Our Past and Our Present
Doctor Flue has been a family-owned chimney service company since 1986. Today, owner Kevon R. Binder leads the business his father started and remains hands-on in the field.
Kevon H. Binder, better known as “Doc,” founded Doctor Flue, inc.® on October 17, 1986. An ad in Popular Science magazine introduced him to the chimney service trade. He pursued training, began making service calls, and later earned his chimney sweep certification through the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA).
His wife, Valerie, helped get the business off the ground. In those early years, they worked long hours, and she even carried buckets of brick two stories up a ladder to help with the work.
Doc was easy to spot around town. He wore the traditional chimney sweep’s top hat and tails and drove a 1953 Dodge panel truck. The distinctive uniform and truck helped people remember Doctor Flue, while knowledgeable service gave them a reason to call again.
In 1997, Doc’s son, Kevon R. Binder, joined the company and became the nation’s youngest CSIA-certified chimney sweep at age 15. Working together, father and son expanded the service area, trained new team members, and brought new tools and technology into the business.
On January 1, 2026, Doc retired and passed ownership of Doctor Flue to Kevon. Our uniforms and trucks have changed over the years, and we continue to invest in training and technology. We still care about the same thing: doing good work for the people who welcome us into their homes.
Our Founder and Owner
Doc Binder
Founder, retired
Doc founded Doctor Flue in 1986 with help from his wife, Valerie. He grew the business from a one-man, one-truck operation, later working alongside his son, Kevon, to expand the company. After retiring in January 2026, Doc has more time to spend with Valerie and their Yorkies, and to enjoy flying his powered parachute.
Kevon Binder
Owner and Field Operations Manager
Kevon joined Doctor Flue in 1997 and became the nation’s youngest CSIA-certified chimney sweep at 15. He has recertified every three years since.
As owner, Kevon oversees field operations and continues to work out of a service truck, servicing wood- and gas-burning appliances. He also serves as the company’s database administrator and developer, putting his interest in technology to work behind the scenes.
He enjoys getting to know customers and working with two of his favorite things: technology and fire. Away from work, he enjoys spending time with his wife, Anne, and their two daughters.
Licenses and Certifications
- Licensed Mechanical Contractor
- NCSG Master Chimney Professional
- CSIA Certified Sweep
- NFI Gas Specialist
- TracPipe Certification
- FAA Remote Pilot Certified
Our Team
A lead, nationally certified sweep drives each of the five trucks that leave our drive every day. Our sweeps carry the latest tools and diagnostic equipment, and they keep up with industry changes and continuing education requirements.
The people who come to your home hold these certifications:
- CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep, from the Chimney Safety Institute of America, renewed every three years
- NFI Gas Specialist, from the National Fireplace Institute, for gas fireplaces, stoves, inserts and logs
- TracPipe certification for flexible gas piping
- FAA Remote Pilot certification to fly drones
Doctor Flue, inc.® is also a member of the National Chimney Sweep Guild (NCSG). When you call the office, a trained member of our staff answers and can help you schedule the right service.
Our Promise to You
Having grown up in a family business, I knew from an early age that trustworthy perseverance is mandatory. I have learned to listen to the customer and adapt my business directly to the needs of the homeowner. I am confident you will be pleased with me and our family.
We are a company that will return your calls promptly, answer your questions thoroughly, treat you with respect and exhaust every option for solving your heating system needs. We will show up on time, protect and respect your property, and offer a fair price for quality products and services. We keep growing, adapting and learning new ways to serve you, and we keep up with the latest training, products and technology.
From the first call you make to our office, you will be talking to and working with fully trained professionals. I invite you to browse our website and get to know all of our services. We understand the importance of trust, knowledge, respect and professionalism, because we have come to know that is what your family wants from ours.
Kevon R. Binder, owner