When we enter into the work force many of us strive to get to the top of our field. Whether that means one day becoming the CEO of a company, becoming a tenured professor or landing the role of head chef. But, what if you were a chimney sweep? What would your dream assignment be? If you are Wisconsin-based chimney sweep Jeff Smittinger your dream would be to spend the day cleaning the chimneys at the most famous house in America.
That’s right; Smittinger has always dreamed of cleaning the chimneys at the White House and by a stroke of luck (or genius) he was recently able to make his dream a reality. While being a chimney sweep may not be the most glamorous job in the world, getting the chance to clean the chimneys for the Commander-in-Chief is nothing to sneeze at. In fact, in the world of chimney sweeps getting the White House gig puts you at the top of your profession. And, that’s exactly where Smittinger says he likes to be.
The Wisconsin resident recently met with reporters after completing his sixth sweep of the White House. He said calls the task a “thrill of a lifetime” and always does the job for free.
“It’s an honor that’s hard to match. When you’re a chimney sweep, doing the White House is like a musician that plays Carnegie Hall. There’s nothing that gets you any higher.”
So, how does one get considered for the gig? Smittinger said he hadn’t even considered volunteering for the job until 1993 when he heard then President Clinton talking about the nation’s budget deficit.
“So I made a cold phone call to the White House. I got the phone number from information, called and volunteered to clean the chimneys as my contribution to fighting the budget deficit,” said Smittinger.
He says he couldn’t believe it when the White House said yes. “It seemed impossible that it really could happen,” Smittinger told reporters.
But, let’s not forget that chimney sweeping is a dirty job, even at the White House, which has a total of 35 fireplaces. And don’t think that Smittinger was left alone to complete the task. He said there were Secret Service agents shadowing his every move.
“You can not touch a thing in the West Wing. If wood has to come out of the fireplace, the Secret Service agent takes the wood out of the fireplace,” said Smittinger.
But, cleaning at the White House has its perks. Smittinger said he and his wife got to meet President Bush the last time they were there.
Which just goes to show that no matter who you are—dreams really can come true.