Join us this week with Erik Nunez of Lindemann Chimney as he details and explains Lindemann's new game-changing chimney sweeping technology, SmartScan. 

We're going on a small podcast hiatus as we focus more on our YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/user/askthechimneysweep Please subscribe to us there for more content until we return to our podcast. Thanks again!

Join us this week with Erik Nunez of Lindemann Chimney as he wholly discusses how to develop an effective safety plan based off of Lindemann's distinguished safety practices. 

Join us this week for a very important and special episode of Ask of the Chimney Sweep as we go over rooptop safety with Jim Brewer. Jim Brewer details his new and efficient system called Job Harzard Analysis. Also, stay tuned to the end of the episode where Clay reveals a personal and emotional story about an incident that occured on a job site and changed his life ever after. 

Join us this week with Chris Pryor of PryorFire.com who explains how to effectively start a fireplace fire. Chris details a little-known and highly-efficient technique known as the top-down burn. 

Join us this week Plain Field, IN with Ashley Eldridge, Director of Educational of NCSI as we discuss how to solve factory-built chimney/smoking problems.

Join us this week as we discuss the advantages of direct vent units with Jim Brewer of SirVent Franchising. 

Join us this week with the business masterminds of Blue Collar Proud as we discuss the keys to running a successful business in this modern digital age.

Join us this week as we interview Mr. Bill Hussell about the benefits of Fireplace Resurfacing. Bill is a very successful businessman. He is originally an engineer by education and trade and entered into the hearth industry many years ago. He has operated two fireplace and wood stove stores and also managed a multi-truck service company. 

Join us this week as we interview Mr. Bill Hussell from Milwaukee, Wisconsin of Chimney Busters as gas fireplaces. Bill is a very successful businessman. He is originally an engineer by education and trade and entered into the hearth industry many years ago. He has operated two fireplace and wood stove stores and also managed a multi-truck service company. 

Join us this week as we interview Mr. Bill Hussell from Milwaukee, Wisconsin of Chimney Busters as we discuss how to install to a wood stove insert. Bill is a very successful businessman. He is originally an engineer by education and trade and entered into the hearth industry many years ago. He has operated two fireplace and wood stove stores and also managed a multi-truck service company. 

Join us this week for a fantastic interview with Alan Rush of Direct Connect as we talk about dealing with dreadful unwanted creosote with efficient and effective solutions as a homeowner.

Join us this week we continue this fantastic conversation with Jeremy Biswell of Fluesbrothers as talk about issues, suggestions, and tips about Vent Free systems, Gas Logs, and Gas Fireplaces1

Join us this week with Jordan Whitt of CSIA (Chimney Safety Institute of America) as we discuss dryer vent cleaning and preventing dryer vent fires.

Tune this week with expert Russ Dimmit of Copperfield Chimney Supply as we discuss how to reline a chimney and other advice for homeowners on how to fix their chimneys.

Join us this week with Jordan Whitt of CSIA as we discuss ways homeowners can stay up on maintaining their fireplaces safely and effectively.

Ask The Chimney Sweep is a podcast devoted to helping you to safely enjoy your fireplace or home heating system!

It doesn’t matter if you're new to the world of fireplaces, there's always something changing when it comes to heating your home with wood, gas or electric.

Join us for the very best in hints and tips on solving all of your chimney and fireplace problems.

Each week you will be hearing from our nation’s very best chimney & fireplace repair contractor companies. Also, we will be chatting with fireplace and stove manufacturers of some of the very finest quality stove and hearth product equipment on the marketplace today.

This week join us as we have our fireside chat with Alan Rush of Direct Connect in Nashville TN as we talk about what to expect when a chimney sweep comes to your home.

Join us with Stuart Karanovich, sales manager of Saver Systems based in Richmond, Indiana, as we discuss three big issues with chimney crowns. We talk about crown coating, waterproofing, efflorescence, and brick sealer. We speak about the differences between water-based, solvent-based, and VOC-complient water sealant products. 

Join me as I talk with Jeremy Biswell of Fluesbrothers as we plow through some of the do's and don't's of fireplace issues 101.

Join me this week with Alan Rush of Connect Direct as we have an very insightful conservation about everything chimneys and fireplaces 101.

Join us on Ask the Chimney Sweep Training Stage as we talk with Stuart Karanovich of Chimney Savers on how to fix all your leaky chimney problems. In this episode, we address how to fix water intrusion using a number of methods, such as using crown repair and Chimneysaver's flagship product Chimney RX.

In part 2 of our continued series with Jerry Isenhour, Jerry talks to us about the heartbeat behind strong leadership. 

