January 2011

March 21-25 - Installing & Troubleshooting Woodburning Hearth Appliances

Energy efficiency, appliance selection and sizing, installation of woodburning fireplaces and stoves, system operation,

maintenance and troubleshooting. NFI exam included!CCS CEUs: 4 T, 4 C&S, 4 C&L, 4 H&S NFI CEUs: 16 T

April 11 – April 16 - National Chimney Sweep Training SchoolFundamentals of sweeping and inspection of chimney systems, equipment operation, health and safety considerations and step-by-step instruction in codes, clearances, standards and practices.

CCS CEUs: 4 T, 4 C&S, 4 C&L, 4 H&S NFI CEUs: 16 T

May 16-20 - Installing & Troubleshooting Gas Hearth Appliances

Appliance standards, combustion requirements, pipe sizing, installation, troubleshooting, carbon monoxide testing and fuel conversion. NFI exam included! CCS CEUs: 4 T, 4 C&S, 4 C&L, 4

H&S NFI CEUs: 16 T

June13-18 - National Chimney Sweep Training SchoolFundamentals of sweeping and inspection of chimney systems, equipment operation, health and safety considerations and step-by-step instruction in codes, clearances, standards and practices.


June 27-29 - Inspection & Report Writing Designed to enhance your inspection process. During this session, our instructors will concentrate on helping you build the narrative-style reports your customers demand.

CCS CEUs: 8-T, 8 C&S NFI CEUs: 16 T

July 18-20 - Chimney PhysicsDiagnosis and resolution of chimney performance problems, solving air pressure problems, identifying the symptoms of indoor air pollutants, determining combustion air requirements for vented

appliances. CCS CEUs: 4 T, 4 C&S, 4 C&L, 4 H&S NFI CEUs: 16 T

August 1-6 - National Chimney Sweep Training SchoolFundamentals of sweeping and inspection of chimney systems, equipment operation, health and safety considerations and step-by-step instruction in codes, clearances, standards and practices.


September 19-24 - National Chimney Sweep Training SchoolFundamentals of sweeping and inspection of chimney systems, equipment operation, health and safety considerations and step-by-step instruction in codes, clearances, standards and practices.


Just minutes southwest of the Indianapolis International Airport, the CSIA Technology Center is located at 2155 Commercial Drive, Plainfield, IN 46168.

CHIMNEY SAFETY INSTITUTE OF AMERICA

Schedule subject to Change. Please contact CSIA prior to making travel arrangements. This institution is regulated by: The Indiana Commission on Proprietary Education, 302 W Washington St, Room E201, Indianapolis, IN 46204 Accreditation contact IN Toll Free 1(800) 227-5695 or (317) 232-1320. Visit www.CSIA.org or call 317-837-5362.

IN-PERSONREVIEW & EXAM SESSIONS

Single Day Review Followed by Two Certification ExamsJanuary 21- LaCrosse, WI Sponsored by Wisconsin Guild of Chimney Service SpecialistsFebruary 8 - Hartford, CT NCSG ConventionMarch 4 - CSIA Tech CenterMarch 4 - Salt Lake City, UT HBP ExpoApril 8 - Tallahassee, FLMay 6 - CSIA Tech CenterMay 13 - Baltimore, MDJune 10 - Richmond, VAJuly 12 - California GSCSG ConventionJuly 22 - Fairfield, IAAugust 26 - Nashville, TNSeptember 9 - CSIA Tech CenterSeptember 9 - Atlantic City, NJOctober 21 - Albany, NY November 4 - CSIA Tech Center

Single Day Review Followed by the Certification ExamFebruary 8 - Hartford, CT NCSG ConventionApril 9 - Tallahassee, FLSeptember 8-CSIA Tech Center

CDETDRYERVENTS

When earning a new CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep® credential, candidates are required to:

□ Attend an online or in-person review session. □ Pass a one-hour exam based on Successful Chimney Sweeping (2009) and NFPA 211□ Pass a ninety-minute open- book exam based on the 2006 International Residential Code.□ Agree to pay the Annual Certification Fee. □ Sign CSIA Code of Ethics.

CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep® and CSIA Certified Dryer Exhaust Technician® Online Review Sessions

Are Scheduled Monthly Online Exams Also Available

Visit www.CSIA.org!

CONTINUING EDUCATION AT THE TECHNOLOGY CENTER

JANUARY 11 SWEEPING 1

Sweeping: The Journal of Chimney and Venting Technology (ISSN# 1041-6692) is published 11 times annually, by the National Chimney Sweep Guild, 2155 Commercial Drive, Plainfield, IN 46168.

Annual dues to the National Chimney Sweep Guild are $459 for Voting Member Companies and $689 for Supplier Member Companies, of which $80 goes toward a subscription to Sweeping: The Journal of Chimney and Venting Technology. Additional annual subscriptions are available for $80 by contacting the National Chimney Sweep Guild at the office of publication (NCSG, 2155 Commercial Drive, Plainfield, IN 46168).

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to:Sweeping: The Journal of Chimney and Venting TechnologyNational Chimney Sweep Guild2155 Commercial DrivePlainfield, IN 46168

January 2011 Volume 35 #1

Features

Table of Contents

Departments

P.39

P.37

P.15

3 Presidential Post

6 Editor’s Letter

8 Technical Q&A

10 Industry Watch

14 Chimney Sense

32 New NCSG Members

34 Sweeps Advantage Coupons

35 Progressive Perks

36 Dates & Events

37 Perspective

39 Darwin Awards

40 Classifieds

15 NCSG Innovation 2011

18 Exhibitor Profiles

2 SWEEPING JANUARY 11

ResourcePage

TECHNICAL ADVISORY COUNCIL

TAC Chair Installation/Direct Vent Gas Appliances

Dennis Dobbs Fort Payne, AL

[email protected](256) 845-9814

Masonry construction and restoration Priorfire firebox

Chris Prior Middle Grove, NY

(518) [email protected]

Customer communications NFPA 211

Randy Brooks Ojai, CA


Codes and standards Gas venting

NFPA 54 James Brewer

Chesapeake, VA [email protected]

757-523-2400

Oil flue sizing, Relining NFPA 31

John Pilger Smithtown, NY (631) 236-7422

[email protected]

Stainless steel lining Video scanning

Narrative report writing A. Bart Ogden

Wichita, KS (316) 265-9828

[email protected]

Installation & Venting of Pellet Stoves Fred Joy Hoyt, KS

(785) 986-6432 [email protected]

Dryer Vents Jay Walker

Tallahassee, FL 850-528-1357

[email protected]

NFPA 211, ICC John LaBrosse Hope Valley, RI 401-377-6009

[email protected]

Dryer Vents, Masonry Rich Martinez Algonquin, IL


COMMITTEE CHAIRS AND TASK FORCES FOR 2010-2011Ethics: Jay Walker(850) 562-4692 [email protected]

Convention Site Selection:Diane Pilger


Bylaws: Jay Walker(850) 562-4692 [email protected]

Government Affairs: Diane Pilger(631) 863-2460 or

[email protected]

Governance: Howard Rowell(414) 771-2282 or

[email protected]

History: Jerry Isenhour(704) 782-7213 or

[email protected]

Membership: Russ Dimmitt(800) 247-3305 or

[email protected]

NFPA 31: John Pilger(631) 863-2460 or

[email protected]

NFPA 54: Jim Brewer(757) 523-2400 or

[email protected]

NFPA 211: Randy Brooks(805) 646-8961 or

[email protected]

Technical Advisory Council Chair: Dennis Dobbs (256) 845-9814 or

[email protected]

Public Awareness Task Force:Marge Padgitt


Discussion List Committee:Marge Padgitt


ADVERTISING RATES for Sweeping: The Journal of Chimney & Venting Technology may be obtained by contacting Malisa Minetree at (317) 815-4688 or [email protected]

Design by Laura Houser Design • laurahouser.com • (317) 213-7497

President, Region 6Randy Brooks

(805) 646-8961 • [email protected]

Vice PresidentRegion 3

Jay Walker(850) 562-4692 • [email protected]

TreasurerRegion 5

Mark Maynard(920) 830-1920 • [email protected]

Secretary, At-LargeDiane Pilger


Region 1Phil Mitchell


Region 2Bob Fleer


Region 4Marge Padgitt


At-Large DirectorsJeremy Biswell


Dennis Dobbs(256) 845-9814 • [email protected]

Supplier RepresentativeRuss Dimmitt


NCSG BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2010-2011

Mark McSweeney, CAE Executive Director

[email protected]

Melissa Heeke, CAE Director of Communications &

Marketing [email protected]

Ashley Eldridge, COI, CPP Director of Education

[email protected]

Candice Bradbury Director of Finance

[email protected]

Megan McMahon Office Manager

[email protected]

Sara Sichting Certification Coordinator (CSIA)

[email protected]

Debbie Cornelius Membership Development

Coordinator [email protected]

Donna Lee Kasmer Program Coordinator [email protected]

STAFF

2155 Commercial Drive Plainfield, IN 46168

(317) 837-1500 Fax: (317) 837-5365

NCSG encourages industry partners to submit press release and articles to Melissa Heeke, Sweeping Editor at [email protected]. Submissions should contain items of interest or importance to the chimney and venting industry. Submissions should not contain direct solicitations, prices, or a call to action on the part of our readers. Submissions may contain images or artwork attached in a .jpg format.

In all cases, NCSG reserves the right to edit submissions to fit space limitations, keep the release and publish at a later date, or refuse to publish the release for any reason. Neither publishing, nor refusing to publish the submission should be considered a statement of NCSG’s opinion regarding the release.

NCSG further reserves the right to reject at any time any advertising determined not to be in keeping with the publications’ standards. Acceptance of advertising by Sweeping magazine does not necessarily constitute endorsement of products or services advertised. NCSG does not make any effort to review or substantiate claims made by advertisers.

© 2011 National Chimney Sweep Guild, 2155 Commercial Drive, Plainfield, IN 46168 (317) 837-1500

NATIONAL CHIMNEY SWEEP GUILD

PRINTGREEN

Be advised that advice given by NCSG’s Technical Advisory Council (TAC) reflects best practices of the chimney sweeping industry. However, we are unable to account for any particular type of situation since regional variations in construction practices and additional environmental, physical and geographical factors necessarily vary the level of service appropriate for a particular fireplace and/or chimney. Additionally, local laws and ordinances may govern and/or supersede the information and any recommendations provided. Final determinations are the responsibility of a local professional with first-hand knowledge of the situation, and the local Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ). Neither NCSG nor any member of TAC will be held liable for any damages whatsoever resulting from the use of or reliance on information provided by anyone associated with TAC. By your use of this member benefit you acknowledge acceptance of these terms.

To contact any member of the Technical Advisory Council, please email [email protected] with your question’s topic in the subject line.


