Greetings. My name is Mike Nelson in Mesa, AZ, and I’m proud to say that two days before Christmas I FINALLY passed the national exam (4th time). For that, I say Thank You to you all! My mentor referred me to this site after my second time failing the test, stating that his last pupil passed with help from this site–I’m so glad I listened. This site was greatly instrumental in my learning the topics (videos and preparatory test questions for individual sections) and passing the test, and I wish to thank you all for the hundreds of forum topics you all chose to participate in that were super helpful in learning. Next step here–to actually complete the rest of the work in each section to become an InterNACHI certified inspector. First up professionally–submitting my mock inspections and receiving my license to actually go to work.
Frankly, my move into Home Inspection was a product of Covid.
2020 started out great for me professionally. In March I started a new sales position with a company I was really excited about–4 months later I was let go. Talk about a kick to the nuts! It was the first time I had ever been let go, fired, in that position.
In August, after 2 months of run-arounds (and watching several Mike Rowe videos about the skills gap and the trades) and several conversations with my realtor girlfriend, I decided it was time for a change. It was time to expand my skills.
After serious research watching YouTube videos and visiting various sites, I chose Home Inspection. The class was 2 weeks long, relatively inexpensive, 30 parallel inspections didn’t seem too bad, the tools needed didn’t seem too awful expensive, and I just needed to pass the national exam. I thought I could get into HI for a relatively small amount of money, I’d be doing good for people, and I could be licensed pretty quick and start making money again. My goal was be be licensed and working by the end of September.
Well, it hasn’t been easy and took longer than expected, but after 4 1/2 months of doing the work, growing, learning, inspecting and collecting more than the needed qualifications, listening to my mentor (Nick, Alati’s Home Inspection) and studying my ass off, I’m finally in position to make this official.
Things are looking up again. I’m looking forward to working in my new industry, putting my life’s lessons and skills into my new business, and look forward to a new life all together. I’ve got plenty of years experience as an employee, now I look forward to living life as an entrepreneur!
Happy New Year everyone. Wishing you all my best for a happy, healthy, prosperous, and exciting 2021! It’s time to Make Shit Happen. Let’s do this!!
