William Decker Jr. is one of a few men I have to look up to. The moment I shook this 6’7" bright orange-shirt wearing, happy, jolly, gregarious fellow; I became a little nervous and wondered to myself if this guy was in the right profession. But that question was quickly dismissed from my mind as he spoke to me as a person and educated me about all the things I needed to know about the property. Watching him on his hands and knees going through crawl spaces with a flashlight on his forehead and attics, getting on a ladder to go on the roof, standing flatfooted and pressing a flashlight on a ceiling looking for cracks and consistency, checking moisture content with his meter, checking electrical power, heating, cooling, etc. I knew that just by observation that he was the best at his profession. Not only with his thoroughness, but with his ability to communicate with me (at my level) concerns and how to remedy problematic situations. WDJ is incredibly patient and wasn’t a type of person that was concerned about the time; rather, he made sure that all the things on his clipboard was checked and evaluated.
I searched the internet websites of Home Inspectors in the Chicago area community and called five of them and chose WDJ due to his clear understanding and expertise in making me feel comfortable in addition to the clarity of his website.
*I have passed his information to my friends and family for his services. *Furthermore, I will not hesitate to contact WDJ for future inspections or just to give him a call and ask for some home improvement advice or a referral. I would even invite him over for dinner just so that I could learn more from him. He is a man of character and a man that I trust. Please pass on my gratefulness to Mr. Willam Decker Jr. as I wish that there were more people in this world like him. I don’t know if you had an opportunity to have met this gentle giant, but if you ever get a chance, you will soon learn what I did that WDJ is the BEST at his profession.
To wake up this morning and do a quick scan of the board and find this.
Please, understand that without NACHI, both National and our local chapter and hundreds of different inspectors, from those I met in Florida, to RR, to John Bowman, to Joe Farcetta, to Russell Spriggs to Jeff Pope to Russ Myers to Ken Demski to Bradd Judd to Chris Radan to Mark Pierotti, to Jeff Harness to Pat Bolinger to Ken Jones to Mark Sylvester to Pat Kelly to Jeff Judy as well as the non-HIs and trainers like Nick (of course) to Joe Tedesco to Aimee to Deena to Liza to Paul Abernathy to Bil Merrill to Gerry Beaumont, etc, etc, etc.
Note: If I have ever met you or seen you post on this board, add yourself to the above list.
In short, having been in this business for about 1 1/2 years, I would not be getting these types of e-mails without ALL or your help, teaching, advice, butt kicking, and care.
This is NACHI, and I thank G-d every day for all of you.
----- Original Message ----- From: John Cordeiro To: Nick Gromicko Sent: Wednesday, May 03, 2006 8:23 AM Subject: Brutality Online Works!!!
Nick;
*Wanted to let you know I followed your advice in the IQ called Brutality *Online http://www.nachi.org/brutal.htm and designed my web site, http://www.hdetectives.com](http://www.hdetectives.com) around that advice. Today, 2 days after posting it and 2 weeks after joining NACHI, I got my fist call for an inspection from the site and booked it easily.
1 They never asked how much do you charge. 2 They never asked for qualifications. 3 I did no selling just order taking.
*When I asked how they heard of us, he stated he searched online and I **was 2nd from the list and my site looked better then the others so he *picked me.
----- Original Message ----- From: Cornerstone Home Inspections To: ‘nick gromicko’ Sent: Thursday, May 04, 2006 6:57 PM Subject: RE: State Certification
Nick
**
Thanks…
**
I also want to let you know that NACHI is a great organization. The services and support you provide to your members is outstanding. I’m always amazed at the educational information that I can find on the web site. Thanks again for developing such a great organization.
