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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 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 Hummel

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/l0gctoXdRlg⁠

To connect with IEB using the following links:

Website

Instagram

Email: support@iebcoaching 

To connect with Matt Williams use the following links: 

Instagram

Email: [email protected]

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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 local expertise help clients stand out in competitive markets, saving time and driving results. This episode is packed with actionable insights for business owners looking to scale smartly.

Rob’s passion for empowering his team and clients shines through as he discusses the importance of building trust and avoiding the pitfalls of passive marketing like digital ads. From the value of a skilled caller to tips for inspectors tackling their own outreach, this episode offers a roadmap for success in the people-driven real estate industry. Whether you’re a home inspector or a small business owner, Rob’s strategies will inspire you to rethink your approach to lead generation and relationship-building.

Key Takeaways:

Outbound Over Passive: Outbound calling outperforms passive digital marketing for building lasting B2B relationships.

Entrepreneurial Mindset: Callers with ownership-driven attitudes create stronger client connections and better results.

Personalized Approach: Tailored scripts and local, skilled callers enhance trust and professionalism.

Skill Matters: Effective outbound callers need quick thinking, disarming charm, and confidence to engage prospects.

Relationship Focus: Success in real estate and home inspection hinges on building trust with realtors through genuine interactions.

“If you can build relationships that are trusted with the lady realtors as well as the men, they’re going to recommend you to all their friends.”

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/l0gctoXdRlg⁠

To connect with IEB using the following links:

Website

Instagram

Email: support@iebcoaching 

To connect with Matt Williams use the following links: 

Instagram

Email: [email protected]

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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 500 realtors in each market through free, merit-based recognition, exclusive events, and a magazine that celebrates their successes; without the pay-to-play model.

Remington reveals how his magazine solves pain points for vendors like home inspectors and garage door companies by providing direct access to high-performing realtors who act as gatekeepers to clients. With stories of hosting impactful events and publishing authentic content, he explains how Real Producers builds trust and elevates professionalism in an industry often marked by transactional relationships. He also discusses his new book, Agent Allies, which offers a blueprint for vendors and realtors to forge meaningful partnerships and grow their businesses. Packed with insights on community-building, resilience, and purposeful entrepreneurship, this episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to thrive in real estate.

Key Takeaways

Community Over Transactions: Real Producers creates a vetted network of top realtors and vendors, fostering collaboration and friendly competition.

Merit-Based Recognition: Unlike other magazines, Real Producers features realtors on the cover based on sales performance, not payments, building credibility.

Solving Vendor Pain Points: The platform connects home service providers with top realtors, bypassing ineffective marketing like costly booths at events.

Purposeful Growth: Remington’s book Agent Allies teaches vendors and realtors how to build lasting, mutually beneficial relationships.

Elevating the Industry: Through events like RP Elevate and magazines, Real Producers boosts professionalism and trust in real estate.

"Show me your friends, I’ll show you your future. Surround yourself with growth-minded people who push you up." - Remington Ramsey

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/l0gctoXdRlg⁠

To connect with IEB using the following links:

Website

Instagram

Email: support@iebcoaching 

To connect with Matt Williams use the following links: 

Instagram

Email: [email protected]

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 strategy, leveraging AI, Yelp, and Google Local Services to fill his calendar while spending just $300/month on ads. Charlie’s commitment to work-life balance shines through, with inspectors performing one thorough inspection daily, ensuring quality and family time.

The conversation dives into Charlie’s innovative exit strategy, gifting his business to a key employee while securing a 5% residual for his family, reflecting his focus on legacy and stewardship. He discusses automating operations with GoHighLevel, minimizing overhead, and offering his system to other inspectors via GetSync.pro for $50/month. Charlie’s candid take on realtor relationships; favoring client trust over agent referrals; sparks a lively discussion on boundaries, authenticity, and reputation. Packed with actionable insights, this episode is a must-listen for inspectors aiming to scale smartly while staying true to their values.

Key Takeaways:

• D2C Marketing Mastery: Charlie’s PAS method and AI-driven automation keep ad spend low ($300/month) while booking inspections a week out.

• Lean Operations: Using GoHighLevel, Charlie automates scheduling and communication, employing only one VA and maintaining minimal overhead.

• Legacy Planning: Gifting the business to an employee with a 5% family residual ensures continuity and supports his team’s families.

• Boundary Setting: Avoiding realtor dependency empowers Charlie to prioritize client trust and maintain business integrity.

• GetSync System: For $50/month, inspectors can access Charlie’s replicable D2C system at GetSync.pro, including training and SEO tools.

"Figure out who you are, put it in writing, and stick to it. That’s how you build a business you’re proud of."

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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 help entrepreneurs fund their perfect life. Whether you're a solo inspector or leading a growing company, this episode is packed with wisdom to elevate your mindset and accelerate your success.

Mark unpacks the art of designing confidence through experience and planning, revealing how small shifts in thought patterns can transform sales and team dynamics. The discussion also tackles the importance of maintaining a clear vision amidst uncertainty and investing in leadership skills from day one. With practical tips like delegating tasks to virtual assistants and prioritizing what's truly important, this episode is a roadmap for overcoming roadblocks and building a business that thrives in any market. Tune in to discover how to lead with purpose and inspire your team to new heights.

