Inspector Empire Builder

Send us a textCan a husband-and-wife team really build a healthy, profitable home inspection business without burning out their marriage?In this episode of Inspection Empire Builder, Clay and Julie Houston share the raw story from a “house of horrors” money pit to 20 years running a thriving inspection company in Dallas.If you’re growing a home inspection business (or thinking about working with your spouse), this one’s for you.What You’ll Learn / HighlightsHow a nightmare first home purchase and terrible inspection pushed Clay & Julie into the inspection industry — and what they do differently now.The simple ways they measure the health of their company using their P&L, profitability, and real numbers (not just “money in the bank”).How they use a modified Profit First system to pay themselves, plan for taxes, and avoid surprise $20K tax bills.Practical boundaries they’ve set as a married couple in business (no business talk in the bedroom or at the dinner table) to protect their family.Why personality assessments + clear visionary / integrator roles dramatically reduced conflict and helped their inspection business grow.How they handled losing two inspectors and a call coordinator in one month without shrinking the company.The role of retreats, off-roading trips, and real rest in preventing burnout and creating a truly healthy inspection business and family life.To connect with IEB using the following links:Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/l0gctoXdRlg⁠WebsiteInstagramEmail: support@iebcoaching 

⁠Send us a textWant to grow your home inspection business beyond the truck and ladder? In this episode of Inspection Empire Builder, we sit down with JT from Central Florida Building Inspectors—one of the largest inspection companies in Florida—to unpack how he went from in-the-field solo to a true mini-empire.If you’re an inspector who wants more freedom, more impact, and a business that serves your life (not the other way around), this one’s for you.What You’ll Learn / Episode HighlightsHow JT scaled from solo inspector to 20+ home inspectors plus a growing mold division and commercial armThe hidden power of in-person events and hallway conversations at IEB (and why Zoom can’t replace them)Why work–life balance, boundaries, and saying “no” are non-negotiable if you want a business that doesn’t burn you outJT’s stewardship mindset: treating your business, body, and time like gifts you’re responsible forPractical ways he protects his health and energy (sleep, functional medicine, bloodwork, biohacking tools, and more)The real challenges of hiring and staffing: why he’d rather stay understaffed than hire the wrong inspectorWhen to add a growth/marketing team, what those roles look like, and how they collaborate instead of competeHow and why he built a separate mold company (and why it’s approaching 7 figures while actually helping people feel better in their homes)A preview of JT’s IEB Unite talk in Orlando and what he’ll be teaching about parallel service businessesTo connect with IEB using the following links:Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/l0gctoXdRlg⁠WebsiteInstagramEmail: support@iebcoaching 

⁠Send us a textHome inspection repair quotes don’t have to be a nightmare.If you’re tired of being asked, “So how much will that cost?” and fearing the liability, this episode is your new playbook.Perfect for home inspectors, real estate agents, and team leaders who want accurate home inspection repair quotes without chasing contractors.What You’ll Learn / HighlightsHow to turn a 60–80 page home inspection report into local repair pricing in about a minuteWhy most inspectors avoid giving repair cost estimates—and how to offer them without extra liabilityThe difference between rough estimates and firm, contractor-backed quotes your clients can actually useHow The Quick Fix reads any inspection report and generates market-specific pricing (San Diego vs Albuquerque vs anywhere)How inspectors can get paid instead of paying for pricing reports (and why that matters for scaling)Real-world examples: roofs, shingles, water heaters, HVAC, foundations & engineer reportsHow this tool helps agents negotiate credits, repairs, or walk away from bad deals with confidenceTo connect with IEB using the following links:Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/l0gctoXdRlg⁠WebsiteInstagramEmail: support@iebcoaching 

