product development but falter in marketing or scaling. A coach, with broader industry exposure, can identify these gaps. Take a restaurateur fixated on menu innovation while ignoring customer retention metrics; a coach might recommend data-driven loyalty programs, boosting revenue by highlighting
overlooked opportunities. External guidance also fosters emotional detachment.
Business decisions are personal— tied to livelihoods and dreams— leading to biased choices, like clinging to outdated models. A coach provides impartial advice, challenging assumptions and encouraging calculated risks. According to a study by the International Coach Federation, businesses with coaching report 70% higher productivity and 61% greater job satisfaction, underscoring how feedback accelerates growth.
Additionally, coaches promote skill development and innovation. They might introduce tools like a SWOT analysis or lean methodologies that an owner hasn't encountered.
Without it, owners might repeat mistakes, as self-reflection alone rarely uncovers systemic issues. Just as athletes rely on coaches for peak performance, business leaders benefit from this partnership to navigate uncertainty and drive sustainable success.
The Core Reasons for External Guidance and Feedback
Delving deeper, several universal reasons highlight why external sources are indispensable for guidance and feedback:
• Detecting Blind Spots: Individuals are prone to cognitive biases, such as confirmation bias, where they favor information aligning with preconceptions. An external coach sees the full
picture, offering insights into weaknesses or opportunities missed internally.
• Enhancing Accountability: Self-motivation wanes under pressure. Coaches set milestones and follow-ups, ensuring consistent action— vital for long-term goals in sports or business.
• Providing Expertise and Fresh Ideas: Coaches bring diverse experiences, injecting innovation. For example, a business coach might apply cross-industry tactics, like agililty from software to manufacturing.
• Building Resilience and Confidence: Feedback, when constructive, bolsters mental toughness. It helps reframe failures as learning, preventing demotivation.
• Facilitating Networking and Resources: Often, coaches connect individuals to broader communities, extending growth beyond solo projects. These elements explain why coaching yields superior outcomes: it's not about dependency but leveraging collective wisdom for individual advancement.
The Role of Business Leadership Conferences: A Case for Lindemann University
For small business owners seeking fresh perspectives among their industry leaders and peers, Lindemann U offers an accessible and inspirational experience. This event will
aggregate personal stories of human and business growth, expert guidance, peer feedback, and networking over three days.
Lindemann University exemplifies this through its "Heroes" Leadership Conference, scheduled for January 11-14, 2026, in Puerto Rico. Held at the luxurious La Concha Renaissance Resort, the conference inspires participants to discover their role as leaders in their families, workplace and communities.
Tailored for entrepreneurs and business owners, it features industry-leading speakers sharing actionable insights on leadership, sales, and operations. It will also feature gripping, heart-wrenching personal accounts of men and women overcoming life’s adversities.
The benefits are profound: in a stunning setting, attendees gain fresh perspectives, combating isolation common in small enterprises. A portion of the proceeds supports Warrior Horse, which heals our battered veterans.
Coaching's importance spans from athletic fields to boardrooms, rooted in the irreplaceable value of external guidance. By addressing blind spots and fostering growth, it propels success. Events like Lindemann University's conference extend these advantages, proving that collective experiences can be as impactful as personal coaching. Embracing such opportunities ensures individuals and businesses not just survive, but soar. ■
UPCOMING EVENTS
PA Guild Winter Training Days, Board Meeting, and Holiday Party
January 23-24, 2026 | State College, PA
Join the Pennsylvania Guild of Professional Chimney Sweeps for two days of training, holiday banquet, and board meeting.
Q1
2026 Micro-Mentorship Roundtable
February 4, 2026 at 6:00 pm EST | Virtual/Zoom
This networking opportunity helps new chimney sweeps build their professional network while experienced members pay it forward by sharing their wisdom and life lessons.
Under Pressure: How Air Moves Through a Home
February 7, 2026 | Asheville, NC
This course breaks down how air movement and pressure affect combustion appliances and what you should be measuring during inspections. CEUs available for attending!
2026 NCSG Convention & Trade Show
February 24-28, 2026 | Kansas City, MO
Let's turn up the heat together—whether it's pushing the limits of your business, embracing new techniques, or fueling your professional fire. Registration opens on Black Friday (November 28).
REGIONAL UPDATES
REGION 6
Michaele Dempsey Region 6 Director
RRegion 6 has been buzzing with activity lately!
