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NCSG Innovation 2012 Buena Vista Palace • Orlando • February 15-18
Orlando is the place to be for NCSG Innovation 2012! Plan NOW to be there February 15-18 for another great year of national-caliber chimney education and professional networking.
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Call (866) 397-6516 and mention that you’re with NCSG or visit www.NCSG.org to lock in rates starting at $139/night. Note: There is an additional $10.95 daily resort fee which includes free wi-fi access and parking during your stay.
If your family perked up a little when they heard the word “Orlando”, we’ve got you covered. Our group rate runs February 9-22, so you can sneak in a few days before or after the convention for some time with the world’s most famous mouse or exploring any number of Orlando’s exciting destinations. All eyes (and ears) on chimneys for Innovation 2012 in Orlando, February 15-18!
JULY 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
July 2011 Volume 35 #6
Features
Table of Contents
Departments
P.29
P.24
P.14
3 Moving Forward
6 Editor’s Letter
8 Industry Watch
10 Technical Q&A
12 Chimney Sense
23 Progressive Perks
26 New NCSG Members
27 Showcase Your Talent with Three New Contests from NCSG
28 Dates & Events
31 Darwin Awards
31 Display Ad Index
32 Classifieds
14 Diversification can be Organic
20 Meet a Member: David Doherty
22 Abraham Lincoln and the 10,000 Hour Rule
24 Five Technology-Driven Ways to Get Your Small Business on Track this Year
2 SWEEPING JULY 11
ResourcePage
TECHNICAL ADVISORY COUNCIL
Chris PriorMasonry Construction and Restoration
and Priorfire Fireboxes317-203-0088 x: 2
Jim BrewerGas Venting and NFPA 54
317-203-0088 x: 3
John PilgerOil Flue Sizing, Relining or NFPA 31
317-203-0088 x: 4
Randy BrooksNFPA 211 and Customer Communications
317-203-0088 x: 5
Bart OgdenStainless Steel Lining, Video Scanning
and Narrative Report Writing317-203-0088 x: 6
Fred JoyInstallation and Venting of Pellet Stoves
317-203-0088 x: 7
Jay WalkerDryer Vents
317-203-0088 x: 8
John LaBrosseInternational Residential Codes
317-203-0088 x: 9
Rich MartinezDryer Vents or Masonry
317-203-0088 x: 10
Rich RuaGeneral Sweeping or Relining
317-203-0088 x: 11
COMMITTEE CHAIRS AND TASK FORCES FOR 2011-2012Bylaws
Diane Pilger(631) 863-2460
Convention Site SelectionDiane Pilger
(631) [email protected]
Discussion ListMarge Padgitt(816) 461-3665
EthicsMark Stoner
(615) [email protected]
FinanceMark Maynard(920) 830-1920
GovernanceRandy Brooks(805) 646-8961
Government AffairsPhil Mitchell
(603) [email protected]
International RelationsVictor Imgarten(636) 477-9966
Long Range Planning Diane Pilger
(631) [email protected]
MembershipJeremy Biswell(913) 236-7141
NFPA 211 Representative Randy Brooks(805) 646-8961
NFPA 31 RepresentativeJohn Pilger
(631) [email protected]
NFPA 54 RepresentativeJim Brewer
(757) [email protected]
Public Awareness Task ForceMarge Padgitt(816) 461-3665
Technical Advisory CouncilDennis Dobbs(256) 845-9814
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 3Jay Walker
(850) 562-4692 • [email protected]
Vice President, At-LargeDiane Pilger
(631) 863-2460 • [email protected]
Treasurer, Region 5Mark Maynard
(920) 830-1920 • [email protected]
Secretary, Region 1Phil Mitchell
(603) 659-7776 • [email protected]
Region 2 Bob Fleer
(410) 544-7600 • [email protected]
Region 4 Marge Padgitt
(816) 461-3665 • [email protected]
Region 6 OPEN SEAT
FMI: Randy BrooksNCSG Governance Chair
(805) 646-8961 • [email protected]
At-Large DirectorsJeremy Biswell
(913) 236-7141 • [email protected]
Dennis Dobbs(256) 845-9814 • [email protected]
Fred Joy(785) 986-6432 • [email protected]
Supplier RepresentativeEdmund Poplawski
(570) 504-7107 • [email protected]
NCSG BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2011-2012
Mark McSweeney, CAE Executive Director
Melissa Heeke, CAE Director of Communications &
Marketing [email protected]
Ashley Eldridge, COI, CPP Director of Education
Candice Bradbury Director of Finance
Megan McMahon Office Manager
Sara Sichting Certification Coordinator (CSIA)
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
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 call (317) 203-0088 and select the extension for the person who is best qualified to answer your question:
Dennis DobbsTechnical Advisory Council Chair
Installation or Service of Direct Vent Gas Appliances317-203-0088 x: 1
JULY 11 SWEEPING 3
JAY WALKERNCSG PRESIDENT Forward
Moving
nce again, I find myself writing you one month ahead. Meaning, I’m writing in June and you will receive this message in July. The older we get it seems that “time” is more and
more precious. As we tend to schedule our time out farther in advance, it seems to be a more
important commodity in our lives. For this issue’s theme of diversification, I will cover some of the diversities we all need to think about.
Over the last couple months, I have taken two of the CSIA’s courses. The first was the new Lining Masonry Chimneys with Stainless Steel online course and the second was the weeklong Installing & Troubleshooting Gas Hearth Appliances class at headquarters in Indianapolis, IN. Both of these classes were very informative for me. The gas class is something I have procrastinated on for some time now. As the years passed without my offering gas products as a service, my company has not diversified toward that needed annual service for gas units. While I understand a gas or plumber’s license is required for running gas lines or breaking a gas line seal, the needed service is an opportunity to increase productivity throughout the year. I hope members remember to always to incorporate further learning into their time throughout the year.
We all know that servicing chimneys gives each company many opportunities to expand into other aspects of sweeping. Fixing leaky chimneys (caps, flashings, water proofing, tuck pointing, etc), liner repairs and replacements, glass door and woodstove sales and much more. One other service you can look into is dryer exhaust duct delinting. Yes, you read that right. Not “cleaning”. Just like Pete Luter always said, we “sweep” chimneys, we don’t clean them. Same goes for clothes
dryer exhaust ducts. We delint them, we don’t clean them. You may want to start off by just asking your chimney clients if you could look at their vent. After a while, on the newer homes, you will likely start seeing vents installed to the attic, roof and under the house, and you will see many with multiple turns or some that are just not installed correctly. This is one service I have found to be very beneficial and helps provide the same needed safety for our clients. There are a lot more house fires due to clogged dryer vents than neglected chimneys.
