Article that appeared in SNEWS Magazine:

All About Gene
Ask Gene Padgitt what he likes to do best and it will probably have something to do with fishing. But ask about his profession, and the response will be that he likes to take the challenging chimney jobs that no one else wants. Padgitt, founder of Padgitt Chimney & Fireplace in Kansas City, Missouri enjoys problem-solving tough chimney jobs and figuring out a way to make them work. Gene's sense of humor and knowledge about his profession are reasons that clients put their trust in him. 

How Gene got started in chimneys:
After a lay-off from Safeway foods in 1982, Gene started a chimney sweeping business after reading a Mother Earth News' article and discussing the profession with his future brother-in-law, Frank Kithcart, a chimney sweep in Seattle. Gene quickly learned the trade. He knew that he had to have more skills in order to keep the business going year-round, so he taught himself masonry and relining, and later opened a retail hearth store. From those humble beginnings, the company has grown to 15 employees, each having their own specialty (masonry, chimney sweeping, inspections, relining, parging, report writing, etc.), and making it possible for the company to handle any size project.

 Now the "busy" season is from April – December, with a slower period during January – March. Having outgrown the two-room office in their home, the Padgitt's moved to a new building in 2003 years ago, but have now outgrown that, too. The company is planning a 5,000 – 10,000 sq. foot showroom, office and warehouse to be built on their current office property. 

Gene is also a Missouri State Certified Fire Investigator, and investigates house fires caused by chimneys, fireplaces, or heating appliances. He enjoys this work almost as much as chimney restoration. Often called to do deposition or expert witness testimony, Gene feels that his knowledge in this area would not be possible without the years of experience working on chimneys, and the education he has obtained in the industry. Gene's degree in HVAC, Mechanical Contractor License, NFI Certifications in Wood and Gas, CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep, Fire Investigator Certification, and Johnson County contractor license require 24 – 43 hours of training every three years EACH, and keep him informed on the latest code changes.

Forensics investigators often accompany Padgitt on the site, and have the confidence to give him the "lead," which means that Gene takes charge of the dig-out and investigation, and the order in which things occur. The detail in this process is very important, and taking photos of every item is necessary. Often, contact with a manufacturer, acquiring an installation manual, and reference to NFPA 211 Standards and building codes is necessary before a statement can be made regarding origin and cause of the fire. "It is interesting to note that most house fires I see originate at the smoke chamber area," says Gene. "This is usually caused by the builder ignoring NFPA clearance to combustibles requirements, and putting headers or wood studs in this area." Padgitt says that the second most often cause is improper installation of pre-fabricated fireplaces and chimneys, usually by leaving out the insulation shield in the attic or placing sheet rock right next to the firebox. "Sometimes it is impossible to tell what caused the fire, or there may be multiple factors involved," says Gene. "Those investigations are especially frustrating because you can't always give the client a definitive answer."

When not doing fire investigations, Padgitt can usually be found on top of a 60- foot chimney or inside a Rumford firebox he is building. It is not unusual for Gene to be leading a large historical home project such as a Victorian or Queen Anne house with several chimneys and fireplaces that need complete renovation.  Historical work is much different than modern work, and requires special expertise and tools. 

Learning something new is always a challenge, and finding the Masonry Heater Association a few years ago has been very rewarding. After seeing masonry heaters and outdoor pizza/bake ovens, Padgitt did more research and quickly learned how to build masonry heaters, pizza/bake ovens, and outdoor fireplaces and hearths. Keeping up with the latest in designs and products not only necessary, but fun, too. 

Padgitt has a penchant for Rumfords, bake ovens, and masonry heaters. "If we can provide something that is going to produce heat using the renewable resource of wood, the client is much happier," says Gene. The Padgitt's recently formed an alliance with a green builder, who orders wood-burning stoves and masonry heaters for new earth-contact and straw-bale homes. "The trend towards building sustainable buildings and using alternative energy is rising, so we are tapping that market with good results," says Padgitt.

Padgitt has taught a number of classes for the Midwest Chimney Safety council, ASHI events, and other organizations. His humor keeps the attendees laughing while learning, but it is difficult to get him to teach. Gene would rather remain in the background and let his wife, Marge, take the instructing role.

Architects have called on Gene to design custom gas fireplaces and commercial bake ovens for restaurants and banks. His gas fireplaces at Benton's restaurant at Crown Center in Kansas City get rave reviews. 

Gene loves his fun, too, and can often be found at Bennett Spring or Montauk State Parks, his favorite trout fishing holes, or in Canada fishing for Salmon or Walleye with his dad, brothers, and uncles. An avid hunter, Padgitt will take weekends to hunt for deer, turkey, or rabbit with black powder, bow, or rifle. (Marge, a vegetarian, does not mind this activity as long as she does not see any of the spoils of the hunt). Gene talks about becoming a Harold Ensly, and doing a fishing T.V. show when he retires from doing chimney work.