The Commercial Property Inspector Podcast

➡️ View the October Newsletter

➡️ Training Calender

Watch or listen (anywhere, anytime, and any way you like). Visit ccpia.org to browse the video library!

In this episode, Rob Claus of CCPIA® sits down with Ryan Walker, managing partner at ETS Environmental to discuss how commercial property inspectors can add Phase I Environmental Site Assessments to their business, how their inspector partnership model works, real stories from the field, and how to get started.

00:01 — Introduction and Ryan's background
04:42 — What is a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment?
10:51 — How commercial property inspectors fit into the Phase I process
14:52 — The ETS inspector partnership model explained
20:33 — Property types and expanding into new markets
25:24 — What the site visit actually involves
32:44 — Ryan's most memorable environmental find
39:39 — Getting started: training, insurance, and investment
45:11 — Turnaround times and closing timelines
47:54 — Final thoughts and closing

🔗 Learn more about CCPIA®: https://ccpia.org/

Watch or listen (anywhere, anytime, and any way you like). Visit ccpia.org to browse the video library!

This month, we’re focusing on how to get started in commercial property inspections, from building the right knowledge base and protecting yourself with the right insurance to landing your first job. Plus, check out the latest podcast episodes and see upcoming trainings and free virtual roundtable meetings.

➡️ View the September Newsletter

➡️ Training Calender

Watch or listen (anywhere, anytime, and any way you like). Visit ccpia.org to browse the video library!

In this month's Commercial Property Inspectors Roundtable, the conversation centers on the challenges of breaking into new markets, building trust with potential clients, and knowing where the next referral will come from, opening with a real example of missed opportunities that could have doubled one member's business.

The group digs into tailoring proposals to specific property types, speaking the client's language, and keeping communication fast and consistent to build trust. Members also share how they have connected with the right clients, from updating Google Business listings to networking through industry associations, along with real success stories and a live Q&A on transitioning from residential to commercial work.


0:05 – Intro
1:19 – Topic: breaking down barriers to closing jobs
2:16 – Story: 27 inquiries, only 7 wins
6:43 – Tailoring proposals by property type
10:07 – Walking clients through inspections by phone
12:18 – Storage facility case study
14:02 – Communication as a barrier-breaker
17:00 – Google listing strategy for going commercial
18:07 – First 45 days going live in commercial
20:10 – Marketing collateral ideas
23:21 – Networking through associations
26:09 – Niche-building in smaller jobs
27:47 – Vacation rental / glamping niche
32:47 – Confidence as the ultimate barrier-breaker
35:50 – Upcoming training events
38:20 – Q&A: transitioning to commercial
47:54 – Closing remarks

📆 To attend an upcoming meeting, visit the training calendar: https://ccpia.org/training-calendar/

Watch or listen (anywhere, anytime, and any way you like). Visit ccpia.org to browse the video library!

Jeff Crabtree of SureGuard Property Inspections has been selected for CCPIA's Member Spotlight, recognizing the impressive momentum he's built in just over a year. In this conversation with host Rob Claus, Jeff shares why he left a 20+ year corporate career to launch his own inspection company, along with lessons for other professionals. Before going full-time, Jeff spent two decades in asset management for Fortune 100 companies and has personally inspected more than 165 million square feet of commercial real estate.

00:06 – Intro & welcome
02:48 – Jeff's corporate background (Walmart, private equity)
05:21 – How they met at CCPIA and why Jeff left corporate for inspections
09:26 – Corporate vs. CRE inspections: communication and objectives
13:10 – Building SureGuard: zero to double-digit inspections/month, starting with FCAs
17:57 – Networking through BOMA/CCIM and building client communication
19:35 – CCPIA resources beyond core training
23:40 – Website story and client engagement (calls, inquiries, closure rate)
31:24 – Reading the client: sale-leaseback example and business flexibility
33:36 – Marketing investment (Tree Ring/Paige) and ROI
37:00 – Closing advice: branding day one, learning the client's language
43:20 – Wrap-up and outro

🔗 To learn more visit https://ccpia.org/

Watch or listen (anywhere, anytime, and any way you like). Visit ccpia.org to browse the video library!

In this episode, Rob Claus of CCPIA® welcomes Bob Brown, "The Dirt Whisperer," a foundation repair expert, about using data-driven tools to detect slab movement, foundation damage, and structural risk in commercial buildings.

00:01 – Intro
00:28 – Bob's background
02:37 – "Dirt Whisperer" origin
06:18 – Floor level surveys & smart level tool
11:39 – Objective vs. subjective assessments
16:37 – The 16 data points for foundation evaluation
21:31 – Dead blow hammer technique
22:40 – Slab curling explained
28:52 – Warehouse settlement case study
31:05 – Spatial Vision software overview
35:45 – Time estimates for surveys
42:08 – Best industries for this service
51:10 – Closing and resources

🔗 Learn more about CCPIA®: https://ccpia.org/

Watch or listen (anywhere, anytime, and any way you like). Visit ccpia.org to browse the video library!

