Building A Safer Hearth: How A Chimney Company Scales With Heart, Skill, And Grit with Ben Seidman

Fires are meant to be comforting, not chaotic. We sit with Ben Seidman, owner of Flue Fighters Chimney Company in Asheville, to explore how modern chimney and fireplace work blends science, education, and leadership to keep homes truly safe. From full-camera inspections and roof waterproofing to code-heavy decisions inside the firebox, Ben explains why an “education-first” approach turns a service call into a clear plan homeowners can trust.

The conversation goes deeper than soot and ladders. Ben opens up about getting laid off, launching a business in 2023, and then getting hammered by Hurricane Helene right as peak season should have started. Calls dried up, layoffs followed, and he stepped away for National Guard activation. When the phones finally roared back, he rebuilt with intention—sending techs for CSIA certification, investing in continuing education and NFPA knowledge, and creating a culture where reviews, good or bad, are shared as lessons. The result is a team that thinks three steps ahead about scaffolding, permits, seasonality, and safety, not just the job at hand.

We talk candidly about common small business misconceptions, the myth of instant profit, and why taxes, overhead, and weather can stretch even the best plans. Ben shares how he hires for grit, communication, and problem-solving, then teaches the technical skills needed for high-stakes work on roofs and in crawl spaces. He outlines what’s next—adding a technician and an office manager, securing a building for training and meetings, and refining systems so the company scales without compromising safety.

If you care about home safety, trades professionalism, or how real small businesses survive shocks and grow stronger, this story will land. Subscribe, share with a friend who’s renovating or building, and leave a quick review to help more listeners find these practical, behind-the-scenes conversations. What part of home safety are you reconsidering after this one?

Guest Contact Info:

[e-mail]

https://flue-fighters.com/

Thanks for Listening. You may contact me or our team at https://billgilliland.biz/

All the best!
Bill

Thanks for listening. Please hit the subscribe button, leave us a 5 star review, and share this podcast. You can reach me at [e-mail] or at https://billgilliland.biz/

All the best!

Bill