Building Your Business with CCPIA® is a monthly video and podcast series featuring leading voices in the field. Each episode offers practical tips and insights into commercial property inspections, breaking down key trends and educational topics. It’s perfect for inspectors looking to grow and succeed.


May 22, 2025  — Performing commercial property inspections to an entirely new audience and with a focus on facility maintenance. 


In this episode of Building Your Business with CCPIA®, host Rob Claus welcomes special guest Jay Clark from Fort Worth, Texas. Jay has spent much of his professional career as a staff facilities maintenance manager and has now taken those skills to the private sector, and is performing this type of inspection for small businesses throughout Texas.

• What does a facility manager do?: They are responsible for the daily, monthly, and yearly care of the commercial properties they manage. While they may not perform the actual work, they oversee the buildings and ensure they remain operational.
• Joint Commission: The Joint Commission is the accreditation organization that oversees most of the medically related buildings in the country. They provide the every 3-year inspection that certifies that these buildings meet the standards for patient care.
• Fractional Facility Management: There are hundreds of thousands of businesses across North America that are used for commercial purposes but are small enough not to have a staff facility manager present. Providing a professional service as a vendor can help these properties stay productive and in service.
• Opportunity: It is essential to conduct maintenance inspections for smaller facilities that lack staff to monitor the building. If any critical system fails, it can lead to significant revenue loss, which could jeopardize the budget. CCPIA® members are excellent candidates to fill that role.

The Commercial Property Inspectors Roundtable Meeting is a monthly meeting hosted by the Certified Commercial Property Inspectors Association (CCPIA®) for inspectors across the nation to gather and discuss business development opportunities and strategies. To attend an upcoming meeting, visit the Commercial Property Inspection Training Calendar to register.


MAY 13, 2025

ROUNDTABLE HIGHLIGHTS:

This month’s roundtable was led by Rob Claus and packed with insights about marketing, reporting, and growth strategies in commercial property inspections.

• Starting Your Career:  A new member asked about the best way to get started in commercial property inspections. The advice shared ranged from how to build building inspection skills to looking into ancillary service offerings, like ADA/accessibility surveys, sewer scope inspections, and cost estimating for repairs, maintenance, and repairs. 
• Report Writing: A question came up about how to report serious structural issues that could pose a safety risk. Inspectors emphasized tips from how to provide clear documentation to providing strong recommendations for further evaluation or action.
• Choosing the Right Software: Selecting reporting software that aligns with the ComSOP and fits personal workflow preferences was a common challenge. Peer feedback was shared on platforms that support commercial-specific features.
• Final Word: The commercial property inspection industry continues to evolve. Whether you're refining your reports, expanding your service offerings, or improving visibility, focus on consistency, education, and strong client communication.

Building Your Business with CCPIA® is a monthly video and podcast series featuring leading voices in the field. Each episode offers practical tips and insights into commercial property inspections, breaking down key trends and educational topics. It’s perfect for inspectors looking to grow and succeed.


April 18, 2025  — What happens when a builder-turned-inspector can’t find software that fits commercial work? He builds his own—and it’s changing how inspections get done.

In this episode of Building Your Business with CCPIA®, host Rob Claus welcomes special guests Lucas Kirsch, founder of Twenty20 Inspections and Inspectagram Software, and Tyson Saelzer, a CCPIA® Certified Commercial Property Inspector since 2022. Some of the key insights and practical takeaways include: 

• From Builder to Business Owner: Learn how Lucas transitioned from building custom homes and commercial spaces to founding a thriving inspection that spans Canada and the U.S.
• Hiring Former Athletes: Find out why Lucas looks for athletic backgrounds when building his team and how drive, discipline, and teamwork carry over into the field.
• Expanding into Commercial: Hear how Twenty20 Inspections broke into commercial property inspections with large-scale inspections and strong relationships with CRE professionals. Tyson shares how one conversation with a commercial broker turned into a booming line of business.
• Built for Speed: Discover how Lucas created Inspectagram—a fully mobile inspection software with CCPIA® ComSOP templates, intuitive workflows, AI features, and a format that’s built for modern clients and multi-unit properties. 
• Scaling Smart: Get a behind-the-scenes look at how this team handles huge projects—like 80-unit inspections in a day—using strong culture, smart systems, and tech-forward efficiency.

Real Talk About the Industry: Rob, Lucas, and Tyson dive into collaboration vs. competition, the evolving role of inspectors, and how CCPIA® training and inspection SOPs are raising the bar for the entire industry.

Inspectagram is available at the Apple Store and offers an exclusive discount to CCPIA® members — access the discount, view sample reports, and schedule a demo. 

