From keeping homes warm and safe through winter to building and repairing the spaces families rely on every day, these two hardworking local operators have built their businesses on quality workmanship, reliability and community spirit.
Andrew Sharp Carpentry: building for family and community
For Tingha carpenter Andrew Sharp, hard work has always been about more than simply earning a living – it is about building a better future for his family and giving back to the community that supports him.
Operating as a sole trader, and servicing Tingha and the greater Inverell area, Andrew has established a reputation across the district for tackling jobs both big and small with the same level of care and professionalism.
“I take pride in all my work,” he said.
“Even the little jobs like taking rubbish away.”
That commitment to doing every task properly has helped Andrew steadily grow his business through word of mouth and repeat customers throughout the region.
While Andrew handles the physical side of the business, he says there is another important member of the team helping behind the scenes.
“Of course I do all the hard physical work, but my wife does all my advertising and helps scroll through Facebook and looks for jobs,” he joked.
“I think she does more doom scrolling than helping.”
The light-hearted comment reflects the down-to-earth personality that customers have come to appreciate, but beneath the humour is a strong family focus that drives everything Andrew does.
“One thing I love doing is giving back to my children,” he said.
“The reason I work so hard is for my family.”
That same community-minded attitude extends well beyond the worksite. Andrew proudly supports local junior sport and community organisations whenever he can, including sponsorship of his children’s football teams and the Tingha Tigers.
“So any chance I’ve had to sponsor their footy or sponsor the Tingha Tigers, I will,” he said.
In regional communities where local support means everything, businesses like Andrew Sharp Carpentry play an important role both economically and socially – helping keep local sport alive while providing dependable trade services for local families.
Whether it is renovations, repairs, maintenance work or larger carpentry projects, Andrew says he approaches every job with the same straightforward philosophy: work hard, do it properly and treat people right.
Find out more on his Facebook page
Keystone Chimney Sweep: keeping homes safe and efficient
As winter approaches across the New England region, fireplace safety and maintenance become increasingly important for many households – and that is where Keystone Chimney Sweep steps in.
Based in Armidale, the business specialises in professional fireplace and chimney cleaning services, along with flue repairs, gutter clearing and solar panel cleaning.
Owner and operator Preston Zambo brings more than 25 years of trade experience to the business, with a strong focus on safety, efficiency and attention to detail.
“I provide professional fireplace and chimney cleaning and repairs focusing on maintenance of existing systems,” he said.
“Service provided to the highest standards ensuring your system is safe and efficient.”
For many homeowners, fireplaces are a key source of warmth during the colder months, but without proper maintenance they can quickly become inefficient or even dangerous. Regular chimney and flue cleaning helps reduce the build-up of soot and creosote while ensuring systems are operating correctly.
Preston says attention to detail is one of the things that sets Keystone Chimney Sweep apart.
“My high attention to detail ensures that nothing is missed and your fireplace is kept in the best order,” he said.
In addition to fireplace services, the business also offers solar panel cleaning and gutter clearing — important maintenance tasks that can improve efficiency, reduce hazards and help protect homes from damage.
With decades of hands-on experience in the local region, Keystone Chimney Sweep has developed a strong understanding of the unique conditions faced by New England homeowners, particularly during the colder seasons.
The business reflects the growing demand for specialist trade services that combine technical expertise with dependable customer service – something Preston says remains central to everything he does.
Whether you are a traditional tradie, like a mechanic, builder, plumber, or electrician, a trade that doesn’t always come immediately to mind like hairdresser, counsellor, or graphic designer, a service business like a cleaner, book keeper, or personal trainer, or perhaps a professional service, like accountant, lawyer, or consultant, we want to highlight your great work.
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