In August, the Golden State Chimney Sweep Guild (GSCSG) hosted a Northern California workshop and reunion in Lodi. Jeremy Biswell of SaverSystems led a full day of education, helping attendees earn CEUs while reconnecting with old friends. Eight retired sweeps joined us, and the day turned into a celebration complete with a steak dinner I donated, a pool party from our hosts John and Joan Dykman, and a raffle packed with prizes from Jeremy and John’s business. It was more like an educational party than a workshop.
In September, the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association (HPBA) held a meeting in Carlsbad, where more than 30 sweeps and stove dealers gathered for dinner and a tour of AMS Stove Dealership. Thanks to hosts Pat Lopez and family, it was a lively and collaborative evening. West End Brick has now offered to host our next Southern California workshop.
Save the dates:
• Southern California Workshop: Feb. 7, 2026
• National Chimney Sweep Guild 2026 Convention & Trade Show: Feb. 24-28, 2026
• Northern California Workshop: Mar. 28, 2026
• GSCSG Convention: July 6-9, 2026 in Reno at the Silver Legacy
It’s an honor to serve as your region 6 director. Please reach out anytime about activities or membership at 559-732-6200. ■
AT-LARGE
Brian Barclay At-Large Supplier Representative
HHow do you stay safe and healthy in your work and/or personal life?
As a salesperson, my need to stay safe and healthy would have to be completely different from those who work every day on a roof, chimney, or anywhere near a heating appliance.
Most of my weeks are spent either in an airplane, rental car, meeting, or event. Being safe in these environments revolves around knowing my surroundings, where I’m going, and who it is that I plan to meet with.
I always try to plan out my route, schedule, and accommodations long before the trip comes to take place. To create a margin of safety and a cushion of familiarity, I stay with the same rental car agency, type of vehicle, a single hotel chain with properties in areas that are known to be safe and secure, plus one primary airline that can provide routes to my destinations.
This overall routine allows me to focus on the unknown around me to stay safe and healthy as I go about my week to week travels. ■
NEW CERTIFICATIONS
Anthony Lynch A-1 Chimney Sepcialist
Brian Mierzwa Jack of All Trades
Tyler Sloan
2nd Generation Chimneys
Tyler Stavig
2nd Generation Chimneys
Marc Torres Lords Chimney
Jonathan Yanez Lords Chimney
WELCOME
NEW MEMBERS!
Giroux Masonry Marshfield, VT
Join Date: 8/5/2025
Divided Sky Chimney Branchville, NJ
Join Date: 8/28/2025
from August 2025
2025-2026 Board of Directors
President; Region 2 Director
Bill Thornton Wissahickon Chimney & Fireplace wissahickonvalleysweep@yahoo.com
Region 6 Director
Michaele Dempsey Professional Chimney Sweep prochimneymichaele@gmail.com
Vice President; Region 4 Director
Debbie Wiedwald Blackburn’s Chimney Sweeps debbie@blackburnschimney.com
At-Large Director
Gary Smalling Smalling Masonry gary.smalling@smallingmasonry.com
Treasurer; At-Large Director
Steve Scally Fireside Sweeps firesidesweeps@comcast.net
Secretary; Region 1 Director
Robby Murphy
Hudson Valley Chimney Service rmurphy@hudsonvalleychimney.com
Region 3 Director
Drew Stein
Chimspector drew@chimspector.com
Region 5 Director
Roland Perez
AAA Home Services and Aaron's Chimney Services roland@myaaahomeservices.com
Advocacy
Debbie Wiedwald
Blackburn’s Chimney Sweeps
Bylaws
Brett Conklin
Chimney Monkey
Certification
Steve Sobczak
Total Chimney Care
Education
Gary Smalling
Smalling Masonry
At-Large Director
Brett Conklin Chimney Monkey brett@chimneymonkey.com
At-Large Director
Lee Roff
Lords Chimney leeroff@lordschimney.com
At-Large Supplier Representative
Brian Barclay KW DRAFT brianb@rmmanifold.com
2025-2026 Committee Chairs
Ethics
Roland Perez
AAA Home Services
Events
Brian Barclay KW DRAFT
Governance
Robby Murphy
Hudson Valley Chimney Service
Marketing
Lee Roff
Lords Chimney
Brett Conklin
Chimney Monkey
Membership
Michaele Dempsey Professional Chimney Sweep
NFPA 211; NFPA 54
Jim Brewer
SureFire Training Academy
NFPA 31; Tech. Advisory Council
Steve Scally
Fireside Sweeps
UL 1390; UL 1391
Dan Freeman
Freeman Fire
National Chimney Sweep Guild
1255 SW Prairie Trail Parkway
Ankeny, Iowa 50023-7068