⁠Send us a textIf you’re a home inspector or blue-collar entrepreneur trying to figure out how to build real wealth—not just a busy schedule—this episode is for you.We sit down with the “Godfather” of the inspection world, Nick, to unpack how he went from broke, hungry, and starting over… to millions in real estate, multiple businesses, and commercial inspections.Learn how to protect yourself from inflation, create real freedom, and build a business that actually pays you back.How Nick went from poor coal-mining family to multi-business owner with a massive real estate portfolioThe early days of home inspections: on-site reports with photos in the 90s and how that innovation exploded his companyWhy he lost money for 11 years building InterNACHI—and why it was still the right moveHow he quietly built 55 properties worth ~$30M by keeping his crew busy between jobsWhy he buys heavy equipment instead of Lamborghinis—and how “toys that make money” can change everythingA simple breakdown of inflation, the dollar, and why he loves gold, silver, and real estateHow home inspectors can use their X-ray vision to buy under-market properties and outplay hedge fundsThe smartest exit strategy for solo inspectors: building a multi-inspector firm and selling it to your own teamWhy commercial inspections are the next level (from “hundreds” to “thousands”) and how CCPIA fits inHow to use an SBA-compliant business plan to get funding and transition into commercial inspectionsThe hidden role your spouse and fear of failure play in how much risk—and reward—you’re willing to takeTo connect with IEB using the following links:Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/l0gctoXdRlg⁠WebsiteInstagramHighlightsEmail: support@iebcoaching

⁠Send us a textBuilding a home inspection company from scratch? This episode breaks down what actually works—how to ramp from zero to steady bookings, add team members the right way, and build a culture people fight to be part of. If you want a business that outlives your toolbelt, this one’s for you.What You’ll Learn / HighlightsThe real reason solo inspection businesses sell for less—and how to build transferable valueHow Kyle ramped to 5–6 inspections/week in ~90 days after moving marketsWho to hire first (client care vs. inspector) and why it depends on your life seasonPractical culture plays: “Duck-season Fridays,” parental leave, and flexible time without chaosHandling callbacks + conflict: turn angry calls into long-term trust (scripts + mindset)Perfectionism vs. progress: beating the “all-or-nothing” trap so your team can actually scaleMission • Vision • Values • Culture (MVVC): using it for interviews, accountability, and buy-inWhy masterminds/annual planning (IEB) compress years of trial-and-error into weeksChapters (timestamps)00:00 Intro & why building the right way matters01:12 Kyle’s first company sale (solo vs. sellable business)05:33 Moving to a new market: starting from zero again09:18 Hitting 5–6 inspections/week in 90 days—what changed12:45 Agents, retention risk, and why “they loved you” matters in a sale16:02 Who to hire first: client care vs. inspector (season of life lens)19:55 Culture plays that actually work (duck season, paternity leave, flexibility)24:38 Small team = no slack: hiring only people you truly want to work with28:41 Building MVVC you’ll actually use (not corporate wallpaper)33:10 Training a new Client Care Coordinator in real time (“build the plane in the air”)37:25 Perfectionism vs. progress for inspectors (and owners)41:03 Callbacks & conflict: the mindset that turns heat into loyalty45:27 Scripts for calming sellers/agents and fixing what matters49:40 Annual planning & why masterminds pay for themselves (IEB)53:22 How to know you’re ready to add your first team member56:10 Wrap-up + how to connect with Kyle & MattTo connect with IEB using the following links:Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/l0gctoXdRlg⁠WebsiteInstagramEmail: support@iebcoaching 

Send us a textWhat if the plumbing system in your home is a ticking time bomb, and no one told you? In this eye-opening episode of Inspector Empire Builder, host Matt Williams sits down with home inspection veteran John Bolton to dig deep into a growing controversy that could impact millions of homes: is PEX piping heading down the same disastrous path as polybutylene and Kitec?Home inspectors, realtors, and homeowners alike need to hear this. John shares decades of industry experience and recently uncovered research revealing that PEX, used in countless modern homes, is beginning to show alarming signs of deterioration, contamination, and system failure. With lawsuits brewing, insurance companies pulling back, and hidden dangers lurking inside the walls, this episode doesn’t just raise questions, it blows the whistle.Matt and John cover:The shocking parallels between PEX and past plumbing disasters like polybutylene and KitecMold growth inside water lines and what it means for your drinking waterThe health risks of microplastics and chemical leaching from PEXHow insurance companies are reacting, and why that matters for your next inspectionWhat every inspector should start including in their reports to protect themselves and their clientsTakeaways:PEX piping has documented issues with mold, chemical leaching, and UV degradation.Some insurance companies in Florida already restrict coverage for homes with PEX.PEX degradation can begin within the first year, it doesn't take decades.Inspectors should consider carefully-worded disclosures to protect against liability.Awareness is growing, and this could be the next nationwide plumbing crisis.“We’re putting things in houses today that we’ll regret in ten years, we just don’t know which ones yet.” - Matt WilliamsInspectors: take this seriously. Subscribe, share this episode, and journal your current disclosure practices around PEX. Be proactive before the industry forces your hand.To connect with IEB using the following links:Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/l0gctoXdRlg⁠WebsiteInstagramEmail: support@iebcoaching

