Born from Experience. Built for Inspectors.
The chimney and venting industry has long been underserved when it comes to tools that make inspections faster, more efficient, and more professional. Too many inspectors are left struggling with inadequate equipment, inefficient reporting systems, and unnecessary obstacles that cost them time, money, and credibility.
That’s where InspectionFire comes in.
Founded by industry veterans who know the job inside and out, InspectionFire was created to solve the real-world challenges chimney professionals face every day. Every tool, every feature, and every innovation comes from hands-on experience in the field—because we’ve been there. We know what’s broken, and we’ve built the solutions to fix it.
Meet the People Behind InspectionFire
Daniel Freeman
Founder / Lead Creative Architect & Inspector
Daniel Freeman isn’t just an entrepreneur—he’s a problem solver. He entered the chimney industry in 2013, driven by a passion for safety, precision, and professionalism. By 2016, he had launched The Chimney Doctor, working towards setting new standards for inspections and servicing large condominium complexes in the area.
Early on, Daniel saw the same problem repeat itself across the industry:
✅ Reporting was a time sink—technicians were drowning in paperwork instead of growing their businesses.
✅ Camera inspections were frustrating—standard setups weren’t designed for the tight, unpredictable spaces inside chimneys and vents.
✅ Lack of clarity was costing inspectors credibility—unclear reports led to questions, disputes, and lost business.
Rather than accept these inefficiencies, Daniel built solutions.
With an MBA and a background in marketing management, he leveraged his skills and deep industry knowledge to create better systems and tools. InspectionFire was born from years of hands-on fieldwork and a relentless commitment to improving the profession.
Daniel is a respected technical educator, industry consultant, and committee member shaping the future of inspections. He holds multiple high-level certifications, including:
- F.I.R.E. Certified Chimney & Fireplace Inspector (#341)
- CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep, Specialist, & Dryer Exhaust Technician
- NFI Certified Master Technician & Instructor
- ICC Certified Residential Mechanical Inspector (#9688399)
- Member of the NFPA 211 Committee & several UL Standards Technical Committees
From teaching industry professionals to developing game-changing inspection tools, Daniel’s mission is simple: give inspectors the tools they need to work smarter, not harder.
Vanessa Nicholas
Operations/Service Specialist
Every great company needs a driving force behind the scenes, and that’s where Vanessa Nicholas excels. With nearly a decade of experience in sales management, operations, and client relations, Vanessa brings the kind of leadership that keeps InspectionFire running at peak performance.
Her journey started at The Chimney Doctor, where she worked in both field operations and office administration. That combination gave her a unique perspective—she saw firsthand what chimney professionals needed to succeed, both in the field and on the business side.
At InspectionFire, Vanessa plays a critical role in:
✅ Streamlining operations so inspectors can focus on their work—not administrative headaches.
✅ Enhancing customer experience, making sure every inspector has the support they need.
✅ Driving sales and strategy, ensuring that the best tools get into the hands of professionals who need them.
Her passion isn’t just in making processes run smoothly—it’s in helping inspectors elevate their work and their businesses. Outside of the office, Vanessa enjoys spending time with her family and daughter, drawing inspiration from them to fuel her drive for excellence.
Justin Meridith
Events and Promotions Specialist
Justin Meridith has dedicated his career to helping people solve problems and improve their homes. A natural problem solver with experience across multiple industries, he is passionate about finding practical, effective solutions to complex challenges while delivering an exceptional customer experience.
In 2008, Justin entered the hearth industry—a career path he had not originally planned but quickly grew to love. Recognizing the importance of professional development, he earned his first certification as a National Fireplace Institute (NFI) Gas Specialist in 2009, beginning a lifelong commitment to industry education and excellence.
Driven by a desire to provide homeowners with a higher level of service, Justin founded Premier Home Solutions & Inspections in 2015. His vision was simple: offer practical, affordable solutions to home-related problems while creating a customer experience that exceeded expectations. Rather than focusing solely on completing projects, Justin prioritized building lasting relationships with his clients. This customer-centered approach earned him the trust, loyalty, and referrals of homeowners throughout his service area.
In 2018, Justin narrowed his focus exclusively to fireplaces and chimneys. He quickly recognized a significant need for high-quality inspections, education, and repair options within the industry. Committed to raising the standard of care, he invested heavily in advanced training, certifications, and specialized equipment to provide the highest level of service possible.
In 2026, Justin joined InspectionFire after several years of utilizing its innovative inspection tools in his own business. Having experienced firsthand how these technologies improve inspection quality and efficiency, he was excited to become part of a team dedicated to advancing the industry. Today, he combines his passion for people, education, and technical excellence to help inspectors elevate their skills, strengthen their businesses, and better serve their clients.
Justin remains committed to improving the fireplace and chimney industry through education, mentorship, and service. He holds multiple certifications and state licenses, including FIRE, NCSG, NFI, and CSIA credentials.
In addition to his professional work, he serves as an industry educator and volunteer. Above all, Justin is a proud husband, father, grandfather, and son. He looks forward to connecting with fellow industry professionals and homeowners at future events and educational opportunities.