BY RANDY BROOKSNCSG PRESIDENT

Presidential Post

t the time of this writing, I am hopeful, but my heavy heart remains, as my dear friend and yours, Mr. Jack Pixley is struggling with terminal cancer.Recently Jack’s long battle with cancer appears to have gotten the upper hand. I want to take this opportunity

to attempt to articulate what Jack has meant to me in my career as a chimney sweep. I first met Jack Pixley at what was Traci’s and my first NCSG convention and tradeshow in Reno, NV in April of 1994.

As you can imagine, Jack was very outgoing and wasted no time in introducing himself to Traci and me. This was the first time as parents that we had left our two sons, Hoss and Lil’ Joe for more than a few hours, let alone nearly a week. Jack was a great comfort pointing out not only the many benefits of convention and what that would mean in regard to our businesses success, but what time away for the two of us meant as well. Jack was interested to hear about our family, our lives at home, the challenges of being bi-occupational (as Jack was still a school teacher at that time) and lastly our business.

Through the years, Jack has been a true friend. Service to this industry is an understatement. Jack’s contributions to CSIA’s certification program and to industry education as a whole are a story I will allow another author to undertake. I wish to concentrate at this time on the man I know and love.

When I was first approached about seeking the Region 8 director seat on the NCSG board in late 2003, Jack was a very positive influence for me. He spoke so encouragingly about the opportunity to serve the industry and the great responsibility of being a member of the leadership team of this organization. Jack never understated

the work required to do the job but always noted the reward for the effort.

Through the years, I had the honor to work with Jack at the White House and was able to travel to Germany with him as well. Those are two experiences that I will always recall about being in Jack’s presence. During the summer of 2008, when we were approaching the White House job, I took a call from Jack, who was concerned that he might not be able to make the trip since his blood count numbers were out of whack. As would often happen, God made sure that Jack would feel not only well enough to make that trip, but be strong enough to pull his weight as well. I fondly recall one morning when we had an appointment to sweep the flue in the Vice President’s office in

A


the West Wing. I had radio responsibility communicating with the team on the roof. Jack wanted so badly to be the firebox man and nothing would stand in his way. I recall the humorless secret service agent assigned to escort the team looking at his watch and wondering if Jack was ever going to come out of that firebox. A call would come from the roof, “Is he finished yet?” “No,” I would answer. At this point, I though Jack was going to climb up the flue and out of sight. Two more calls came through and the agent was growing concerned. Finally, I radioed to the roof, “We are pulling Jack out by the ankles as we speak!” The agent actually laughed out loud. Vice President Cheney could have eaten lunch off that inner hearth.

Traveling in Germany with Jack was a special treat. Jack had a love for travel in Europe that was unsurpassed by no one. I do believe Germany was his favorite destination and Jack had said he had visited more than 20 times. I got the biggest kick out hearing Jack’s conversations as his German accent, while still speaking English, got thicker by the day. I loved his Robin Hood hat as well as we boated through the black forest of Bavaria.

Jack was continually teaching and learning at the same time. Who could forget Jack’s discussion list sign off? One of the

many pleasures of being the President of both NCSG and CSIA is the horror to present awards to worthy recipients. At this last year’s NCSG convention and tradeshow in Indianapolis, I had the honor to award Jack with the Don Leavitt CSIA Education Award. Jack, to my knowledge is the only person to have been awarded every honor NCSG and CSIA have to offer including a Lifetime Achievement award.

Above all and I would be remiss in not mentioning it, Jack was a man of great faith in his Lord and savior Jesus Christ. Jack was very comfortable with accepting whatever the Lord had in store for him. If given only one more day, he would serve one more day. Jack will always hold a special place in my heart as I know he will for all that knew him. There is no doubt in my mind that Jack will be received by God and told, “Well Done, My Good and Faithful Servant.” Jack is a special friend, a special man and a special sweep. Let me take this opportunity to say that I loved Jack Pixley. I look forward to sharing Jack stories at convention and as always, I will keep the health, well-being and success of all chimney sweeps in my thoughts and prayers.

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BY MELISSA HEEKENCSG DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS

Editor’sLetter

ust a few short weeks remain before we meet in Hartord, CT for NCSG Innovation 2011. If you haven’t been to an NCSG convention, please do what you must to be in Hartford this February. (First time attendees: Use promo code FIRST to get $100 off registration.)

You will meet a variety of people who call themselves chimney sweeps from all sorts of companies, locations and mindsets. You’ll be surprised by what each person you meet brings to the table and how much you can learn from one another.

Convention settings can be overwhelming, especially when it’s your first time. Just remember that it’s someone else’s first time too. And it was the other people’s first time at some other time. We’re all in this together. You may have heard this before about other conventions, or even about our own, and have taken it with a grain of salt. You know, you should take it with a grain of salt. That is, unless you’re willing to open your mind to the

opportunities that sit right under your nose (or at the next table at the restaurant).

While getting there’s half the battle, the other half is participating. Roll up your sleeves and introduce yourself. Takes notes. Make a promise to yourself that you’ll include at least one new idea a day in your luggage for your return trip. Make a second promise that you’ll meet at least one new person every day. Four days? Four new people. Four new ideas. You can manage that. And it’ll change your world.

Looking for a super easy way to meet people? Volunteer for a shift. You’ll help the Guild while helping yourself put faces to names. Visit www.NCSG.org/innovation for details on convention and for more on volunteering. We look forward to meeting you in Hartford!

J

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Absolutely not. There is no foolproof way to determine just how much a damper has to be opened for gas logs to vent properly. Conditions in the home can vary due to weather changes and the use of other appliances. For instance, when the fall and winter seasons roll around and the temperatures

start to drop, a heat source will be needed to keep the temperature at a comfortable level inside the home. As the

TechnicalQ&A BY DENNIS DOBBS, TECHNICAL

ADVISORY CHAIR

A

QMy customer wants to know if she

can partially close her damper in order

to retain more heat from her vented

gas logs. What should I tell her?internal temperature of the home stays the same and the exterior temperature falls, the potential for “stack effect” in the residence increases. As warm air in the home rises to upper levels trying to escape, cool air is being drawn in through paths of least resistance in the lower levels and can reduce the draft needed to carry emissions up the flue.” As the cold winter wind blows, the potential for “wind load” and down drafts may also increase. In extreme situations, vented gas logs won’t stand a chance when up against Mother Nature. When “stack effect or “wind load” and down drafts occur, areas to consider are attic access doors that aren’t sealed properly, upstairs windows not closed completely, multiple “vented” can lights installed in

ceilings, tray ceilings with back lights and leaky windows on the side of the home which the wind blows away from, among others. And then there is my favorite; competing appliances. Gas furnaces, water heaters, other hearth appliances, as well as mechanical devices such as clothes dryers, cooking hoods and bathroom fans all compete for the same make up air. This can also reduce the draft in the chimney serving the vented logs. If any of these issues were affecting a woodburning fireplace, it would be easily noticed by the homeowner because of smoke cascading out of the fireplace. While vented gas logs are designed to realistically mimic a woodburning fire, the emissions are not exactly the same, while not seeing or smelling any smoke carbon monoxide can be spilling into the home. By restricting the amount of air flow through the damper area, the potential for carbon monoxide entering the living space increases.

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IndustryWatch

EXHAUSTO announces name change to ENERVEX EXHAUSTO, one of the leading suppliers of economical and environmentally-sustainable ventilation and exhaust systems, today announced that it is changing its name to ENERVEX as of January 1, 2011. The name change is designed to better reflect the depth and breadth of the company’s energy-efficient product offerings as it positions itself for future growth.

“For 20 years, the EXHAUSTO name has been associated with quality products and excellent customer support, and with ENERVEX that commitment to quality and service remains the same,” said ENERVEX CEO, Steen Hagensen. “Today, however, our focus is much broader than exhaust systems. We are using our background in energy-efficient product development to create a variety of applications in many different industries. As a result, it’s critical that our name evokes the full scope of our capabilities.”The name ENERVEX is derived from: ENERgy‐efficiency, Ventilation, Exhaust and Heat‐eXchange.

ENERVEX plans to roll out the new name with a targeted advertising campaign that features a grand prize giveaway of a SMART car. Details will be announced early in the year, and the sweepstakes will be promoted in industry publications, as well as at the ASHRAE Show in Las Vegas in January 2011. “We want the giveaway to reinforce the main reason for the change to ENERVEX, which is to highlight our ongoing commitment to green technology and sustainability,” said Hagensen.

The name change coincides with the company’s 20th anniversary and will not affect the company’s operations in any way, and customers should expect the same high level of quality service and support they’ve come to expect from EXHAUSTO.

McArdle Wins Case Study ContestENERVEX, formerly EXHAUSTO, announces the winner of their Case Story Search Contest with the winning entry submitted by Kevin Mc Ardle of Mauch Chunk Chimney Sweeps:

“In 1994, I received a call from a customer who was taken to the hospital from carbon monoxide poisoning. Every summer, they would have a CO problem with their hand fired coal boiler, which operates all year long. This is their only source of heat and hot water. It is vented into a 13x13 flue lined chimney. In the winter, it vented fine but in the summer it had poor draft and would spill carbon monoxide into the home. The customer had raised the chimney height to solve the problem to no avail. My first thought was to reline the chimney with a 9” rd liner same size as stovepipe but was unsure how a long liner would last with coal exhaust being so corrosive.

I called EXHAUSTO (now ENERVEX) and asked if their fan would last in this environment and they said it would. I was concerned for how long it would last but after talking with customer, who was desperate for a solution to the problem, he agreed to have a RS-14 chimney fan installed.

That was on 7/11/1994 and the fan is still running non-stop and is only shut off for yearly service - 16 yrs and still running. They have had no CO problems and are very pleased with the fan. The customer has said it could have saved their lives.

Thank you for making such a quality exhaust fan to operate in this environment.” Congratulations and a check for $500 goes out to Kevin Mc Ardle of Mauch Chunk Chimney Sweeps in Jim Thorpe, PA. To see the winning case story and others like it, please visit http://us.exhausto.com/res_projects.aspx

New Chimney Liner Manufacturer Offers a Wealth of Experience, Products and InnovationNew England Chimney Supply is a new company, but its leadership is made up of trusted individuals who have earned the respect of their peers in the chimney industry. The New England Supply team brings more than 70 years of combined experience in the chimney industry to Williston, Vermont. “We have a new corporate name, but we are the people you


Industry Watch PolicyNCSG encourages industry partners to submit press releases to Melissa Heeke, Sweeping: The Journal of Chimney & Venting Technology editor, via email at [email protected]. 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.

have come to know and trust for years, and can be visited or reached at the same convenient location in Williston,” said owners Pierre Simard and John Parot. Simard has built his reputation based on his knowledge and expertise in the chimney liner supply business. He raised a manufacturing division from the ground up in the Northeast and brought the sales and production of liner systems to a national level in 13 years.