⁠Send us a textWhat if the key to scaling your business, reducing burnout, and changing lives globally was sitting in your inbox? In this episode of Inspection Empire Builder, we dive deep into the growing world of virtual assistants, and how hiring the right one can be the catalyst your business has been waiting for. Whether you’ve never hired a VA or you're looking to upgrade your staffing strategy, this episode will challenge how you think about talent, leadership, and impact.Our host sits down with the leadership team from MyRA Staffing, Mike, Jeremy, and Will, for a wide-ranging, honest, and inspiring conversation. These three aren't just running another staffing agency; they’ve built a purpose-driven company that’s out to transform businesses and lives. With an eye on excellence and a heart for people, they share how MyRA sources top-tier VAs from the Philippines, pays them well above industry standards, and vets them through a rigorous process that ensures the perfect match between client and assistant.They also explore how AI is changing the VA landscape, and why human connection, empathy, and creativity still matter most.Key Takeaways:Why hiring a VA isn’t just about saving time, it’s about increasing impact.How MyRA's stringent vetting and values-driven approach sets them apart.The surprising economic and emotional ripple effects of hiring overseas.Where AI fits in, and where it falls short, in the future of staffing.Real-life stories of VAs changing their families' futures through meaningful work.“We want people to thrive, not just survive.”👥 If this episode sparked ideas or gave you new clarity, share it with a fellow entrepreneur or team leader. Subscribe to Inspection Empire Builder for more practical tools and inspiring stories every week!To connect with IEB using the following links:Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/l0gctoXdRlg⁠WebsiteInstagramEmail: support@iebcoaching

⁠Send us a text What if the secret to growing your inspection business isn't in your report, but in the first 7 seconds?In this episode of Inspector Empire Builder, host Matt Williams welcomes Katie York from Spectora to talk about a topic that could transform your inspection business: building trust. From the moment a potential client lands on your website to the final delivery of a report, trust isn’t just a “nice to have”, it’s the backbone of repeat business and long-term success.Katie shares the behind-the-scenes growth story of Spectora, from a 10-person startup to serving over 10,000 home inspectors. Along the way, she reveals how communication, culture, and consistency helped build their loyal customer base, and how inspectors can do the same in their own businesses. Matt and Katie dive into everything from hiring the right people to creating a humanized, trust-rich experience across every customer touchpoint.You’ll also hear creative, real-world ideas for turning a one-time inspection into recurring revenue and how AI is shifting the value of human connection like never before.Takeaways:Why obsessing over your report format might be killing your business growthThe real impact of first impressions, and how to win trust in 7 secondsHow to train (or hire) for soft skills that create emotional safety for clientsSimple strategies for creating recurring revenue in your inspection businessHow Spectora’s tools help inspectors automate professionalism without losing that personal touch "Let’s obsess over the human connection, the kind of stuff that can’t be replaced by a bot." – Katie York Think about your first point of contact with clients, your website, your phone call, your driveway greeting. This week, journal what trust signals you're currently sending… and what you could improve. Then share this episode with another inspector who needs to hear it! Subscribe for more insights to grow your inspection empire, and build a business people trust.To connect with IEB using the following links:Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/l0gctoXdRlg⁠WebsiteInstagramEmail: support@iebcoaching

