Featured in the Daily Herald - May 29, 1990
November 2, 2026 · 3 min read · Chimney Sweep Master, Cary, IL
Christopher Aumiller brings over 36 years of hands-on chimney and fireplace experience to helping homeowners. A 1990 Daily Herald feature tells the story of his early days in the chimney trade—and the focus on service and safety that still matters today.
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Experience matters
Back in 1990, the Daily Herald featured Christopher Aumiller in an article titled "Getting swept up in career." The story followed his introduction to chimney work alongside his uncle in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and the business he started in 1986.
More than three decades later, Christopher continues serving homeowners with chimney and fireplace services. This clipping is a look back at those early days—not a new newspaper feature or a current endorsement.
A trade learned alongside family
The article describes Christopher tagging along with his uncle to clean chimneys as a child, then returning to work with him during summers in Harrisburg. It also recalls his vocational schooling in brick trades and carpentry before he chose the chimney trade.
Service and safety, then and now
In the 1990 story, Christopher talked about building a business through service, referrals and repeat customers. He also emphasized helping homeowners understand safety, including questions about creosote buildup and chimney fires. Those are still important conversations today.
What that means for your fireplace today
Years in the trade are valuable, but experience is not a substitute for inspecting the fireplace in front of us. Every home deserves a careful look, clear explanations and work appropriate to its chimney and fireplace system.
After cleaning is complete, we can visually inspect for imperfections. If repairs are needed, we explain what we found and quote them afterward, either in writing or verbally, before repair work begins.
Learn more about our chimney cleaning and inspection service, or bring your fireplace questions to your next appointment.
About this newspaper clipping
The historical newspaper date is May 29, 1990; the date at the top of this webpage is the website post date. The supplied clipping credits Melissa Teliser. The image is a restored reproduction and should not be treated as an official archive scan. Use the archive link above to consult the newspaper's archive; access may require a subscription or participating library.
We sweep and repair chimneys in Cary, Crystal Lake, Barrington, Algonquin, Lake in the Hills, Lake Zurich, McHenry, Huntley, Palatine and across McHenry County.
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Chimney Sweep Master, 426 Lloyd Street # B1, Cary, IL 60013 — serving Cary, Crystal Lake, Barrington and the surrounding towns since 1985. You can upload photos of your fireplace or chimney with your request.