Why Trust Ables Top Hat for Your Chimney & Fireplace Needs?
Whether for your home or for a commercial property, Ables Top Hat is the number one choice for chimney, fireplace, and dryer vent care in Temple, Killeen, and all surrounding areas. Our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction has earned us a reputation as the go-to service provider in the region.
Why choose us? Our local hometown roots mean we are deeply invested in the communities we serve, and we take pride in delivering top-notch service.
That said, when it comes to quality and ability, we deliver like the bigger companies… Whether you need routine maintenance, a simple repair, or a complete system overhaul, our certified professionals are equipped with the expertise and tools necessary to handle it.
Trust us to keep your chimney, fireplace, and venting systems in peak condition, so you can enjoy warmth and safety year-round. Call or schedule with us online now.
Our Company History
In 1980, Doug Ables needed a chimney sweep. He couldn’t find one, so he started researching and gathering the equipment to do it himself. A few months later, he was one of Texas’ first chimney sweeps to be nationally certified by the Wood Heating Education Research Foundation. His DIY hobby soon turned into a part-time job.
Upon moving back to Central Texas in 1996, Doug and Mary started Ables Top Hat Chimney Sweeps and quickly established themselves as the premier chimney sweep company in Central Texas. The business eventually turned into a full-time enterprise. In true family business fashion, Doug has often been joined in work by his children and grandchildren over the years.
Ables Top Hat Chimney Sweeps has won the title of “Best in Central Texas” and “Best of Cove” nearly every year since the chimney sweep category was added in 2014. Ables Top Hat Chimney Sweeps added dryer vent cleaning to its repertoire in 2005 and also began doing air duct cleaning a few years later.
After serving in the Army for eight years as an infantry officer, Micah Ables eagerly took over the business with his wife, Corinne, in 2020. In order to reflect the growing, wide array of home services that they offer, they changed the company name to Ables Top Hat Home Services.
The Story Behind the Top Hat
You might know that top hats are associated with chimney sweeps, but…why exactly?
Chimney sweeping became popular in Europe in the 1600s after the Great Fire of London. It was primarily a job for young chimney sweeps who were small enough to climb in the chimneys. Legend has it that undertakers often felt bad for these young workers and gave them their old top hats and tuxedos to wear so the young sweeps didn’t feel so low class. Thus, the top hat was born as the symbol of chimney sweeps.
When Doug started the business, he bought a top hat and tuxedo and used it as the symbol of his trade. He eventually replaced the tuxedo coat with a tuxedo t-shirt thanks to the blazing Texas summer months, but he still wore his old top hat to every job.
From his work outfit to his logo, the top hat became the icon of our Central Texas chimney sweep business as much as it was for the early European sweeps.
Meet Our Team
Micah, Owner
Certified Chimney Professional
Texas Portable Fire Extinguisher License
Born and raised in Central Texas, Micah grew up working with his dad and started working on chimneys when he was eight years old. After graduating from Central Texas College, he attended the United States Military Academy at West Point. While on a school trip, he met his eventual wife, Corinne. Upon graduation, Micah commissioned as an infantry officer in the 101st Airborne Division and deployed to Afghanistan. In addition to Afghanistan, Micah served overseas stints in Ukraine, Israel, Poland, and Georgia. During leave and days off, Micah continued to help Doug with the family business. After completing two company commands in the 1st Cavalry Division at then Fort Hood, Micah transitioned to the Army Reserves and to full-time ownership of Ables Top Hat Home Services.
Corinne, Owner
Corinne was born and raised in upstate New York, but got to Texas as fast as she could! She grew up in an entrepreneurial family and has loved working with small businesses since a young age. In classic army spouse fashion, Corinne has worked a variety of jobs in administration, marketing, project management, and writing over the last several years. In addition to her work with the business, Corinne is the mother to their three young kids!
Colton, Inspector
Certified Chimney Professional
Colton was born and raised in Central Texas. While growing up he assisted on his family’s farm. After graduating from Belton High School, he worked in the automotive field for seven years. In 2022, Colton received his Certified Chimney Professional certification from the National Chimney Sweeps Guild while living in Austin, Texas. Colton then moved back to the Temple/Belton area and started working for Ables Top Hat in July of 2023. Colton is also a member of the Moffat Volunteer Fire Department where he serves his community in Firefighting and Fire Prevention. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time outdoors with his wife, Michelle, and their two children.
Joshua, Technician
ICC Certified Portable Fire Extinguisher Technician
Joshua was born and raised in Southern California. He moved to Utah in 2007, shortly after getting married, and started working as an Apprentice for Chim Chimney Fireplace and Stove Shop before joining the Army and serving eight years in the infantry. After leaving the Army in 2018, he finished his degree and started working at Copperas Cove High School. He quickly realized he wanted to do more physical work and he discovered Ables in August 2023, and he is excited to continue in this trade. Aside from spending time with his family he loves the outdoors and is a certified instructor in self defense, firearms, and wilderness/urban survival.
Jennifer, Office Manager
Jennifer was born and raised in New York but has called Texas home for over 20 years. With a background in education, she earned her bachelor’s degree from Nazareth College of Rochester and spent several years as a dedicated teacher. Jennifer is not only a skilled multitasker at work but also at home, where she balances life with her four children. Her love for creativity shines through in her passion for crafting, and she is an avid soccer fan who enjoys cheering on her favorite teams. Jennifer’s strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and commitment to excellent customer service make her an invaluable part of the Ables Top Hat team. We are grateful to have her leading the office with warmth and professionalism!
Wyatt, Apprentice Technician
Wyatt was born in Mineola, Kansas, and grew up in a family with a strong focus on hard work. His mother’s military service meant frequent moves, taking him across different states during his childhood. After graduating from high school, Wyatt finally made his way to Texas, where he decided to begin his career. A dedicated football fan, Wyatt brings the same passion and energy to his work as he does to the game. His favorite part of working at Ables Top Hat is the opportunity to learn new things every day, constantly expanding his skills and knowledge in the field.
Doug, Founder
Doug started sweeping chimneys in 1980 and built this company from the bottom up. Locals know and recognize Doug by his kind, welcoming spirit, and his extensive knowledge of the industry. His impact on Central Texas goes further than home safety – his love for people and family is deeply rooted in countless Central Texas homes. He is now happily retired and when he’s not consulting on the business he is playing with his 13 grandchildren.
Mary, Founder
Mary has answered countless thousands of customer calls over the years. She served behind the scenes as the office administrator, secretary, and bookkeeper. Often without thanks, Mary ran the family business in endless ways.
Reach Out Today
Ensure your home and business safety, and ask about our pricing discounts for multiple services. Give us a call today!
Ables Top Hat is looking forward to having you contact us for all your chimney and dryer vent needs. We’ll take care of you!