DENVER, CO –
After Midtown Chimney Sweeps founder, Byron Schramm, swept his 4,000th chimney he knew he wanted to share his system with the chimney sweeping industry.
Midtown Chimney Sweeps Franchising opened in 2014 after the founders realized there was a $2 billion niche untapped in the unwanted chimney industry and embraced it. The company offers chimney sweeping, light maintenance and repairs, and franchise opportunities.
Family…
Schramm grew up in a construction and farming family, which influenced his entrepreneurial spirit. He started his career working summers with his grandfather at the “farm.” After high school, he worked for his father in the construction and fireplace industry installing and servicing wood, pellet, and gas-burning appliances. By age 19, Schramm had became a licensed general contractor, and sailplane pilot.
Beginning…
From there, the family started advertising the chimney sweeping business. Within seven years, the family began franchising the concept. No one in the fireplace industry had franchised chimney sweeping in a professional and sophisticated way. In less than 12 months, Schramm’s new brand boasts 12 franchises sold. The number of franchises awarded is expected to reach 27 by the end of 2015. Strong growth for any new brand. Franchise competition is low or non-existent in Schramm’s industry.
Potential…
“We realized there was huge potential in maintaining America’s chimneys,” said Schramm. “We wanted to be a household name for chimney sweeping through our integrity, use of technology, marketing, and professional approach. We’re well on our way to reaching that goal. ”
According to Schramm, more than 50 percent of all sweeps in the United States are over the age of 50 and many are retiring. Midtown Chimney Sweeps wants to be the most wide-reaching name in chimney sweeping, light maintenance and repair by supporting franchisees with scheduling and marketing assistance.
Ahead…
Because of Environmental Protection Agency regulations, the company sees the demand for sweeping wood-burning and pellet-burning appliances increasing. More and more soot is deposited in American chimneys due to increased efficiency requirements in wood-fired appliances. Furthermore, greater than 52 percent of U.S. households have at least one fireplace or freestanding stove- and many fireplaces will be used between 52-120 times per year, which makes sweeping a necessity. Chimney fires are common in households that fail to clean chimneys. The combination of elderly competition with few marketing skills and competitors rapidly retiring shows great potential for Schramm and his new brand Midtown. Facing small business problems, solving them, and delivering these solutions to others is Schramm’s dream come true.
