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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:

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Are 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 consultant
  

• Why lenders, not agents, are the secret to a smoother, more profitable business model
  

• How to help clients finance repairs, upgrades, and even solar panels through their mortgage
  

• The difference between FHA 203k Limited and Standard loans, and where inspectors fit in
  

• How 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 Hall

Ready 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/l0gctoXdRlg⁠

To connect with IEB using the following links:

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Email: support@iebcoaching 

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Most 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 Williams

If 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.

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To connect with Cory Vanderpool using the following link:

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To connect with IEB using the following links:

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Most 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 launching

Created service packages that average nearly $1,000 per inspection

Uses systems and VAs to streamline operations

Builds strategic partnerships with mold remediation companies

Maintains business continuity with backups and smart planning

“We don’t work nine to five, we work start to finish.” - Kurvin Gordon

Whether 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/l0gctoXdRlg⁠

To connect with Kurvin Gordon, using the following links:

Website

To connect with IEB using the following links:

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Most 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:

“Digital marketing never sleeps. It’s a grind, but it’s the grind that makes growth possible.” - Aaron Shishilla

If 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/l0gctoXdRlg⁠

To connect with IEB using the following links:

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Email: support@iebcoaching 

To connect with Matt Williams use the following links: 

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In 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:

“In your hardest seasons, look for what you can’t stop doing, that’s where your future breaks open.” — Ryan Nelson

Watch on YouTube⁠

To connect with IEB using the following links:

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Email: support@iebcoaching 

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In 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:

“Progress over perfection, pick a strategy, execute it, and don’t look back. That’s how you break through as a solopreneur.” — Chris Cochran

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

To connect with IEB using the following links:

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Email: support@iebcoaching 

To connect with Matt Williams use the following links: 

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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:

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Email: support@iebcoaching 

To connect with Matt Williams use the following links: 

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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:

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Email: support@iebcoaching 

To connect with Matt Williams use the following links: 

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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]