ABOUT US

Our story here at A Step in Time in Virginia Beach, VA is a fun one worth sharing. It all started in the year 1991, at a time where there was a recession and many college graduates had difficulty finding a job.Ray had just graduated from Virginia Tech in civil engineering came face-to-face with the same difficulties in finding employment. From there, he decided to attend graduate school at Old Dominion University to obtain a master’s degree and hopefully attract the attention of potential employers. Ray continued applying for positions at various engineering firms while pursuing his second degree. Finally, Ray landed an engineering job by offering to work for very low wages. This didn’t phase him because viewed the job experience as a continuation of graduate school. While in graduate school and working for a local engineering firm, Ray also had to balance his time with his new family— which included raising his little daughter, Kaitlynn.

Ray Gessner has a Virginia License Master HVAC, Master Gas Fitter and Master Plumber License. Additionally Loved Professional Engineer for Virginia, Washington DC, maryland, Georgia, North Carolina, Florida, Texas, New York, Massachusetts.

Times were tough and money was very tight. Ray started to reminisce about his time in high school when he had a fun little lawn business during the summers. This inspired Ray to follow his old tracks and once again open a lawn business.

On weekends, Ray would cut lawns to bring in extra money. The business became an instant success! Ray quickly started earning more money on weekends than from working full-time at his engineering job.

One day, while cutting the lawn of his parent’s house, a family friend named Donny Gummer stopped by. Donny was in his 60s at that time and noticed the lawn business was going very well for Ray. He went on to mention that he was considering starting a chimney sweep company. Donny told Ray that he was inspired by his time in New York, where he found the chimney sweep business to be booming. It seemed like everyone needed a chimney sweep!

Donny then asked Rayy if he would help him start this chimney sweep company, in addition to giving him advice on how to acquire new customers. Ray agreed to help Donny in the fall— when his lawn business was expected to calm down and when chimney sweeping demand was expected to pick up. When the fall season finally approached, Ray shut down his lawn operation and set off to begin cleaning chimneys.

But then Ray got some news…

Donny sadly disclosed to Ray that the chimney business wasn’t going to happen. Donny had a full-time position at his current job, and they offered health benefits and retirement. He was close to retirement and needed the health benefits—Donny couldn’t afford to risk it all to open a chimney sweep business. Ray was admittedly a little disappointed because he’d just closed down his lawn business, which he could have extended for a couple more months—either laying mulch or fall fertilizing. Donny offered a solution to Ray’s problem: Donny would sell Ray his chimney cleaning equipment for $300, and if Ray liked the business, he could keep cleaning. If Ray did not like the business, Donny would buy the same equipment back for $300. Donny taught Ray how to clean chimneys for about a week, and then Ray flew the nest on his own. Ray quickly learned everything there was to know concerning the chimney cleaning and repair business. Ray became CSIA-certified, and Nicole thought of the name, “Step in Time.” Wanting to be first in the telephone book, the name “A Step in Time” in Virginia Beach, VA was born. Ten years later, with the help of Ray’s first employee, Matt Watkins, A Step in Time in Virginia Beach, VA has expanded to seven different states and—by footprint— is the largest chimney cleaning and repair business in the United States.

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Our Team

A Step in Time Chimney Sweeps

Raymond G.

Kellie G.

Connor H.

Frances V.

Nicole G.

Jeff H.

Travis B.

Mike M.

Nita B.

Kim S.

Andrew T.

Harsh J.

Tej D.

Namrata J.

Brandi B.

Frank S.

Daniel D.

Kyle S.

Ariel Serene

Siah Hughes

Christion Jordan

Aaron Atwell

Testimonials

A Step in Time Chimney Sweeps

Ray was quick to respond and very knowledgeable. He was a pleasure dealing with.I would recommend if you are looking for a licensed chimney sweep I suggest calling them.

Steve Adams

Great to work with. Very professional. Clear and up front about what was being done and why with no pressure sales. Highly recommend this company.

Harry Brown

Ray and the Step in time were great to work with, very professional and did a great job .I would use them again and refer to a friend.

Paul Russell

Ray and his crew have been great in assisting us with our chimney issues. He & David are very personable and have responded to our needs and requests. I recommend them highly.

W.R. Dillon

I have worked with this company both to service my own chimney and to consult with Mr. Gessner (the owner) as an expert in his field. I find Mr. Gessner to be passionate about his work and an extremely qualified, competent professional.

Ronnie Slaven

Excellent customer service, Ray is a genuine easy going guy who is very knowledgeable. I would highly recommend A Step In Time for any chimney problems.

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ABOUT US

But then Ray got some news…

Our Team