A Family Legacy: The Story Behind Midtown Chimney Sweeps
Byron Schramm, owner of Midtown Chimney Sweeps, has a story rooted in family tradition, hard
work, and a love for his craft. Born and raised in Lancaster, California, Byron grew up in a family of
tradespeople. His father, uncle, and two generations of German immigrant farmers before them
instilled in him a strong work ethic and a deep appreciation for hands-on craftsmanship. His uncle
opened a fireplace store in the California high desert, where Byron’s father handled installations. Byron
followed in their footsteps, learning the trade alongside his dad. Today, his own sons are part of the
family business, carrying the legacy into the next generation.
Byron’s original career path wasn’t in the chimney business. He earned a Bachelor of Science in
biology and math with plans to become a veterinarian. But as he dove deeper into veterinary studies,he realized his heart was with the family business. The familiar rhythm of working with fireplaces,
coupled with the joy of being part of a multigenerational trade, drew him back.
In 2011, Byron and his family relocated to Colorado to launch Midtown Chimney Sweeps’ first franchise
in Evergreen, Boulder, and Conifer. The business thrived and expanded across multiple states. Byron
attributes much of Midtown Chimney Sweeps’ success to its commitment to training, maintaining high
standards, and providing expert service. “This is not a one-man operation; Midtown has a skilled team
that attends training events and adheres to rigorous industry standards,” he said. A dedicated in-house
scheduling center ensures customers receive attentive service from knowledgeable staff.
Recently, Byron and his family returned from a six-month journey across Europe. They explored the
rich history of chimney sweeping, tracing its origins back to the 1300s. In Vienna, Austria, Byron toured
the chimney sweeping museum and worked alongside trained professionals. The trip provided new
insights and innovative techniques, which Byron has brought back to his team.
One satisfied client, Eric W., shared his experience saying, “Midtown helped us replace our gas
fireplace with an amazing wood burning fireplace. We absolutely love it. The owner was
knowledgeable, on time, meticulous, and great to work with. He stayed two hours to help the permit
inspector understand the regulations and how it was installed correctly. I highly recommend their entire
team.”
Byron’s advice to residents is, “Inspect your fireplace annually, clean as required. Annual
inspection is the national standard for a good reason! Birds build nests, racoons rip apart masonry,
moths get in and clog air intakes on gas fireplaces, and gaskets around doors fail on gas fireplaces. If
you are not doing an annual inspection, carbon monoxide could be entering your home and you would
not know it. Tiredness, dizziness, etc are the first signs of CO poisoning!”
With its high standards and a focus on innovation, Midtown Chimney Sweeps has become a trusted
name in the industry for a full range of services from chimney cleaning to the installation of efficient
wood, pellet, and gas stoves. Byron’s passion for his work, combined with his family’s legacy, makes
this business one that homeowners can count on for years to come.
