Ever wonder what separates a struggling inspector from a thriving business owner? Spoiler: it's rarely about technical knowledge.

We've identified a consistent pattern—where most professionals fall short isn't in understanding building systems, but in mastering the crucial soft skills that drive business success. In this candid conversation, I reveal the five books that transformed my approach to home inspection and business ownership, and continue to serve as my go-to resources during morning routines and office days.

From Robert Greene's "Laws of Human Nature," which has saved me countless headaches by teaching me to observe client behavior objectively, to Sun Tzu's surprisingly relevant "Art of War" with its business strategy gems like "let your competitor make the opening," these recommendations address the skills gap that technical training never covers. I share how Dale Carnegie's classic people skills manual dramatically improved my inspection delivery, why Jacob Goldstein's financial literacy primer should be required reading for every business owner, and how Robert Cialdini's psychology insights have helped me communicate more effectively with anxious clients.

These aren't trendy self-help titles—they're practical, skill-building resources that have directly contributed to better client experiences, smoother inspections, and ultimately, a more profitable business. Whether you're a seasoned inspector or just starting out, implementing these principles could be the difference between merely surviving and truly thriving in this competitive industry. What morning routine or "office day" practice has most improved your inspection business?

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*The views and opinions expressed in this podcast, and the guests on it, do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of Inspector Toolbelt and its associates.