Lastly, I would like to encourage you to diversify your business and personal goals. Hopefully you are writing them down and posting them up to see every day. I know I have some right now on my bathroom mirror and beside my desk in the office.
O
4 SWEEPING JULY 11
They are a constant reminder not to procrastinate up until to the last minute (which I am known to do more times than not). I recently got back from a daylong seminar in Georgia presented by Chris LoCurto of the Lampo Group, Inc. The Lampo Goup’s mission statement is: “…..providing biblically based, common-sense education and empowerment which gives HOPE to everyone from the financially secure to the financially distressed”. Dave Ramsey founded this group to provide financial counseling, through various means, to the public. This particular daylong seminar was Dave’s baby so to speak, but he turned it over to Chris to present.
One aspect really stood out that I wanted to share with you, was the need to set diverse goals. We all know about setting financial goals and trying to exceed and do better than we did the year before. Chris taught us that goals must be specific, be measurable, be yours, have a time limit and be in writing. But the most important aspect I learned was the need for six parts of your goals. They are: Financial, Spiritual, Physical, Intellectual, Family, Social and Career-oriented.
Zig Ziglar says, “ If you aim at nothing, you’ll hit it every time.”
Make the time and sit down and set some goals and write them down. For many years I worked in my company without a written goal. It was just an endurance race to work longer days and work harder to see how much I could do in the time allotted. I, for sure, am not an expert at setting or accomplishing all my goals. But I do know that having them written down has helped tremendously. Give it a try.
In closing, I must reflect on another member of our organization that has left us due to a heart attack and stroke. Paul Anderson, a very well-known member, friend and educator passed on June 9, 2011. I feel certain his is in God’s hands and feels no pain. Please keep Paul’s wife Connie and their family, in your hearts and prayers at this difficult time. While some of you may have just met Paul at a seminar or as recently as at the Hartford convention, I, along with many have been blessed to know Paul many years.
As always sweeps luck to you and your family and God Bless.
Jay Walker President
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6 SWEEPING JULY 11
MELISSA HEEKENCSG DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS
Editor’sLetter
he Back to School promotions have started and Labor Day is just around the corner. You know that that means your phone is likely to start ringing with increased urgency within just a few weeks. Are you ready? How are you going to approach
Home Heating Season 2011-2012? Any differently than you did last year? Lessons learned from last heating season that you swear you’d remember for this year? Now is the time to sharpen your new pencils (or fire up the new app on your iPad) and put your intentions to paper. Summer’s sweet silence will soon be a thing of the past.
This month, we focus on diversification with a few different perspectives on what it means to diversify. In his Moving Forward column, NCSG President Jay Walker shares his thoughts on creating a diverse business model and a few tips on how to plan for success. Dennis Dobbs, NCSG Technical Advisory Council chair, shares his thoughts on controlling your diversification efforts in his Chimney Sense column for this issue. And, finally, John Bently from New Richland, MN, shares one of my new favorite stories about which services your business should be selling. I challenge you to take some time this month to determine what is YOUR ice cream?
T
8 SWEEPING JULY 11
IndustryWatch
NAOHSM Changes Name to OESPThe National Association of Oilheating Service Managers (NAOHSM) has changed its name to the National Association of Oil & Energy Service Professionals (OESP). Executive Director, Judy Garber, says the new title honors the association’s past while looking toward the future of the industry. “It builds on NAOHSM’s more than half century of accomplishment. OESP remains dedicated to the advancement of all energy service professionals through education and support.”
NAOHSM was founded in 1954 with Hugh McKee as its president. It was the year that Joe DiMaggio married Marilyn Monroe, RCA manufactured the first color TV set, and Elvis Presley recorded his debut single, “That’s All Right.” Since then, there have been many changes to the world, as well as to the heating industry.
“Our members wear many hats,” says Garber. “The title ‘service manager’ has either gone away or has evolved into the position of general manager, lead technician, district manager, or even sales manager. Our
members do so much more that just service oil-heat accounts. The idea of a new name that reflects who we are has been discussed for probably five years. As a matter of fact, last year we thought we had a new name and then, after consideration, many realized the proposed name was missing our core roots – oil heat. The new name, the National Association of Oil & Energy Service Professionals, reflects our history, as well as our present and future.”
Members approved the official name change on May 24, 2011 at their 58th Annual Convention in Hershey, PA. To commemorate this important change, OESP invites you to take advantage of a free, six-month trial membership.
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JULY 11 SWEEPING 9
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.
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John Lovelace Wins ENERVEX Smart Car Grand PrizeJohn Lovelace, Lovelace Brick Contractor LLC, Richmond, Virginia, is the official grand prize winner of the ENERVEX Smart Car Sweepstakes. He was selected the winner out of thousands of entries across the country.
The sweepstakes began January 1 and ended April 30 and was part of a nationwide advertising campaign to highlight the company name change from EXHAUSTO to ENERVEX. The energy-efficient smart car grand prize was chosen to emphasize ENERVEX’s ongoing commitment to green technology and sustainability. The smart car was on display at the Ashrae trade show in Las Vegas and the HPBExpo in Salt Lake City earlier this year.
ENERVEX Welcomes New Hire, Keith O’BrienKeith O’Brien has joined the ENERVEX team as the National Sales Manager for the residential market. O’Brien’s role with the company will focus on building the fireplace and stove market within the residential market.
O’Brien’s previous experience includes serving as Territory Sales Manager at the MSA Group for more than five years. He was responsible for increasing sales and adding new clients during an economic downturn. O’Brien boasts more than 10 years of experience as National Account Manager for INTERMATIC Inc. He was able to increase the business by 25% and was held responsible for managing the relationship with The Home Depot.
To contact Keith O’Brien, he can be reached by phone (770)587-3238 or by e-mail [email protected].
10 SWEEPING JULY 11
Well the advantages are too numerous to list but number one on my list would be for documentation purposes. If you see something that does not meet your local codes or NFPA standards, take a photo!
If proper clearances are not met use a tape measure, run your tape to determine the correct distance and take a photo
TechnicalQ&A DENNIS DOBBS, NCSG
TECHNICAL ADVISORY CHAIR
A
QI am a new sweep and just wondering
what are the advantages to using a
digital camera in my daily work?
showing the measurements from the appliance to the combustible surface.
Damaged areas on the exterior of the chimney show up well in a photo. Hard to see dark areas such as behind dampers and the data plates on the backs of stoves are clearly viewed on a digital camera, a small pocket sized version is best for this situation.