“Through the years, I have learned what it takes to build a successful manufacturing/ distribution business, the key is having truly talented individuals on the team,” he said. “While having one or a couple of superstars can create a company; it is not until the organization becomes team-oriented and starts operating like a well-oiled machine that true success can be accomplished.” Simard likes to lead by example. He and Parot are onsite working with their employees and customers every day. “My philosophy in both business and life is to treat others as I would want to be treated,” he said. “Business is not a win or lose situation, it is not until you treat your customers as a vital part of your team and you strive to create a relationship that is fair on both sides, that you can truly create long-term sustainable relationships from customers, to vendors, to friends. If you put yourself in the other person’s shoes that is when truly dynamic relationships are created. And, let’s face it we all interact and do business with people we like to be around.”

CSI

A U

pdat

e

Total Visits Year to Date: 514,606 (as of 10/31/10)January 2009-October 31, 2009: 447,354YTD 2009/YTD 2010: +15%Total Visits in October 2010: 58,974Total Visits in October 2009: 79, 962October 2009/October 2010: -23.37%

CSIA.org Statistics At-A-Glance

COLORADOChristopher Juergens • Chimney Sweeps of America • Littleton

CONNECTICUTWayne Jones • W&K Property Services, LLC • East Hartford

FLORIDADavid Rasler • Doodlebuggers Service Network A Division of La Tello Brands LLC • Pensacola Benjamin Patrick • Doodlebuggers Service Network A Division of La Tello Brands LLC • Pensacola

KANSASMark Bassett • Home Safe Hearth & Chimney• Wichita

MASSACHUSETTSMatthew Killeen • Clean Sweep Chimney Sweep • Lee John Emery • Boston’s Best Chimney Sweep • Waltham

MARYLANDJohn Frazier • Andrew’s Chimney Service LLC • Montgomery VillageKyle Eltringham • Sweep-A-Chim Chimney Service Co. • Bel Air

MICHIGANJoshua Coleman • Nader’s Masonry Inc. • Saint Charles

NEW YORKPaul Mouyos • Central Masonry and Chimney • Dolgeville Jamie Wallace • Saratoga Chimney Sweep • Wilton

NEW JERSEYDan Tighe • Elite Chimney Restoration & Maintenance, LLC. • Dover

OHIODavid Welch • Apperson’s Chimney Sweeps, Inc. • Lancaster

RHODE ISLANDCharles “Chuck” Howard, Jr. • North Scituate Chimney Sweeps Inc. • North Scituate

VERMONTAndrew Westover • The Chimney Doctor • Westminster West

Please visit www.csia.org to verify that your contact information is correct.

Congratulations to Our New CSIA Certified Chimney Sweeps

2009

596,31

6

2008

523,75

2

2007

533,64

0

2006

507,63

5

2005

346,05

7

2010

514,60

6

0

100,000

200,000

300,000

400,000

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Stop by the CSIA booth at NCSG Innovation 2011

The Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization governed by volunteer industry professionals and technical experts across the country. Established over 30 years ago, the CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep (CCS) credential is still the best method for homeowners to measure a chimney sweep’s technical expertise. CSIA devotes its resources to educating the public and related industries through the Chimney Check PLUS public relations program (monthly press releases promoting CCSs and free marketing webinars) and its relationships with affiliated trades such as home inspectors, REALTORS and oil heating service managers. Stop by CSIA’s booth to learn what’s new for 2011 and what benefits are available to you as a CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep!

(800) 569-1425 | www.olympiachimney.com

• UL103HT listed

• Forever Warranty

• Available and in-stock 304L & 316L inner

• Buy direct from the manufacturer

• Customize your Early Buy

Class-A All-Fuel Chimney System

The

Visit us at the NCSG Convention, Hartford, CT Feb 10-11, 2011 / Booth # 302


Chimney Sense BY DENNIS DOBBS, TECHNICAL

ADVISORY COUNCIL CHAIR

hrough the years, I have read many articles about tragic house fires where innocent lives were lost. In the past, there wasn’t as much education easily available on fire prevention. Here are a couple of stories that may help keep fire safety at the top of your list this season.

As an elderly couple was settling down for the night, the husband loaded wood into the stove and decided that it would be a good time to remove the ashes. He would normally have emptied the ashes and hot embers into a can and dumped them outside, but this particular night it was raining so he decided to leave the full can on the back porch

Safety Stories

T and call it a night. Later when fire fighters arrived they found the house engulfed in flames and, sadly, the remains of the couple inside. Fire investigators determined that the wood stove was not the cause of the fire; it was the ash can on the back porch. This is a very sad story, but true.

Here’s another one:

In a neighboring town, a father was sharing a moment with his young son. The father was attempting to build a fire in the fireplace but wasn’t having much luck getting the fire started. He sent his son out to bring him a container of gasoline. With the gasoline in hand, he doused the logs and then set the can on the floor just beyond the hearth. As his son stood

beside him, he tossed the match, lighting an inferno inside the fireplace. As they watched in amazement they were unaware that the draft caused by the roaring fire was pulling air from behind them, along with the fumes from the gas can. The gas can then exploded, killing the son and permanently scarring the dad physically and emotionally.

It is unfortunate but these stories are a prime example of what happens when consumers are not educated about the safe operation of their hearth appliance. Stories like these are the reason that many of us got into the chimney sweeping business in the first place. We take pride in serving, protecting and educating the public. All too often it is easy for our concerns to be focused on the safety of the hearth appliance and moving on to the next appointment. In reality, we should be putting forth more effort toward educating the homeowner. I have made this my New Year’s resolution.


Reserve Your Hotel RoomReserve your room at the Downtown Hartford Marriott by calling (866) 373-9806 and mentioning “National Chimney Sweep Guild” prior to January 7, 2011 for the discounted rate of $139/night. Or reserve your room online using the links at www.NCSG.org/innovation

Note: Marriott has experienced intermittent issues with their central reservations system recognizing our group rate and availability. If you have difficulties securing a room at the National Chimney Sweep Guild rate, please call Kimberly Cornelio, Downtown Hartford Marriott sales at (860) 798-3092 for assistance.

The National Chimney Sweep Guild is pleased to welcome Rob Lindemann as our NCSG Innovation 2011 keynote speaker. Join us in Hartford as Rob leads attendees in a “rubber meets the road” conversation that truly speaks to the biggest challenges and opportunities in today’s sweep companies.

You may know Rob Lindemann as the President of Lindemann Chimney Supply, but did you know that he regularly spends 50% of his day in the industry and the other 50% learning/teaching about entrepreneurship and best business practices? Did you know that he is the immediate Past-President of the Chicago Entrepreneurs Organization?

Over the past year, Rob has embarked upon a journey throughout our industry

Innovation 2011 • February 9 -12 • Hartford, CT

NCSG.org/innovation • (317) 837-1500

N C S GJoin us as NCSG Innovation 2011 Keynote Rob Lindemann of Lindemann Chimney Supply presents Why Some Chimney Companies are on Fire when Others are Still Smoldering

We’ve slated an unforgettable lineup of business gurus and technical experts to help you put Rob’s findings into place in your business so you can set your business on fire!

The lineup includes: Bret Van Leeuwen of Stratus Insurance Services, Mike Van Buren of Blazing Design, Bruce Richmond of Hearth Classics, George Lanthier of Firedragon Enterprises, Jim Brewer of Magic Sweep Corp, Kristen Bremer of the U.S. EPA’s Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards, Tom Shay of Profits+Plus, Tim Begoske of Field Controls and Rich Metzler, former Director of the NIOSH National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory. Wow!

Registration discounts end January 7, 2011!

examining sweep companies around the country to find out what made the great companies great. What are the mediocre ones doing wrong? After honing in on some of the industry’s great businesses, he interviewed the ownership and key employees to pull out what makes them tick.

At NCSG Innovation 2011 in Hartford, he’ll share what he’s learned so you can take your sweep company from good to great.

What do the great companies have in common? How do they differ from the mediocre? Most importantly, what changes can you make to set your sweep company on fire?

Register

TODAY

and

SAVE!

CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep® & CSIA Certified Dryer Exhaust Technician® Review & Exam Sessions - Additional Registration Required NCSG Board of Directors MeetingCSIA Board of Directors MeetingNCSG Technical Advisory Council MeetingCSIA CEU Committee MeetingState Guild President’s MeetingChimney Sweeping Around the World

Schedule as of 12/1/10. Schedule subject to change. CEU information available at www.NCSG.org/innovation.

Tuesday, February 8

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

8 AM

1:00 PM 3:00 PM 6:00 PM 6:00 PM 6:00 PM 6:00 PM

NCSG Membership MeetingCSIA Informational MeetingKeynote Address: Why Some Chimney Companies are on Fire While Others are Smoldering with Rob Lindemann of Lindemann Chimney Supply2011 NCSG Group Photo: Be Part of HistoryHow to Leverage the Power of Numbers to Create Profits Presented by Rob Lindemann of Lindemann Chimney SupplyUL1618, The New Standard for Hearth Protection Presented by Bruce Richmond of Hearth Classics Soda Break: Sponsored by: SaverSystemsChimney Repair Apprenticeship Program Presented by Jim Bostaph of Black Goose Gas Vent Sizing Presented by Jim Brewer of Magic Sweep Corp. Welcome Reception

Wednesday, February 9

9:00 AM 9:45 AM 11:00 AM

12:15 PM 2:15 PM

2:15 PM

3:45 PM 4:00 PM

4:00 PM

7:30 PM

Strategies to Win in a Challenging Economy Presented by Tom Shay of Profits+PlusSweeping and Inspection of Masonry Heaters Presented by Rod Zander of New England Hearth & Soapstone LLCSo That’s Where The Money Goes Presented by Tom Shay of Profits+PlusRespirator Boot Camp Presented by Richard Metzler & Johathan Szalajda of NIOSH New Sweep Seminar & Tradeshow Sneak PreviewInnovation 2011 Opening Tradeshow SessionInventice Awards Presented by The Chimney Sweep News

Thursday, February 10

8:15 AM 8:15 AM 10:00 AM 10:00 AM 10:00 AM 1:00 PM 6:15 PM

Innovation 2011 Closing Tradeshow SessionSo… You Want to Sell a Sweep Business? Presented by Bob Fish of Vermont Master SweepsChimneys-Why They Work and Why They Don’t? Presented by Mike Van Buren of Blazing DesignMeet the Chimney Service Industry: An Introduction for Affiliated Professionals (Local Home Inspectors and Fire Marshals) • Presented by Ashley Eldridge of CSIASolving Draft, Combustion & Make up Air Problems • Presented by Tim Begoske of Field Controls50 Ways to Reduce Your Exposure to an Insurance Claim•Presented by Loreen Koubek of EurosweepCSIA Benefit Auction

Friday, February 11

9:00 AM 1:30 PM 1:30 PM 1:30 PM 3:15 PM 3:15 PM 7:00 PM

The Four Ways to Go Out of Business Presented by Brian Noe of MW Financial GroupCSIA Online Demonstration Presented by Ashley Eldridge of CSIAGeneral Session: Your Insurance Policy May Have the Flue • Presented by Bret Van Leeuwen of Stratus Insurance • Sponsored by M&G Dura VentLiability Insurance • Presented by Bret Van Leeuwen of Stratus InsuranceOil Heating Appliances • Presented by George Lanthier of Firedragon EnterprisesEconomy and Animal Spirits • Presented by Brian Noe of MW Financial GroupBurn Wise: Wood Smoke Education and Training Presented by Kristen Bremer of the U.S. EPA Closing Banquet & Awards Ceremony

Saturday, February 12

8:30 AM 8:30 AM

10:30 AM

1:45 PM

1:45 PM

3:30 PM

3:30 PM

7:00 PM

Many thanks to our

2011 sponsors!