**
----- Original Message ----- From:Rod Musch To:nick.gromicko@nachi.org Sent: Tuesday, May 16, 2006 7:46 AM Subject: American Home Warranty
[FONT=Arial]*First a compliment, I have used the links for suppliers (www.InspectorMALL.com) and have been impressed. Lot’s of help, Good Job. *[/FONT]
----- Original Message ----- From: Gene To:nick.gromicko@nachi.org Sent: Tuesday, May 16, 2006 8:15 PM
*When I joined NACHI over 2 years ago, I didn’t see the growth potential, nor the mega amounts of information you contain on the site. BRAVO!!! You’ve given me something to do to relax, the new courses etc. *
I would like to compliment you, Will Decker of the Chicago Chapter and the organization regarding the furthering of the education of newer inspectors.*
I joined NACHI last August, several months before I was licensed in the state of Illinois. Having limited experience in the construction field, and no experience in the inspection field, I felt I needed to join an organization that would allow me to learn as much as possible. Through all of the research, I determined that NACHI would offer me far more than any of the others out there.*
Little did I know at the time(literally), the pre-license courses & the licensing tests, (In my opinion), were insufficient to become as knowledgeable as one would need to be to service the client & the industry to the best ability.*
I have not, and do not intend to perform any inspections ( other than practice) until I feel that I have the experience to recognize all but the oddest of situations. This is where the organization really shines! *
I joined the Chicago chapter a couple of months ago, And took one of the electrical continuing ed. courses that Will Decker taught. Being very happy with the information I learned from that course, I called Mr. Decker to compliment him, during our conversation, Mr.Decker mentioned a program that is being implemented through the membership, that allows for “RIDE ALONGS” with experienced inspectors.Lacking in field experience, as I am sure many new inspectors are, I thought this is exactly what I need.*
I did go out with Mr. Decker, and the experience was priceless. One can read, study, learn on line, etc.,nothing gives you the education you receive “in the field”.*
I think that “Ride Alongs” are a fantastic tool that are available to the membership, and once I have the experience of a seasoned professional, I would be happy to pass that knowledge on to the next newbie.*
Again, I would like to compliment NACHI, NACHI CHICAGO & in particular Will Decker for furthering the education, and fostering the confidence of a “soon to be” Nachi Certified Inspector.*
*I am happy to serve. I have done about 30 of these ride alongs. I have
also done 2 ‘reverse’ ride alongs. That is where a new inspector does
his/her first inspection and myself or some other ‘seasoned’ inspector goes
along and acts as if they are the ‘helper’ to the new inspector. The
seasoned guy gives the newbie confidence and makes sure that he misses
nothing. There is an ‘after action’ debrief and the seasoned inspector
reviews the report afterward to make sure everything is OK.
----- Original Message ----- From:Dave Macy To:fastreply@nachi.org Sent: Monday, June 05, 2006 11:28 AM Subject: Electrical Course
Nick
Just wanted to take the time to tell you about the online electrical course.
*I thought it was presented very well. The photos & illistrations plus the knowledge of GB was very professional. *
I recently submitted a poll about safety gear and to my suprise, mostg inspectors are not using. I went oult to Lowes and purchased goggles as I was not protecting myself.
I use the message board daily and The benifits of this infomation is priceless.
*Just a quick note to say that NACHI saved the day, thanks. One of my clients had detailed electrical questions and I was unable to reach my local electrician so I contacted NACHI’s own electrical expert, Paul Abernathy. He was very helpful and informative. He even asked to see pictures to confirm his thoughts. Paul called me right away with his recommendations. It was great. *
*I love the camaraderie amongst the members and their willingness to help each other out. I believe this is set forth by the excellent example you set for all NACHI members as well as the wonderful field experts you have brought on board. *
So, thanks again Nick for all that you do for us and special thanks to Paul for his prompt and professional assistance.
Nick,
*
I can’t thank you enough! Due to PA regulations, I’ve been training with Jim & Ursula Davis (both NACHI members). They encouraged me to join NACHI & steer clear of ASHI. In short, I am proud to be a NACHI member.*
*Once again I owe a big THANK YOU to NACHI. I have received several inspections this month because clients found me through the NACHI network. I also recently took the national H.I. test, and I can say having the practice section available refreshed my memory and taught me some things I didn’t know which allowed me to pass the test easily!! So thank you!!! Joining the NACHI family is one of the best things I have done for my business. *
----- Original Message ----- From: Steve Luxton To:nick.gromicko@nachi.org Sent: Tuesday, June 27, 2006 5:22 AM Subject: You Have a Champion in Maryland
Hey Nick, I recently attended an educational event in Frederick MD, hosted by Katherine Brédé. I was duly impressed by the way she organized the event and gave every vendor attention, which as you well know, goes a long way. She had 2 very successful REALTORS speak at the Friday evening dinner that truly benefited both the REALTORS and the home inspectors. She also allowed me to speak for half an hour. As a vendor, I appreciate that obviously. My message is strong and clear – inspectors have a “Perfect Storm” of opportunity – rising, make that, skyrocketing energy prices coupled with a cooling off real estate market. Slowing home inspection businesses can be bolstered by this new services that expands their market to the home owners. Any how, Katherine was superb and believe me Nick, I have attended many chapter meetings of all persuasions. She is doing NACHI proud and I will certainly spread the word to my fellow vendors to support her. Regards,
Bringing Today’s Energy Technology to Yesteryear’s Homes
Stephen J. Luxton Home Energy Tune-uP® Regional Manager
***www.hometuneup.com *** Ph – 866.843.5500 F – 215.540.0352
