Today we’d like to introduce you to Noelle Darby.
Noelle, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I grew up in a small Appalachian Mountain town in Pennsylvania. My father was a construction guy who had his own business for awhile, so the trades have always been a part of my life. In high school I focused my studies in business education at a technical school. I always had entrepuner in my blood, even in my youth, weather it was selling chocolate covered pretzels, to glow sticks, to anything that had a nice margin. Fast forward to 2019. I started this company with my now, husband. We were dealing with many challenges in life but ended up being lined up with the exact opportunities that God planned. We went all in on starting our company in November of 2019. We started with a ladder, vacuum and determation. Our business took off instantly. Covid hit and we were uncertain, but that only skyrocketed our business. We continue to grow every year since our business was established and we are so greatful for the motivation and determination to be successful for our family. Being self employed has it challenges but reaps it’s rewards as well. I am thankful to be able to raise my children and adjust my schedule around my families needs. Having your spouse as your business partner is also a plus because we are both working for the same goal, which is building a legacy for our family. Being a CEO of a small business has taught me so many things, but the greatest takeaway would have to be, even when times seem challenging, you have to look beyond the temporary discomfort and see where the room for growth resides. Turbulence is just a sign of elevation. I encourage anyone who is wanting to take the gamble on themselves, to take that leap of faith and bet on yourself!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I would say a struggle would definitely be finding employees that have the same passion to grow as we do. I think Covid did something to the workforce, it seems many people either want to make a huge salary with no experience or they don’t want to do physical labor. We want to scale our business within the next few years, so we can have The Duke’s Chimney in all the surrounding states.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about The Duke’s Chimney Sweeps and Services?
At The Duke’s Chimney Sweeps and Services we specialize in chimney inspections, chimney sweeping, chimney repairs, chimney liners, chimney caps, wood stove installations, and fireplace safety services throughout Maryland, Delaware, and Pennsylvania. Our mission is simple: provide honest recommendations, quality workmanship, and exceptional customer service while helping homeowners keep their families safe.
What sets us apart is that we are not a large franchise or corporate operation. We are a locally owned, family-operated company built on relationships, trust, and accountability. When customers call us, they work directly with the owners, ensuring personalized service and a level of care that is often lost in larger organizations.
As a second-generation contractor, I grew up around construction and service-based businesses. That background taught me the value of hard work, integrity, and standing behind your work. We have combined those traditional values with modern technology, digital education, and customer-focused communication to create a company that homeowners can depend on.
We are especially proud of the brand we have built within our community. Through educational content, social media, and our YouTube presence, we have helped thousands of homeowners better understand chimney and fireplace safety. Our goal has never been to simply sell a service—we strive to educate, build trust, and become a long-term resource for our customers.
The Duke’s Chimney is known for quality work done right, transparent communication, and treating every home as if it were our own. We believe that a strong brand is built through consistency, integrity, and genuinely caring about the people we serve. Those values continue to guide everything we do as we grow and expand our impact throughout the region.
Quality Work. Done Right. That’s more than a slogan—it’s the standard we hold ourselves to every day.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
Growing up I was a vibrant, nature loving, animal loving child that always was called to more. I loved my humble beginnings and where I grew up, it truly shaped me! I was taught strength, resilience, independence and kindness. I was always in the forest from morning until evening, riding four wheelers or being in the river. I was an only child, so my parents said one year when the scacadias were out, I called them my friends. I always laugh at that story because honestly even being an only child, I never needed people to be by my side, all living creatures I considered my friends. I think that is where my deep understanding and compassion for all walks of life formed. I always was interested in seeing new places and exploring areas outside of my hometown and learning other cultures traditions. Growing up where I did, you had to pave a way for yourself. Life is what you make of it, so make it great!
This is a beautiful foundation for an “About the Founder” story. Here’s a polished version that preserves your voice while making it flow naturally:
About the Founder
Growing up, I was a vibrant, nature-loving child with a deep curiosity about the world around me. Raised in a small Appalachian town, I learned early on the values of strength, resilience, independence, and kindness. My humble beginnings shaped who I am today, and for that, I will always be grateful.
Most of my childhood was spent outdoors—from sunrise to sunset exploring the forests, riding four-wheelers, wading through rivers, and immersing myself in nature. As an only child, I found companionship in every living thing around me. My parents often tell the story of the year the cicadas emerged in full force and how I proudly called them my friends. To this day, it still makes me laugh because, truthfully, I never felt alone. Animals, insects, trees, and the natural world were all part of my community.
Looking back, I believe those experiences helped cultivate my deep compassion and understanding for people from all walks of life. Nature taught me that everything has a purpose, a story, and a place in this world. That lesson has remained with me throughout my life and career.
I was always fascinated by places beyond my hometown. I dreamed of exploring new landscapes, meeting people from different backgrounds, and learning about cultures, traditions, and ways of life unlike my own. Growing up where I did, opportunities weren’t handed to you—you had to create them. That mindset instilled in me a belief I still carry today: life is what you make of it, so make it great.
Today, that same adventurous spirit fuels everything I do. Whether building businesses, traveling with purpose, connecting with people from different cultures, or helping others discover their own path, I remain guided by the values that shaped me as a child: curiosity, compassion, resilience, and a love for the world and all who inhabit it. I hope my life inspires my children to dream big and no the world is full of possibilities, you just have to willing to pursue them!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thedukeschimney.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thedukeschimney
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/noelledarby
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thedukeschimney5924
- Other: https://tiktok.com/@thedukeschimney
Image Credits
Philter Photography- for wedding picture.