Jerry Isenhour chats with Clay about the importance of being a leader in your own business. Stay tuned til the end for Clay's request involving goals for 2017. It's a three-way street: win, win, win.

This week, join us with Hope Stevenson of Dave Pomeroy Signature Training. Hope will be sharing insights us this week about how best to handle termination effectively and successfully. In addition to Hope's fantastic information, we'll also be bringing you a special announcement about the future of our podcast.

Join us on this business building series with one of our industry icons, Harvard-grad Greg Polakow with CVC Coaching on some great tips on hiring, managing, and delegating to the team within your own company. 

Join me in a wonderfully insightful interview with Russ Dimmit of Copperfield Chimney Supply, a regular contributor to industry publications and frequent speaker at industry functions and Copperfield events. Learn the many secrets and ins and outs of starting your own home contracting business as Russ Dimmit provides his years of experience and knowledge in one of our most informative episodes yet.

This week we conclude our series with Mark Stoner, talking about his book, Blue Collar Gold. Mark is the founder of SirVent Chimney & Venting Franchise, President of the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA), professional public speaker, and now author of Blue Collar Gold: How To Build A Service Business From The Dirt Up.

[app_audio src="http://traffic.libsyn.com/homecontractorshq/41_-_To_The_Otherside_-_Mark_Stoner.mp3"] This week we continue our FOUR PART series with Mark Stoner, as he continues walking us through his book, Blue Collar Gold. This week we'll be taking some time to talk about pain and fear. Sound's like fun, right? Well, stick with it because while there is fear and pain, once you push through you're sure to find the other side and the success you're looking for. Be sure to go back and listen to Part 1 and Part 2 if you missed it! Mark is the founder of SirVent Chimney & Venting Franchise, President of the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA), professional public speaker, and now author of Blue Collar Gold: How To Build A Service Business From The Dirt Up. AND just a reminder that every week Home Contractor's HQ will be released every Friday morning at 5am.

This week we continue our three part series with Mark Stoner, as he highlights his book, Blue Collar Gold. Talking specifically about goal setting and working hard. Be sure to go back and listen to Part 1 if you missed it! Mark is the founder of SirVent Chimney & Venting Franchise, President of the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA), professional public speaker, and now author of Blue Collar Gold: How To Build A Service Business From The Dirt Up. Also take note, starting this week, and every week following Home Contractor's HQ will be released every Friday morning at 5am.

We are privileged to have Mark Stoner back on the show once again to talk about his story and more specifically his book, Blue Collar Gold . Mark is the founder of SirVent Chimney & Venting Franchise, President of the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA), professional public speaker, and now author of Blue Collar Gold: How To Build A Service Business From The Dirt Up. Clay and Mark talk about leadership, knowing your strengths and staffing to your weaknesses. And incase you missed it, go back and listen Mark when he was here for Episode 13 - The End Game

You wanted it, you got it. Ellen Rohr is back to hit us with more of her amazing insights on how to make your business a cut above the rest. Ellen is an expert in the deepest sense of the word and knows how to grow a business unlike many others. Like a firecracker, this one packs a punch! Jump back and listen to Episode 31 to hear the first round with Ellen and also be sure to head over to her site, with the special promotional link (ellenrohr.com/claylamb) to grab some freebies and sign up for her Newsletter - you'll be blad you did!

This week we talk with Kevin Russell. Kevin is the CEO and President of New Buck Chimney Services and also the founder of Warrior Horse, a program which uses personalized and interactive equine-assisted method to assist military veterans who suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) to begin their recovery. The episode isn't just about horses or servicemen though, it's about passion and finding your why. Listen in and be prepared to be challenged on a new level here on the Home Contractors HQ.

It's episode 37 and we get the chance to talk with Brandi Biswell of Fluesbrothers based out of Kansas City. Brandi is the first and possibly only person we've talked to in the Chimney business that comes from a background of medical administration and needless to say, she has some unique ideas and thoughts on how to keep teams motivated, on task, and feeling as though they're a part of the team. Check out this episode and be sure to drop us a line and let us know what you think: homecontractorshq.com

In this week's episode of Home Contractor's HQ we talk with Jasper Drengler of Chimney Mechanix based in Shawano, Wisconsin. Clay and Jasper talk about how to keep employees motivated, the value of being in the Chimney Guild, and a whole lot more. Give it a listen and as always, feel free to contact us with feedback at homecontractorshq.com

In this episode we get the opportunity to talk with Jeremy Biswell of Fluesbrothers based in Kansas City. Jeremy is also known as President of the Nation Chimney Sweeps Guild. He shares some of his leadership directives as well as some personal stories and insights of what to do when things don't exactly go as planned.

