April 3, 2017

Meet Lance Blackford of Atlanta Fireplace Specialists in Sandy Springs

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lance Blackford.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Lance. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
My parents built homes in Atlanta for about forty years. I was born into construction and worked for my parents as a child through leaving for college. When I moved back to Atlanta, I worked for my father as a superintendent before moving on to Ace Fireplace in 1998. At Ace Fireplace, I worked as an installer of factory built fireplaces, glass doors, gas logs, and chimney covers.

When Ace Fireplace went out of business in 2009, I worked as a handy man to pay the bills. In 2010, I started Atlanta Fireplace Specialists with a focus on the service side of the industry where I work directly for homeowners. I started AFS with a truck and some tools as a chimney sweep / fireplace repair service to assist people in making their fireplaces function properly. Over the years I have found some wonderful team members and we have grown into a custom fireplace design, remodel, repair, and upgrade business.

We are a “one stop shop” company. We handle the fireplace, mantels, stone work, tile work, and chimney work. Remodeling fireplaces is something that I have grown to love. We take an old boring fireplace and make it match the customer’s vision for their home. Sometimes this just means removing the old mantel and surround to replace it with something new. We often end up replacing the actual fireplace while the wall is open, tearing out the old inefficient wood burning fireplace and replacing it with a new highly efficient direct vent gas fireplace. We also can add fireplaces where one did not exist. The fireplace makeover side of my business has become very popular and we find much joy in transforming someone’s home. It is very creatively fulfilling and seeing the smile on their face when we are done is priceless.

Has it been a smooth road?
The first challenge that I faced was starting my business during a recession and with no funding. Also, because I stayed at Ace Fireplace until the very end, I racked up huge debt trying to keep my family fed. Then when I was out of work, I ended up having to claim bankruptcy. When I started AFS, I literally owned a truck, a handful of tools, and the knowledge I gained through life. I kept my business going one job at a time.

In 2011, I hired an old friend to work with me. He felt that since he was coming on so early in the business that he should be made partner if he was going to help grow the company. We had a verbal agreement that one day I might make him a partner. However, very quickly I found out that our visions were not the same. I take my job very seriously.

I help people build FIRES in their home. If this is not done perfectly the stakes are too high. I found out that my partner did some jobs where he cut corners to make money over safety, so I fired him. I then got to find out that a verbal agreement in Georgia is just as binding as a written agreement, so he now gets a monthly check for nothing. However, I pay that check gladly knowing that I am in full control of the quality of our work. I now have a wonderful team, but still have no funding. We just have to manage our funds well and all of my overhead has to be carefully planned, like my advertising budget MUST pay for itself. Now it has been seven years since my bankruptcy was discharged, maybe one day soon I will be able to get some funding to take it to the next level.

So, as you know, we’re impressed with Atlanta Fireplace Specialists – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
AFS is a company that focuses on the needs of the homeowner. We specialize in anything that touches a fireplace or chimney. Chimney inspections, sweeps, repairs, water leaks, gas logs, glass doors, fireplace installs, stone work, brick work, tile work, mantels and minor framing changes. We are known for being honest and fair. While making a profit is important, we do so in the fairest way for both sides. We also do not recommend services that are not needed, just to make a buck. We are also known for doing top notch work. We do not cut corners and do not sacrifice quality in order to save ourselves money. I am the most proud of how we have grown into the custom fireplace design side of the industry. I feel this sets us apart from everyone else because with us you don’t have to call multiple companies to achieve your dream. We can handle just about everything, as long as it is safe and up to codes.

Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I grew up inside the perimeter of Atlanta, so I am very fond of my city. I love the diversity. I enjoy getting to work in so many magnificent homes. What I dislike the most is the TRAFFIC. We spend half our days in a truck, stuck in traffic. It can be very frustrating.

Pricing: