I
Aaron discovered that a well-trained staff
Even though Aaron has been in the
"I feel right at home with the sweep
and a very systematic documentation
sweep business for less than four years,
industry," says Aaron Zambrana, owner
approach at each home was the answer.
he's tried very hard to learn from those
of A to Z Chimney Sweep and Dryer Vent
This system is how sweeps like Jerry are
with more experience: "I always try to
Cleaning.
able to write reports without going to the
avoid re-inventing the wheel whenever
chimney under evaluation. "I know he
possible. It only seems logical to seek out
Inspired by the unique brotherhood of
also puts a lot of trust in his staff. He's got
others who are successful in their busi-
the guild, Aaron has taken full advantage
a great group of people working with him
ness and try to learn from them. The
of the camaraderie and mentoring
that I am proud to call my friends," says
National Chimney Sweep Guild has been
opportunities available to him. He
Aaron.
an immense help in this regard." With
recently returned from a weeklong trip to
this attitude, Aaron eagerly accepted
North Carolina after shadowing Jerry
A to Z Chimney Sweeping didn't start out
Jerry's invitation to visit for a week to
Isenhour and his crew at The Chimney
as a chimney sweep business, however.
learn a little about his business.
Doctor. "Jerry does a tremendous
While earning his business degree at
"Specifically, I wanted to know how Jerry
amount of business. I wanted to figure
California State University Sacramento,
was able to troubleshoot, estimate, and
out how he's able to spend time traveling
Aaron didn't want to take out a student
write detailed reports without ever leav-
and teaching and still effectively run his
loan, but he needed a job that paid well
ing his office!"
business."
22 SWEEPING
AUGUST 2003