Members Annual General Meeting from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.

Keynote address from John Ceaser, Chair, Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA)

John Ceaser is an Air Force veteran, where he was a military police officer. After getting out of the military, he worked a few construction jobs before falling backwards into the Chimney Sweeping industry. 15 years later, he now owns the largest chimney company in New Hampshire. He is an Instructor for the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA). He is a Past President of the NH&VT Chimney Sweep Guild and is the current Chairman of the Board for the CSIA. When he is not speaking in front of a class, company, or board room he is either bowhunting, playing poker, playing softball, or playing at home with his kids.

AGENDA:

This schedule is subject to change

WETT Inspections™ and Insurance Risk Analysis:

Featuring Matthew Harwood and Nancy Nickerson

In this two-part presentation, insurance professionals and WETT-certified inspectors alike will be introduced to some of the behind-the-scenes history of how we came to the WETT forms that you see today. Although the forms are a continuous work-in-progress, learn some of the benefits of using these forms, and how an underwriter can quickly focus on the key details found within its pages. A discussion will also occur on what a UTI is, when you find it in the report, and if this is something to be concerned about.

Get a better understanding of the three levels of inspections, what they include, and when you might benefit from each type. Finally, listen to a discussion on what are some of the primary differences between Insurance forms and WETT forms, as well as what are key concerns for most insurers.

Brian Tozer

Matthew Harwood

Matthew Harwood has been involved in the risk management and loss control section of insurance for over 28 years, when he also started reviewing and inspecting woodstoves. He first took his WETT courses in 2001, and has been a member of the WETT board since 2019. He also is currently the vice-chair of the CAN-CSA B365 committee. Over his years of experience in the insurance industry, he has been responsible for inspections, quality assurance reviews, in-office and field training of inspectors on all loss control topics including woodstove inspections, as well as providing courses to the insurance industry. After working for 27 years on the vendor side of inspections, Matthew transitioned in 2023 to the insurer side, and is a Manager of Prevention & Risk Services at Wawanesa Mutual.

Pat Cormier

Stainless Steel Liners:

Pat Cormier has been very involved in the WETT program since he became certified in 1989. Pat is an instructor for the WETT certification and training program and have served and continue to serve WETT membership as a director and past president of both national and provincial Boards. Pat also serve and have served on various committees throughout his terms.

WETT certifications held: Master Solid Fuel Technician, Master Chimney Sweep, SITE Comprehensive Inspector, Pellet Technician and Pellet Sweep.

Pat currently owns and operates his own business in the southeastern New Brunswick area and actively work as a chimney sweep, installer, advisor and inspector.

Ryan Renshaw is the co-owner of Good Fellas Stoves and Chimneys LTD, a company dedicated to providing top-notch stove and chimney services. Ryan honed his expertise through hands-on experience and a deep commitment to his work, earning his WETT certification as a Chimney Sweep, Installer, and Inspector in 2014.

Before embarking on his entrepreneurial path, Ryan served in the Navy Reserves, working in communications, and later explored different landscapes and industries, including a stint on the oil rigs in Alberta. These experiences shaped Ryan's steadfast work ethic and readiness to tackle any challenge.

Today, Ryan extends his passion for the trade through active participation on both the national and provincial WETT boards in Nova Scotia, working on communications and advocacy committees. His aim has always been to share knowledge, improve industry standards, and ensure safety in every home.

Ryan is looking forward to connecting with fellow professionals at the WETT Conference and Expo, hoping to both learn and contribute to the conversations that drive the industry forward.

Ryan Renshaw

Flashing a Metal Roof Part 1 and 2:

Jesse Kemp's journey with Country Stoves and Sunrooms began during his high school years in the late '90s, laying the foundation for a lifelong commitment to the family business. Taking control of operations with his sister Sarah when their father retired in 2009, Jesse had achieved WETT certification, signaling a pivotal moment in his career. Since then, he has honed his expertise, holding titles including Technician, Site Basic Inspector, Chimney Sweep, and System Advisor, contributing significantly to the company's growth and success.