Many people think of cameras as a device that is designed to freeze a moment in time, but digital cameras are a valuable information-gathering tool that give you the ability to see much more by using the digital zoom feature. When viewing a photo on an LED screen you can zoom in to different portions of the photo. This magnification can sometimes bring to light areas of
concern that you may not have noticed otherwise. I’ve used a camera daily for about the last ten years and I find it extremely helpful to my business. Homeowners greatly appreciate the ability to view damage at the chimney top while they are safely on the ground. I have recently added another neat feature on my truck, a copier/photo printer so that I can print photos immediately to leave with customer. With the digital technology being affordable and readily- available there is good reason for sweeps, new or veteran, to use cameras. In my opinion, there are absolutely no disadvantages. Saving your daily photo files could help your business in many ways. Proper photo documentation could save you from a lawsuit, possibly save your client’s life and property and taking “before and after” pictures of repairs and restorations could put more dollars in your pocket.
And last, but not least, don’t forget that sunset shot from the rooftop! Enjoy the view!
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12 SWEEPING JULY 11
DIVERSIFICATIONJack of All Trades, Master of None
A
Chimney Sense
wise man once told me that a chair must have four legs to stand properly and that a business should as well. Diversification is extremely important to any business. Going back to the roots of our industry, sweeping chimneys was all one did. But as time changes, we must
change with it and become more than one dimensional.
Some of the most common add-on services for sweeps are repairs, relining, firebox rebuilds, and full chimney rebuilds, dryer vent, duct and roof cleaning. Some sweeps have hearth stores and have become even more diversified by offering an array of installations including wood, gas and pellet appliances and the servicing of these products. Stonework is another good avenue for some and skylights, lightening protection and outdoor kitchens are other unique ideas. For some sweeps, the best diversification may be a counter-seasonal approach such as pool cleaning, pressure washing, lawn care or landscaping. Your ideas for diversifying might include commercial work. Restaurants having fireplaces need be serviced. Commercial and industrial smoke stacks and vents are another idea.
It pays to do a lot of research before adding another leg to your business. Carefully decide the avenues that you will take. Making the right choice could increase your profits substantially but making the wrong one could cost you everything. As you have narrowed your choices of potential products and services to provide, it would be very wise to consult your insurance
company to make sure that you have the adequate insurance to cover these new ventures. You should also contact your local and state governments to determine licensing requirements. Proper training, equipment and procedures must be in place beforehand.
We could all sit around for hours thinking of new frontiers for our businesses; and sometimes we feel that we have to be everything to everyone to be successful, but beware. A customer could call wanting you to repair their roof, clean their gutters or trim their trees since you are on the rooftop anyway. The biggest mistake one could make is to diversify too much. If you want to be the respected expert in your field, then don’t do so much that it creates havoc within your company and your company’s ability to keep up and do jobs well and correctly.
It is best not to become a jack of all trades and master of none. By not performing a service routinely, one can loose focus and lose their edge in the marketplace. The end result can be angry customers, lawsuits and a lack of income. We should all take a look at our business from time to time to determine if diversification is needed. Sometimes we find that even narrowing our focus on what we already offer is the best scenario. Using subcontractors in certain situations in place of your own employees might be feasible to help with your work flow and may save you time and money. The remainder of the off season is a perfect time to consider all the possibilities for making the most of your business. Just remember, don’t be left without a leg to stand on.
DENNIS DOBBS, NCSG TECHNICAL ADVISORY CHAIR
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ost people in business would like to have a steady, predictable schedule and consistent income. Stability like that would give the ability to plan promotional activities, future purchases and business growth. Unfortunately that
may not happen very often. Through the year nearly everyone has the “ups and downs” of typical business cycles. It can be frustrating to search for a way to achieve balance and stability in your company; sometimes it may seem to be nearly within your grasp, but then you hit another part of the seasonal roller coaster. This is where diversification can come into play.
Diversification can help smooth out the business cycles and bring in significant amounts of income. Perhaps you have rejected the idea of diversifying in the past, assuming it’s too expensive or complicated to add services to your repertoire. You may be surprised to realize that most of what you need may already be in your hands. Diversification can be organic. Just like an organic search on the internet, the diversity you seek may already be occurring naturally in front of you. There are many ways this can happen.
A number of years ago, I was attending a presentation at a convention where the speaker was using a slideshow of pictures to make certain points and observations. One picture really stood out to me. It was a sign on the door of a gas station/convenience store. The sign said “NO, We Don’t Have Ice Cream!” The speaker made the point that if the gas station had so many people asking about ice cream, the wise choice might be to begin selling it, rather than to put up a sign which sent potential customers away! The demand is there, you just have to recognize it.
Are you selling all the accessories you can that your customers WANT and NEED? Grates, caps, glass doors, new and replacement screens, dampers, glass cleaner, fire starters, ash pit doors, clean out doors, ash pails and shovels, fireplace tool sets, hearth rugs, etc. When I first started sweeping, I sold between $3,000 - 6,000 of accessories a month. It was a matter of seeing a customer’s need and being able to fill it. There are still companies selling milk and food using a refrigerated truck. Their products usually sell at a price above a grocery store. Those companies aren’t only selling dairy products; they’re selling convenience and making money at it. You can do something similar.
MDiversification can be Organic
BY JOHN BENTLY OF NEW RICHLAND, MN
JULY 11 SWEEPING 15
Many times you can expand business with the equipment and customers you already have. We chimney sweeps have ladders, brushes, rods and a skill set that allows us to provide a range of services having to do with heights and with cleaning and repairing systems. If customers ask whether you provide a service, don’t immediately say no. Offer to investigate the possibilities and get back to them. I’ll try just about anything once. I might not do it a second time, but at least once I will bring together the people with the needed skills, formulate a plan and we’ll give it a try and see how it goes. If things work well we can add a new item to the list of services we offer. If I’m not sure how long something is going to take, I may tell the customer we can try working for an hour and then look at the progress. If the customer is pleased, we can keep going. If not, it only cost an hour’s worth of time. If you find one customer who needs a type of service, keep in mind that others will likely need similar work done. Salons and health clubs can usually use dryer vent cleaning. Having dealt with one type of customer, use the experience to talk to others who have similar needs.
Here are a few examples of things you can do right now with the equipment and skills you have:• Cleaninggutters.• Cleaningdryervents• Re-routingdryervents• Cleanoutashpits• Changinglightbulbsinyardlights• Changing,fixingorremovinganantenna• Mountingthingshighonthesideofbuildings• Usingyourchimneycameratodoremoteinspections• Repairingascreen/stormdoor.I’llexpandonthislastone.
Our company provides the following services: chimney sweeping, dryer vent cleaning, dryer vent re-routes, air duct cleaning, dust collection system cleaning, attic insulation removal, dust down and related services and more. When we perform air duct cleanings we have to deal with screen and storm doors and lots of basement windows. Many of the storm doors have something missing or wrong with them-- a bad closer, chain, spring or something. After a number of years dealing with these problems you learn that this is an opportunity to provide a solution. What about offering to fix the problem? Homeowners love seeing nagging problems fixed, especially ones that have been bugging them for years. They will think about you each time they go through that door.