The Commercial Property Inspectors Roundtable Meeting is a monthly meeting hosted by the Certified Commercial Property Inspectors Association (CCPIA®) for inspectors across the nation to gather and discuss business development opportunities and strategies. To attend an upcoming meeting, visit the Commercial Property Inspection Training Calendar to register.


APRIL 10, 2025

ROUNDTABLE HIGHLIGHTS:

This month’s roundtable was led by Lance Coffman and packed with insights about marketing, service offerings, and growth strategies in commercial property inspections.

PPC Marketing:
Participants shared their experiences with Google Ads and pay-per-click campaigns, including keywords.

Cost-to-Cure and Service Expansion:
Cost-to-cure tables are emerging as a high-value add-on. Tools like Repair Pricer help scale, but many are building in-house templates for better accuracy.

Phase I Environmental Site Assessments (ESAs):
A few inspectors are now offering Phase I ESA services through partnerships, noting it’s a great opportunity— though more intensive than typical add-ons.

Postcards and Digital Brochures:
Postcards, flipbooks, and short digital brochures are popular for sharing with prospects, offered through CCPIA’s Logos and Marketing Design Services.

Getting Started in Commercial:
For newer inspectors, the advice is clear: Start simple with basic building inspections, then build into ADA/accessibility surveys, sewer scopes, and cost estimates.

Understanding Client Types:
Inspectors shared how to identify client goals — whether they’re buying, leasing, or managing — and tailor the report (debt report, equity report, or disposition report) accordingly.

Final Word:
The commercial property inspection industry is evolving. Whether you're refining your report format, improving online presence, or expanding services— consistency, education, and client communication are key.

The Commercial Property Inspectors Roundtable Meeting is a monthly meeting hosted by the Certified Commercial Property Inspectors Association (CCPIA®) for inspectors across the nation to gather and discuss business development opportunities and strategies. To attend an upcoming meeting, visit the Commercial Property Inspection Training Calendar to register.


MARCH, 11 2025

ROUNDTABLE HIGHLIGHTS:

This roundtable covered an in-depth discussion on strategies for closing more deals, adapting service offerings, and overcoming sales objections. 

• Increasing Closing Rates: How can inspectors increase their proposal conversion from 48% to 80%? Insights on pricing, overcoming objections, and structuring tiered service options.
• Walk-Through Agreement: A potential game-changer for budget-conscious clients by offering a lighter inspection without a full report.
• Getting to the Decision-Maker: Strategies for bypassing gatekeepers and ensuring your expertise is seen and valued.
• Providing Value in Commercial Inspection: The industry is shifting toward comprehensive service packages rather than à la carte options. How can inspectors streamline their processes and structure offerings to drive referrals and business growth?
• Building Client Trust: The role of speciality consultants in strengthening client relationships and securing repeat business.

Building Your Business with CCPIA® is a monthly series hosted by Rob Claus, CCPIA’s Director of Education. Each episode features industry leaders sharing tips and insights on commercial property inspections, plus solo episodes where Rob covers key trends and updates. Perfect for inspectors looking to grow and succeed!

MARCH 13, 2025 — In this episode of Building Your Business, Rick Francis, owner of 4 Site Building Inspections and several other inspection companies in Southeastern Wisconsin, shares how he successfully transitioned from residential to commercial property inspections. With a background in residential inspections and a Certified Master Inspector (CMI)® designation, Rick took a strategic approach to growing his business and positioning himself as a trusted name in the industry.

Key Highlights: 

• Purchased His Commercial Business: Rick purchased the commercial side of a retiring inspector’s business, leveraging its strong reputation while rebranding under his own company. Learn how he has navigated this process. 
• The Role of CCPIA in His Success – Rick credits CCPIA for providing the training he needed to confidently take on commercial projects. He found the in-person 3-Day Introduction to Commercial Property Inspections class to be a real game-changer.
• Why the ComSOP Matters: With most of his clients focused on the final report rather than attending the inspections, Rick emphasizes the importance of following the ComSOP. 
• More Freedom & Flexibility – Transitioning to commercial inspections has given Rick more control over his schedule, allowing him to spend more time with his family compared to the long days and multiple jobs required in residential inspections.

Tune in to see how Rick, in such a short time, has built his strong and successful commercial inspection company.

Building Your Business with CCPIA® is a monthly series hosted by Rob Claus, CCPIA’s Director of Education. Each episode features industry leaders sharing tips and insights on commercial property inspections, plus solo episodes where Rob covers key trends and updates. Perfect for inspectors looking to grow and succeed!

