Chimney Sweeping & Inspections in Portland, ME

It Started With The American Dream

My Grandfather, Georgio Luciano, putting the finishing touches on his firepit.

My grandfather, Georgio, was a first-generation American with his parents being from Sicily. He instilled in his family a love of hard work, honesty, pride in what you do, and a love of all things home construction related. He also instilled a love of photography in us. Here he finishes a firepit next to the vacation cabin he built for the family in upstate NY.

My father, George Luciano, keeps the dream alive.

My father was raised to be hard-working, honest, and resilient. He made us all proud by serving his country, becoming the first in our family to graduate college in America, and becoming a Chiropractor and Realtor. As a child, I followed him to houses his broker needed to be fixed for sale. I learned to work hard and be honest. I learned pride in my work and I learned that I loved the housing industry.

A Sign Of Things To Come!

Our Patriarch, Gary Norris, plays by the fireplace as a baby, a sign of things to come!

Gary wasn't sure of what direction to take in his life but, as evidenced by this photo, God certainly knew! When the oil crisis of the 1970s hit he headed to the Rainbow Mall in Portland Maine where he applied for a job with Abundant Life. He needed a job to support his growing family with his late wife Kathy. He never considered this was what he was destined to do for the rest of his life! Suddenly it all clicked. Gary had found his true passion. The years marched on and he worked for various companies learning everything there was to learn about the industry. He became certified and, in 2002, met me, Melody Luciano, while installing a stove in my finished basement.

Black Cat Sweeps LLC, a love story for the ages.

Together The Dream Came True!

It was love at first sight for both of us and by 2006 we welcomed our son, Lee, making us a blended family with 6 kids. Gary helped me to learn the chimney business by working on our own stoves and chimneys. Around 2010, we decided that Gary's expertise in the industry combined with my expertise in design, real estate, construction, and business administration would be the perfect platform with which to start our own chimney business. With the help of our kids, our family, and our friends, we were off to a rocky but hopeful start. After 12 years of hard work, dedication, multiple name changes, and lots of tears we have grown to where we are today.

The Dream Lives On!

With age comes the inevitable growing up and moving on of the children we held close and nurtured in infancy. Our son, Lee, has been working for our company since he was able to hold a drill! He is now our install and liner tech. However, the dream doesn't end there! He graduated from PATHS in Portland Maine where he was studying HVAC and plumbing. He obtained his certification in refrigerant handling from Esco Institute and has OSHA certification. He graduated in June 2024.

Local, Professional, and Proudly Independent

Chimney Sweeping and Inspections in Portland, ME

Black Cat Sweeps LLC is a locally owned and operated chimney company serving Portland, ME, and surrounding communities. We focus on quality, safety, and personalized service — no franchises, no shortcuts. Our work in chimney sweeping and inspections across Portland reflects a commitment to doing things the right way, with attention to detail and respect for your home.

Owner-operated and deeply familiar with Maine homes, we bring a practical, honest approach to every job. Whether you're scheduling routine chimney maintenance or need a more detailed inspection, we're here to deliver dependable service with clear communication from start to finish.

Black Cat Sweeps LLC