The business now known as Kleen Sweep Chimney Service began with a chimney fire in 1975 at Al and Sherry Koklich's home.
After Al -- at the time employed at the Newark Air Force Base -- succeeded in cleaning his own chimney, word spread to neighbors and friends. Business grew.
He took a course in chimney service, and by 1978, Koklich was an official chimney sweep, showing up at jobs wearing the profession's traditional tailcoat and top hat that became his signature appearance.
Slightly more than 30 years later, Koklich's son, Justin, is stepping up as his father "tries to retire," in Al's words.
"I've been helping him since I can remember," Justin said of his father, adding he still is searching for an updated tailcoat in his size.
In addition to doing chimney cleaning and repairs, Kleen Sweep performs inspections, services wood stoves and does vent cleaning at places across Licking County, including the dorms at Denison University.
They can install stainless steel liners for a broken chimney, do waterproofing and add chimney caps to keep rodents out.
And they're all about speedy service.
"We never get behind," Justin said. "A lot of customers, they like that. They like that same-day service."
One of the most important priorities Kleen Sweep places on its service is education. The majority of projects are done by either Al or Justin, sometimes with additional help but almost always with one of them present. While on the job, the two are pleased to tell their customers about how to keep their chimneys and wood stoves safe.
"It's all about the knowledge of these things that we try to pass along," Justin said.
The individualized attention is what has caused word to spread about Kleen Sweep, he said.
"We get a lot of word-of-mouth business," he said.
Although the Koklichs won't protest an uptick in business, they have one condition:
"We don't want to be so busy that we sacrifice quality," Justin said.
As long as the quality is consistent, he said, the loyal Licking County customers will keep coming back.
"It's a good business," Justin said. "It's dirty, but you get to meet a lot of good people."
More At Source:Newark Advocate