LEADING WITH VISION:
A Sweeping Long View
“Leaders of an industry must see further than their peers, and as such, will be ridiculed and mocked for their long sweeping views. Statues aren’t raised for those who sit in darkness, but for those who self-lessly press ahead, leading the way, in the dark.”
Byron Schramm, Founder of Midtown Chimney Sweeps a US-based Chimney Sweep Franchise
My Story
With two decades of hands-on experience and a family legacy spanning three generations, I’ve been fortunate to be part of building a chimney sweep franchise system that has grown to serve customers across more than 10 states. Alongside an incredible team, we’ve developed systems that not only streamline operations but aim to enhance the customer experience at every step, from the first call to the final service.
What truly inspires me are the moments of transformation this work brings. Whether it’s installing a new fireplace, upgrading an old woodstove, or making improvements that help our services run more smoothly, the satisfaction lies in getting it right.
The Byron on the Rooftop series of educational short videos on Youtube cover many topics now, from how to clean pellet stoves to how to install a wood insert, and sweep a masonry fireplace and diagnose a roof leak. The videos are apparently helping alot of folks, and I am glad to be of service to people in and out of the chimney industry.
https://www.youtube.com/@Midtownsweepsfranchise
“What fuels my passion is not just the business itself but the transformative moments it brings.”
Introduction
For me, this work isn’t just a business—it’s a calling. With two decades of experience and a family legacy spanning three generations, I’ve dedicated my career to the art and science of chimney sweeping, fireplace installation, and business development. But it’s not about accolades; it’s about transforming spaces, elevating standards, and empowering others to succeed.
A Lack of Umph with US Chimney and Fireplace installation Certifications
Looking around the World… the US Chimney Certifications Lack.. well.. Umph.
Neither US Chimney sweep nor US Fireplace installation certifications require what other first world countries require:
- Physical training on the tools or the fireplaces
- Classroom training on the materials
- An exam of the individual’s physical work in the field
- Good online reviews from customers
- A customer complaint handling process
- Proper minimum insurance being met
Advocating for Better Standards
The United States chimney industry has immense potential but is held back by a lack of robust certifications and training standards. Unlike other countries, we don’t require physical training, customer review protocols, or comprehensive exams. This has allowed unsafe practices and subpar workmanship to persist.
I believe we need a unified, high-standard certification process—either at the state level during home transactions or through annual inspections tied to insurance compliance. This would ensure safety, accountability, and professionalism throughout the industry.
More regulation for chimney sweeps?
In the USA you can hang out your shingle as a chimney sweep with no license- because there is no licesnse. Those of us who have been in the industry a long time have seen wood insert slammers causing fires, improper work by new comers to the industry, out-right fraud in the chimney sweeping business, and unpermitted work that should have been permitted. We have a conflict within ourselves- our personal views are typically for SMALL GOVERNMENT, however our professional experience tells us we need BETTER TRAINING AND REGULATION.
I am seeking to initiate having even a single state adopt a rigorous examination process of the fireplace and mechanical systems of a home during the grant deed transaction, and by requiring a single uniform Accord Document style report, all chimney and mechanical system inspectors will then be held to the same US standard literally on the same sheet of paper. If a customer is selling a home, he or she will be required to hire a competent individual to complete the federal standard for chimney inspection. If the appliance is out of compliance with May 2020 EPA Phase III standard, then it triggers replacement requirement- just like a county requirement to perform a Septic Certification during the home transaction, without which the escrow and sales process will halt until the septic passes the inspection or is completely replaced. It is the job of government to step in and correct erratic and irrational market behavior.
I believe that a government allowing people to transact the largest most expensive item in their life- a half million or million dollar home that takes 30 years to pay off- without ensuring that all the basic safety elements are examined according to a straightforward 30 point inspection list and corrected if out of compliance- is an irrational behaviour. This is the time for government involvement. This is the exact instance when it actually makes sense to involve an external force to correct irrational market behavior- irrational behavior that literally burns down houses, and kills people with carbon monoxide slowly over years because venting systems are not working properly because they are not being inspected.