M&G Dura Vent • SaverSystems

NCSG Innovation 2011 • February 9-12 • Hartford, CT

Innovation 2011 • February 9 -12 • Hartford, CT

N C S G

NCSG Innovation 2011 • February 9-12 • Hartford, CT

Company___________________________________ Address ____________________________________ City, State ZIP ________________________________ Phone ______________________________________Fax ________________________________________

Check here to opt-in to email from exhibitors.Email ______________________________________

COMPANY INFORMATION

REGISTRANT INFORMATION Please write name as you’d like it to appear on your badge. Name _____________________________________________________________ First time attendee? Yes Registrant Type ______________________________________________________ $ ___________________

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



Registration Total $ ___________________$3/each - Limited edition. Available for pickup on-site. Qty: _____________ Patch Total $ ___________________ PROMO CODE _____________________ $ ___________________

Payment Method: Check # ____________________ Visa MC AmEx Account # __________________________________ Card Security Code _____________ Exp. __________Name on Card _______________________________ Signature ___________________________________

PAYMENT INFORMATION

2011 CONVENTION PATCH

GRAND TOTAL

For Office Use Only O2CR C2F AUTH _____________COID ________________ iMISID ___________________REC’D BY _____________ DATE ____________________

HOTEL INFORMATION Reservations are now being accepted at the Downtown Hartford Marriott at the NCSG group rate of $139/night. Call (866) 373-9806 and ask for the National Chimney Sweep Guild rate or reserve your room online at NCSG.org/innovation.

STANDARD RATES

Until 12/7/10

12/8/10- 1/7/11

After1/7/11

Primary $499 $549 $599Spouse 299 349 3991st Additional 449 499 5492nd Additional 399 449 4993+ Additional 349 399 449Single Day 279 279 279Banquet Only 89 89 89Tradeshow Only 79 79 79

NCSG MEMBER RATES

Until 12/7/10

12/8/10- 1/7/11

After1/7/11

Primary $399 $449 $499Spouse 199 249 2991st Additional 349 399 4492nd Additional 299 349 3993+ Additional 249 299 349Single Day 179 179 179Banquet Only 69 69 69Tradeshow Only 49 49 49

Senior Members $100 $100 $100

ADDITIONAL INFO - ARRIVAL/DEPARTURE

MAIL TO: National Chimney Sweep Guild 2155 Commercial Drive, Plainfield, IN 46168

FAX TO: (317) 837-5365 CALL: (317) 837-1500

REGISTER ONLINE: NCSG.org/innovationCancellations must be made in writing and sent to:

NCSG, 2155 Commercial Drive, Plainfield, IN 46168. Refund Policy Prior to 12/08/10, 90% ; 12/5/10-1/7/11, 75%;

No refunds are available after 1/7/11.

Rev. 12/7/10

See you in Hartford for NCSG Innovation 2011!

To assist us in planning, please share your estimated arrival and departure dates: Arrival Date __________ Departure Date _________


AHRENS CHIMNEY TECHNIQUE INC.2000 Industrial AvenueSioux Falls, SD 57104(800) 843-4417Fax: (605)[email protected] 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 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.

A. W. PERKINS36 Curtis AvenueRutland, VT 05701(800) 698-7412Fax: (802) [email protected]. Perkins Company is the industry’s leading supplier of Professional Rotary Chimney Cleaning Equipment and Rotary Dryer Vent Cleaning Equipment. Our Rutland, Vermont manufacturing facility builds the unsurpassed RoVac Chimney and Dryer Vent Cleaning Vacuum which both collects dust during sweeping and picks up sweeping debris. Our RoVac Cleaning Systems pairs our RoVac Vacuums with ButtonFlex and ButtonLok Chimney Rods, Enforcer ButtonLok Steel Rods and Tools and ButtonLok Chimney Brushes and Stinger whips and creosote removing chains. Our spring mounted brushes for dryer vent cleaning have become industry standard, and these now come in versions for pellet stoves and air ducts. We make the RoVac Chimney and Dryer Video Inspection System. 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.

BUENA VISTA PALACE1900 E. Buena Vista DriveLake Buena Vista, FL 32830(866) 397-6516www.buenavistapalace.comExperience an Orlando resort getaway within this Downtown Disney hotel that ascends above the rest. Soaring 27 stories above the world’s favorite destination, Buena Vista Palace Hotel & Spa in the WALT DISNEY WORLD® Resort raises the bar for exceptional quality and service in this sunny locale. Feel the magic the moment you arrive at our exclusive Walt Disney World hotel. Take a refreshing dip in one of three outdoor pools. Schedule a soothing treatment at our full-service Spa and Salon. Experience the thrill of world-famous Downtown Disney, with its vibrant shops, delicious restaurants, and exhilarating nightlife.

CERTIFIED CHIMNEY PROFESSIONALSP.O. Box 300Lemont, PA 16851(814) 689-1576www. certifiedchimneyprofessionals.comcontact@certifiedchimneyprofessionals.comOur certifications are intended to fortify the experienced chimney professional’s knowledge, and to allow the experienced chimney professional the chance to prove by independent testing that they have attained a professional level of knowledge of the codes, standards and practices of a Certified Chimney Professional™ or a Certified Chimney Reliner™ and to achieve the designation.

CHIMNEY SWEEP NEWS, THE (SNEWS)12119 Lupine Ln.Klamath Falls, OR 97603(800) 474-5196Fax: (541) [email protected] Chimney Sweep News (SNEWS) is the magazine for today’s chimney professional - educational, informative and entertaining. The Chimney Sweep News covers all aspects of the chimney maintenance and hearth installation industry. Ten issues each year feature up-to-date information on products, business building, skills and technique. The Chimney Sweep News travels the country to gather information from fellow chimney professionals and suppliers. We regularly attend national and regional educational events and summarize important presentations. Our field staff of sweeps

Exhibitor Profiles

N C S G

Meet these vendors and many more at NCSG Innovation 2011 in Hartford. Special thanks to our sponsors highlighted throughout the profiles.

SPONSOR


everywhere send reports about chimney sweeps from around the globe. There is no other publication in the world like The Chimney Sweep News, dedicated to the North American chimney professional. Please subscribe today - call us at 800-474-5196.

CLEAR SKIES UNLIMITED30521 Coplasa StLake Elsinore, CA 92530(951) 264-8725www.clearskiesunlimited.comWe are looking for Chimney Sweeps who are interested in becoming installing distributors for the revolutionary HearthCAT Fireplace Technology. The HearthCAT™ Emission Control System is a patented catalytic technology designed especially for wood burning fireplaces. The HearthCAT™ is positioned directly above the fireplace grate and mechanically attached to the walls of the firebox. The HearthCAT™ Hood captures the smoke and particulates while most of the dilution air bypasses the hood and travels up the primary flue system. The HearthCAT™ System provides secondary ignition for the combustibles before they leave the firebox as harmful pollution. The direct flame on the catalytic surface actually cleans the catalytic system. This is the only passive technology available for reducing wood burning fireplace emissions. No gas or power is required and there are no moving parts. The unit is EPA Qualified, can be installed in about 40 minutes and is invisible to the homeowner.

COMPLETE MERCHANT SOLUTIONS5132 N. 300 W. Suite 100Provo, UT 84604-5818(877) [email protected]

COPPERFIELD CHIMNEY SUPPLY 304 South 20th StreetFairfield, IA 52556(800) 247-3305Fax: (800) [email protected] is the largest chimney supply company in North America. Copperfield was founded in 1978 and currently distributes chimney and hearth products to 8000 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 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 3pm customer time shipped the same day. CHIMNEY SAFETY INSTITUTE OF AMERICA2155 Commercial DrivePlainfield, IN 46168(317) 837-5362Fax: (317) [email protected] Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization governed by volunteer industry professionals and technical experts across the country. Established over 30 years ago, the CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep (CCS) credential is still the best method for homeowners to measure a chimney sweep’s technical expertise. CSIA’s mission includes public and professional education with a commitment to the elimination of residential chimney fires, carbon monoxide intrusion and other chimney-related hazards that result in the loss of lives and property. CSIA devotes its resources to educating the public and related industries through the Chimney Check PLUS public


relations program (monthly press releases promoting CCSs and free marketing webinars) and its relationships with affiliated trades such as home inspectors, REALTORS and oil heating service managers.

DUCT CLEANERS’ SUPPLY 11153 S. Wilton River Rd.New Richland, MN 56072(800) 634-2822Fax: (888) 634-2822www.ductcleanerssupply.com4viper@ductcleanerssupply.comDuct Cleaners’ Supply has the innovative products you need to get the job done and the every day items you use at affordable prices. For more information check out our website at www.ductcleanerssupply.com or call (800) 634-2822.

DURAVENT902 Aldridge RdVacaville, CA 95688 (800) 835-4429Fax: (707) 446-4740www.duravent.comDuraVent is a recognized technological leader in the venting industry. Consistently the first to market with new innovations in venting systems, DuraVent has captured a leadership position in emerging markets, such as flexible vent connectors for water heaters, furnaces, and venting systems for direct vent appliances. DuraVent has patents for several of its products and continues to design safe and technologically advanced venting for the market.

The company’s research into solving issues with corrosion, when

biofuels such as corn are used, led to a break-through with the patent pending PelletVent Pro. Scientifically proven materials and unequalled engineering make DuraVent products not only the best choice, or safest choice, but the only choice for professional quality venting products.

DuraVent’s Engineered Excellence is a commitment to continue this trend, providing the industry with cutting-edge products and refinements to existing products that not only meet the demands of today’s heating products market, but go beyond it.

EARTHCORE INDUSTRIES, LLC6899 Philips Industrial Blvd.Jacksonville, FL 32256(800) 642-2920Fax: (904) [email protected], refractory fireplace manufacturer. Made from a proprietary pumice aggregate that allows the fireplace and chimney systems to reflect heat more efficiently with higher insulation values.