⁠Send us a textIs one bad hire really that big of a deal? What if it’s costing you more than just a paycheck, what if it’s tanking morale, wrecking your reputation, and secretly burning hundreds of thousands of dollars?In this episode, host Matt Williams sits down with business leader and coach Chris Enright to unpack the hidden, often devastating costs of bringing the wrong person onto your team. From shocking personal stories to strategic hiring insights, they dive deep into what really happens when a bad hire slips through the cracks, and why the real damage often has nothing to do with salary.Matt shares a wild, real-life story of a hire-gone-wrong that led to a full-blown client meltdown, locked doors, and near-police involvement. Chris opens up about a million-dollar mistake that nearly destroyed a business from the inside. Together, they explore why gut feelings aren’t enough, how culture and morale take a hit long before the boss notices, and the unseen toll on leadership’s mental health.Takeaways:A bad hire costs far more than just salary, it’s time, reputation, opportunity, and team morale.Most leaders ignore red flags out of desperation to fill a seat.Your team knows who the wrong person is before you do, and it hurts their performance too.Systems and assessments matter, don’t rely on “vibes” or resume sparkle alone.Opportunity loss is real: every day the wrong person sits in a role, the right one can’t.“The biggest reason we ignore red flags is need. But someone is not better than no one.” -Chris Enright Don’t make a million-dollar mistake. Subscribe, share this episode with a fellow leader, and take 5 minutes today to reflect on your current hiring process. Is it protecting your culture, or just filling seats?To connect with IEB using the following links:Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/l0gctoXdRlg⁠WebsiteInstagramEmail: support@iebcoaching 

⁠Send us a textWhat happens when your business goals collide with real-life challenges, and you decide to level up anyway?In this episode recorded live at the IEB Unite Conference, we sit down with the always-energizing Trandon to talk about business growth, blended families, and bold faith. Trandon’s story isn’t just about alarms and referrals, it’s about building a life and a legacy with intention. If you’re navigating change, carrying new responsibilities, or trying to breathe fresh life into your business, this episode is for you.We dive into how inspection business owners can plug into additional revenue streams by partnering with trusted home service providers. But more than that, Trandon shares what it’s like to go from single dad to family leader of a blended home, with two boys, two girls, two dogs, and a whole lot of prayer. It's honest, inspiring, and exactly the kind of fuel you didn’t know you needed.Key Takeaways:How to ethically add revenue to your inspection business without extra effortWhy purpose matters more than profit, and how to balance bothThe real-life ups and downs of blending families and careersThe surprising power of generosity to grow your businessPractical steps to build trust-based partnerships that last“Focus on the root, not the fruit. If you get your purpose right, the money will follow.” If this episode challenged or encouraged you, don’t keep it to yourself, share it with a fellow inspector, subscribe for future episodes, and journal about your own ‘why’ behind the business. Purpose-driven growth starts here.To connect with IEB using the following links:Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/l0gctoXdRlg⁠WebsiteInstagramEmail: support@iebcoaching

⁠Send us a textWhat does it really take to scale a home inspection business across state lines, without ever picking up a flashlight yourself?In this episode of the Inspector Empire Builder podcast, we sit down with Brandon Lunsford, a true veteran in the home services industry who has grown a thriving, multi-million-dollar inspection business operating across Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina, with expansion into Tennessee on the horizon. And the most surprising part? He’s never done a home inspection himself.Brandon shares his incredible 20+ year journey from pest control technician to visionary business builder, revealing how organic growth, innovative marketing, and a relentless focus on team culture fueled his success. If you've ever wondered how to go from solo operator to multi-location empire, this episode is your roadmap.You’ll hear how Brandon and his team tackled outdated processes, scaled through strategic hiring, and used cross-industry synergy (like pest control and inspections) to drive long-term revenue. Plus, discover why culture isn't about slogans on a wall, but about leadership that lives out its values daily.Takeaways: Growth starts with the right person, Brandon’s biggest expansions began with one talented hire. Innovation is survival: From ditching Polaroids to embracing AI, tech has always been a game-changer. Inside-the-park home runs: Scaling slowly but consistently leads to big wins without burnout. Culture that lasts: Consistency, transparency, and humility keep great talent on your team. Every market is a growth market, if you have the right mindset and model.“If you can find the right first person, the snowball is much easier to roll down the hill.” - Brandon LunsfordWhether you’re a solo inspector or scaling fast, this episode will leave you inspired to build something bigger, and better, than you thought possible. Subscribe, share this episode with your team, and take 10 minutes today to journal about where your next “inside-the-park home run” might begin.To connect with IEB using the following links:Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/l0gctoXdRlg⁠WebsiteInstagramEmail: support@iebcoaching

⁠Send us a textAre you stuck on the treadmill, busy every day, but unsure how to grow your home inspection business without burning out? This episode tackles the fear of hiring, the chaos of doing it all yourself, and the shift from “inspector mindset” to “owner mindset” that unlocks real, repeatable growth.Jim and Linda from Full Circle Home Inspectors share their candid, boots-on-the-ground story: moving from Ohio blizzards to sunny Central Florida, testing real estate, launching inspections as a side hustle, then facing the “uh-oh” moment of 10–12 inspections a week while answering their own phones. You’ll hear how an IEB Rapid Growth Training flipped their approach, why consistency beat bursts of marketing, and how adding ancillaries grew their average ticket from ~$385 to ~$650—without dramatically increasing inspection volume.You’ll also hear the scary-and-sacred moment of hiring their first inspector (their son), the pain of a bad hire, and the freedom that came when they finally embraced their numbers. With coaching, EOS rhythms, and a simple retention machine powered by a VA, they jumped from ~$275K to $435K—even in a year with hurricanes. Now they’re aiming past $500K and setting sights on the $1M mark.5 Key TakeawaysConsistency wins: stop the start-and-stop marketing. Build weekly rhythms you never skip.Price power: ancillaries (like sewer scopes next) can raise your average ticket without killing your calendar.Hire with courage: the weight of payroll is real—but so is the freedom when you stop riding shotgun forever.Know your numbers: forecasting, service-to-revenue guardrails, and pay models remove anxiety and guide growth.To connect with IEB using the following links:Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/l0gctoXdRlg⁠WebsiteInstagramEmail: support@iebcoaching Retain the relationships: thank-you cards, listing-agent follow-ups, and a VA-run CRM can turn one job into ten.“The numbers will set you free.”If this helped you think like an owner, subscribe to Inspection Empire Builder, share this episode with one inspector who needs a push, and journal one actionable change you’ll implement this week (a new ancillary, a retention touch, or a weekly numbers review). Your next growth jump starts now.

⁠Send us a text What if everything you know about digital marketing is about to become obsolete? In this episode, we tackle the fast-moving wave of Artificial Intelligence and what it means for home inspectors who want to stay relevant, searchable, and thriving in a changing world. If your website, SEO strategy, or online presence hasn’t been updated with AI in mind, you’re already falling behind. Cory Long, digital marketing expert, former pastor, and founder of Yroc Consulting, joins Matt Williams on this episode of Inspector Empire Builder to pull back the curtain on what AI is really doing to online search. Together, they break down why your five-year-old website might as well be a fax machine, how AI tools like ChatGPT and Google’s Gemini are changing consumer behavior, and what inspectors can do to stay visible in this AI-driven era.Cory shares actionable insights he recently taught inside IEB’s mastermind groups, from how to show up in Google's new AI Overviews to why text-only Facebook posts are dominating right now. This isn’t future talk, it’s happening right now, and those who take action today will dominate tomorrow.Takeaways:AI search is conversational, not keyword-based, your content must shift accordingly.“People also ask” on Google is a goldmine for the exact FAQs you should answer online.Your Google Business Profile’s Q&A section can now directly feed AI Overviews.Most websites built 3–5 years ago aren’t optimized for AI visibility.Facebook is currently rewarding high-volume posting (10–15 per day!) with massive organic reach.“Perfection is procrastination. Don’t overthink it, just post. Right now, it’s a game you can actually win.”Don’t keep this gold to yourself, subscribe, share this episode with your team, and journal one step you’ll take this week to optimize your business for AI. For a free AI audit from Cory’s team, head to yrocconsulting.com and mention the podcast.To connect with IEB using the following links:Watch on YouTubeWebsiteInstagramEmail