FEBRUARY 25, 2025 — In this episode of Building Your Business, Drew Thacker, owner of Ariel Inspections and Engineering in Dallas, explains how thermographic inspections can transform services offered by commercial property inspectors. With a background in aerospace, stealth technology, and infrared imaging, Drew demonstrates that thermography isn’t just about scanning buildings— it’s a new business model with endless applications.

Key Takeaways:

• Expert Background & Innovation: Drew’s journey began at NASA, Rockwell International, and General Dynamics. His experiences laid the groundwork for his pioneering work. He started with roof inspections using drones and advanced cameras to detect issues, then evolved to comprehensive heat mapping of entire buildings.
• Cutting-Edge Thermography in Action: Discover how thermography pinpoints problems from roof leaks to electrical panel inefficiencies, using both drone-mounted and handheld infrared cameras to capture precise temperature differentials.
• Real-World Savings: Hear compelling examples where targeted thermographic surveys saved clients millions by pinpointing exact problem areas— without costly, full-scale repairs.
• Diverse Applications Beyond Real Estate: This technology isn’t just for properties on the market. Drew demonstrates its powerful applications in industrial settings, motor controls, septic system location, feedlot and water tank maintenance, refrigeration systems, drainage design, and overall preventative maintenance.

Tune in for practical insights on creating new revenue streams and enhancing your inspection practice!

The Commercial Property Inspectors Roundtable Meeting is a free monthly meeting hosted by the Certified Commercial Property Inspectors Association (CCPIA®). Participants discussed insurance inspections, multifamily inspections, and other revenue opportunities for their business. To register for an upcoming meeting, visit Commercial Property Inspector Training Calendar

Highlights from the Roundtable: 

This roundtable covered key industry updates, inspection challenges, and business opportunities for inspectors.

• Insurance Inspections on the Rise: Changes in insurance policies are increasing demand for commercial property inspections, particularly for older buildings. Some carriers now require four-point inspections. 
• Expanding Business Through Strategic Networking: Insights on securing repeat work from commercial agents and insurance brokers by providing reliable inspection services.
• Legal Considerations for Inspectors: A discussion on handling depositions and protecting yourself legally when inspection reports are used in lawsuits.
• Maximizing Efficiency in Multifamily Inspections: Tips on optimizing multifamily unit inspections, including setting client expectations, streamlining data collection, and managing report writing efficiently.
• Upcoming Professional Inspectors Convention: Inspectors were invited to attend the Professional Inspectors Convention in Orlando from February 16-18, 2025. CCPIA® will have a booth for attendees to stop by, along with six workshops focused on commercial property inspections and a networking dinner event.

The Commercial Property Inspectors Roundtable Meeting is a free monthly meeting hosted by the Certified Commercial Property Inspectors Association (CCPIA®) for inspectors across the nation to gather and discuss business development opportunities and strategies. This month, inspectors gathered to discuss the key components of successful proposals.

To attend an upcoming meeting, visit the Commercial Property Inspection Training Calendar to register.

Building Your Business with CCPIA® is a monthly series hosted by Rob Claus, CCPIA’s Director of Education. Each episode features industry leaders sharing tips and insights on commercial property inspections, plus solo episodes where Rob covers key trends and updates. Perfect for inspectors looking to grow and succeed!


DECEMBER 18, 2024 —  In this episode of Building Your Business, Rob Claus hosts Toby Thério and Kevin Labonté, founding members of Group Inspect in Quebec, Canada. They share their journey from independent inspectors to building a multi-inspector, multi-location firm with a strong focus on commercial property inspections. 

Tune in to learn about: 

• Group Inspect’s Dual Locations: Discover how Group Inspect operates across Quebec, with teams in Montreal and Quebec City focusing on residential and commercial inspections.
• Industry Backgrounds: Hear how Toby and Kevin transitioned from engineering and military careers to become leaders in the property inspection industry.
• Adapting to Change: Learn how Kevin is developing a training program to prepare inspectors for new Quebec multi-family inspection legislation and the evolving standards for inspection reporting.
• Navigating Sales in Two Countries: Explore the similarities and differences between Canadian and U.S. inspection markets, including the shared opportunities for growth and unique bilingual reporting requirements in Quebec.
• Memorable Projects: Dive into stories from large-scale inspections, such as 140-unit apartments, historic schools, and hidden attic apartments.
• Collaboration and Innovation: See how Group Inspect leverages teamwork, bilingual software, and AI tools to deliver high-quality reports while supporting inspectors.
• Why Go Commercial: Hear the advantages of expanding into commercial inspections, from market potential to long-term business growth.