One thing about chimneys, air ducts and dryer vents is they are essentially the same. They are all passages that have air/gases moving through and are accumulating unwanted material. Some passages are horizontal, some vertical. It is our job to remove the unwanted material. The tools and techniques are all similar. Air duct cleaning and chimney sweeping are great companion businesses.
16 SWEEPING JULY 11
The air duct equipment can make some chimney sweeping tasks very easy. If I have a nasty oil flue, I will use the vacuum truck to make sure nothing escapes. One time I had so much vacuum on the flue it wanted to suck the brush down. I had to hold it back. Our eight-inch vacuum hose moves a lot of air!
With air duct cleaning there are many opportunities that arise. People know we have a BIG vacuum and lots of compressed air, so they will call to see if we can do a task they want done. We also clean out refrigerator coils; you know, those dusty tubes under the fridge that are hard to reach, gather an amazing amount of dust and rarely get cleaned out. An eight-inch vacuum hose and compressed air provide just the right combination to get that dust cleaned out.
You also want to have a brochure of services offered, sometimes known as a run sheet. This lets your customers know what you can do. Use it to list all the services you offer, even the unusual or obscure ones. How about doing dust down work in an elk-handling facility. That doesn’t come along every day. I realize many people don’t want to be “Jack of all Trades and Master of None” but there are many simple tasks that others will pay you to perform because they cannot or do not want to try them. If they don’t know you offer a service they won’t ask you for it.
To summarize here are some questions to ask yourself: 1: What do you like to do and what can you do?2: Do you offer the products that your customers need or ask
about?3: Are there other services that you can do with your current
equipment?4: Have you contacted other people that can use your unique
services?5: Are you qualified to provide other services that your
customers are asking about?6: Is there equipment you have been thinking about purchasing
or education that you can get that can expand business and help with tasks you do now?
There are many opportunities waiting around you, you just have to look, identify and take advantage of the opportunities.
About the Author: John Bently is the owner of a service, manufacturing and supply company in southern Minnesota. He is a CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep, CSIA Certified Dryer Exhaust Technician and a NADCA Certified Air Duct Cleaner. He has been in this industry for over 22 years.
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JULY 11 SWEEPING 17
CSI
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CSIA Courses Now Qualify for U.S. Military Veterans Educational Benefits
COLORADOPaul Branson • La Veta
ILLINOISMike Strickland • Fireplace & Chimney Authority, Inc. • Elmhurst
MARYLANDWilliam W. Graves • Magic Broom Chimney Sweeps • Waldorf
NEW JERSEYJim Benson • FireFox Energy Concepts, LLC • LafayetteEdward E. Osborne • Four Seasons Chimney Sweep & Repair • Mount Holly
NEW YORKMelissa Brown • Ashleigh’s Hearth and Home, Inc. • Poughkeepsie
PENNSYLVANIAMichael Devaney • Olympia Chimney Supply, Inc. • ScrantonJason Reimers • Estates Chimney Sweep, Inc. • Chalfont
VERMONTSteven Brett Reed • Chimney Savers • Randolph
WASHINGTONDavid James • A-1 Rooftop Chimney Sweep • Deer Park
Please visit www.csia.org to verify that your contact information is correct.
Congratulations to Our New CSIA Certified Chimney Sweeps
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18 SWEEPING JULY 11
CSIA Certified Chimney Sweeps will be asked to sign the revised CSIA Code of Ethics at the time of their next annual certification fee. The CSIA Board of Directors voted at their May 2011 meeting to revise the organization’s Code of Ethics to read:I fully acknowledge that certification by the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) carries with it certain responsibilities and obligations which may hold me to a higher standard of performance and professional behavior than applicable laws, rules or regulations. In this regard, I pledge: 1. To learn and utilize all chimney and venting safety
practices and techniques that are promoted by CSIA. 2. To render my services in an honest and fair manner and
to refrain from engaging in unfair or deceptive practices or making any unfair or deceptive statements including but not limited to with regard to use of the CSIA logos.
Code of Ethics Update
3. To comply with all applicable building codes in the areas I service, with the manufacturer’s installation instructions for the products I install, and with recognized chimney and venting practices.
4. To promote and educate consumers about safe chimney and venting practices.
5. To strive to continually update my knowledge, skills, and
technique with regard to currently accepted chimney and venting safety practices.
6. To conduct myself in a decent, respectful, and professional manner when serving in my capacity as a chimney sweep, or when attending a function or event of an organization in the chimney or hearth products industry.
7. To comply with the proper usage of all CSIA Registered Trademarks as defined in the CSIA Trademark Use Guidelines documents.
I agree to accept and abide by the CSIA Code of Ethics as a standard in rendering services as a CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep© or CSIA Certified Dryer Exhaust Technician©. By agreeing to this Code of Ethics, I understand that it is my responsibility to remain abreast of any changes to the Code of Ethics, that my actions may be reviewed by a committee of my peers, and that failure to abide by these ethical obligations is a violation of CSIA policy and, in accordance with the CSIA Code of Ethics Violation Procedure, may result in disciplinary action by the CSIA or its delegated committee. I agree to hold harmless CSIA and its committees from any and all liability resulting from any disciplinary action taken against me.
The following courses held at the CSIA Technology Center near Indianapolis have just been approved for U.S. Veteran’s Administration (VA) benefits: • Chimney Physics • Installing & Troubleshooting Gas Hearth Appliances • Installing & Troubleshooting Woodburning Hearth
Appliances • Inspection & Report Writing • National Chimney Sweep Training SchoolThis means that course registration and housing costs may be covered under the Post-9/11 GI Bill, the Montgomery GI Bill (Active or Selected Reserve), the Reserve Educational Assistance Program or the Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance Program, depending on personal eligibility. Since individual benefits are based on a complex formula including the dates and length of service, veterans must contact the Department of Veterans Affairs directly for personal eligibility information. Vets can call the National Call Center directly at (888) 442-4551 or visit the GI Bill website at www.gibill.va.gov.
JULY 11 SWEEPING 19
20 SWEEPING JULY 11
Meet a Member
David R. Doherty of Chimney Services Etc. . .
near Syracuse, NY. David’s company specializes in chimney sweeping, video inspection, concrete crowns, relining, woodstove installations, etc… David is the president, sole employee, accountant, secretary, janitor and chief bottle washer for Chimney Services Etc… now entering its 22nd year. The company is now in its 12th year as an NCSG member and David has held the CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep® credential since 1991.
