Hit my 200th chimney sweep job last Tuesday and nearly missed it

I was up on Mrs. Henderson's roof in downtown Portland cleaning her old masonry flue when my apprentice pointed out the job number on our log. Didn't even realize I'd crossed 200 until he said something. Started this business three years ago out of my truck with just a brush and a shop vac. Now I have two crews running and that felt like a real milestone. Anyone else keep track of their job count or just let it sneak up on you?

2 comments

2 Comments

jordan_anderson901mo ago

Got any tips for spotting hidden blockages before they turn into a fire hazard?

bennett.patricia1mo ago

Mrs. Henderson's place is actually on my route too. That 1860s brick is a beast to clean. But here's the thing nobody talks about with hitting 200 jobs. You must have swept at least a dozen flues that were totally blocked or damaged by animals. Birds, squirrels, raccoons. They cause fires every year. I bet you saved some houses without even thinking about it. That's the real milestone right there.