Isokern systems can be assembled and installed in under a day. UL listed and tested, several models and sizes to choose from.

EARTH’S FLAME440 E Harrison StCorona, CA 92879-1314(888) 201-8805www. earthsflame.comThis project has been about doing something for our environment

SPONSOR


and knowing that this little company has the ability to make a big difference throughout our Nation. Joe Leighton started the vision 55 years ago and changed the industry forever by inventing the Blue Flame Log Lighter and Gas Valve for wood burning fireplaces. Now the torch is passed to Lisa Leighton, to change it in another way. By changing the color of wood burning from black to green.

ESTOBAN CORPORATION - CHIM-SCAN®

1643 Hwy 34 W.Fairfield, IA 52556(641) 472-7643Fax: (678) [email protected]

Welcome to the NCSG 2010 Convention and Trade show. Stop by our booth # 85 and say hello to Tom and Esther Urban. We started our chimney sweep business in NE Pennsylvania in 1979. We then developed Chim-Scan® in order to tell the homeowners exactly what the condition of the interior of their chimney was. We continue to improve this specialty equipment and educate and train companies in our industry. Webinars and “GoToMeeting” are available for personal company training. New products such as digital recorders and our lightweight units are continually developed to provide clear and concise photo documentation. Chim-Scan’s reputation for quality and service is recognized around the world with equipment in Europe, China, Japan, Ireland, U.A.E. In 2004,Tom, certified sweep #210, received the CSIA Education Award recognizing his commitment to furthering the education of sweeps through seminars and retreats and in 2009, Tom received the NCSG’s Presidents award.

ENERVEX, INC. (formerly EXHAUSTO)1200 Northmeadow Pkwy, Ste. 180Roswell, GA 30076(800) 255-2923Fax: (770) [email protected], formerly EXHAUSTO, is a manufacturer of high quality chimney top mounted chimney fans that are guaranteed to assure a proper draft and to correct existing draft problems in almost any chimney. Use the fans for wood, gas, pellet, oil and coal fuel appliances—and the fans mount on any type, size and shape of chimney. To ensure correct draft and best performance of appliance, the fans are equipped with a variable speed control. Various optional controls are available to fit almost any application. Also available is the Fireplace Draft Damper System (FDDS) for gas fireplaces. Call or email today for your free dealer package and tool kit. And be sure to be added to our preferred dealer list!

FIREDRAGON ENTERPRISES608 Moose Hill RdLeicester, MA 01524(508) [email protected] Will be showing and offering for sale books, tools and meters on HVAC subjects of interest to sweeps. Meters feature the proven and economical Victor product line.

HomeSaver® UltraPro™ - installs in 1/2 the time of other liners

Saving You Time & Money

What makes it so remarkable? Patented roll lock seams not only give UltraPro a secure •gas tight seam but also its incredible flexibility

Resistance to crushing – steeper corrugations provide its •incredible crush resistance and flexibility

More steel per foot. Steeper corrugations mean 20% •more steel per foot than other liners in its category

Best-in-the-industry lifetime warranty•

Kinks - always a struggleNo Kinks - easy to handle

Light liner crushesPasses the crush test

HomeSaver UltraPro tyPical Generic liGHt liner

VS.

VS.

800.247.3305 • www.copperfield.com

NCSG Innovation 2011February 10-11, 2011Booth #201 & #202

HPBExpo 2011March 2-5, 2011Booth #3926 & #4226 Earn a Chance to Win

an iPad at both Shows!

11 January SWEEPING.indd 1 12/3/10 10:08:44 AM


FIRESAFE INDUSTRIES5335 Ritchie RoadBealton, VA 22712(800) 545-6607Fax: (540) 439-6700www.firesafeinc.comFiresafe Industries is a corporation involved in extensive research and development in the chimney restoration industry. Since 1980, Firesafe has restored thousands of chimneys, developed numerous specialized products to restore and protect chimneys, and designed specialized tools for the chimney restoration contractor. Our dedication, ethics, and insatiable drive to explore and develop more efficient methods and higher quality products bring us to the forefront of the chimney restoration industry. Our commitment to research and development has led to vast improvements with products such as the Guardian S.C.R. smoke chamber restoration, CrownGuard crown sealants, FireGuard™ flue sealant, Guardian cast-in-place chimney liner®, and the Terminator encased flue liner removal tool.

HY-C COMPANY, INC.2107 North 14th StreetSaint Louis, MO 63106(800) 325-7076Fax: (314) [email protected] year HY-C is pleased to announce two brand new Stove Board Patterns: Gray Slate Tile and Sandstone Tile, as well as Copper-Painted Galvanized Chimney Covers, which provide the copper look without the copper price!

HY-C Company has been an industry leader in the manufacturing of Chimney Covers and Fireplace Accessories for over 60 years. Our complete line of both stock and custom-sized Chimney Covers are available in Copper, 304 Stainless Steel, Black-Painted Galvanized Steel, and Aluminum in a wide variety of models and styles. HY-C also manufactures a full line of Stove Boards, Hearth Extenders, Firewood Storage Racks and matching Vinyl Covers, and Cast Iron Fireplace Grates.

Don’t forget! HY-C Company also has a wide variety of Nuisance Wildlife Control Products, including Roof VentGuards and Dryer VentGuards which provide our customers with excellent add-on sales opportunities in this slow economy!

ICC-RSF400 JF KennedySt-Jerome QC. J7Y 4B7(450) 565-6336Fax: (450) [email protected] manufactures Excel chimney- the technology leaders, if you want innovation look no further than to us. Exceliner-rigid seam-welded stainless steel liner. UltraBlack Stove connector - The looks of single wall the durability and convenience of double wall. RIS large diameter chimney - 10 to 24 inch chimney designed for large masonry fireplaces. ICC also manufactures RSF Woodburning Fireplaces - a full line of fireplaces with the output of a woodstove that is built into a wall.

IMPROVED CONSUMER PRODUCTS INC.PO Box BAttleboro Falls, MA 02763(508) 695-7000Fax: (508) [email protected] over 30 years, Improved Consumer Products has furnished unique products and services for solving difficult chimney draft problems. Our background in chimney technology and metallurgy has resulted in the recognition of ICP 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 a customer’s difficult chimney problem. Our standard and custom chimney cap products are designed to be compatible with single, double, and triple wall manufactured chimneys as well as masonry, solid pack, Class A, and B vent applications.

INDUSTRIAL CONTRACTORS SUPPLIES, INC.- Dust Director Division -15061 Route 30 N. Huntingdon, PA 15642(412) 824-6933Fax: (412) 824 – 4704www.dustdirector.comSpecialty Dust Control Tools for Masonry & Concrete. In 1999 ICS was approached by the Brick Layers and Allied Craft Workers® for

SPONSOR


• Best, tightest, and most comprehensive seal in the industry!

• Opens wider than similar dampers• Each damper is quality tested before

leaving the facility• Innovative company that listens to you• Lifetime warranty• Family owned business with over 75

years combined experience in the damper manufacturing business

Contact us at: 888-290-8181 or check our website, www.usfireplaceproducts.com for a distributor near you.

3939 Royal Drive NW #143 Kennesaw, GA 30144

U.S. Fireplace Products is a small manufacturer with a big commitment to

quality. Located near Atlanta, Georgia we take pride in manufacturing the best

dampers on the market.

Here are some of our damper features:

Stop by and see us at Booth 108 at the NCSG Show and Booth 2946 at the HPBA show.

help in reducing silica dust exposure when grinding brick mortar joints. From our dustless grinding Dust Director® and Glitter Bit® router tools, we quickly realized that besides a good vacuum, what is really needed is filtration - to handle large volumes of dry powder. With AIRFlow HEPA Filtration, our vacuums not only maintain suction performance but the extracted debris is contained in durable filter bags for large collection yields and manageable, clean disposal. Our compact, quiet and low amperage 3-Motor Chimney Sweep Vacuum extracts airborne dust for chimney cleaning while its powerful suction vacuums heavy piles of dry ash and mortar dust (even if it’s wet). Attach the 35’ hose and leave the vacuum on the ground to clean chimney caps or operate two Dust Directors with the Y Assembly.

LINDEMANN CHIMNEY SUPPLY28915 Herky DriveLake Bluff, IL 60044(800) 722-7230Fax: (847) 549-7995www.LindemannChimney.comLooking for the thought leaders in today’s new business technology climate? Stop by and check us out! We are blazing the path with our website, Facebook posts, Twitter Tweets, newsletters, information packed catalog and Webinars. Our customers are benefiting by gaining the added leverage needed to succeed in today’s business climate. Not a customer? Then you are missing out on multiple benefits not provided by our competitors. And since we also have a successful active sweep company, we have spent over thirty years in the trenches and know what works.Our managers have an average of 25+ years in the industry. They are experienced, friendly, knowledgeable, and eager to help you. If you’re not a regular customer you might be surprised at the level of

personal service you’ll receive. You’re more than just a number to us. In fact, you’re the reason we are in business today.

MEYER MACHINE AND EQUIPMENT351 Main StreetAntioch, IL 60002(800) 728-3828Fax: (847) [email protected]$ MAKE MORE MONEY $ Add an air duct cleaning profit center to your chimney sweep service business. Meyer Machine & Equipment, Inc., is a manufacturer and distributor of a full line of duct cleaning equipment and accessories. Gasoline and electric powered vacuums, ideal for residential and commercial duct cleaning are available. The RANGER, the duct cleaning industry’s most powerful portable vacuum features the state of the art Briggs & Stratton 31HP VANGUARD series overhead valve twin cylinder engine. Also, for seventeen years, the GENERAL, with its 20HP Kohler Command series engine, has been and continues to be the mainstay of our arsenal. We also carry an assortment of accessories such as duct patches, plugs, tools and sleeves to make your job easier.

NATIONAL CHIMNEY SUPPLY, INC3 Green Tree DriveSouth Burlington, VT 05403800-897-8481 (phone)800-628-9938 (fax)[email protected] you think of customer service National Chimney Supply emerges as a true leader. At National Chimney Supply 100%

SPONSOR


customer satisfaction is our goal every day. With the industry’s largest variety of liners and components we have the means to help our customers land every job that presents itself. All liners and components are manufactured in-house ensuring a top quality product with an unsurpassed fit at competitive prices. Whether it is heavy wall, smooth wall, light wall, or aluminum liner with sizes that range from 3” through 36” diameter National Chimney is the place call! With a full custom shop and the industry’s premier technical department no job is too big. By helping our customers succeed we have risen to the top of the market as the leading supplier for all your chimney needs. National Chimney Supply is dedicated to offering superior products, service, and safety.