This week we sit down for a chat with Christian LeBlanc of Chimney Solutions, based in Atlanta, Georgia. Christian shares some unique recruiting locales as well as some insights into training and keeping employees engaged in the work they're doing. Be sure to check out the book Christian mentions, EntreLeadership by Dave Ramsey and let us know what you think!

In this episode we talk to Tom Urban of Estoban Corporation . Tom is well known for his pioneering the use video cameras for inspection purposes and shares a little bit on how he got started as well as some great advice on cash flow and financial tracking systems. Hear about all of that, plus a story on what it's like to be an expert on This Old House in Episode 33 - Dr Gloom!

Our best episode to date? Possibly, but there's only one way to find out! This week we're privileged to have Chuck Hall of Winston Chimney Service, (https://www.winstonsservices.com/) located in Northern Virginia. Chuck shares some great insights around landing a job, recruiting, and what it's like to service the Supreme Court. Yes, THAT Supreme Court. Don't miss it!

This week our very special guest is Ellen Rohr. Ellen teaches the few things that make all the difference to your business success: Easy financial clean up, profitable pricing and powerful business planning.. In addition to that, she is a columnist for Huffington Post, PHC News, and a contributor to many business journals and trade magazines. She provides “in the trenches” insight that business owners can relate to...and what she shares in this episode is no exception. We're sure you'll love it!

In this episode Clay gets some time with Chuck Roadhouse of Clean Sweep based out of Maryland. Chuck shares his knowledge and experience on everything from what the first days for a new hire look like, to what he's taken from his training as a firefighter to grow his business. You can check out Chuck's business at cleansweepaa.com

Today we jump over to the training stage to talk with our good friend Jerry Isenhour about 2 of the '21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership'. This is part one of a multi-part series.

In this episode we talk with Aaron Zambrana of atozchimneys.com about his hiring and training process. He shares tons of great tips about how to bring in great employees and what to do once they're hired.

Today we sit down with Greg Polakow and talk a little bit about what it means to be a blue collared professional. We talk about everything from how you knock on the door to making sure you leave a good impression. It's all here on episode 27!

In this episode we talk to Taylor Hill and Carter Hawkins from Guys in Trucks & Spark Marketer about their product, The Retention Engine. They share some insights and tips on how best to keep your customers using simple methods and planning.

Pilot and entrepreneur Doug Hetsch drops by the Home Contractor's HQ for a little chat about flying, saving lives, and gives us some great insight into what happens when plan B becomes plan A.

All of our marketing and business knowledge is thrown into doubt as we sit down with Blume from the great state of South Carolina! Blume and Clay talk about what it takes to be successful while running your business, lone wolf style.

This episode is all about...you guessed it, signs! We sit down with Al Brockman of Brockman Signs in Cincinnati, OH. Clay and Al share some industry tips and tricks to get your business noticed no matter where you are or what your budget.

In this, our first 'Training Stage' episode, we talk to Hope Stevenson owner of Dave Pomeroy Signature Training. Hope is an expert at strategic planning, team building, and new business development and we talk to her this week about who we should be hiring for our small business.

Tim Carter of Askthebuilder.com stops by to share more of his practical wisdom regarding technology, what it takes to build trust with your customers and what it means to build it right.

In this episode we talk about lean thinking and specifically theacronym TIM WOOD. Chris Wetzel shares some of his insights from bigcompanies that will help shape your small business.

In this episode our guest is Jerry Isenhour of CVCCoaching.com. Jerry shares some great thoughts on what it means to make your business lean and waste free!

This episode brings back a guest from one of our most popular episodes, Nick May.  Clay and Nick dive deep into the system side of a home contracting business, and has tips for the blue collar entrepreneur on how to onboard and train employees, and how to use customer data to boost your earnings.

In this week's episode we have the Podcast Answer Man himself, Cliff Ravenscraft.  What does he have to say to you, the home contracting entrepreneur?  Well, he is an expert in the area of focus; how to say "no" to good things to make room for great things to say "yes" to.  Listen to learn how and why he left a six figure income in insurance to pursue his dreams.

Today's guest is Todd Henry, an author, podcaster and speaker who excels at inspiring creativity, productivity, and passion for work.  Todd and Clay speak to you hard-working blue collar entrepreneurs about how to recognize your limitations and prioritize accordingly.  Chris and Clay spend some time unpacking this value-packed interview as well.