Okay, there is an alterantive approach, perhaps more effective but more onerous possible- the government could correct the irrational behavior of the market not at the time of a home transaction, but every year if they own a fireplace or chimney of any kind. An annual inspection must be completed, and if not, the insurance company will not cover the home any longer. This puts it on the the insurance companies to monitor compliance, and the burden of documentation will rest on the shoulders of the ones who must pay the claims. This method ties personal responsibility to the outcome of ones actions. The government would force insurance companies to be more profitable, in a sense, by requiring insurance companies to in turn require annual federally recognized 30 point chimney inspections by competent individuals.
It is my belief that the topics, above, and the subsequent training and deployment and certification of competent individuals to perform this work, are the heart and sole of what should be discussed by our national chimney sweep guild and the Chimney Safety Institute of America.
It is my estimation that the reason these topics are not being discussed is because we have chosen chimney sweeps to run the guild rather than excellent leaders who have received education and training, having a braod international experience. We have fallen prey to the most common error- we have taken the farmer from the field and elevated him to the presidential role, for which he has no leadership preparation or training. It is not the fault of the farmer, as much as it is the fault of those of us who know better and who have let it happen. In the words of Arkad in the Richest Man in Babylon, “We have incorrectly trusted the bricklayer with the investment of our money, instead of trusting the money lender with the investment of our money.” We have done the right thing with the wrong people. I hope that my words will land well, stirring the US chimney sweeps to action to vote for a true leader and fix the US chimney sweeping guild and certification process.
Where have all the Trainers gone?
I recommend the consideration of insourcing on-shore training from our very best and most mature chimney tradespeople: they set up a training center and offer monthly training which approved by the certifying body. Approved trainers in approved training centers delivering approved materials to new students around the nation on a routine basis will make access to quality training fast (I didn’t say cheap). This will be a long term solution using people, not technology, to solve a people problem.
Digital training, and virtual reality training is all good- but it also has its limitations and challenges like any other method of delivering training. What I propose is in conjunction with the virtual reality, a method to harness the old guard and couple it to the new guys, making it easy to find the training online, and easy to purchase and attend close to their home and fast with trusted trainers. This is the HETAS model from England and it works very well.
Elect me to the Board of the US National Chimney Sweep Guild
Only in the USA can you buy a chimney sweeping book online, study at home, and pass a Certification exam without ever meeting another human and without ever being physically reviewed by the Certifying body. Doesn’t this sound like it is time to reform?
Where would this person go if he wanted to be trained? He would have to go to the CSIA training event, the roving Copperfield clinics, and these are both expensive, and erratic. I will promote a metered sustainable training program, which is both expensive (we already have that) and predicatable, using our own talent which we already have within our industry, providing jobs to the aging players in our industry.
If I am elected to the US Board of the National Chimney Sweep Guild I will share the findings from my 7 month trip across central Europe, studying the chimney sweep industry. I will suggest that we plan for the long view. I will suppress shortsighted personality conflicts and recommend that such members leave their leadership positions. The US is far behind its first world siblings in Europe and it is time to look to the future. We have a bright sunrise ahead if we will get the right folks into leadership, looking down the long road of regulation and training, toward our children’s children, instead of fussing over a local grievance in our native village.
A Vision for Comprehensive Training and Certification
The future of our industry lies in effective, hands-on training and in-person certification testing. My vision includes:
- Regional Training Centers: Accessible facilities across the country where aspiring chimney sweeps and fireplace installers can gain hands-on experience under the guidance of seasoned professionals.
- Approved Trainers and Materials: Certified trainers using standardized, high-quality materials to deliver consistent education.
- In-Person Certification Exams: Testing that includes practical demonstrations and field evaluations, ensuring that certifications reflect actual competence.
- Customer Accountability: Certifications tied to good customer reviews, ensuring technicians are skilled and maintain high standards in the field.
This model combines the best of traditional mentoring with modern digital tools like virtual reality for supplemental training. It would not only raise the standard of work but also provide aging tradespeople with new roles as trainers and mentors.
My Vision
My dream is simple but profound: a chimney and fireplace industry where technicians are not just certified but truly competent, where training is hands-on and accessible, and where every customer can trust the person working in their home. Together, we can create a brighter future—one that honors the craft and builds a safer, more professional industry for generations to come.
