Send us a text In 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 highligh...
Jul 17, 2025•52 min•Season 1Ep. 56
Send us a text Join us on Inspector Empire Builder as we sit down with Rob Sutherland, founder of Pro Broker Agency, a boutique call center revolutionizing outbound calling for real estate and home inspection businesses. Rob shares his journey from working at REMAX to launching a specialized service that connects home inspectors with realtors through personalized, high-skill outbound calls. With a focus on fostering genuine relationships, Rob explains how his team’s entrepreneurial mindset and ...
Jul 10, 2025•47 min•Season 1Ep. 55
Send us a text In this episode of Inspector Empire Builder, host Matt Williams sits down with Remington Ramsey, founder of Real Producers magazine, to uncover how this innovative platform is transforming the real estate industry. Starting from his days selling Cutco knives as closing gifts, Remington shares his journey of creating a "business in a box" that connects top real estate agents with elite home service providers. Now in 130 U.S. markets, Real Producers fosters a community of the top 5...
Jul 03, 2025•35 min•Season 1Ep. 54
In this episode, Charlie, a seasoned home inspector from Chicago, joins the host and co-host Chris Enright in Albuquerque to share his unconventional approach to building a thriving $2 million home inspection business. Starting his company in 1993, Charlie reveals how the birth of his first child sparked a drive to provide, leading to a lean, automated operation that prioritizes direct-to-consumer (D2C) marketing over realtor referrals. He introduces his "PAS" (Pain, Agitate, Solution) marketing...
Jun 26, 2025•1 hr 5 min•Season 1Ep. 53
Send us a text Join host Matt Williams on “IEB”, the podcast revolutionizing the home inspection industry and beyond, as he sits down with Mark Hummel for another dynamic episode of "Hanging with Hummel." This engaging conversation dives into the heart of personal growth, exploring how confidence and leadership development are critical to building thriving businesses. From navigating market shifts to fostering a dream team, Matt and Mark share actionable strategies and real-world insights to hel...
Jun 19, 2025•48 min•Season 1Ep. 52
Send us a text Join us on this episode of the Inspector Empire Builder Podcast as we dive into the world of inspection software with Jeff Jones, the founder and CEO of QuickInspect. Jeff shares his journey from a tech industry veteran to building a scalable, all-in-one platform designed to streamline and grow home inspection businesses. From intuitive report writing to robust support for solo and multi-inspector firms, QuickInspect is redefining efficiency in the industry. Whether you’re a solo...
Jun 12, 2025•47 min•Season 1Ep. 51
Send us a text In this episode, Matt Williams interviews Jamie Ward from Simple Solutions Call Center, discussing the intricacies of sales, customer service, and the evolution of the call center industry. Jamie shares her journey from a sales position in the home inspection industry to founding her own call center, highlighting the importance of identifying market gaps and providing tailored solutions. The conversation delves into the significance of follow-up strategies, automated upselling, an...
Jan 27, 2025•42 min
Send us a text In this episode of the Empire State of Mind podcast, host Matt Williams engages with Kyle Jensen and Carl Mayer, two home inspectors navigating the challenges of scaling their businesses. They discuss the importance of accountability, the decision to hire, and the significance of soft skills in the hiring process. The conversation also touches on the dynamics of involving family in the business and personal journeys from corporate America to entrepreneurship in the home inspection...
Jan 20, 2025•1 hr 16 min
Send us a text In this episode of the Empire State of Mind podcast, host Matt Williams engages in a lively conversation with guests Christopher Enright and Erin K. Guyton. They dive into the dynamics of competition in business, sharing personal experiences with competitiveness and the importance of it as a driving force for growth. Additionally, they reflect on family retreats, leadership accountability, and how media representations shape our perceptions. With humor and candidness, Matt, Chris,...
Jan 13, 2025•51 min
Send us a text In this episode of Empire State of Mind , host Matt Williams sits down with the Florida Building Inspection (FBI) Group to discuss their journey in the home inspection industry. With special guests Tom Frey and Dusty Amatangelo, they dive into the origins of FBI Group, the challenges and rewards of scaling their business, and how they've expanded beyond inspections to include mold assessments, commercial property inspections, and more. The conversation covers everything from the i...