Key Takeaways:

- Design Confidence Strategically: Build confidence through experience and planning, acting confidently to cultivate the feeling over time.

- Maintain Vision in Uncertainty: A lack of certainty doesn’t mean a lack of vision, adjust tactics and timelines, but stay committed to your goals.

- Invest in Leadership Early: Develop leadership skills as a solo operator to attract top clients and talent as you grow.

- Delegate to Grow: Use virtual assistants to handle repetitive tasks, freeing you to focus on high-impact activities that drive business growth.

- Prioritize the Important: Use tools like the Eisenhower Matrix to focus on non-urgent, high-impact tasks that move your business forward.  

“If you're not designing your experience, your experience is designing you, and it may be in a way that's not all that meaningful." – Mark Hummel

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/l0gctoXdRlg⁠

To connect with IEB using the following links:

Website

Instagram

Email: support@iebcoaching 

To connect with Matt Williams use the following links: 

Instagram

Email: [email protected]

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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 solopreneur or managing a growing team, this episode explores how technology can enhance accuracy, speed, and business growth while keeping your operations seamless.

Discover how QuickInspect’s enterprise-grade foundation supports everything from same-day reporting to upcoming team management features, and learn why Jeff’s unique perspective as a technologist sets this platform apart. With a focus on user-friendly design, responsive customer support, and integrations like payment processing and e-signatures, QuickInspect is built to scale with your business. Tune in to hear actionable insights on leveraging technology to save time, boost profitability, and focus on what matters most—delivering exceptional service to your clients.

Main Points Featured in the Episode:

• Comprehensive Platform: QuickInspect offers an all-in-one solution with report writing, scheduling, invoicing, payment processing, and e-signature capabilities, customizable to fit your business needs.

• Scalable Technology: Built with an enterprise-grade foundation, QuickInspect supports growth from solo inspectors to multi-inspector firms, with upcoming team management features.

• User-Friendly Design: The platform’s intuitive UX/UI, likened to an “Apple experience,” allows inspectors to import templates and narratives easily, enabling same-day report delivery.

• Responsive Support: QuickInspect provides top-notch customer support, with responses often within minutes, ensuring inspectors’ needs are met promptly.

• Business Growth Focus: Beyond software, QuickInspect offers resources like seminars and one-on-one support to help inspectors build better businesses through digital strategies.

“Our differentiator is how we’re architected and our ability to build better technology. We focus on supporting the customer and driving the product in the direction they want, ensuring it grows with them.” - Jeff Jones

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/l0gctoXdRlg⁠

To connect with IEB using the following links:

Website

Instagram

Email: support@iebcoaching 

To connect with Matt Williams use the following links: 

Instagram

Email: [email protected]

Scaling Your Inspection Business with QuickInspect: A Game-Changing Platform

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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, and the necessity of educating staff to enhance client interactions. Additionally, they explore the impact of technology on communication and the advantages of remote work in expanding talent acquisition. In this conversation, Jamie Ward discusses the transition to remote work, the hiring and training processes for remote teams, and the importance of creating a positive work environment. She emphasizes the need for effective communication and customer service in the home inspection industry, highlighting the balance between employee satisfaction and performance. Jamie also shares insights on building trust with clients and the comprehensive role of call centers in supporting businesses.

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/l0gctoXdRlg

Contact IEB -
- web: www.iebcoaching.com
- email: support@iebcoaching
- social: @iebcoaching


Contact Matt -
- email: [email protected]
- IG: @the.matthew.williams

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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 industry. In this engaging conversation, Matthew Williams shares his journey into the home inspection industry, discussing her experiences, challenges, and strategies for success. The dialogue explores the importance of networking, the significance of mindset and personal growth, and the lessons learned about work-life balance. The speakers emphasize the value of creating a strong company culture and the need for consistent effort in business development. They also reflect on the importance of prioritizing relationships and maintaining a healthy work-life balance while navigating the complexities of entrepreneurship.

Contact IEB -
- web: www.iebcoaching.com
- email: support@iebcoaching
- social: @iebcoaching


Contact Matt -
- email: [email protected]
- IG: @the.matthew.williams

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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, and Erin explore how to balance chaos and structure in both personal and professional lives, while emphasizing the importance of self-accountability and effective communication.

Tune in for personal anecdotes, lessons learned from failures, and strategies to navigate life’s complexities with a focus on growth, family, and leadership.

Contact IEB -
- web: www.iebcoaching.com
- email: support@iebcoaching
- social: @iebcoaching


Contact Matt -
- email: [email protected]
- IG: @the.matthew.williams

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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 importance of great customer service to innovative services like their home watch and handyman programs. Whether you're an industry professional or curious about the inspection world, this episode is packed with valuable insights.

Tune in to learn how the FBI Group has grown, the strategies that set them apart, and the lessons they've learned along the way!

Contact IEB -
- web: www.iebcoaching.com
- email: support@iebcoaching
- social: @iebcoaching


Contact Matt -
- email: [email protected]
- IG: @the.matthew.williams