Outside of his professional pursuits, Jesse leads an active and multifaceted lifestyle. An avid sports enthusiast, he embraces the thrill of hockey, curling, soccer, and cycling throughout the seasons ensuring a balanced and healthy lifestyle. In addition to his love for sports and fitness, Jesse is a passionate music enthusiast. Since  2000, he has been DJing house music captivating audiences at clubs and music festivals across the Maritimes. Through his DJing endeavors, Jesse not only shares his love for music but also enjoys reconnecting with friends and fellow music enthusiasts. 

Together with his wife, Megan, Jesse finds joy in exploring new destinations and cultures. Having already visited more than 40 countries, they aspire to conquer all seven continents before their 50th birthday, embodying a spirit of adventure and curiosity. In his professional role, Jesse remains committed to the values instilled by his father, prioritizing honesty, integrity, and customer satisfaction. With a dedicated team and a strong sense of community, Jesse continues to lead Country Stoves and Sunrooms forward, leaving a positive impact on both the business and the people it serves.

Jesse Kemp

Fire Facts and Myths of Cellulose Insulation.  What’s in Your Attic?

Featuring Bill Murphy

There are many myths and misunderstandings regarding the fire risks associated with blown-in cellulose insulation.  Many installers of cellulose insulation are also unaware of the thermal properties of the product and the do’s and don’t relating to its installation.  You will learn the facts about cellulose insulation that you will need to know to successfully subrogate your next claim regarding a fire involving the installation of this product.

Bill Murphy has worked in the fire field for 39 years, starting as a firefighter in the 1980’s.  He worked as a fire service instructor and later became the Divisional Chief of the Training Division with Halifax Regional Fire & Emergency Service (HRFES).  He became a full-time Certified Fire & Explosion (CFEI) investigator with HRFES in 2005.  He left HRFES in 2010 and started his own private fire investigation company (East Coast Fire Forensics) and worked as a consultant for Contrast Engineering Limited, providing private fire investigations for the insurance industry.  He currently consults for Pario Engineering and Environmental Services, conducting private fire investigations for the insurance industry throughout Atlantic Canada.  To date, he has investigated more than 2500 fires involving residences, commercial & industrial structures, automobile, marine and heavy equipment fires.  He also teaches fire investigation training programs and NFPA 1033 certification programs for firefighters and fire investigators throughout Atlantic Canada.

Running a Chimney Sweeping business is not easy but it can be rewarding

Featuring John Ceaser

Our industry needs to know how to charge for doing one of the most dangerous jobs in the market. This class will teach you how and why you should always charge clients for your time, regardless of why you are going to their home.

Spend 45 minutes with John Ceaser, Chairman of the Board for the CSIA. He will deliver a Q & A session from the audience to discuss your burning questions!

What do you see when you look at a masonry chimney?

Featuring John Ceaser

This session will show you how there are lots to things to consider when inspecting masonry chimneys; revealing proper rain caps and styles, concrete caps, liners, flashings and repairs. John Ceaser, Chairman of the Board for CSIA will discuss some of the key inspection points. John will show you areas of concern and will take your questions during the interactive session.

Be prepared and bring your questions to this Q & A.

Brian Tozer, owner of TyMeg Services Ltd, has been in the industry for over 33 years.  A licensed red seal carpenter for more than 35 years, Brian is also a licensed G2 Gas Technician and W.E.T.T. certified.  

Brian first started in the industry at Maritime Fireplace where he wore many hats including sales and installations.   He remained at Maritime Fireplaces for approximately 17 years before he ventured out on how own, opening TyMeg Services Ltd in 2007.

Brian was born and raised in Moncton where he still lives with his wife.  They have two children and two perfect grandsons.  

Brian enjoys spending time with family, hunting, fishing and boating on the Richibucto River in the summer with family and friends.

Exhibitors: