As a new inspector or solo shop, you likely have a unique entry point into the business, but do you know how the industry got started? (Hint: the home inspection concept wasn’t as common sense as you might think.)
In today’s episode of The Ride Along Podcast, we meet Kathleen Kuhn, whose father helped kickstart the inspection industry back in the 1970s by encouraging the initial companies to form the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI). She’s also the former CEO and Founder of HouseMaster, the first inspection company to franchise!
Of course, a lot has changed since the early days but one thing remains consistent: realtors and building relationships are the number one way to earn new and repeat business. As Kathleen says, “home buyers are the least savvy they’ve ever been and inspections are being used too much as negotiation plays, instead of educational tools.” One of the biggest challenges for all inspectors is to close the gap between home inspection and home ownership. “Whoever cracks that code is going to be the future of the industry.”
Come for the quick history lesson, her advice on why solo shops should hire at least one inspector, why economic downturns are the “greatest opportunities,” and her top three tips for succeeding in the industry.
Also, be sure to tune into The Ride Along Host Brad Lowery’s interview with Wally Conway, a home inspection industry stalwart whose advice on work-life balance is something all new home inspectors need to hear!
And don’t forget to subscribe to The Ride Along YouTube channel to make sure you get all the newest content delivered direct into your email inbox!