Jan 06, 2025•49 min
Send us a text In this episode, host Matt Williams sits down with the dynamic husband-and-wife team, the Paternosters, to dive into the complexities of running a business together as a married couple. They share their experiences on the importance of clear communication, defining individual roles, and overcoming the challenges they've faced in both their personal and professional lives. The discussion touches on personal growth, the impact of identity in relationships, and how they manage to bal...
Dec 30, 2024•1 hr 10 min
Send us a text In this episode of Empire State of Mind, hosts Matt Williams engage with Dalen and Matt Maxwell, founders of Report On Anything, a software company tailored for the home inspection industry. They discuss the challenges and triumphs of developing software while managing inspection businesses, the importance of creating user-friendly tools, and the future of technology in the industry, including the potential integration of AI. The conversation highlights the need for efficiency and...
Dec 23, 2024•46 min
Send us a text In this conversation, Matt Williams and Dylan Chalk explore the world of home inspection, the intricacies of report writing, and the development of software to enhance the inspection process. Dylan shares his journey from aspiring writer to successful home inspector and author, discussing the importance of clear communication in reports and the challenges of writing a book. They delve into the evolution of report writing software and how it can improve profitability for inspectors...
Dec 16, 2024•46 min
Send us a text In this episode of Empire State of Mind , host Matt Williams sits down with Will Misegades, a seasoned home inspector, to discuss the exciting and challenging journey of merging his company, Redfish Inspections, with Magnolia Home Inspections. This insightful conversation explores the complexities of business mergers, the importance of relationships, and the role of mentorship in achieving long-term growth. Key Highlights: 1. The Merger Process: Will dives into the merger of Redfi...
Dec 09, 2024•48 min
Send us a text In this episode of Empire State of Mind , host Matt Williams interviews Jake Edenfield, a seasoned home inspector from Wichita, Kansas. Jake shares his journey into the home inspection industry and offers valuable insights into growing a successful business, balancing work and life, and expanding into a multi-inspector firm. Key Highlights: 1. Journey into Home Inspection: Jake takes listeners through his personal journey, explaining what led him to pursue home inspection and how ...
Dec 06, 2024•47 min
Send us a text Could AI be the game-changer that the home inspection industry has been waiting for? Join us as we unpack the innovative ways AI is transforming this essential service, with special insights from Sterling and Lance of Inspector Call Center (ICC). Listen to their fascinating stories about overcoming regional pronunciation hurdles and the importance of bespoke training, plus a recap of Sterling's eye-opening session at the IEB Unite Conference 2024. Discover how ICC's cutting-edge a...
Dec 06, 2024•38 min
Send us a text Unlock the secrets to launching a successful career in the home inspection industry, as we sit down with Jesse Kennedy of Inspection Certification Associates (ICA), the training powerhouse behind over 30,000 proficient inspectors. This episode is a goldmine of information, whether you're a novice eager to make your mark, or a business owner aiming to bolster your team's expertise. Learn how ICA's holistic approach to education, from flexible online courses to indispensable in-pers...
Apr 15, 2024•26 min
Send us a text Every journey begins with a single step, but for Ian Mayer, that step launched an empire. As we sit down with the founder of I Am Home Inspections, he shares the rollercoaster ride of emotions and events that turned a layoff into a thriving Los Angeles business. From the early days of financial instability to the epiphanies that spurred growth and the support from the IEB community, Ian's tale is one of gritty determination and the pursuit of a balanced, fulfilling life. The world...
Apr 01, 2024•49 min
Send us a text Do you ever wonder how three accomplished home inspection company owners transformed their operations by embracing the digital era's remote work culture? Ever thought about how you can harness the power of virtual assistants to not just keep your business afloat, but make it flourish? Join us on an exhilarating ride with Mike Love Lady, Jeremy Love Lady, and Ralph Gabay as they take us through the paces of managing remote teams, courtesy their brainchild - Myra Staffing. Born from...
Mar 18, 2024•42 min
Send us a text Ever wondered what sets top sales professionals apart in the real estate industry? Get ready to glean some wisdom from Matt Muscat, our esteemed guest for the episode and marketing authority from Treadstone Mortgage. Matt brings to the table a well-rounded perspective on creating demand in any kind of market. He shares his adeptness at enhancing business for realtors and gives us a peek into how the best in the business stay ahead by tracking their marketing and sales activities. ...