As a home contracting professional, your customer is more equipped every day to know more about your business than what you tell them.  The internet and smartphone use has forever changed how your customers choose your business.  In this episode, Clay interviews Carter Harkins of Spark Marketer and the Guys In Trucks podcast about this very topic.  Carter gives practical advice for dealing with your online business presence.

As Clay bathes in the Florida sun on vacation before the National Chimney Sweep Guild Convention in Orlando, FL, we discuss home contracting business building with Jim Brewer from the Hampton Roads/Tidewater VA/NC area.  Along with tips on interviewing and finding reliable employees, Clay and Chris talk about how not to freak out your inappropriately-dressed customers (you'll have to listen to figure that one out), and Chris goes off about management systems!

This episode's special guest is Mark Stoner, a successful home contracting entrepreneur who has recently worked with Larry Winget on a new book aimed at people like us!  Hear Clay and Mark talk about falling off roofs and the importance of learning about business building.

Go it alone or start with a franchise? That's one of the questions we'll be tackling this week as we interview author and business owner Joby Schubert. Listen in and add your feedback by hitting our site or giving us a call. 

This week our special guest is Brian Barnhill of Barnhill Chimney based in Lexington, KY. Clay and Brion discuss weathering a storm with workers comp and some of Brion's latest endeavors with Animal Planet.

This week our very special guest is John Lee Dumas, podcaster extrraordinaire and host of the amazing "Entrepreneur On Fire" podcast.  Clay and JLD talk about setting goals for your business, the false notion of "multitasking" and both of them have a hard time keeping track of how many books are being recommended.  A great listen from a giant in the industry!

This week in our podcast for home contractors who are morphing into entrepreneurs is Nick May, who owns Walls By Design in Denver, CO.  Nick and Clay talk about unconventional ways in which Nick finds employees that fit the model for his business and how networking factors into gaining customers.  

This week co-hosts Chris Wetzel and Clay Lamb talk to each other about their personal history together, failures they've experienced in their varied entrepreneurial past and how they have been affected by them and overcome them.  Home contracting business owners will especially be compelled by Clay's story concerning workplace safety.  A can't-miss episode that helps familiarize the Home Contractors HQ audience with the voices behind the podcast.

This week's incredible guest is Jon Nastor, who has interviewed over 200 entrepreneurs in his Hack The Entrepreneur podcast.  He has also just published a book full of wisdom gleaned from his guests.  Clay and Jon talk about some of these lessons in their interview, and Chris thinks about Brett Favre.  Hey, Chris, this is about home contracting businesses, not football!

Our special guest for this edition of Home Contractors HQ is Taylor Hill, co-owner of Spark Marketer and co-host of the upcoming podcast Guys In Trucks with Carter Hawkins.  Clay and Taylor go through the basics of what all encompasses marketing your home contracting business, and what role social media plays in that realm.  Chris and Clay discuss technology in the business in their mailbag segment.

Next up on Home Contractors HQ is Billy Sweet from Boston, as he shares his successes and failures in starting his own home contracting business.  Clay and Chris discuss how to spend all that money you are getting from your first clients, and not becoming "blue jean rich."

Ever wonder what it would be like to quit your day job on the spot and force the launch of your entrepreneurial career?  We interview Dan Perry on this episode of Home Contractors HQ, who did just that.  He left his mechanical engineering job and launched his own handyman business, and get this: he didn't fully know what he was doing!  Instead, he took his inexperience and made the best of it, eventually starting a website to share his lessons learned.  Also hear about how Clay could easily have been mistaken as a homeless man recently, and hear Chris and Clay discuss how to incorporate new products or services into your home contracting business.

Visiting the Home Contractors HQ in this episode is Tim Carter, who took his home contracting business in another entrepreneurial direction.  His syndicated column and website, "Ask The Builder," has provided guidance to thousands of DIYers over decades.  Listen as Clay talks to Tim about transparency in business among other topics.  Add in another mailbag question about how to deal with customer complaints, and prospective home contracting business owners are in for an episode filled with applicable insight.

This episode's guest is Jay Walker, owner of Jay Walker Enterprises in Tallahassee, FL.  Co-host Clay Lamb and Jay discuss his first entrepreneurial dollar in a frame and what happened to it, going from being solo for ten years to hiring his first employee, and using technology in his business.  In addition, Clay and Chris answer their first mailbag question about business cards.

In our first podcast we introduce co-host Clay Lamb, president and owner of American Chimney and Masonry in Cincinnati, OH.  Clay was recently featured by Daniel Bowling on his Smart Tradesman podcast, where he spoke about his history of entrepreneurship and his philosophy on business networking.  We feature an excerpt of this interview so you can become familiar with Clay’s history and understand how his story can be similar to yours.