Chimney sweeping protects the environment and ensures efficient use of energy
When Dušan joined the company in 1987, he soon realized that chimney sweeping services have a wider social impact. At the time, the company already focused on measurements of flue gas emissions and protecting the environment. “We realized very early on that our mission as a chimney sweeping company was not only fire safety in the narrower sense of the word, but also active environmental protection and rational use of energy,” says Dušan. His stance has been shown to be correct; today, mandatory chimney sweeping services, in addition to cleaning, include regular maintenance of heating and flue devices and annual flue emission measurements. Dušan adds that while the environmental protection situation is improving, incorrect heating and improper use of heating devices still lead to excessive pollution of the air and our environment.
“In Slovenia, we do not have enough inspectors in this filed. But with our help, our cleaning services, and our expert advice, the discharge from the chimneys is much cleaner.”
In the 1990’s, EKO DIM received the ISO 9002 certificate of quality, and they still follow this method, as they recognized its effectiveness for work organization.
A robust family enterprise that encourages active involvement
In the beginning of 1990s, the company became a privately-owned company in a transparent process, during which all employees and former employees were able to purchase shares. “Initially, there were 24 shareholders, but most sold their share as time went on and now there are only six left,” explains Dušan.
In late 2017, EKO DIM needed new leadership. The Krebel family decided practically overnight to transform the company into a family enterprise and lead it on as a family. At the time, Dušan’s daughter Kaja, current Director of the company, was finishing her architecture degree. She had not been involved in the company before, but EKO DIM was the subject of discussions at home ever since she was a child. “I am glad that we’ve managed to impart the entrepreneurial spirit to our children without forcing them into anything,” says Dušan.
“In 2017, when the management changed, father as the majority shareholder was faced with a difficult decision. But we discussed it together and we agreed to transform the company into a family enterprise,” explains Kaja. Her mother Renata took over financial accounting and Kaja sister’s partner Marko, who had many years of experience in the energy sector, became the Director. Kaja’s partner Miha also decided to help her with the company. Even though their relationship was still fresh at the time, he left his job and took the responsibility of work organization at EKO DIM. This decision was the right one. “It was a big change for us all, but we have no regrets. In the years since, we have set the foundations of a robust family business,” explains Kaja.
Much work and communication needed to be done outside regular working hours, but the connection between family members and shared family values were a great help. “Chimney sweeping services have changed a lot in recent decades, but we remain true to our core mission, which is to bring happiness and safety both to our customers and to our business,” points out Kaja.
Kaja took over as the company’s Director in December 2020. “There are always new challenges, but the advantage of a family business is precisely that the work can continue at home. When you run a family business, you simply cannot separate your private life from the company,” explains Kaja, who is aware of her great responsibility, but is also happy and very proud to be a part of the family business story.
Chimney sweeps must have a great sense for the people, as they are one of the few who still enter our homes and are almost always warmly welcomed.
Employees stay until retirement
EKO DIM has always taken good care of its employees, as they are aware that the workers really are their greatest treasure.
The company employs workers who are professionals in the field of the chimney sweeping industry. But the most important characteristic they look for in people, both in administration and in field work, is the ability to act quickly and decisively. “We are not selling products; we’re selling a service, so our employees are indeed our greatest asset. We are aware that without their contribution, our business would not be as successful. We sincerely respect and trust them, which is one of the reasons our employees usually stay with us until their retirement,” says Dušan.
The company strives to ensure the best working conditions for their employees and provide state-of-the-art work equipment to ensure their safety. They also encourage further education and career planning within the company.
They also organize various social and sports activities to promote employee well-being. “All employees have always been like a big family. We organize the trips within Slovenia and abroad, picnics and other social and sports events with the aim of forming connections and weaving good relationships,” explains Renata.
“We have not only managed to keep our team of employees, but also expand it. That means a lot to us, as it confirms we are doing good work and are on the right path,” continues Kaja.
Proud of customers’ trust
Most of their customers are located in the Koroška and Savinja regions. One of their advantages, as they see it, is that the company has in several business units. In addition to their offices located in Ravne na Koroškem, they also have business units in Slovenj Gradec, Radlje ob Dravi and Žalec. This means that they can offer their clients local service providers.
Their guiding principles remain innovation, adaptability, and professional delivery of services. “Our efforts have certainly paid off and we have been recognized as a good business partner by larger companies that trust us with their larger heating, flue and ventilation systems,” says Dušan.
Solid foundations for the future
The work, tasks and equipment of the chimney sweeps are changing just as quickly as everything else in our world. “There are now fewer chimneys, as new buildings are more and more often heated by electricity and other non-combustion energy sources. Nevertheless, the number of classical combustion devices remains high,” says Kaja. Recently, they even noticed an increase in the number of heating devices using solid fuels due to the energy crisis.
In line with EKO DIM’s tradition of environmental consciousness, part of their long-term vision is reusing the soot, which would reduce the impact of waste on the environment. However, the foundations of their activities remain quality, tradition, and security, which will guide them into the future.
Summary
EKO DIM in a nutshell: quality, innovation, tradition, safety, trust.