⁠Send us a textAre you leaving money on the table as a home inspector? This episode could change the entire trajectory of your business.What if we told you there’s a way to turn one inspection into a multi-touch, high-value relationship, earning up to $4,000 per client while becoming the hero who saves real estate deals instead of killing them? In this episode of Inspector Empire Builder, Matt welcomes Catherine Hall, known nationally as America’s 203k Queen, to unpack how inspectors can evolve into high-earning rehab consultants. Catherine shares her 30-year journey from inspecting homes in the tough Philly market to running one of the most successful rehab consulting businesses in the country.They dig deep into the untapped potential of FHA 203k and energy-efficient mortgages, revealing how inspectors can help buyers fund repairs, save deals, and create move-in-ready homes. Whether you’re a solo operator or run a multi-inspector firm, this episode offers a roadmap to diversify income and increase impact, without crawling through another attic.What you’ll learn:How to generate $3,500–$4,000 per client by becoming a rehab consultantWhy lenders, not agents, are the secret to a smoother, more profitable business modelHow to help clients finance repairs, upgrades, and even solar panels through their mortgageThe difference between FHA 203k Limited and Standard loans, and where inspectors fit inHow to market this service to realtors, nonprofits, and even retirement communities“We’re not killing the deal, we’re saving it. Rehab consultants help buyers buy any house and get to the other side of settlement.” - Catherine HallReady to add a new revenue stream that helps more people and builds your brand?Subscribe now, and share this episode with another inspector who needs to hear it.Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/l0gctoXdRlg⁠To connect with IEB using the following links:WebsiteInstagramEmail: support@iebcoaching To connect with Matt Williams use the following links: InstagramEmail: matt@dciabq.com

⁠Send us a textMost inspectors avoid solar panels. Why? Because they’re not in the SOP, and they’re shrouded in mystery. No noise, no moving parts, no red flags… until a buyer asks, “Does it even work?”In this episode, host Matt Williams welcomes Cory Vanderpool from Sprk to tackle a growing challenge in the inspection world, how to confidently evaluate solar panels during a home inspection. Cory shares how his company is pioneering a new process that empowers inspectors to offer solar as a high-value ancillary service, without needing to become a solar expert themselves.They dive into the gaps in traditional home inspections when it comes to solar, the risks buyers face when those systems go uninspected, and how inspectors can step in with a smart, profitable solution. You’ll hear how Sprk’s process works, what data inspectors collect, and how fast the turnaround is. Plus, they break down how this service can help you grow your business and build deeper trust with agents.5 Key Takeaways:Solar panels are often excluded from SOPs, but buyers still demand answers.Sprk enables inspectors to gather simple data and get expert-certified reports.Most systems seem fine, but 30% have issues buyers need to know about.This is a high-margin, 15-minute ancillary service you can easily add.Sprk also equips you with CE courses and marketing tools to win agent referrals.“The more value you bring, the more money you’re going to make. Feed the root, and the fruit will follow.”, Matt WilliamsIf this episode sparked ideas for your business, subscribe to the show, share this episode with a fellow inspector, and visit sprkhome.com to learn how you can start offering solar inspections today.Watch on YouTube⁠To connect with Cory Vanderpool using the following link:WebsiteTo connect with IEB using the following links:WebsiteInstagramEmail: support@iebcoaching

⁠Send us a textMost inspection business owners start out doing everything themselves, but what happens when you want to scale beyond a one-man show? If your systems rely too heavily on you, growth will always hit a ceiling. So how do you grow a business intentionally, one that can thrive even when you step away?In this episode of the Inspector Empire Builder podcast, host Matt Williams sits down with Kurvin Gordon, owner of Ugly Duckling Home Inspections in Oregon. From working in construction in Texas to building a thriving multi-inspector firm in the Pacific Northwest, Kurvin shares the step-by-step strategies he used to plan, launch, and scale his business with the end in mind. This isn’t a story about overnight success, it’s about building a long-term, sellable asset from day one.You’ll learn how Kurvin:Pre-planned his business for 6+ months before launchingCreated service packages that average nearly $1,000 per inspectionUses systems and VAs to streamline operationsBuilds strategic partnerships with mold remediation companiesMaintains business continuity with backups and smart planning“We don’t work nine to five, we work start to finish.” - Kurvin GordonWhether you’re just getting started or looking to scale past technician mode, this episode will give you a real-world roadmap to build a business that works even when you don’t.👉 If this episode sparked ideas, subscribe, share with a fellow inspector, or spend 10 minutes journaling what your next intentional growth step should be.Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/l0gctoXdRlg⁠To connect with Kurvin Gordon, using the following links:WebsiteTo connect with IEB using the following links:Watch on YouTubeWebsiteInstagramEmail: support@iebcoaching

⁠Send us a textMost home inspectors don’t get punched in the nuts on their way into the business. Aaron Shishilla did, and it changed everything.In this episode of the Inspector Empire Builder podcast, Matt Williams sit down with Aaron from WolfPack Advising to uncover the wild path that took him from deli worker to leading marketing expert for home inspection companies. If you’re a business owner wondering how to actually grow your reach without throwing away money on advertising that doesn’t convert, this is the conversation you didn’t know you needed.Aaron shares how his unexpected start in home inspections, and a traumatic encounter with a 30-year-old coworker, ignited a passion for marketing that’s reshaping how businesses dominate their industries online. We dive deep into AI’s disruption of search, how Google and Apple are struggling to keep up, and what home inspectors need to do right now to thrive in this new digital landscape.What you’ll learn in this episode:How getting fired from Publix led Aaron to discover his callingWhy most digital agencies fail service businesses (and how Aaron’s team is changing the game)The shifting future of Google, SEO, and AI-driven searchWhat “zero-click marketing” is and how it impacts your visibilityThe exact ROI mindset every home inspection company needs to grow sustainably“Digital marketing never sleeps. It’s a grind, but it’s the grind that makes growth possible.” - Aaron ShishillaIf this episode challenged your thinking or sparked some next steps, subscribe to Inspector Empire Builder, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who’s ready to take their business to the next level.Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/l0gctoXdRlg⁠To connect with IEB using the following links:WebsiteInstagramEmail: support@iebcoaching To connect with Matt Williams use the following links: InstagramEmail: matt@dciabq.com

Send us a textIn today's episode of the Inspector Empire Builder podcast, host Matt Williams sits down with Ryan Nelson, a former home inspector and Inspection Empire Builder (IEB) member, to explore the transformative power of IEB’s mastermind community. Ryan, now based in Kansas City after 12 years in the inspection industry, shares his journey from solopreneur to multi-inspector owner, navigating challenges like a 49% revenue drop during a 27-day COVID hospitalization in 2021. He highlights how IEB’s Rapid Growth Training (RGT) and pod groups reframed his mindset from technician to business owner, helping him prioritize building a life, not just a company. Ryan credits IEB’s tight-knit community for supporting his business during his illness, with members stepping up to guide his team through crises. His pod’s candid conversations ultimately inspired him to leave inspections and launch Circle of Five Coaching, where he now empowers mid-level manufacturing leaders. This episode is a powerful testament to how mastermind communities provide accountability, relationships, and clarity to align your business with your life’s purpose.Key Takeaways:Mindset Shift: IEB’s RGT program helps inspectors transition from technician to business owner, aligning business with personal goals.Community Support: IEB’s community rallied around Ryan during his hospitalization, offering practical help and emotional encouragement.Power of Pods: Small, accountable pod groups foster deep relationships and honest feedback, driving personal and professional growth.Life Over Business: Hard seasons, like Ryan’s illness, reveal what truly matters, guiding decisions to pursue passion-driven careers.Avoid the Trap: Masterminds prevent the cycle of chasing the next milestone by refocusing on building a life-serving business.“In your hardest seasons, look for what you can’t stop doing, that’s where your future breaks open.” — Ryan NelsonWatch on YouTube⁠To connect with IEB using the following links:WebsiteInstagramEmail: support@iebcoaching To connect with Matt Williams use the following links: InstagramEmail: matt@dciabq.com

