Business Update--Atlanta Checking In

General Inspection Topics General Inspection Discussion
21

I hesitated to generate this thread because I’m not the type of person who looks for a quarrel. My intent was genuinely directed at encouraging other inspectors who may be in a struggle. We all need encouragement from time to time.

Some keys notes worthy of mentioning…

I’ve been inspecting for more than 14 years. This have fortunately allowed me to cultivate long-term relationships with bankers, agents, repeat customers, builders, contractors, home stagers and mortgage brokers. We also get to work with investors which I find especially rewarding because we’re part of converting a depressed property into something that is safe and healthy housing for a family. I’ve had the pleasure of working with investors from Canada, Russia, the Dominican Republic and Japan (which is especially fun since I speak fluent Japanese).

For the most part, I’m performing inspections 7 days a week. This is a personal choice because I’m simply trying to compress my working years so I can have a lengthy retirement. It’s tough to try to balance this schedule yet spend important time with family.

Regarding my inspections…our business model involves having 2 certified NACHI inspectors participate in the inspection. We usually perform 2 inspections a day with a possibility of a third one. The third one must meet several criteria to happen (such as size of home, foundation type, summertime for extended daylight and distance from the #2 inspection). 2 inspectors can complete an inspection in a shorter amount of time. We are not in any hurry to finish though. We want to be known for our attention to detail, excellent communications skills, and customer service. Our clients seem to like the second set of eyes. I just checked our numbers and our average inspection fee for the year is $405. Nick would jump on this and say it’s half the price it should be. We are certainly not the cheapest. A quick check of Craigslist and I found an inspector offering $245…any size home…with a termite letter.

Nonetheless, because of our willingness to work expanded hours coupled with 2 inspectors per inspection, we can reasonably exceed 550 per year. Incidentally, we have a part-time marketing rep, a full-time Office Manager and a part-time bookkeeper to keep our agents, clients and referral sources properly cared for.

When I first started inspections 14 years ago, I remember just looking at the phone and hoped it would ring. Then I worried about what to say! Today, I’ve got a hand-picked incredible staff that presents our business in a very professional manner.

The best business owners will constantly evolve,adapt, and are not afraid to make mistakes. Lord knows I’ve done plenty. The best inspectors I know are committed to following the contents of the SOP, are consistent in their work (independent of whether the client is present or not) and are quick to check their pride aside and say “I’m not sure about this, but I have trusted resource I can confidently get the answer from.”

I left a high paying Corporate job because I felt drawn to this industry. The whole technical side of the business is intriguing yet converting and conveying that information to the client in an understandable, usable format is also rewarding.

If I caused a non-productive debate with this thread…I am sorry. Wish you all the very best for your businesses.

Gary in Atlanta

22

Gary - it’s a freaking sad day when a guy has to apologize for being successful. I am telling you it’s simple jealousy. Instead of looking at it like criticism, look at their comments as success. Plain and simple they want to be in your shoes. They don’t have the balls to succeed. They blame the world, the market and YOU for their failures.

Let me guess, those days you were waiting for the phone to ring you stayed up thinking how to better serve the client to in turn get more business and then when a few business changes lead to more clients you tweaked it a little more and then got more business. It becomes addicting. You then found out if you hire more people to better service your clients, well you get more clients.

You are an entrepreneur. Your business has nothing to do with luck, schemes, trickery. It appears you built your business on one word “professionalism”. I would love to travel and see your operation and you are welcomed to come here anytime.

There are several people reading this thread and finding hope, mentorship, and guidance. For those people congrats, Gary Sloan is a person who should be emulated, copied, and talked to. He apparently has a wealth of knowledge and is willing to share.

Gary, please never apologize for your success. You apparently built something from nothing and should never listen to the “nay sayer”. Negativity breads negativity.

P.s. I am serious about going to Atlanta and seeing what you do. I think I could learn a lot from you.

23

Thanks for the comments. Our small company operates with one concept in mind…“Good enough never is.” We strive to constantly improve. That could involve anything from our phone script our Office Manager uses to the inspectors’ equipment (for example, infrared camera). Bob Elliot seems to be very in tune with the latest and greatest in electronics and technology (he certainly has convincing websites).