Mar 04, 2024•29 min
Send us a text Unlock the hidden world of home inspections as I sit down with expert inspector Matthew Query, whose insights will forever change the way you view the bones of your home. Traverse the unseen layers of construction with us, as Matthew divulges his unique journey from building homes to scrutinizing them, offering a fresh perspective on why every nail, joist, and piece of ductwork matters. Our chat strips back the drywall to reveal the crucial stages of inspection that safeguard the ...
Feb 26, 2024•38 min
Send us a text Ever wondered about the environmental testing side of home inspection? We welcome Kim McDonough from EMSL Analytical Laboratories to shed some light on how these ancillary services can benefit your business. We discuss the range of services EMSL offers, from mold to lead, asbestos, and even drinking water testing. Learn about the hidden dangers of radon in water and why regular testing for contaminants is key for protecting your investments. With Kim’s insights, realize the potent...
Feb 22, 2024•30 min
Send us a text Are you ready to transform your business and skyrocket your profits? We promise, you're in for an information-packed journey as we sit down with Tommy Mello, owner of A1 Garage Door, for a captivating conversation on mindset marketing and business growth. Tommy's expertise provides valuable insights on overcoming growth-stage challenges, emphasizing shifting mindsets, and underlining the power of delivering more value than your price tag. As a smaller company, you're in a unique p...
Jan 01, 2024•48 min
Send us a text Imagine expanding your business to a tropical paradise, bringing your expertise to a place where it is much needed and appreciated. This is precisely what Hank Lobdell, owner of Radiant Property Inspection, did when he branched out to Aruba, a venture that we thoroughly explore in our latest podcast. Listen to Hank as he shares his journey of transitioning his extremely successful domestic inspection company to an international level. This episode is packed with insights about the...
Dec 18, 2023•25 min
Send us a text Prepare to be enlightened as we bring you an invigorating discussion with Sterling Cox and Jordan Flint, the dynamic duo behind the Inspector Call Center (ICC). We venture into the intriguing world of the home inspection industry, as Sterling and Jordan unveil their revolutionary approach that goes beyond mere call center services. Tune in for a captivating narrative of their journey to attracting the crème de la crème of talent and enhancing the customer experience in the industr...
Oct 02, 2023•44 min
Send us a text Ready to explore the captivating world of coaching? Brace yourself for an insightful journey with our esteemed guest, Brandon Paternoster, an IEB coach, as we demystify the three different types of coaching styles and their unique contributions to personal growth and business success. Learn the nuances of regular coaching, consultant coaching, and mastermind coaching, and master how to leverage each to drive your entrepreneurial journey. As entrepreneurs, we've had our fair share ...
Sep 18, 2023•57 min
Send us a text Ever wondered how you could turn rest into a competitive advantage? What about looking at business growth as an extension of your personal growth journey? Join me and Mark Hummel, the CEO of IEB, as we traverse through the fascinating concept of neuroplasticity and its vital role in overcoming biases. We discuss the power of rest in fostering new thoughts and habits, and how it can drive business growth. By understanding your brain's capacity to change, you can unlock a whole new ...
Sep 04, 2023•44 min
Send us a text What would you do if you found out you were about to become a parent? For our special guest, Pat Flynn, the news turned his life around, pushing him from flipping 420 houses a year to a full-time real estate career. Now, he's the proud owner of a 300-house rental portfolio and his sales team buys 30 houses a month. His journey is a testament to the power of vision, an idea that shapes this episode. We get to the heart of why having a vision is key to the growth of a company, navig...
Aug 28, 2023•41 min
Send us a text What if your business could run as efficiently as a nuclear research facility? It's time to hear the stories of Randy, Lee, and Katie, as they share their personal experiences and growth strategies within the inspection industry. This episode is packed with fascinating connections between the atomic bomb, Oak Ridge, Tennessee, and scientific research facilities like Y12, K25, and Sandia Labs, providing us with powerful insights on achieving maximum business efficiency. Have you ev...
Aug 21, 2023•40 min
Send us a text Join me for an enlightening journey that lifts the veil on the intricacies of leadership, team building, and personal growth. In this episode, I'm thrilled to have an insightful conversation with JM Ryerson, a leadership and team building expert. We discuss the power of choosing the right opportunities, the importance of defining clear roles, and the state of joy and fulfillment that comes with operating in your "zone of genius." JM shares his invaluable insights into the mechanic...
Aug 14, 2023•44 min