NATIONAL CHIMNEY SWEEP GUILD2155 Commercial DrivePlainfield, IN 46168(317) 837-1500Fax: (317) [email protected] is the mission of the National Chimney Sweep Guild to promote the success of its members by providing progressive services, encouraging professionalism and ethical accountability, and advancing the chimney and venting industry through public awareness of the trade. Stop by the booth to learn more about your membership benefits!

NEW ENGLAND CHIMNEY SUPPLY280 Commerce StWilliston, VT 05495-7152(888) 900-8106www.nesbestflex.com [email protected]

New England Chimney Supply is a new company, but its leadership is made up of trusted individuals who have earned the respect of their peers in the chimney industry.

The New England Supply team brings more than 70 years of combined experience in the chimney industry to Williston, Vermont. “We have a new corporate name, but we are the people you have come to know and trust for years, and can be visited or reached at the same convenient location in Williston,” said owners Pierre Simard and John Parot. Simard has built his reputation based on his knowledge and expertise in the chimney liner supply business. He raised a manufacturing division from the ground up in the Northeast and brought the sales and production of liner systems to a national level in 13 years.

NEW YORK STATE CHIMNEY SWEEP GUILD (866) 660-3473www.nychimneysweepguild.comThe New York State Chimney Sweep Guild is the largest state association of chimney sweeps in the country. Through strong membership, our association promotes chimney and fire safety programs for the public as well as providing education and training opportunities for our members. Member companies demonstrate an additional strong commitment to our trade, and to the safety of the public we serve.

OLYMPIA CHIMNEY SUPPLY, INC.300 A Brook StreetScranton, PA 18505(570) 496-8890Fax: (570) 496-8894www.olympiachimney.comOlympia Chimney Supply manufactures quality driven stainless steel chimney liners & components backed by the only Forever Warranty

offered in the industry. And, most recently, it began to manufacture the industry’s first rust-free and smoke-free Ventis® Black Single Wall Black Stove Pipe. In addition, only at Olympia will you have access to a Custom Shop who can transform any dream into reality, and Customer Service Reps who are CSIA certified and technologically savvy. Undoubtedly, these facts set Olympia apart from the others making them ‘Your Partner in the Business’!

PEKE SAFETY101 Edworthy PlaceN. Potomac, MD [email protected]

Peke Safety was founded in 2003 to provide unique air respiratory filtration and facial impact protection products to chimney sweeps and woodworking hobbyists with personal service. As a proud member of the National Chimney Sweep Guild with hundreds of systems in use by chimney sweeps across the country, we understand how important your work is to you, and with our head mounted PowerCap and PowerCap Lite respiratory systems you can have the ability to complete your work safely while remaining completely unrestricted. We want to keep you and your employees safe and healthy, so that you may continue to work and live in comfort for many years to come. Remember, you can’t replace your lungs for the cost of a PowerCap respirator.

RASMUSSEN GAS LOGS & GRILLS12028 Philadelphia StreetWhittier, CA 90601(562) [email protected]

Rasmussen is a four-generation family business that manufacturers Vented Gas Log Sets, ALTERNA® Contemporary Gas Fires, Chillbuster® Vent-free Gas Log Sets and Solaire® Infrared Grilling Systems.

REGENCY FIREPLACE PRODUCTS733 Enterprise AveDeKalb, IL 60115(815) 756-3110www.regency-fire.comRegency strives to be a world leader in the design, manufacture, and marketing of hearth products. Every day each of us employs EXCITE™ (Exercising Continuous Improvement Towards Excellence)* in all of our processes assuring we are meeting the needs of our customers. We believe in the four cornerstones of great fireplace products: high quality, good value, clean burning efficiency, and beautiful aesthetics.

REGIONAL CHIMNEY SUPPLY, LLC8045 Snouffer School RoadGaithersburg MD 20879(301) 740-3488Fax: (301) [email protected] Regional Chimney Supply offers the meat and potatoes of sweep and lining supplies at agreeable prices. We carry “all the standard stuff” plus some “niche-ier stuff” as well; selection is good. Our catalog is online. RCS is relationship based, meaning we’d rather deal with all the nice people than all the people. Service is good (same day) and we stay well stocked, so backorders aren’t a big problem. Prices are good. And just like the old Westminster Chimney Supplies, we’ll help you engineer or work through a job if you need that help. Call and ask for a catalog.

SPONSOR


RLH INDUSTRIES, INC.1574 Calkins DriveGaylor, MI 49735(800) 289-2446Fax: (866) 353-9329www.chim-flex.com

RLH Industries, Inc. is a service centered, factory direct source for premium UL 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 understand your frustrations when suppliers over-promise then fail to deliver. In contrast, 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 for your free catalog today.

RUTLAND PRODUCTSP. O. Box 340Rutland, VT 05702-0340(800) [email protected]

Rutland Products, winner of the 2010 Inventice Award, is providing a little TLC for chimney sweeps! And by TLC, they mean Torque Lock Connector, an innovative new system that saves time and frustration. Use TLC with all of their rod systems, tools and brushes. The patent pending design takes the torque off the push button, which is recessed to avoid accidental disconnects. Check them out at Booth 107 of the NCSG Innovation Trade Show.

Rutland Products has a full line of Chimney, Fireplace, Hearth and Professional Grade Products including high temperature silicones, cements, mortars, paints and polishes. They offer creosote removers, glass cleaners, gasketing, fire starters, gas log maintenance products, masonry cleaners and more!

They have been in business for over 125 years which is quite the testament to the quality and service they offer.

SAND HILL WHOLESALE, INC.1955 Alum Creek DriveColumbus, OH 43207(800) 258-5496Fax (800) [email protected]

Sand Hill is America’s oldest national distributor of fireplace, wood and gas heating products. We are proud that we can offer you over 2,200 quality products featured in our 118-page color catalog. Offering the Sweeps Perfection™ line of rain caps and the Homeowners Choice™ relining systems, we have what you will need for your job, on hand and 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 as well.

Sand Hill provides customer satisfaction by giving excellent service. We ship the same day when we receive your order by 2:00 P.M. Eastern Time. We offer the best dating programs in the industry and give Free Freight on qualified orders.

SAVERSYSTEMS800 South 7th StreetRichmond, IN47374(800) 860-6327Fax: (765) [email protected]

SaverSystems has manufactured the ChimneySaver line of maintenance and repair products for masonry chimneys since 1987. ChimneySaver Water Repellent is the industry standard for eliminating water penetration in chimneys and other masonry structures. CrownCoat and CrownSeal crown repair products offer long term, cost effective solutions for repairing damaged or leaking chimney crowns. SaverSystems also manufactures ACS and Cre-Away, the industry’s leading creosote modifiers, which assist in the removal of glazed creosote. Download your free copy of our Chimney Problem Checklist from our website to assist you with solving difficult chimney leaks. Call or email us for your free Chimney Care DVD to learn how to increase your sales and correctly apply our best selling products.

SELKIRK(800) 992-8368www.selkirkcorp.com

We will develop, manufacture, and distribute innovative, quality heating and ventilation products. Our focus is on continuous improvement in collaboration with our customers, employees, and suppliers while maximizing profitability to all.Underlying the mission are the following four core beliefs and values:• Our employees are the company’s most important asset. Empowerment, trust, training, and teamwork are our key operating principles.• We will strive to exceed the needs of our customers through the proactive efforts of our employees.• We will provide a safe working atmosphere by complying with all health, safety and environmental regulations.• The conduct of our company will be pursued with integrity that is worthy of trust.

SLEEPY HOLLOW CHIMNEY SUPPLY85 Emjay BoulevardBrentwood, NY 11717(800) 553-5322Fax: (631) [email protected]

Founded in 1977 by three chimney sweeps, Andy, Ray and Fred, our vision and quest were to become an innovative service company on the cutting edge. This vision led to a small supply company with industry-first products like Super-Flex® and components in 1980, Cera-foil® ceramic blanket in 1985 and North America’s largest specialty selection of chimney cleaning equipment and tools. We have become a formidable fabricator of high temperature stainless alloys and manufacture the Bellfires® Refractory Fireplace, since 1986. As our industry grew, we were at the forefront addressing wood, oil, coal and gas fuel venting solutions, educating through classic hands-on workshops coast to coast.

TIMBURN, INC. 211 River Ridge Circle South, Suite 103Burnsville, MN 55337Phone: (612) 554-5444 Fax: (952) [email protected]

SPONSOR

Sweeping MagazineOct 2010 issue, right side page positionFull page, 4 color

DuraVentkaren josephson, contact

[email protected]

Member of M&G Group®

Member of M&G Group®

Engineered Excellence® M&G DuraVent is a member of the M&G Group. Made in the USA 800-835-4429 www.duravent.com

What masonry chimney installers need most: Strong, safe, high-performance liners that reduce installation time. DuraVent has it covered - with a product for every need; from Ventinox super-ferritic � ex liners to DuraFlex Pro, SW, 316 and 304 � exable liners & components, plus everything needed to insulate with TherMix & ProFoil. And standing in front remains DuraLiner, the only factory insulated, double-wall system with zero/zero clearance for high heat wood-burning appliances on the market. Find out more at www. duravent.com

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Timburn Firestarters Treat Creosote Buildup with Every LightThe ideal leave behind helps NCSG Members protect America’s homes and build a practice of satisfied clients: Timburn Professional Strength firestarter. Timburn’s firestarter safely lights wood burning fire without flash or flare, treating creosote buildup with every use. Releasing natural additives during the first minutes of the fire for maximum creosote reduction. The remaining creosote accumulation is rendered inflammable. Timburn’s firestarters do NOT contain chlorides that may damage fireplace and stove systems with either metal or masonry chimney flues. A season of lights becomes a season of treatments making your next chimney cleaning more effective and efficient. 25 Lights/Treatments per bottle and a retail cost of just $20 it is a great value for your clients. With your company information on our bottles – It’s the Chimney Sweep’s Refrigerator Magnet! When the bottle is empty it’s time to schedule the Chimney Sweep!

TOTAL HEARTH, INC.PO Box 1247Mount Sterling, KY 40353-5247(800) 874-0791(859) [email protected]

From hard to find replacement stove parts to exclusive hearth appliance lines, Total Hearth is the “one stop shop” for all your hearth appliance needs. We invite you to “Experience the Total Hearth Advantage”.

U.S. FIREPLACE PRODUCTS3939 Royal Drive NW #143Kennesaw, GA 30144(888) 290-8181

U.S. Fireplace Products, Inc. is an innovative company dedicated to building premium fireplace dampers. Our lifetime-warranted dampers are made with the highest quality materials available. This creates an exceptionally tight sealing surface - the best available.

The Seal Tight Damper provides a less restrictive opening and a superior seal to similar competitive dampers. It includes a poured liquid gasket and a flat silicone gasket which avoids metal-to-metal contact and ensures a 99% effective seal.

