Company Blog

Expanding our workforce to better serve our community

Nick in training -- working with his employer, Ron Brigman (in the sunglasses) and another SC Chimney Sweep Guild member on a Good Will Community Project in Greer, SC back in April of this year

Nick in training — working with his employer, Ron Brigman (in the sunglasses) and another SC Chimney Sweep Guild member on a Good Will Community Project in Greer, SC back in April of this year

For Blue Sky Chimney Sweeps it’s all about serving our customers. To us that means providing you with prompt and expert service! We have been privileged to be recognized as a valuable resource for homeowners in the Greenville area when it comes to maintaining and repairing your chimney, fireplaces, and venting systems. Due to our continued growth and ever increasing customer base, we are proud to announce that we have expanded our staff and added another technician to our team to serve you even better than before. We welcome Nick Henderson, a local Simpsonville, SC resident to our team and ask that you do the same.

One of the many things that distinguishes us from other chimney companies is our commitment to ensuring that our technicians are fully trained and understand the dynamics of properly serving our customers. We are very selective in who we add to our team, just as we know you are very selective about who you allow into your home. Applicants for our technician position must, as part of our requirement listing, pass a background check, possess strong verbal and written communication skills, and must demonstrate their commitment to being “all in” for our valuable customers before they are even considered. Once our candidates meet our stringent requirements, we pay close attention to their approach to work and their overall attitude.

For us, customer service is not a department, it is an attitude. Our technicians truly want to help our customers, realizing that we are dealing with our homeowner’s safety as well as peace of mind. Our team enjoys working together in a rewarding environment where they are treated with respect and encouraged to continually expand their skills. Focusing on building the right team allows us to better serve our customers. We only hire those who will fit in with our corporate culture. Our chimney professionals — Our entire staff is here to serve our customers.

While it’s difficult to teach attitude, we can provide our technicians with the technical training necessary to be the best inspector, advisor, and technician our customers seek. Proper training is another way we are committed to our staff and our customers. Our willingness to invest in our technicians’ education distinguishes us in the marketplace. Our technicians are not only certified by the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA), but they receive continuing education to keep them up-to-date on new technology, tools, and techniques to better service our customers.

In this classroom picture (NickAtSchool) is at National Chimney Sweep Training School this week. Nick is in the black and white shirt on the far left, with his arms folded

In this classroom picture at National Chimney Sweep Training School. Nick is in the black and white shirt on the far left, with his arms folded

Blue Sky Chimney Sweeps is willing to invest the time and money it takes to ensure our technicians receive their certification. CSIA offers extensive and comprehensive classroom training, training in the CSIA lab, and actual in-home training. “CSIA’s National Chimney Sweep Training School” teaches sweeping and inspection of different chimney systems, operation of the necessary equipment, health and safety considerations and much more. It is step-by-step instruction in the codes, clearances, standards and practices of the chimney service trade. After completing the program, many will have earned the CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep® credential.”

Even Angie’s List recognizes the importance of hiring a CSIA certified chimney professional. “It is important to choose a chimney sweep that is certified and has plenty of experience. The Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) is a “non-profit, educational organization dedicated to chimney and venting system safety.”

When you call Blue Sky Chimney Sweeps you will have full confidence that our technicians have the expertise, attitude, and ability to properly care for all your chimney related needs.

We welcome Nick to our team and ask that our customers do the same! He will be fully trained and ready to provide you with quality chimney services and have the support of our entire team to continue to offer the best chimney and venting services possible for you. We look forward to serving you.

SCCSG In A Community Outreach Project

The staff of Blue Sky Chimney Sweeps is so proud to live and work in the Upstate, South Carolina area. The services we perform protect homeowners from fire and toxic gas hazards. Recently, however, we also had the opportunity to combine our technical expertise and devotion to our community.

SCCSG Community Outreach Project - Greenville Spartanburg SC - Blue Sky Chimney Sweeps

Photo credit: Ron Rust

We, along with others in our industry, volunteered our time and talents on a special outreach project to replace the antiquated and dilapidated wood stove and chimney in the home of young man whose parents were now living in a nursing facility leaving him with the sole responsibility of maintaining their home. Unfortunately, he didn’t have the means to make the needed repairs which put him and his neighbors in harm’s way.

The South Carolina Chimney Sweep Guild (SCCSG) sponsored the event which was held on April 24, 2015. Members of the SCCSG combined their expertise and generosity and installed a new chimney liner and replaced a hazardous wood stove for the appreciative young man. However, everyone who provided the services left with a strong feeling of appreciation that we had the ability to help. Sophocles said, “to be doing good deeds is man’s most glorious task.”

SCCSG Community Outreach Project - Greenville - 2 - Spartanburg SC - Blue Sky Chimney Sweeps

Photo credit: Just Blume

The project also provided the perfect platform for apprentice technicians to get hands on experience and education on construction, installation, inspection techniques. The event brought together experienced technicians as well as those new to the industry. The 35 participants shared experiences, ideas, techniques, and a sense of camaraderie as they respectfully raised the standard of living for a community member.

Ron Brigman and his wife, Renee, own Blue Sky Chimney Sweeps. Ron’s 30+ years’ experience in the chimney industry gives him valuable expertise that he willingly shares with his fellow chimney sweeps. Ron is currently on the Board of Directors of the SCCSG.
According to their website, “The South Carolina Chimney Sweep Guild is a non-profit association of chimney service professionals. We promote chimney safety programs for the public while helping to promote our member companies as the best local resources to care for your home safety needs. We promote training programs and educational seminars for our members, helping assure they meet the industry’s highest professional standards.”

SCCSG Community Outreach Project - Greenville- 3 - Spartanburg SC - Blue Sky Chimney Sweeps

Photo Credit: Just Blume

Ron works diligently along with his colleagues to enhance and expand the mission of the SCCSG. Blue Sky is also a member of the Chimney Safety Institute of America, the National Chimney Sweep Guild, and the National Fireplace Institute. We are proud that our technicians have passed the rigorous training programs provided by these prestigious organizations and earned their certification.

Over the years we have learned how important it is to give back to the community. One of the things that make living in Upstate North Carolina so special is the goodwill neighbors share with one another. The Upstate South Carolina area includes Anderson, Greenville, Greenwood, Laurens, Pickens, and Spartanburg counties.

Blue Sky Chimney Sweeps specializes in comprehensive chimney services, restoration, dryer vent installation and cleaning, masonry stain removing, and fireplace services.

If you would like to see more pictures and read more about this project click here!