1. How did you get into the business?I was working for a local car dealership right out of high school, mostly in sales. After nearly 10 years, I decided I wanted to learn a trade and get my hands dirty. I found out that a local sweep company needed help and, being impulsive, I took the chance. After just more than a year, I decided to go off on my own and started my own chimney service business. I bought a used August West vacuum, used rods and brushes and had a 74 Datsun pick-up truck. I got outfitted all for under $1,000 and off I went.
2. What do you know now that you wish you knew when you started out?If I knew how successful I would eventually become, I think I would have invested more time and effort during my first 10 years.
3. What do you like most about the business? I love being a professional in a field that so few people are in. I often compare how hundreds of plumbers, electricians, roofers and landscapers are in my area and yet less than 10-15 sweep companies exist here. I never bump heads with competition.
The least?The thing I like least? Customers that won’t allow themselves to be educated.
4. What three accomplishments are you most proud of?•Beinghappilymarriedfor231/2years,andcounting,to
my best friend, my wife Melissa. •Buildingasuccessfulbusinesswithoutadimeinmy
pocket, proving that hard work and perseverance pays off.
•Raising(todate)verysmart,sweet,andlovingtwin13year old daughters. Let’s hope I can say the same thing in 5 years!
5. “I still can’t quite get the hang of. . .”Being able to shut down and relax without feeling guilty for not being productive.
7. Who/what is your major influence?In business, by a landslide it has been Copperfield Chimney Supply. The service, tech support and their support of our industry has done more for my success than I can put a number on.
JULY 11 SWEEPING 21
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In life, my mother and father, who raised eight children with a meager income and taught me and my siblings by demonstration not to ever give up the fight.
8. How do you recharge after a long day/week/month?Spending time with family, watch a ballgame, enjoy a glass of wine and sleep.
9. What is your favorite quote, if you have one?Things turn out best, for those that make the best, out of the way things turn out. – John Wooden
10. If you could invite three people to dinner, living or dead, who would you invite and why?•Mywife:Becausethereneverisenoughtimetobewithher.•BobDaniels:Tolethimknowhiseffortsmadeadifferenceinthelivesof
complete strangers. •MahatmaGandhi:I’vealwaysbeenfascinatedbyhisphilosophy.
11. The only thing you know for sure about this business is?The phone will keep ringing if I continue to provide quality service to my customers.
12. What one question would you like us to ask an NCSG member? How many years did you work before you really were convinced that your business could support you?
You can learn more about David and his company at www.mrchimneyman.com
Editor’s Note: With this month’s issue, we’re going to begin posting these questions to NCSG’s Facebook page to collect some feedback. David, we have two responses to your question:
Kevon Binder, Jr. of Doctor Flue, Inc. in Tecumseh, MI - I’ve been CSIA certified
for almost 14yrs now, and worked for my Father for a few more. It wasn’t until I
met my Wife and became motivated that I realized the potential of our business.
A HUGE thank you to “Doc” (my Dad) and my Beautiful Wife Anne, for beng so
supportive through this slightly slow “growing up” process!
Terri Pocock of Swede Chimney Sweep & Dryer Vent Cleaning in San Diego,
CA - We bought the business 17 years ago when it was 9 years old. Our friends
who were the previous owners said it took 5 years working seriously before the
business could fully support them. We lucked out by buying the business instead
of starting from scratch. I’ve heard “5 years” from a number of my sweeper
friends. Good luck, David!
22 SWEEPING JULY 11
The Beatles did it before becoming world famous. Bill Gates did it before becoming one of the world’s richest men. And Abraham Lincoln did it before becoming one of America’s most honored President. Malcolm Gladwell, author of Outliers, maintains that anyone who expects to become world-class at anything had better plan on doing it. And what is IT?
IT is practicing thousands and thousands of hours. Gladwell says 10,000 hours.
In the case of the Beatles, they played night after night in Hamburg, Germany’s strip clubs. Here’s how John Lennon remembered the experience: “We got better and got more confidence. We couldn’t help it with all the experience playing all night long....In Hamburg, we had to play for eight hours, so we really had to find a new way of playing.” When the Beatles returned to Liverpool, they had become a seasoned, musically disciplined band with their own sound.
In the case of Bill Gates, he started doing his 10,000 hours when he was in the eighth grade. His high school purchased a teletype machine that was linked to a mainframe computer in Seattle. Gates and his buddy Paul Allen used that system to the limit, then found a way to get computer time at a software company where they
spent literally thousands of hours learning how to use the new technology. Here’s Bill Gates on that topic: “It was my obsession. I skipped athletics. I went up there at night. We were programming on weekends. It would be a rare week that we wouldn’t get twenty or thirty hours in.”
And Lincoln? Historian Gerald J. Prokopowicz writes: “Over the 25 years that he practiced law, Lincoln (and his partners) handled an average of more than two-hundred cases a year, an awesome workload.”
Do the math. Two-hundred cases for twenty-five years come to 5000 cases. (Actually there were more than 5000 cases.) Let’s say Lincoln spent just two hours on each case. (On some he certainly spent less time, on others far more.) That easily comes to the magic number 10,000 hours that Gladwell has written about.
Lincoln, like everybody who has ever made a lasting mark in any field, got to be good at what he/she was doing by putting in thousands of hours of practice.
About the Author:Gene Griessman, Ph.D. is a professional speaker and Lincoln portrayer. He is author of The Words Lincoln Lived By and co-author of Lincoln Speaks To Leaders: 20 Powerful Lessons From America’s 16th President.
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JULY 11 SWEEPING 23
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BY DEBBIE CORNELIUSMEMBERSHIP DEVELOPMENT COORDINATOR
Simplify Your Administrative Accounting Work!Who is Paycor Payroll Services? Paycor is a Midwest-based company that operates in all 50 states. As a benefit to members of the NCSG, they offer a ten to fifteen percent price reduction on payroll and tax services. Given the complexities of tax laws, staffing changes and other challenges, this can be a full time job!
You will be assigned a dedicated specialist who will manage all aspects of your account which include:
• Fullpayrollprocessing-checkprinting,directdeposits,tax payments, tax filings, and more!
• Completetaxcoverage–Paycorwillcalculate,file,deposit and reconcile your federal, state and local payroll taxes
• Secure-SSLencryptionprotection• FreeUpdates–regularsoftwareenhancementsareprovidedat
no extra charge
These are just a few of the many services by Paycor designed for companies with two or more employees.
