Author: byronschramm
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SMART makes the difference in a traditional trade: Midtown Chimney Sweeps joins Local 9 to expand opportunity
Strong relationships between unions and signatory contractors are the foundation of a thriving industry. When contractors and labor work together, the result is safer jobsites, stronger training, and better long-term opportunities for everyone. In Colorado, the pioneering partnership between Midtown Chimney Sweeps and SMART Local 9 shows what real collaboration can achieve. This partnership opens…
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Home Services Under Duress: Organic Rankings Plummet Against Fake AI-Generated Businesses in the Chimney Industry
By Byron SchrammApril 10, 2026 A Real-World Scam Experience In February 2026, a 65-year-old homeowner named Barbara walked into my Boulder, Colorado showroom. She asked if I was a “real” company. She and her husband had been scammed twice. This happened after a strong December 2025 windstorm damaged their factory-built chimney. They hired the first…
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Historic Day for Chimneys in the USA: Byron Schramm and the Sheetmetal Workers Union- Forging a Unionized Future for America’s Chimney Craftsmen
In a landmark announcement this week, Midtown Chimney Sweeps, under the visionary leadership of founder Byron Schramm, becomes the first unionized chimney and fireplace installation company in the United States. This historic step, unveiled on September 25, 2025, partners Midtown Chimney Sweeps with the Sheet Metal Workers’ Local No. 9 in Denver, Colorado, and the…
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Niche Business Excellence: The Power of Compounding Micro Improvements
In an age where diversification and expansion often take center stage, there’s something to be said about the value of focus. As the CEO of Midtown Chimney, a company narrowly entrenched in fireplaces and chimneys, I’ve come to understand the profound impact of staying true to our specialization. The power of compounding micro improvements. Do…
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Moms at Work: Why my company celebrates Babies on Zoom Calls
Why not have our children join our video conference calls? What’s the big problem with a little chatter, a few smiles, and connecting as humans as we get started? These are the questions that came up and I had no good answer. So being once-upon-a-time a child who was brought to business meetings myself, I…