Midtown Chimney Sweeps is the largest chimney sweep franchise in the United States, serving the $2 billion hearth industry with chimney sweeping, dryer vent cleaning, light maintenance, and repairs. The home-based model includes a national scheduling center and full digital marketing support, letting owners focus on field operations.
Minimum Liquid Capital Required: $45,000
Ownership Model: Owner-operator
Location Type: Home-based
Time Commitment: Full-time
Experience Required: None; technical training provided
Top 5 Reasons to Invest
- Only franchise serving America’s $2 billion chimney care market
- 50%+ of competitors over age 53 and retiring
- Break-fix model turns inspections into repair revenue
- National scheduling center and full digital marketing included
- $225K median gross revenue per territory (2024)
Midtown Chimney Sweeps Franchise Opportunity
Midtown Chimney Sweeps was founded in 1979 and began franchising in 2014. The brand has grown to 39 franchise units and is the largest chimney sweep franchise in the US. Founder Byron Schramm, a second-generation fireplace and chimney technician, built the system after sweeping 4,000+ chimneys and realizing the industry lacked sophisticated business systems.
The market opportunity is significant: 52% of US households have at least one fireplace or freestanding stove, with many used 52-120 times per year — making professional sweeping a necessity for fire safety. Meanwhile, more than half of existing chimney sweeps are over 53 years old with few marketing skills and no exit strategy.
Why Franchise With Midtown Chimney Sweeps?
- Three revenue streams: fireplace sales/installation, routine maintenance/repairs, and chimney relining/dryer vent cleaning
- Break-fix model — inspections frequently uncover issues, creating repair and upgrade opportunities
- National scheduling center answers phones 12 hours daily plus Saturdays — you focus on service, not call handling
- Home office performs all digital marketing including website, Facebook, Google, Yelp, and 180+ online directories
- Protected territories of 110,000 households each with no encroachment from other franchisees
ABF Exclusive Insights
Market Structure: The hearth industry represents approximately $2 billion annually with 52% of US households having at least one fireplace. The market is highly fragmented — dominated by aging one-person operators with limited business sophistication.
Competitive Advantage: Midtown is the first systems-driven, marketing-oriented chimney franchise in the US. Competitors are typically solo operators nearing retirement with no CRM, no digital presence, and no scheduling infrastructure. The professional approach wins customers and builds recurring relationships.
ABF Timing Insight: With 50%+ of chimney sweeps over age 53 and retiring, market share is available for capture. EPA regulations requiring increased efficiency in wood-burning appliances mean more soot buildup and more frequent cleaning needs. The combination of retiring competitors and increasing demand creates a window for growth.
Training & Support
- 10-day training program at Denver headquarters alternating between classroom and field work with local franchise owners
- 2 days of online Chimney University courses for technical certification
- 3-month mentorship following training for continued guidance during launch
- National scheduling center staffed 12 hours daily Monday-Friday plus 4 hours Saturday
- Complete digital marketing managed by home office across 180+ directories
- Proprietary CRM and field service management software
Franchise Owners That Thrive
- Technical backgrounds — mechanics, chefs, masons, trades professionals with hands-on skills
- Next-phase-of-life candidates — retiring military, career changers seeking complex, interesting home service work
- Sales-oriented or people-oriented personalities who enjoy customer interaction
- Organized and able to manage daily field schedules
- Growth-minded with interest in building technician teams over time
Franchise Fit & Capital Readiness
Who This Franchise Is NOT For
- Uncomfortable with hands-on service work and home visits
- Seeking retail or office-based business model
- No interest in learning technical chimney service skills
- Inclined to modify systems rather than follow proven methods
- Expect quick or guaranteed returns
- Do not meet $45,000 minimum liquid capital requirement
Candidates who do not meet these criteria are typically not approved by the franchisor.
Investment Readiness Check
- Ownership timeline includes Discovery Day visit to Denver before signing
- Credit and overall financial profile reviewed during approval
- Minimum Liquid Capital: $45,000 — required for consideration
- Additional territories available for $15,000 each at signing
All financial thresholds are set by the franchisor and are non-negotiable during approval.
Franchisor Authority Disclosure
America’s Best Franchises provides guidance and introductions. Final approval criteria, financial thresholds, and territory decisions are determined exclusively by the franchisor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How much liquid capital is required to qualify? A. Midtown Chimney Sweeps requires a minimum of $45,000 in liquid capital, set by the franchisor.
Q. Do I need chimney sweeping experience? A. No prior experience required. 10-day training in Denver plus Chimney University online courses provide complete technical and business preparation.
Q. Is this a home-based business? A. Yes. No retail location required. The national scheduling center handles calls and the home office manages digital marketing.
Q. What services do franchisees provide? A. Three revenue streams: (1) new fireplace sales and installation, (2) routine maintenance and repairs, and (3) chimney relining and dryer vent cleaning. The break-fix model means inspections often uncover issues that create additional service opportunities.
Q. Is there a veteran discount? A. Yes. Veterans, minorities, and first responders receive 10% off the franchise fee.
Q. What territories are available? A. Markets north of I-40 are available. Hot regions include Cincinnati, Grand Rapids, Charlotte, and Greensboro. Not available in CA, HI, MD, NY, or RI.
Next Steps
Complete the form below to request a qualification review and discuss territory availability for Midtown Chimney Sweeps.
This profile represents general franchise information. Individual results may vary. Refer to the Franchise Disclosure Document for complete details.