With the BUSY SEASON just around the corner, it’s time to start thinking about how to spend less time on administrative/accounting work and more time running your business!For further information about Paycor go to www.paycor.com
2010 – 2011 Sweeps Advantage Coupon ProgramFeatured Coupons of the Month
FIRST, A special thanks to the following supplier members for their participation in the 2010 – 2011 Sweeps Advantage
Coupon Program: AHRENS Chimney Technique • AirJet, Division of Continental Industries • Copperfield Chimney Supply • Duct
Cleaners’ Supply • Dynacote LLC • Earthcore Industries, LLC • Eclipse Distributing • Enervex, Inc.(formerly Exhausto) • 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.
SECOND, check out the “Members Only” section of the NCSG website to see if the 2011 – 2012 Sweeps Advantage Coupons are available. If not, they will be very shortly.
In this day and age everyone is looking for ways to save money and cut costs. With this in mind, take advantage of all coupon offers even if it means using another supplier for a product you need.
AND FINALLY, please take a moment to thank your suppliers for their support of the Sweeps Advantage Coupon Program!
24 SWEEPING JULY 11
espite all the chatter about how the Great Recession is finally over, many small-business owners aren’t feeling it yet. In fact, although the National Federation of Independent Business (www.nfib.com) reports that confidence among American business owners reached a three-
year high in January, many are still cautious about hiring and spending. And if your business still seems to be on the trailing end of the much-touted recovery, you may be looking for ways to take control of your financial future this year.
With reduced resources to hire and train staff, pay outside contractors and also increase productivity, many small-business owners are turning to technology to help them bridge the gap between what they need and what they can afford. If 2011 is your year to regain financial footing for your small business, here are five key areas where technology can help:
1. Reduce costs and save moneyGreater efficiency means less wasted time and money. Complex filing systems packed into space-eating cabinets are more
obsolete every year as continually advancing technology makes preserving documents easier and faster. Are you making the most of the technology available to you in this area? If your office PCs are running on the latest version of the most-popular operating system - Windows 7 Professional - you likely already have in place the tools you need to improve efficiency in this area. Simply click on the Start menu search box, and you instantly see results grouped by category - documents, pictures, music, email and programs. If your organization has not yet upgraded to Windows 7 Professional, you can estimate today your potential benefits and savings by using an ROI calculator at www.roianalyst.alinean.com and seeing how impactful this latest operating system can be to your bottom line.
2. Network securityFrom credit card numbers to personal identifying information of employees and clients, a small business’s network can be a treasure trove for cyber criminals. The best way to protect your company’s computer networks - and the personal, financial and client-related information they contain - is with technology that blocks malicious cyber attacks and safeguards sensitive
Five Technology-Driven Ways To Get Your Small Business On Track This Year
D
JULY 11 SWEEPING 25
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information. Windows 7 Professional, with Windows Internet Explorer, gives you the right tools to help you be confident that your business and your data are safer and more secure.
3. Accessing information remotelyCustomers expect businesses to be able to provide real-time information - from quotes and pricing to project timelines and scope - at the click of a button. Small businesses can now equip their field workers with devices such as laptops, netbooks and smartphones to help them respond quickly and efficiently to customer inquiries. Networked information, remotely accessible from a variety of mobile devices, is an important step to ensuring that employees can provide customers with the most up-to-date, accurate information available, regardless of where they are.
4. Green initiativesEnvironmental awareness has become widely recognized in the business world as the right thing to do, as well as something that makes good business sense. Reducing energy consumption and paper waste not only helps the environment, but it also can save your small business money. Technology supports green initiatives by helping businesses cut the amount of paperwork they generate and use less power to operate.
Windows 7 Professional, for example, offers built-in power-saving technology to help small businesses improve their energy efficiency and helps prevent paper from printing at the wrong printer.
5. Increase workplace productivitySoftware designed to improve business efficiency can help small-business owners and their staff members improve workplace productivity. When workers spend less time navigating through computer systems, they have more time to invest in serving customers and streamlining processes. From accounting programs that make payroll generation a breeze to online applications that allow businesses to accept customer payments via the Internet, technology can allow you to improve productivity.
With technology allowing small businesses to accomplish more, improve efficiency and focus on customers rather than on processes, small-business owners may find they really have reason to be optimistic about the economy in 2011. To learn more about technology that can help your small business, visit www.microsoft.com/windows/business.
26 SWEEPING JULY 11
REGION 3
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 5
REGION 4
INTERNATIONAL
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
VIRGINIADustinHowdyshell•AlbemariechimneySweep&InspectionService•Scottsville
TENNESSEEJoeDvorak•ChimneyJoe•Kingsport
ILLINOISNickDomoleczny•CompleteChimneyCare•Marseilles
MICHIGAN JasonMartin•ZidanManagementGroup/CandlewyckApartmentsLLC•Kalamazoo OHIODerekSmith•TheChimneySmith •Columbus
MISSOURIKurtMiller•Wall2WallCleaningService•St.Charles
COLORADOGirtsGibietis•Gibietis,Girts•Littleton
KANSASTroyS.Weekley•SuperiorHearth•RoseHill
DominiquePage•StoveBuilderInternational•Saint-Augustin
JULY 11 SWEEPING 27
ATTENTIONAll Chimney Sweeps
www.ultimatesweeps.com
Introducing the new business dealer alliance,
sponsored by Rasmussen.
Here’s What You Get FREE:• Advertising, branding strategies & collateral• Inside & outside sales strategies & training
• Online PR development & distribution• Website development & SEO strategies
• Live & online training events
1-800-381-4183
The National Chimney Sweep Guild is hosting a contest with several categories. The winners will be announced at the 2012 Convention in Orlando. The categories are as follows:
Darwin Award: Best of the worst chimney, fireplace, or wood stove installation. Just when you think you’ve seen it all, something comes up that you just can’t believe. Get pictures and submit them in the contest. First, second, and third places will receive an award.
Best Fireplace Face Picture: Get pictures of some great work with cultured stone or other materials you’ve seen on the job. Try to get the builder’s name if possible. One winner will receive an award.
Best Masonry Construction: Best of your own work, or work by your own company. Enter chimneys, fireplaces, facial walls, masonry heaters, bake ovens, fire-pits, outdoor rooms, etc. As long as it is related to fire and masonry (brick or stone), you can enter it! First, second, and third places will be awarded a trophy.
Judging will be done by a panel of experts in the industry. There is no charge for entering the contest. Photos of contest winners will be printed in SWEEPING Magazine, posted online at www.NCSG.org and sent to the media in press releases. Winners of the masonry construction category may use their awards in marketing materials and press releases.
Start collecting photos now and dig out old pictures you’ve kept on file. All entries must be received at least 30 days before the annual convention February 15-18 in Orlando, Florida. Only NCSG member companies are eligible to enter. See the complete list of rules and entry forms under the Member;s Only section of the NCSG website at www.ncsg.org.