⁠Send us a textIn today's episode of the Inspector Empire Builder podcast, host Matt Williams welcomes Chris Cochran, the newest coach on the Inspection Empire Builder (IEB) team, to discuss thriving as a solopreneur in the home inspection industry. Chris, a retired Navy Intel Officer turned home inspector, shares his journey from starting a solo business in Arkansas, scaling to a multi-inspector firm during the COVID real estate boom, and intentionally returning to a solo operation in Pensacola, Florida. He explains why he chose to stay solo, emphasizing the mindset shift required for multi-inspector leadership versus solo efficiency. Chris dives into IEB’s revamped Launch program, designed to help solopreneurs build organized, sustainable businesses through systems, growth strategies, and community support. From overcoming analysis paralysis to mastering direct-to-agent marketing, this episode offers practical advice for new and struggling solo inspectors looking to grow their business and combat the loneliness of the trade.Key Takeaways:Focus on Growth: New solopreneurs must prioritize marketing to get the phone ringing, using direct-to-agent strategies like open houses or networking tailored to their personality.Systematize for Success: Organized systems for growth, operations, and inspections prevent overwhelm and build client trust.Progress Over Perfection: Avoid analysis paralysis by choosing a strategy, executing it, and refining later.Community Matters: IEB’s mastermind group and events like Unite provide critical support, camaraderie, and diverse perspectives to combat isolation.Mindset is Everything: A clear, organized mindset compartmentalizes tasks, making solo operations efficient and less stressful.“Progress over perfection, pick a strategy, execute it, and don’t look back. That’s how you break through as a solopreneur.” — Chris CochranWatch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/l0gctoXdRlg⁠To connect with IEB using the following links:WebsiteInstagramEmail: support@iebcoaching To connect with Matt Williams use the following links: InstagramEmail: matt@dciabq.com

⁠Send us a textIn this episode of Inspector Empire Builder (IEB), Mark Hummel, CEO of IEB, discusses the remarkable growth in the real estate inspection industry during Q2 2025. Mark shares insights from an IEB poll revealing that 83% of inspection companies are shattering records, driven by pent-up demand and savvy business strategies. The conversation explores the critical shift from technician to business owner, emphasizing the need for business acumen to sustain rapid growth. Mark highlights the challenges of hiring quality inspectors in a booming market, introducing the RSTMM (Recruit, Select, Train, Manage, Motivate) process as a game-changer for building high-performing teams. Listeners gain practical advice on avoiding costly hiring mistakes and fostering a collective reputation that drives success.Diving deeper, Mark and Matt discuss the importance of a clearly defined mission, vision, values, and culture (MVVC) to guide hiring and business decisions. They tackle common pitfalls, such as holding onto underperforming employees out of fear or emotional attachment, and stress the value of leaning into resistance for growth. With actionable strategies for solo inspectors and multi-inspector firms alike, this episode offers a roadmap for capitalizing on market opportunities while building a scalable, reputable business. Whether you're struggling to fill capacity or aiming to expand your team, Mark’s insights provide a blueprint for thriving in a competitive landscape.Key Takeaways:Q2 Market Boom: 83% of IEB members reported record-breaking performance in Q2 2025, reflecting strong market demand.RSTMM Hiring Process: The Recruit, Select, Train, Manage, Motivate system ensures high-quality, culturally aligned hires.Define MVVC: A clear mission, vision, values, and culture prevents emotional hiring and drives consistent standards.Cost of Bad Hires: A bad hire can cost $200,000 in tangible and intangible losses, including reputation damage.Lean Into Resistance: Embracing challenges fosters business and personal growth, critical for long-term success."Resistance equals growth. When things are hard, lean into it. Don’t let it scare you away." - Mark HummelWatch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/l0gctoXdRlg⁠To connect with IEB using the following links:WebsiteInstagramEmail: support@iebcoaching To connect with Matt Williams use the following links: InstagramEmail: matt@dciabq.com