3 Minutes on a Park Bench with Richard St. Marie from Rich and John's The Stove Shop

Richard St. Marie, Owner of Rich & John's The Stove Shop, tells the Patch about how he became involved in the chimney industry and explains how often you should get your stove/chimney inspected.

Patch: What is your morning routine?

Richard: Our family gets up early to have breakfast together. At 7:30 AM I go to the office and get the guys ready for the work day.

Patch: What type of Services does The Stove Shop offer?

Richard: We sell hearth accessories such as Hearth Rugs by Goods of the Woods, Hearth Pads by AJ Hearth Originals, Fireplace Screens and Tool Sets by Minuteman and Pilgrim, Firebacks and Grates by Grate Wall of Fire, Log Holders and Carriers by Pilgrim, Steamers, Kettles, Stove Scents by Condar, Hearth Gloves, Firestarter by Stump Chunks, and Ash Vacuums

We sell and service the following: pellet, wood and gas stove brands: Pacific Energy, Town & Country, Marquis, Regency, Hampton, Kozy Heat, Montigo, Piazzetta, Golden Blount, Breckwell, Timberwolf, True North and Napoleon.

We sell and install mantels by Fireplace Fronts and install stone surrounds.

We sell outdoor living products such as Emilyrose Outdoor Living Fire Tables, Summerset patio furniture and built-in grills, Landmann fire pits, MHP Gas Grills, Louisiana Pellet Grills and Smoker, and Saffire Grill and Smoker.

Patch: How did you get involve in the chimney industry?

Richard: We are family owned and operated and have been that way from the beginning. I started out as a service technician and when it was time for my grandfather to retire I became partners with my step- father, John. He has been retired now for a little more than 8 years now. My wife and brother in-law now help run the business with me.

Patch: What three questions should readers ask to tell if they are dealing with a reputable stove/chimney expert?

Richard: 1. Is the company licensed and insured? Workman's Compensation and Liability are very important. If an accident were to happen both the company and customer are covered.

2. Is the company certified with the CSIA (Chimney Safety Institute of America)? This is training program were technicians learn the current codes and how to follow good ethics and customer service. This certification is voluntary, and is not a state requirement.

3. If materials are being install, what are they made of? For example liners, caps and chase covers should be made from good quality stainless steel. Some manufactures use subpar stainless steel from overseas to cut cost. This stainless steel tends to rust and is on average only about 51% stainless steel. Ask for the type, gauge, origin and manufactures name before purchasing.

Patch: How often should readers get their chimney's cleaned or inspected?

Richard: The National Fire Protection Association Standard 211 says, "Chimneys, fireplaces, and vents shall be inspected at least once a year for soundness, freedom from deposits, and correct clearances. Cleaning, maintenance, and repairs shall be done if necessary." For people who burn wood regularly through the heating season a chimney sweep once a year in most circumstances is adequate. What most customers tend to forget about is their oil furnace. Maintaining the furnace itself is something most people do yearly but the furnace flue is just as important. We recommend that the oil burning furnace flue should be swept yearly as well.

Patch: What is your favorite aspect of your job?

Richard: My favorite part of my job is meeting new people and being on the road. I am out on appointments 4 days a week sweeping chimneys and installing liners and stoves. On Tuesdays and Saturdays I am at the store helping customers. I like to make myself available for my customers and give them a one on one expienence.

Patch: Can you tell us a little bit about the staff and their background?

Richard: I have a great team of people working for me. When I decided to expand Rich & John's Complete Chimney Service, LLC and open Rich & John's "The Stove Shop" I knew that the only person right for the job was my wife. She is amazing and the customers love her. We work together so well and she already knew so much about the business. The guys in my service department have really grown throughout these past few years. They are hard working, respectful and know how to get the job done right. Allan, a lead tech, is certified with the CSIA and is amazing at repairing pellet and gas stoves. Brian, one of my masons, really puts his heart into his work, customers love him. I am pleased that 3 more techs are now studying hard to pass they're certification test that is coming up soon. We are all family, my kids in the morning can't wait to run outside and say hello to them.

Patch: What is the best sales advice you have ever received and who gave it to you?

Richard: The best sales advice I have ever received was from my grandfather and it was to inform the customer of the product, but don't push. Sometimes in the sales world people are to eager to get the sale done that day. I prefer to give the proper knowledge to my customers and let them think about the purchase they are going to be making. You should never rush into anything.

Patch: How can readers contact you or find out more about Rich and John's The Stove Shop?

Richard: Customers can contact Rich & John's "The Stove Shop" by phone 203-947-2712, by email richandjohnschimneyllc@gmail.com or visit our website richandjohnschimney.com. We are also on Facebook, Rich& John's Complete Chimney Service, LLC, Angie's List, Home Advisor and Thumb Tack. Or they can stop by the store 787 Main Street South, Woodbury, CT 06798. We are behind Dottie's Diner.