Craftsmanship and Commitment
Head South on Route 12 out of town, and you’ll pass a humble business that thrives on the principles of hard work, dedication, and a commitment to excellence. Chimney Savers, under the leadership of Paul Bianco, is more than just a company - it’s a community of professionals passionate about their craft. That's not lip service; they are the real deal.
With nearly two decades of experience, Paul leads his team with a hands-on approach. The company operates on a carefully calibrated matrix, balancing new and existing customers to ensure optimal service. When asked what mattered more, people or profits, he responded, “We actually only do three stops a day with many of our chimney sweep routes.” Paul explains. “When we first go to a house, there’s more initial inspection and conversation.” It’s clear that for Paul, relationship building always comes ahead of the bottom line. Ironically, focusing on the people is what has contributed to profitability over the long term.
The team at Chimney Savers is a close-knit group based in the Randolph area. “We have 28 employees as of today,” Paul shares. And they’re looking to grow. “We could easily take on ten more employees,” he adds, highlighting the company’s robust growth and the opportunities it presents for those interested in joining the trade. View job info here.
Training is a significant part of Chimney Saver's practices. “We often do one day a month, which we call an in-office day or 'par day' [reference to golf],” Paul says. “We teach everyone something work-related and make it fun – all together.” This commitment to professional development, coupled with the opportunity to learn from nationwide trainers, makes them an ideal place for those eager to learn and grow in their careers.
However, the chimney industry is not without its challenges. “Chimney construction in Vermont is not regulated at all,” Paul points out. “There’s zero oversight, even on new construction, of how the masonry work is done.” This lack of regulation puts a significant burden on companies like Chimney Savers, who strive to maintain high standards in an industry where others might cut corners.
Despite these challenges, Paul remains positive about the future. “As people my father’s age are retiring, there’s going to be a larger need for chimney professionals,” he says. “I think organic growth is inevitable as long as we can keep training our staff...we’re working hard and currently at capacity. We really need new people.”
The Troweler’s Tale
When asked about the biggest hiring challenges, Paul doesn’t hesitate to mention housing. “We’ve actually purchased buildings for the purpose of having housing for our team,” he says. In an area where housing is scarce and often expensive, this move demonstrates Chimney Savers commitment to its employees.
Paul also addresses the respectability of the trade. He acknowledges that masons and sweeps aren’t necessarily as respected as other trades like plumbing and electrical. However, he sees this as an opportunity to enlighten people about the fantastic work in this field. “Especially for young people that are motivated and smart, they could become a chimney sweep and/or a mason and probably make more than someone with a four-year college degree,” Paul explains.
Chimney Savers sets itself apart from competitors through its exceptional level of professionalism. “Folks call. We answer you. We text you. We email you. We show up on the exact day we say we’re going to show up. We never miss an appointment. We submit our proposals. We get you on a schedule. We do the work,” Paul says. This commitment to service is a legacy from Paul’s father, who instilled in him the importance of treating others how you would want to be treated. Sounds a little like the Golden Rule...
Core Values
Beyond the business, Chimney Savers has made a significant impact on the community. Paul shares stories of employees who started with the company at a young age, some from troubled backgrounds, who have since built successful careers and better lives. One particular story of a former employee stands out: a struggling kid who worked for Paul eventually moved to southern Vermont and started his own chimney company. “Now he has his own business, and he’s doing well. He even has two employees,” Paul shares with pride.
When asked about the perfect hire for Chimney Savers, Paul’s answer is simple: “Somebody that doesn’t know anything about chimneys [...]. Hardworking, moldable and willing to learn and, I almost forgot, a good personality - somebody that is likable.”
Paul’s love for Randolph is clear. He appreciates the strong community of friends and family, the downtown area, and the local businesses. He sees potential in the town, especially if more affordable housing becomes available. “I’m an investor in downtown. I see it as a good place to live and hope it’s only going to get better,” he says.
Chimney Savers is more than a company; it’s a symbol of opportunity, growth, and community. “One of our core values is Kaizen [a Japanese business philosophy that means change for the better]. Kaizen for us means continuously growing and improving personally and professionally,” Paul says. It’s a place where individuals can learn a trade and build a career.
Paul cares about his employees and goes the extra mile to ensure their well-being. So, just like the trowel, which has evolved over thousands of years, Chimney Savers continues to adapt and grow, shaping a brighter future for its employees and the community. That’s a company worth working for!
Making Randolph a better place to live, work, and play.