Please contact Public Awareness Task Force Chair Marge Padgitt at (816) 833-1602 or [email protected] for more information.
Showcase Your Talent with Three
New Contests from NCSG
28 SWEEPING JULY 11
Dates & EventsJuly 22, 2011Fairfield, IA CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep Review & Exam For more information, please call (317) 837-5362 or visit www.CSIA.org
July 22, 2011SaverSystems- Richmond, IN HeatShield Installer Factory Training For more information call (800) 860-6327 x105 or email [email protected]
July 22-24, 2011Detroit, Michigan The Duct Cleaners’ Network 8th Annual Conference For more information, please call (800) 467-3878 or visit www.ductcleanersnetwork.org
July 25-29, 2011CSIA (Online) Lining Masonry Chimneys with Stainless Steel For more information, please call (317) 837-5362 or visit www.CSIA.org
July 25-29, 2011Online CSIA eLearning For more information, please call (317) 837-5362 or visit www.CSIA.org/quiz
July 29-31, 2011NYSCSGEast Galway, NY- Chris and Ingrid Prior’s Home Hands on Masonry, Largest Top Burn and MoreFor more information, please contact Ingrid Prior at (518) 882-6091 or [email protected] or visit http://www.nychimneysweepguild.org
August 1, 2, 3, & 4, 2011Online Codes & Standards Quizzes Available For more information, please call (317) 837-5362 or visit www.CSIA.org/quiz
August 1-6, 2011CSIA Technology Center National Chimney Sweep Training School For more information, please call (317) 837-5362 or visit www.CSIA.org/NCSTS
August 5, 2011SaverSystems- Richmond, IN HeatShield Installer Factory Training For more information call (800) 860-6327 x105 or email [email protected]
August 8-14, 2011Online CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep Review For more information, call (317) 837-5362 or visit www.CSIA.org
August 8-14, 2011Online CSIA Certified Dryer Exhaust Technician Review For more information, call (317)-837-5362 or visit www.CSIA.org
August 8 & 9, 2011Richmond, IN Documentation and Performance Based Chimney Inspections For more information, please call (704) 425-0217 or email [email protected]
August 10th, 2011Richmond, IN
How to Win The Lion’s Share of Business in your Market Regardless of Price For more information, please call (800) 860-5327 or email [email protected]
August 11, 2011East Hartford, CT Copperfield Reline Workshop For more information, please call (800) 256-1926 or email [email protected]
August 13, 2011Philadelphia, PA Copperfield Reline Workshop For more information, please call (800) 256-1926 or email [email protected]
August 15, 2011Indianapolis, IN Copperfield Reline Workshop For more information, please call (800) 256-1926 or email [email protected]
August 15-19, 2011Online Health & Safety Week For more information, please call (317) 837-5362 or visit www.CSIA.org/safetyweek
August 19, 2011SaverSystems- Richmond, IN HeatShield Installer Factory Training For more information call (800) 860-6327 x105 or email [email protected]
August 22-26, 2011CSIA (Online) Lining Masonry Chimneys with Stainless Steel For more information, please call (317) 837-5362 or visit www.CSIA.org
August 22-26, 2011Online CSIA eLearning For more information, please call (317) 837-5362 or visit www.CSIA.org
August 26, 2011Nashville, TN CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep Review & Exam For more information, please call (317) 837-5362 or visit www.CSIA.org
September 6, 7, & 8, 2011Online Codes & Standards Quizzes Available For more information, please call (317) 837-5362 or visit www.CSIA.org/quiz
September 8, 2011CSIA Technology Center CSIA Certified Dryer Exhaust Technician Review & Exam For more information, please call (317) 837-5362 or visit www.CSIA.org
September 9, 2011CSIA Technology Center CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep Review & Exam For more information, please call (317) 837-5362 or visit www.CSIA.org
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).
JULY 11 SWEEPING 29
very now and then it seems I find myself involved in a project that reminds me of the rapid pace at which our world’s technology is changing. My annual budgeting process this year recently gave me that opportunity again.
It’s pretty easy to look back over a long period of time and see where we’ve come from. Consider 20 years ago; 1991. Email was new technology and Tim Berners-Lee was just introducing the web browser to the world. Fewer than 50 percent of households in this country even had personal computers. Good old fashioned mail delivered by the US Postal Service was still considered the standard in communication. Microsoft had just released MS Dos 5.0, and the automotive industry brought us the first airbags.
All things considered, these industries – even the Post Office – have made impressive strides since 1991. But then again, 20 years is an eternity in the world of technology. It’s staggering to see the level of technological change that has influenced our lives in even the more relatively recent history. Seven years ago NCSG partnered with CSIA to invest in a new technology infrastructure and database system that has opened all sorts of member and public information and communication doors. The change was significant and exciting, represented a considerable investment in time and resources and ultimately provided us the opportunity to improve our services and efficiencies many times over.
Now, seven years later, the technology that propelled us forward in so many ways is struggling to keep pace with the rapid enhancements that are driving technology in business today. It’s
BY MARK MCSWEENEYEXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Perspective
E
Oh, The Places We’ve Gone
“Technology: No Place for Wimps.”-Scott Davis, American Cartoonist
30 SWEEPING JULY 11
hard to believe that in such a relatively short period of time we already need to consider that level of change again.
On the other hand, look at the technology we’ve seen in just the last seven years. Microsoft has migrated through a variety of iterations of Windows, from enhanced versions of XP, to two versions of Vista, to the current Windows 7; not to mention the influence of Windows Mobile. During the same period of time, their Office suite has brought us three upgraded versions of their popular business and personal management software. Apple added video and a whole new functionality to its iPod in 2005, introduced the iPhone in 2007 (which brought the term “app” into our modern vernacular), and created a new burst in mobile technology with the advent of the iPad which is already in its second generation. Seven years ago, how many of us knew there would soon be a fight for market share in “tablet” technology?
Among the most significant technological influences on day-to-day business over the past few years has to be the constant battle for superiority in the smartphone wars. The nation’s largest wireless service provider, Verizon, offers more than 30 varieties of “smartphones” alone. The four year old iPhone is already in its fourth generation, with its fifth due to be announced soon. The smartphone you buy today will be considered slow and outdated in less than one year. Whether it’s your Blackberry, iPhone or Android, information and full web access is expected to literally be at your fingertips wherever you are.
Of course, all of these devices, from computer desktops and laptops, to tablet PCs, to mobile phones, run on a variety of operating systems and platforms, and as businesses we are expected to be able to interface with any of them. As an association with an international reach, NCSG is no exception. Every day I read countless emails posted on our discussion list or sent directly to me from someone’s phone, and that’s just a small indication of the daily influence of technology on business. Earlier this spring I had the occasion to visit Lancaster, PA and learned that even businessmen in the Amish communities have succumbed to the use of personal computers for economic survival (albeit in their basements).