In this month's roundtable, we discussed strategies for optimizing profitability and efficiency in commercial inspections. The highly variable nature of commercial work requires inspectors to move away from rigid hourly pricing toward more flexible, project-based models.

00:00 – Intro
03:42 – Industrial Speed Benchmarks
08:39 – Commercial vs. Residential
14:31 – Sq Ft vs. Hourly Pricing
17:04 – Job Costing & Profit Margins
20:38 – Templates & Software Efficiency
25:58 – Field Time vs. Reporting Time
27:46 – AI for Report Narratives
29:05 – Standardizing Team Inspection Times
37:36 – On-Site Reporting Workflow
42:36 – Spectora AI Assistant Discussion
45:05 – Large Multi-Building Case Study
50:00 – Representative Sampling & Drones
55:36 – Tiered Proposal Pricing (A/B/C)
58:00 – Wrap-Up

🔗 Learn more about CCPIA®: https://ccpia.org/

Watch or listen (anywhere, anytime, and any way you like). Visit ccpia.org to browse the video library!

In this episode, Aaron Shishilla shares his journey from growing up in the family inspection business to founding Wolfpack Advertising. We explore digital marketing strategies, the impact of AI, and how inspectors can effectively source work in a digital-first world.

00:00 Introduction and Background
02:59 Family Business and Early Experiences
06:02 Transition to Marketing and Wolfpack
09:01 Growth and Evolution of Wolfpack
11:54 Shifts in Marketing Strategies
14:58 The Impact of AI on Business
18:10 Marketing Methodologies for Different Inspections
21:12 Budgeting for Marketing Expenses
23:59 Types of Marketing Spend
27:01 Website Management and Updates
27:39 The Evolution of Digital Marketing in Commercial Inspections
30:17 Building Authority Through Website Content
32:09 Navigating Google Ads for Commercial Inspections
37:10 Understanding Bing Ads and Their Value
40:01 The Importance of Inside Sales in Lead Conversion
46:18 Tailoring Marketing Strategies for New Inspectors
53:42 Outro


🔗 Interested in attending CCPIA® training? See upcoming dates and locations for in-person and online classes here: https://ccpia.org/training-calendar/

Watch or listen (anywhere, anytime, and any way you like). Visit ccpia.org to browse the video library!

This month's Building Your Business episode features host Rob Claus sitting down with Inspector Shawn Mizell, a Florida home inspector and content creator ready to transform his business. Shawn shares his journey on how a single CCPIA course completely changed his mindset, how he is using social media to attract new clients, and where he sees the commercial inspection industry heading.

00:00 Introduction to Home Inspection Journey
03:18 Transitioning to Commercial Inspections
05:59 The Impact of Training on Confidence
09:04 Content Creation and Networking in Commercial Real Estate
12:01 Rebranding for Commercial Success
15:19 Learning from Real-World Experiences
18:05 Advice for Aspiring Inspectors
20:52 The Excitement of Commercial Inspections
24:07 Future of Commercial Inspections
26:51 Surprises in the Journey of Change
31:01 Closing 

🔗 Interested in attending the CCPIA® in-person training Shawn mentioned? See upcoming dates and locations for the Introduction to Commercial Property Inspections 3-Day Class: https://ccpia.org/introduction-to-commercial-property-inspections-3-day-class/

Watch or listen (anywhere, anytime, and any way you like). Visit ccpia.org to browse the video library!

In this month's open forum roundtable, we hear directly from members on the topics that matter most: VAV boxes, cost-to-remedy estimates, converting inquiries into booked jobs, and competing on value over price. Plus, updates on upcoming classes and resources to help grow your commercial inspection business.

0:05 – Welcome & intro; 2027 class planning and upcoming July cost-to-remedy class in Chicago
4:28 – VAV box inventory in office buildings
9:48 – Using allowances for cost-to-remedy on cosmetic items
15:14 – Caution against over-inspecting specialized commercial systems
20:27 – Setting client expectations upfront
21:51 – Conversion rates and inside sales strategies
33:09 – Competing on value over price
36:38 – Qualifying clients who are shopping on price alone
45:04 – Upcoming courses and member resources
46:30 – Inspector efficiency benchmarks
49:05 – Upcoming in-person classes
50:01 – Using sample reports to demonstrate value
52:00 – Wrap-up and closing reminders

🔗 Learn more about CCPIA®: https://ccpia.org/

Watch or listen (anywhere, anytime, and any way you like). Visit ccpia.org to browse the video library!