In 1987, Dave Cloninger was working as a building foreman for a local apartment complex. During the course of this project, he met a subcontractor who introduced him to a local chimney sweep that was considering retirement, and looking to sell his company. This introduction opened a unique opportunity for Dave, who is at heart – an entrepreneur.
Backed with years of practical experience, and a natural penchant for hard work, Dave forged a new path, blending his innate entrepreneurial instinct with a desire to establish a solid career path that would not only satisfy his creative, industrious nature, but also meet the needs of the community around him.
In 1988, C & C Clean Sweep was born. At that time, it was a man, his truck, and a chimney brush. Not one to settle, Dave continued to grow more proficient in his trade, and was always eager to learn new skills and expand his services to include fireplace and chimney repair, gas, wood and pellet stove maintenance and safety inspections. In addition, he contracted his services to local fireplace retailers as an independent installer. Before too long, property management companies, insurance adjusters, and realtors took note of his work ethic and integrity. Soon, Dave became known as the “go to” guy for his expertise and honest evaluation of each situation at hand.
One particular experience Dave recalls is when then-Governor Gary Locke and his family were plagued by bats in the Governor’s Mansion. Desperate to resolve this frightening and potentially harmful experience, Dave was called to the rescue – remediating the situation by cleaning and sealing the chimney to prevent future infestation.
Before too long, suppliers also started to notice C & C Clean Sweep as a dependable, reliable and growing company. Soon, he was being contacted by various stove and fireplace distributors, asking if asking if he would consider representing (through sales and installation) a variety of brands.
In 1993, in addition to expanding his company, Dave also expanded his family, marrying his wife, Patty, who brought with her, on the professional side, business and management expertise. Together, they invested their lives into building a company that facilitated an outlet for Dave’s diverse and uniquely creative skill set, and met a need in the community, while keeping to the standard of integrity that they require of themselves.