How did you get started in the trade and when was it?
I started Chimney Sweeping with my Dad Daniel Hodgson when I was just a lad, carrying dust sheets and tools at weekends and getting to know the trade. I was also helping out at Grandads Victorian Fireplace Shop learning about fireplaces, stoves, flues, how to cut and polish slate hearths, strip cast iron fireplaces and make marble surrounds. When I was 17 I had undertaken the Guild of Master Chimney Sweeps training course and was Chimney Sweeping full time by the time I was 18. By the time I was 20 I had undertaken all of the Guild training courses and the HETAS H003 and was considered the youngest Master Chimney Sweep in the UK. Going forward I am now a trainer and assessor for Sweep Safe and am excited about my future in the solid fuel industry.
What do you like most about being a Chimney Sweep?
Tackling different situations, no 2 chimneys are the same and so require a different approach and a solution can be drawn from this. I enjoy problem solving.
What is your favourite part of the job?
Meeting new people and understanding people. I have met some truly amazing people along my journey as a Chimney Sweep
What do you think makes you a good, trustworthy Chimney Sweep?
I come from a big family of Chimney Sweeps since 1964. We have always coined the phrase “traditional values modern excellence” I stand by this phrase now.
What would you like potential customers reading this to know about you?
That they can trust me to do the job at hand safely and correctly. I will always put myself out to do the right thing by my customers.
What music or radio station do you listen to in your van?
Radio 4 or Heart depending in the mood.
Favourite book, Film, TV Series?
Tough question, but, I am a huge Marvel, Batman Fan I guess you could say I always wanted to be a superhero HAHA.
Book would have to be The Hitch hikers guide to the galaxy.
When you’re not working what else do you like doing?
I used to be heavily into Martial Arts but now its long walks on the beach with my family, taking in the scenery and fresh air in Torquay.