The Energy Top Damper includes a refrigerator-style gasket seal that’s superior to any other fireplace damper in the world. The lid has an unrivaled design with exceptional spring strength, opening as much as 81% higher than the competition. The Energy Top Plus includes a premium quality stainless steel cover.

The Top Damper was introduced in 2010 due to style popularity. Thanks for your business! Please stop by and see us at booth 108.

VALOR FIREPLACES (MILES INDUSTRIES)P.O. Box 604Portland, TN 37148(615) [email protected]

Miles Industries: North America’s exclusive designer, manufacturer and distributor of Valor Radiant Gas Fireplaces. For over 30 years Valor continues to set new standards in gas fireplace efficiency, comfort control and fashionable design. The result, quality made, energy efficient gas fireplaces that house an impressive collection of

uniquely styled trims and accessories. Make your fireplace setting a favourite gathering place amongst family and friends for many years to come. Make it a Valor.

VENTECH INDUSTRIES, INC.384 Harold L Dow Hwy., Suite OneEliot, ME 03903(866) 439-0069Fax: (207) [email protected]

Ventech Industries products are designed to take the venting professionals into the 21st Century with Ceramics that coat from the firebox to the chimney cap! Dynacote will enhance the firebox returning up to 30% more heat to the room while extending the life of the firebrick. Smoktite will coat, seal and improve the operation of the smoke chamber without removing the damper frame. And Thermocrete Ceramic Flue Sealant will increase the safety and performance of the flue while adding strength and durability. And our ceramic products are tested and approved by the finest labs approved for use in countries around the globe. Improve the efficiency of your services. Strengthen your bottom line. Use the finest in quality ceramic products with the best in spray technology.

WAKEFIELD BRUSH160 Freedom CourtElyria, OH 44035(800) 264-7007Fax: 800) [email protected]

Wakefield Brush manufacturers a variety of traditional English chimney sweeping equipment to maintain and care for fireplaces, chimneys and wood burning stoves. Products include hand crafted poly brushes with a complete line of rods, fittings and accessories.

Wakefield Brush has been supplying England’s chimney sweep trade for more than 60 years. Our hand made equipment ensures the finest quality that sweeps have experienced for decades.

WHITECAPS MANUFACTURING COMPANY307 North Secrest Ave.Monroe, NC 28110(704) [email protected]

Whitecaps was founded in 1998 by Jeff White. Jeff had been a chimney sweep since 1984. In 1996 Jeff sold his chimney sweep business and began experimenting with chimney cap designs and ideas. In 1998 the time was right to launch Whitecaps. What started as a small custom chimney cap shop, has now become a large chimney cap manufacturer and wholesale distribution center. Chimney professionals around the country rely on Whitecaps to supply their chimney cap needs as well as related chimney items manufactured elsewhere and distributed from our facility. We value each and every one of our customers and understand that our industry is very exclusive. We strive to meet each of our customer’s individual needs and to offer the best products and services possible.

WöHLER USA, INC.20 Locust Street Suite 205Danvers, MA 01923(978) 750-9876


Fax: (978) [email protected] USA is a German manufacturer of high quality and high tech equipment for chimney cleaning and visual inspection. Wohler has a 75 year history of providing the finest in sales and technical support to the Chimney Sweep Industry. With our U.S. Headquarters located in Danvers, MA our customer support team is more dedicated than ever to providing the best in equipment and service to our customers.

YODLE50 W 23rd St. #401New York, NY 10010(877) 276-5104www.yodle.comYodle, a leader in local online advertising and named fastest growing local online advertising company by industry analyst Borrell Associates, connects thousands of local businesses with consumers in a process so simple and cost-effective that business owners can’t imagine any other way to advertise. Yodle has developed an integrated approach to signing up and serving local businesses

that are transitioning their marketing budgets online. Yodle is headquartered in New York, NY with a presence in 25 major cities across the United States.

Z-FLEX U.S., INCORPORATED20 Commerce Park NorthBedford, NH 03110(800) 654-5600Fax: (888) [email protected]

Z-Flex has been supporting the needs of Hearth product distributors and professional Chimney Sweeps for over 30 years with high quality venting systems. All of our products are distributed through select distributors throughout North America. Stop by booth #217 to talk with Z-Flex friendly and helpful personnel. Come see our new SmoothCore flexible liner, Quick Draw Tee and Flashing-Rain-Cap assembly. For a free product catalog call Craig at 800-654-5600.

PROVEN TRACK RECORDSPROVEN TRACK RECORDS ~ ~ Solid profits Solid profits ~ ~ Engineered distinction Engineered distinction Exceptional technical support & serviceExceptional technical support & service

To order call: 800To order call: 800--545545--66076607

[email protected] [email protected] www.firesafeinc.comwww.firesafeinc.com

FireFireGuardGuard mortar joint repair systemmortar joint repair systemmortar joint repair system

PatentedPatented The most advanced chimney liner in the world

®

CrownGuardCrownGuard Severe weather crown repair & protectionSevere weather crown repair & protection

Centering system for metal chimney liners.

Exclusive Distributors of Advanced Ceramic Coatings and Thermal Protective Systems

The Thermocrete® process coats the inside of the chimney from top to bottom with a highly durable ceramic sealant. Thermocrete is the most

versatile solution for chimney restoration & repair. No significantdownsizing makes it ideal for use in fireplace flues. Strengthens and

restores flues serving gas, oil, wood or coal appliances. Repairs problem flue shapes & sizes & offsets with ease. Tested to 3000°!

Transferable lifetime warranty.

Smoktite® is a unique ceramic product sprayed into smoke chambers to seal holes and gaps. This breakthrough spray technology allows smoke chamber repairs to be done faster, easier, and more cost effectively. Quick, clean and easy to install, simply spray our unique ceramic formula onto the smoke chamber surface to seal holes, creating a smooth, insulative and protective coating, without removing the damper frame. Smoktite™ is THE choice of chimney professionals. With a 100% transferable lifetime warranty.

Dynacote® with Emisshield™ is a firebox enhancement that can increase heat to any room by up to thirty percent, instantly. Put this technology to work today to

help your customers save fuel and money every time they light a fire. Available in black or gray.

www.ventechindustries.com • 384 Harold L. Dow HIghway, Eliot, Maine 03903 • (866) 439-0069

Firmly committed to being the best in the business, Ventech Industries’ products and accessories are all engineered to provide years of reliable, heavy-duty performance, and are backed by unmatched customer service and support.

Bring the best to your clients’ homes. Guaranteed.

Spray CeramicsStand The Test. Guaranteed.

Ceramics that coat from the firebox to the chimney cap.

Leave the demolition to the competition.

Less Fuel, More Heat!

“Being in business for over 20 years, I can honestly say Thermocrete is the best investment we’ve made to increase our bottom line and help protect our valued customers.”

Steve Lovsteen, CEO and FounderOliver Twist Chimney Sweep,Huntington Beach, California

For more information on our complete line of products visit ventechindustries.com.


REGION 1

NCSG Charter Members

Paul Bourque Huntsville, AL

Don Leavitt San Diego, CA

David Harris Broken Arrow, Oklahoma

Dan Wheeler Santa Rosa, CA

John Cline, Menlo Park, CA

Dale Meisinger, N. Augusta, SC

Alan Hisey, St. Louis, MO

Eva B. Horton, Greenwich, CT

Harry Richart, Hasbrouck Heights, NJ

NewNCSGMembers

REGION 2

REGION 3

REGION 6

NCSG REGIONS

REGION 1

Connecticut, Vermont, Massachusetts, New York, Maine, Rhode Island, New Hampshire

REGION 2

Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania

REGION 3

Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia

REGION 4

Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, Ohio

REGION 5

Arkansas, Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Minnesota, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, Wisconsin

REGION 6

Alaska, Arizona, California, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington, Wyoming

NEW YORKDominic Quagliato • Brush Hollow Maintenance • Farmingdale

VERMONTPierre Simard • New England Chimney Supply • Williston

MARYLANDJames Horne • Old Line Chimney Sweeps • Pasadena

NEW JERSEYDennis Stellita • AAA Boro Chimney & Roofing • Mendham

ALABAMAPhillip Batts • Batts’ Chimney Service • Albertvile

ALASKAJeff Davis • Air Duct Cleaning & Services • Anchorage


2010 – 2011 Sweeps Advantage Coupon Program

Featured Coupons of the Month

Look for the 2010 – 2011 coupon offers in the “Members Only” section of the NCSG website at www.NCSG.org. Here you will find information necessary to redeem these coupon offers and others from these participating vendors:

AHRENS Chimney Technique • AirJet, Division of Continental Industries • Copperfield Chimney Supply • Duct Cleaners’ Supply •

Dynacote LLC • Earthcore Industries, LLC • Eclipse Distributing • Exhausto, Inc. • Firesafe Chimney Systems, Inc. • Golden Flue, Inc. •

Hearth Classics • Lindemann Chimney Supply • MC Refractory Inc. • Matters of the Hearth • Meyer Machine & Equipment •

Morso • National Chimney Supply • Olympia Chimney Supply • RLH Industries, Inc. • Rutland Products • SaverSystems •

Smoktite LLC • The Chimney Sweep News (SNEWS) • U.S. Fireplace Products, Inc. • Ventech Industries, Inc. •

Wakefield Brush • Wohler USA, Inc. • Z-Flex.

These are just a few of the many offers available to you as a member of the National Chimney Sweep Guild. Visit www.NCSG.org to learn more and to start saving!

Copperfield Chimney Supply

SAVE Up to $ 126.50 FREE 13 x 13 Lock-Top with an order of $250

SAVE Up to $ 123 One FREE Component Kit with any purchase of 6” UltraPro

SAVE Up to $ 52One 2.25 quart Woodfield porcelain-coated steamer with any Napoleon appliance purchase

SAVE Up to $ 46One 13 x 13 HomeSaver stainless steel chimney cap with any order of $250 or more

SAVE Up to $ 64 One EasyClean Cap with any purchase of $250

SAVE Up to $ 75$75 off any 25’ order of UltraPro Stainless Steel Liner

SAVE Up to $ 40 $40 off any flue Stretcher Chimney Cap

SAVE Up to $ 20Sign up for a Copperfield Reline Workshop and save $20

Earthcore Industries, LLC

SAVE Up to $ 100 to $ 50015% off the total purchase price of an Isokern DM44 or DM54 Chimney system

SAVE Up to $ 100 to $ 500

15% off the tota purchase price of any Isokern Fireplace Kit – Standard 36, 42 & 45 Magnum 28, 36, 42, 48, 60 or 72 Vent-free, IBV and Fire-Lite applications


ProgressivePerksBY DEBBIE CORNELIUS

MEMBERSHIP DEVELOPMENT COORDINATOR

JOIN ME – NCSG Innovation 2011, Hartford, CTWow another year has flown by quickly and we will soon be gathering in Hartford, CT for the NCSG Innovation 2011 Convention and Tradeshow.