When I got my initial inspector training, my mentor said “The only tools needed for a home inspection are a flashlight and a screwdriver.” Since then, several diagnostic tools have become available to us. Just the other day, my client marveled at our electronic moisture meter. The general public simply doesn’t have exposure or knowledge about these tools. Until houses are developed to include a self-diagnosing reporting system similar to automobiles, we still have opportunities for business. Even so these smart computer systems can’t detect odor, the location of an unusual sound, or a mechanical misalignment to name a few.

I remember seeing reports from the late 80’s and early 90’s that included Polaroid pictures stapled to the report.

Yes, technology can be cool but it can be daunting and cumbersome for some. Not all clients are current with it. I had a older Realtor recently ask how he would receive a copy of the report. I replied we would be sending an electronic copy before then end of the day. The realtor pulled out a $20 bill and asked if I could Fedex it to him. I’ve never been asked to do so but inquired as to why he wanted it sent this way. He said he didn’t have an email address. I shook his hand and said I was honored to meet the last man in America without email. We both laughed.

Three years ago we had an “open house” at our business. We called it “Discovery Days” and invited realtors for a free meal and just a break from their day. I also had my Office Manager invite every inspector within 30 miles to participate. We actually had 12 show up. It turned out to be a great success. They got to see our operation, interact with our staff and see some of our work in action. We make every effort to be transparent in everything we do. The agents were quite surprised to know other inspectors were invited. No worries. It was an innovative thing to do and we’ll plan for another one. The next will involve our other referral sources and other types of businesses who may benefit from new relationships.

I’d write more but it’s getting dangerously close to the time to leave for the next inspection. Being prompt is paramount in our operation. Our inspectors know that if they’re not 15 minutes early, then they are late.

Later!

24

I have been doing inspections for over 10 years. Before that, I was an executive in a top 75 fortune company for many years. I know what it takes, and how to work it. My wife is a top marketing executive in a food company. She knows how it works.

When agents here no longer hire an experienced, professional, CMI home inspector, that tells me one thing; that agents want soft, say-nothing basic cheap inspections at lower cost, so the buyer will not be alarmed by home defects that a more experienced home inspector would find. And, these basic inspections are allowed by the new Kansas SOP’s and laws.

It was a sad day three years ago that these new licensing laws where signed into play, and my business has reflected it. Veteran inspectors such as Dan Bowers and I are suffering here in KC in many ways. We refuse to compete and stoop to these $249 inspections. We are striving to properly inform home buyers, but the agents do not see it that way. Sad for the home buyers of KC.

25

This is a good thread.
I’m in my second year and business is improving all the time. I do see so many negative comments and people here that it is refreshing to see someone post something positive.
This year I anticipate performing about 125 inspections. I do have a reputation for being a very thorough inspector. My average price this year is about $50 higher than last year, less condo’s and less discounting. My average size homes have been larger also, which helps increase the average price.
I would like to thank everyone for their input. I try to make use of the positive and throw out the negative. I will one day get to the 400 to 500 range.

26

I think Gary Sloan, Dale Duffy, Jeff Pope, John Shishilla, Myself, Preston Halstead, Fox, Troy Pappas, Bob Elliot, Sean Fogarty, Anderson, Gillian and these are just off the top of my head, all seem to be turning a decent profit and are far from the cheapest in the area.

From what I gather from the years of post readings in that you and Dan took on the Realtors in your area. How did that work out for you? You got black balled big time. So now its up to you to get your name out there. Which from your posts is not doing too well.

Sometime a little guy can win, such as Nick and Internachi winning against ASHI. Its rare and seldom happens. But in this case it did.

So you can keep degrading others and telling them their success can only happen because their reports suck or just face the facts that maybe you suck and they are better business men. I tend to think from reading your posts you tend to be the biggest crier of unjust treatment and the blamer of failure on others.

Its BUSINESS, deal with it or get out. If your not making money, its not the world agaisnt you, its your horrible at business. You brag about 500 inspections in the boom. What does that prove? My dog could have done 500 inspections during the boom. Business success is not proven during good times, its proven during bad times. The cream willm always rise to the top and will diversify and adjust to adjust for success.

You have been unwilling to do so, so then deal with your actions and your lack of action.

Stop freaking crying and blaming the world, and you are absolute proof that negativty is the recipe for disaster.

27

Surprising how things just don’t change here. It’s a shame that one man’s story of success can be ripped apart. Obviously Gary S. extends his story for those that have doubt in the industry. And it’s the rude, negative comments that followed that have kept me away from the message boards.

Keep doing what your doing Gary Sloan!