Clearly technology is not merely a convenience, it is a necessity. Bill Gates has been quoted saying, “Information technology and business are becoming inextricably interwoven. I don’t think anybody can talk meaningfully about one without
talking about the other.” I’ve also heard is said that “technology doesn’t drive change, it enables change.”
So as I think about NCSG’s and CSIA’s need to reinvest in their information technology infrastructure, it’s not surprising that we’re already there a mere seven years later. We have to be able to remain accessible to our members and the public we serve in the variety of ways they need us to be there, and technology will only continue to be an increasing and changing means to that end for the foreseeable future.
We represent thousands of sweeps crossing multiple generations from the War/Veteran generation to Gen Ys. As individual companies, each of our members works with customers, and perhaps employees, from each of these generations. Expectations among and understanding across those generations vary to every extreme. Are you shaking your head in frustration at your customers and employees, wondering why their needs seem to be all over the map, or are you embracing the challenge and focusing on the opportunities to exceed their expectations?
Writer Stewart Brand began a campaign in the mid 1960s encouraging NASA to release then rumored photographs taken of the whole earth from space to the general public. The technology was there and the information was available and he thought there was no reason the two couldn’t come together for the benefit of the rest of us. Pictures of the earth are old news today, but people like Stewart Brand have built careers around marrying the public’s need for ready access to information and the technological ability to meet that need. According to Brand, “Once a new technology rolls over you, if you’re not part of the steamroller you’re part of the road.”
I hope each of you is keeping up. It’s a crazy world we live in at a seemingly ever-changing pace. However, if you are feeling overwhelmed, perhaps you can find comfort in the fact that it still takes 24 hours for the earth to fully rotate and, for now anyway, despite all of our hi-tech advancements, it still takes 4 ½ minutes to toast a slice a bread…Don’t forget to stop long enough to enjoy the simple things in life!
Until next time I wish you every success!
JULY 11 SWEEPING 31
Display Ad Index
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 Address
17 Ahrens Chimney Technique 800-582-1392 [email protected]
15 Barnhill Chimney Company 859-219-8736 www.barnhillchimney.com
21 Chimfex-Orion Safety Products 800-637-7807 www.chimfex.us
18 Chimney Safety Institute of America 317-837-5362 www.csia.org
6 Cobra Chimney Caps 503-463-0636 www.cobrachimneycaps.com
22 Communications Network Inc 800-875-8118 [email protected]
4 ENERVEX (formerly EXHAUSTO) 800-255-2923 www.chimneyfans.com
25 Firesafe Industries, Inc. 800-545-6607 www.firesafeinc.com
11 Golden Flue, Inc. 800-468-1052 www.goldenflue.com
13 Hose Master 800-221-2319 [email protected]
7 ICP 508-695-7000 www.chimneycaps.com
BC Lifetime Chimney Supply LLC 877-234-7473 www.lifetimechimneysupply.com
8 Lindemann Chimney Supply 800-722-7230 www.lindemannchimney.com
16 Meyer Machine & Equipment 800-728-3828 www.meyermachine.com
19 National Chimney Supply 800-897-8481 www.nationalchimneysupply.com
5 Olympia Chimney Supply 800-569-1425 www.olympiachimney.com
27 Rasmussen Gas Logs & Grills 800-782-1365 www.ultimatesweeps.com
12 RLH Industries, Inc. 800-289-2446 www.chim-flex.com
32 Sand Hill Wholesale 800-258-5496 www.sandhillwholesale.com
10 Specialty Supply Company 800-331-9234 www.specialtysupplyco.com
9 U.S. Fireplace Products Inc. 888-290-8181 www.usfireplaceproducts.com
3 Whitecaps 800-335-2534 www.whitecaps.com
I can’t find ONE thing that is correct in these photos...
Submitted by A. Bart Ogden, PresidentHome Safe Hearth & Chimney, Inc.Wichita, KS
32 SWEEPING JULY 11
ClassifiedsGotta chimney question? Sizing? Codes? Call Royal Edwards! Make Royal your tech department. CALL NOW 813-982-0219 for on-call tech support. Continuing Education special bonus – ask how you can get the Friday morning E-Blast for FREE. CALL NOW 813-982-0219
GasVent Software for Sizing Chimneys only $195Call 1-800-648-9523 for more info and visit www.elitesoft.com to download a free trial version.
New marketing tool now available, go to: www.aviewfromtherooftop.com/justforsweeps and learn how you can become “the” local expert
Grow your business and profits to the next level with the development of report writing skills, SOPs, and scripting designed for your company to activate your company and team into a star in your market area, with the goal of low liability level operations. For proven results contact Jerry Isenhour to add him to your team www.chimneyandventingconsultants.com [email protected] 704-425-0217
“Lets Make a Deal-We are retiring and want to sell our central New Jersey Chimney Services Company. We have 11,000+ customers in our data base & make a considerable income. Call 609-209-6180 & LETS MAKE A DEAL!”
CLASSIFIED ADS FREE FOR NCSG MEMBERSMembers can run one 35 word classified free each year! Regularly classified ads are $2/word or $1/word for NCSG members. Classified ads are non-commissionable and must be pre-paid. To place a classified ad, please contact Megan McMahon at [email protected] or (317) 837-1500.
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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. CCS CEUs: 4 T, 4 C&S, 4 C&L, 4 H&S NFI CEUs: 16 T
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 11 - 15 - Installing & Troubleshooting - RESCHEDULED Woodburning Hearth Appliances FOR 2012Energy 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
July 18-20 - Chimney Physics - RESCHEDULED FOR 2012Diagnosis 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.CCS CEUs: 4 T, 4 C&S, 4 C&L, 4 H&S NFI CEUs: 16 T
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. CCS CEUs: 4 T, 4 C&S, 4 C&L, 4 H&S NFI CEUs: 16 T
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 11 - 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, FLMay 13 - OregonSeptember 8-CSIA Tech Center
Effective 9/17/10
CDETDRYERVENTS
When earning a new CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep® credential, candidates are required to:
□ Attend an online or in-person review session. □ Pass a closed-book exam based on Successful Chimney Sweeping (2009) and NFPA 211□ Pass an open- book exam based on the 2006 International Residential Code.□ Agree to pay the Annual Certification Fee. □ Sign CSIA Code of Ethics.
Check out CSIA’s New Online Education
at www.CSIA.org!
CONTINUING EDUCATION AT THE TECHNOLOGY CENTER
National Chimney Sweep Guild2155 Commercial DrivePlainfield, IN 46168
0611
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