Today we’d like to introduce you to Mark Hudson.
Hi Mark, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
It all started in the late seventies while reading several ads about how to become a Chimney Sweep in an Outdoor Life magazine. I read them and then contacted the companies about what they had to offer in the form of training and equipment. I chose Black Magic Chimney because they had a training school and appeared to have the type of equipment that I was interested in. We then purchased the equipment and scheduled our training at the school in Stowe, VT where we went through a week long training session on how to sweep and do basic inspections on chimneys venting fireplaces and wood stoves. We were also taught basic business skills along with how to advertise our business. We officially started Hudson Chimney in September of 1979 after returning from the training school and swept our first chimneys then. We continued on sweeping fireplace and chimneys while self teaching ourselves basic masonry skills along with other skills that we learned from “Snews” and “Sweeping” magazines articles . In 1984 we became one of the only Chimney Sweeping companies in Florida to have NCSG (now CSIA) certified sweeps on our staff. In 1986 we joined the National Chimney Sweep Guild and have been an active member in it for 40 years this year. Over the 47 years that we have been in business we have attend many National, Regional and State training sessions where we were students and sometimes instructors.
In 1992 after hurricane Andrew came through South Florida I left the State Farm Agency where I was an agent for them and went full time into the sweeping, restoration of fireplaces and chimneys. We have expanded our services to include fireplace change outs and up grades to gas or electric systems.
I am the 28th Certified Master Chimney Sweep in the USA of the current +/- 140 that are certified. I am still active on Boards writing questions and helping set requirements for Certifications in the chimney industry.
Today Hudson Chimney runs two plus trucks all with a certified tech on them. We are a family run and operated business that serves the greater Jacksonville area, surrounding communities, and beyond. We can handle all of your chimney sweeping needs up to extensive restoration projects and newbuild construction needs. We love the Jacksonville community and are happy to have served it for the past 47 years.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Just like any industry we have our ups and downs with weather and economy. We also have code updates to deal with.
The housing market also effects what we do, when interest rates are higher we are dealing with a lot of remodels and restorations.
After storms we are usually swamped with repairs due to the damaged done.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
We are the specialist in our service area when it comes to fireplaces and chimneys. We are the oldest chimney company in our area and maybe the oldest operating chimney company in Florida. Along with being one of the longest certified companies.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
I like the climate in our area, we have all four seasons and they are all different, our Springs are mild and damp. Our summers are warm to hot in the middle of the summer, but we can still work comfortable. The Fall is cool and can be warm at times but can also have a cold snap to wake you up. Our winters are mild compared to the north but are damp and they do get into the low thirties to the teens sometimes
Contact Info:
- Website: https://HudsonChimney.com
- Instagram: @hudsonchimneyjax
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hudsonchimney/