I invite you to join me at the NCSG tradeshow booth on Thursday, February 10 between the hours of 1:00 and 6:00 pm or Friday, February 11 between the hours of 9:00 am – Noon at the Connecticut Convention Center in Hartford to find out more about your NCSG member benefits.

We have again added some new benefits in 2010 and now have a new vendor for payment processing of credit cards and checks. Many benefits are available at discounted prices for members of the National Chimney Sweep Guild.

Not a member of the NCSG? Definitely stop by and let’s discuss the reasons for being a member of the Guild. You might be surprised. If you can’t make the convention this year, please do not hesitate to give me a call at (317) 837-1500. I am always happy to answer questions about being a member of the NCSG and the member benefits available to you. If you don’t make the time to check out these benefits you could be missing out on savings that could make your business more profitable and allow you more time to spend with family and friends. Plus, what you save will more than justify the cost of your NCSG membership dues.

I hope to see you in Hartford CT!


Dates& EventsJanuary 17-21, 2011Online Health & Safety Week For more information, please call (317) 837-5362 or visit www.CSIA.org/safetyweek January 21, 2011Onalaska, WI- Sponsored by WI Chimney Sweep Guild CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep Review & Exam For more information, please call (317) 837-5362 or visit www.CSIA.org January 24-28, 2011Online CSIA eLearning For more information, please call (317) 837-5362 or visit www.CSIA.org February 8, 2011Hartford, CT- NCSG Convention CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep Review & Exam For more information, please call (317) 837-5362 or visit www.CSIA.org February 8, 2011Hartford, CT- NCSG Convention CSIA Certified Dryer Exhaust Technician Review & Exam For more information, please call (317) 837-5362 or visit www.CSIA.org March 1, 2, & 3, 2011Online Codes & Standards Quizzes Available For more information, please call (317) 837-5362 or visit www.CSIA.org/quiz March 4, 2011Salt Lake City, Utah- HPB ExpoCSIA Certified Chimney Sweep Review & Exam For more information, please call (317) 837-5362 or visit www.CSIA.org March 4, 2011CSIA Technology Center CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep Review & Exam For more information, please call (317) 837-5362 or visit www.CSIA.org March 7-13, 2011Online CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep Review For more information, call (317) 837-5362 or visit www.CSIA.org March 7-13, 2011Online CSIA Certified Dryer Exhaust Technician ReviewFor more information, call (317)-837-5362 or visit www.CSIA.org March 14-18, 2011Online Health & Safety Week For more information, please call (317) 837-5362 or visit www.CSIA.org/safetyweek

March 21-25, 2011Online CSIA eLearning For more information, please call (317) 837-5362 or visit www.CSIA.org March 21-25, 2011CSIA Technology Center Installing and Troubleshooting Woodburning Hearth Appliances For more information, please call (317) 837-5362 or visit www.CSIA.org April 4, 5, 6, & 7, 2011OnlineCodes & Standards Quizzes Available For more information, please call (317) 837-5362 or visit www.CSIA.org April 8, 2011Tallahassee, FL CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep Review & Exam For more information, please call (317) 837-5362 or visit www.CSIA.org April 9, 2011Tallahassee, FL CSIA Certified Dryer Exhaust Technician Review & Exam For more information, please call (317) 837-5362 or visit www.CSIA.org April 11-17, 2011Online CSIA Certified Dryer Exhaust Technician Review For more information, call (317)-837-5362 or visit www.CSIA.org April 11-17, 2011OnlineCSIA Certified Chimney Sweep Review For more information, call (317) 837-5362 or visit www.CSIA.org April 11-16, 2011CSIA Technology Center National Chimney Sweep Training School For more information, please call (317) 837-5362 or visit www.CSIA.org/NCSTS April 18-24, 2011Wildacres Retreat - Asheville, Noth Carolina Masonry Heater, Bake Oven, and Masonry Skills Workshop For more information contact Richard Smith at (520) 883-0191 or [email protected]. Also see www.mha-net.org for further details. April 18-22, 2011OnlineHealth & Safety WeekFor more information, please call (317) 837-5362 or visit www.CSIA.org/safetyweek

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


ust before Christmas our youngest daughter graduated from D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education). It’s a terrific proactive police-led program that teaches children ages kindergarten through 12th grade how to resist peer pressure and live healthy drug and violence-free lives. Founded almost 30 years ago in Los Angeles, it is currently

being conducted annually in 75% of our nation’s school districts and in more than 43 countries around the world.

I mention this not as a commercial for D.A.R.E. (although all three of our children went through the program and I do recommend it), but rather because of a catch phrase from it that was referenced during the graduation ceremony. Our son went through the program eight years ago, and we’ve been using the phrase with our kids and their friends, although usually in an admittedly tongue-and-cheek manner, ever since. Until I heard it recently associated with D.A.R.E. I had forgotten why or when we started saying it.

It’s nothing earth shattering. In fact, it’s amazingly straight forward and simple. When our kids and their friends leave

the house to go do whatever it is they do, we simply remind them to “make good choices.” It was something we heard over and over again when our son was going through the D.A.R.E. program several years ago and it just sort of stuck as a perpetual mantra as they head out the door…Of course, when my wife and I head out the door on a rare date night, they recite it to us too!

Besides the nostalgia that my family has tied to this short refrain, when I heard it again last month I actually associated it with an experience I encountered at the Guild office earlier that week. A homeowner had contacted me to express a less-than-satisfactory experience she had had recently with a sweep she’d hired to sweep and inspect her chimney before using it for the first time since buying the house. When he arrived, she asked him a couple of preparatory questions to get a feel for what he’d be doing and what kind of precautions he would take to prevent a mess. Apparently, in reference to the possibility of making a mess, he laughed in a manner that suggested, “Lady, I know how to do my job, so stop bothering me with your silly little questions” and simply told her not to worry about it.

BY MARK MCSWEENEYEXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Perspective

J

Make Good Choices

“Choices are the hinges of destiny.” -- Pythagoras


The homeowner had some other, more technically-oriented issues with the job the sweep did, but clearly that early interaction tainted her perception going forward. Many of you reading this may be thinking that the homeowner was overly-sensitive and that a laugh or a chuckle toward a customer shouldn’t be any big deal…After all, there are an awful lot of silly questions that get asked out there. But you might be surprised at the number of comments and complaints we receive from homeowners who feel they have been treated disrespectfully and/or unprofessionally by sweeps through simple interactions just like this one. And just like this one, these complaints aren’t necessarily aimed at young, inexperienced sweeps; they are often triggered by seasoned company owners.

Perhaps what is often forgotten, particularly in the height of the busy season frenzy when you feel like you are hearing the same nonsensical comments and questions over and over again, is that while you are experiencing the identical customer commentary for the twenty-fifth time that week, for that particular customer it is the first time they’ve been able to mention it. Their question is not repetitive to them, so any response that belittles their curiosity about what you are going to do in their home is very hard to take.

My wife had an experience like this with a plumber, and, needless to say, we will not be having that company back. However, when we recently had someone out to take a look at a furnace issue, he was extremely patient and took the time to be sure she was very comfortable with what he was talking about. The repair was unfortunately not cheap, but we both felt confident about who was doing the work and will undoubtedly call them back if we need similar assistance again.

For those of you reading this and thinking to yourself, “Blah, blah, blah,” I encourage you to rethink. I mention it because of the relative regularity that we hear these types of comments about professionals in our industry in the office. And unfortunately, we as consumers do have a tendency to generalize so when we have a bad experience with one sweep it is not uncommon to carry those low expectations forward to the next one.

I heard someone recently say, “A good character is always slightly unexpected.” That’s a sad commentary, but if it’s true it presents a world of opportunity for those willing to be vigilant about taking the high road. It seems to me that it’s all about choices. You can choose to play the “information is power” card and hold yourself out as superior, or you can choose to be humble and work at making every service experience a good one.

A quote from an unknown author reads, “Good decisions come from experience, and experience comes from bad decisions.” A new year is always a time for fresh perspectives and new approaches, so the good news is that we can always learn from our mistakes and start fresh.

Speaking of fresh starts, it’s not too late to join your fellow sweeps for Innovation 2011, NCSG’s annual convention and trade show. We’ll be meeting in Hartford, CT next month and it would be a great opportunity to recharge and kick-start your best year ever. I hope to see many of you there!

Until next time, I wish you every success. And remember…make good choices!


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Darwin AwardsHave you snapped a photo of a peculiar chimney in your area that made you shake your head in disbelief?

Send it to Melissa Heeke at [email protected] for publication in Sweeping. Or, mail it to NCSG, 2155 Commercial Drive, Plainfield, IN 46168.

Page # Advertiser Phone Email or Website Address9 Ahrens Chimney Technique 800-582-1392 [email protected] Barnhill Chimney Company 859-219-8736 www.barnhillchimney.com12 & IFC Chimney Safety Institute of America 317-837-5362 www.CSIA.org20 Cobra Chimney Caps, Inc. 503-463-0636 www.cobrachimneycaps.com21 Copperfield Chimney Supply 800-247-3305 www.copperfield.com22 Earthcore Industries 800-642-2920 www.isokern.net7 Enervex 800-255-2923 www.enervex.com30 Firesafe Industries, Inc. 800-545-6607 www.firesafeinc.com33 Golden Flue, Inc. 800-468-1052 www.goldenflue.com4 Hose Master 800-221-2319 [email protected] HPB Expo 703-52-0086 www.hpbexpo.com5 ICP 508-695-7000 www.chimneycaps.comBC Lifetime Chimney Supply LLC 877-234-7473 www.lifetimechimneysupply.com4 Lindemann Chimney Supply 800-722-7230 www.lindemannchimney.com27 M&G DuraVent, Inc 800-835-4429 www.duravent.com29 National Chimney Supply 800-897-8481 www.nationalchimneysupply.com35 New England Chimney Supply 888-900-8106 www.newenglandchimneysupply.com13 Olympia Chimney Supply 800-569-1425 www.olympiachimney.com11 Sand Hill Wholesale 800-258-5496 www.sandhillwholesale.com14 SaverSystems, Inc 800-860-6327 www.chimneysaver.com8 Specialty Supply Company 800-331-9234 www.specialtysupplyco.com23 U.S. Fireplace Products Inc. 888-290-8181 www.usfireplaceproducts.com31 Ventech Industries 866-439-0069 www.ventechindustries.com3 Wakefield Brush 800-264-7007 www.wakefieldbrush.com38 Whitecaps 800-335-2534 www.whitecaps.com6 Wohler USA 978-750-9876 [email protected]

A contractor had installed the old chimney. Great job.

- Rick Martinez, Guaranteed Home Improvement, Hicksville, NY


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National Chimney Sweep Guild2155 Commercial DrivePlainfield, IN 46168

0111

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January 2011

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