Government contracts aren't just for big companies with specialized certifications.

In this episode, host Rob Claus sits down with Mike Dunne, owner of Dunne Inspection Services in Cheyenne, Wyoming and a CCPIA® member since the organization's inception. Mike has built a multi-inspector firm serving a three-state region across Wyoming, Colorado, and Nebraska. His journey from solo residential inspector to running a company securing six-figure government contracts offers practical insights for inspectors ready to scale beyond typical client relationships.

In This Episode:

• The Three-Inspection-Per-Day System: Mike reveals how hiring inspection assistants transformed his operation during COVID, cutting inspection time in half while maintaining quality. The secret wasn't just having help—it was how he strategically divided the work between inspectors and assistants.
• Why Local Employees Outperform Overseas VAs: Mike refuses to use call centers or overseas virtual assistants, and it's not about patriotism. He explains the unexpected business advantage that appeared when a 17-year-old summer employee brought in more referrals than any marketing campaign ever did.
• From Zero to Six Figures on Government Contracts: After two years on SAM.gov with no results, an engineering firm called asking if Mike could video 20,000 feet of sewer mains on an Air Force base. He had no idea what they were talking about but said yes anyway. Hear how that single "yes" turned into ongoing six-figure contracts.
• The Subcontractor Advantage Nobody Talks About: Mike shares why he never bids as a prime contractor and how being a sub-of-a-sub actually opens more doors. From unfired pressure vessel inspections to asbestos surveys, he explains his philosophy of taking work he's never done before and figuring it out after saying yes.
• The Unexpected Competition in Small Markets: In Cheyenne, Mike doesn't compete against other inspection companies. His real competition is electricians, roofers, and HVAC companies who formed partnerships claiming to do "inspections." Hear how this shaped his entire business strategy and why his service area eventually shrunk as he grew.
  
  

Related Resources for Commercial Property Inspectors: 

• CCPIA® Commercial Property Inspector Mentor Program 
• Commercial Property Inspectors: Who They Are and Who Hires Them
• SWOT Analysis for Commercial Property Inspection Companies
• Business Development Resources for Commercial Property Inspectors
  
  
  

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

SEPTEMBER 2025 HIGHLIGHTS: 

This month’s roundtable was led by Rob Claus and packed with insights about internet marketing, cost per lead, accounts receivable, and large project acquisition in commercial property inspections.

To attend an upcoming meeting, visit: http://ccpia.org/training-calendar/

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

With the OBBBA law now in effect, property owners and investors face new incentives and deadlines, and inspectors have a bigger role than ever. We’re covering that first in this month’s audio newsletter.

Then, we’re highlighting: 

• Emergency power system inspections. See inspection video and checklist. 
• Inspection scope strategies based on due diligence and risk tolerance. Learn the methodology. 
• Inspection tool and equipment guide for rolling out new services. Get the tool guide and planner. 
• Top inspector tech story. See what’s coming to InterNACHI’s free agreement system. 

Additional resources: 

• Subscribe to CCPIA’s monthly email newsletter. 
• Register for InterNACHI's Inspectors Convention in Dallas, held over Oct. 16-18, 2025. Hotel discount ends Sept. 25. 
• See upcoming online and hands-on training calendar.

🤝 Thanks for reading and being part of the CCPIA® community. Together, we lead Building Excellence.

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

In this episode, host Rob Claus sits down with Ian Dolby, a commercial property inspector from southwestern Michigan who brings an unusual background to the industry. With experience in construction, real estate, and senior-level investment banking in mergers and acquisitions, Ian shows how diverse professional experience creates competitive advantages in commercial inspections.

Helpful Links for Commercial Property Inspectors:

• Commercial Property Inspector Mentoring
• Pricing and Proposals for Securing the Job Course
• Understanding Commercial Property Inspection Client Types Course
• Tool Guide for Commercial Property Inspectors + Free Checklist
• Risk Tolerance and Due Diligence in Commercial Property Inspections

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

👋 Hello, commercial property inspectors! In this month’s newsletter, you’ll find inspection headlines, CRE market insights, and training announcements, including:

• Profitable service add-ons
• Must-know procedures for electrical inspections
• Zoom courses and hands-on training held nationwide
• CRE industry regulatory news that keeps you informed on what’s happening (and gives you client conversation starters)

Links mentioned in the episode: 

• New revenue stream: Phase I ESAs 
• Hot demand: Four core inspection services for CRE capital planning
• Confidence builder: Electrical inspection procedure guide and video demo
• Staying up-to-date: Subscribe to the monthly email newsletter  

🤝 Thanks for reading and being part of the CCPIA® community. Together, we lead Building Excellence.

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

August 2025 Episode of the Commercial Property Inspectors Roundtable Hosted by CCPIA® is out now!  This month’s roundtable covers internet marketing, managing cost per lead, ensuring prompt payments, and navigating large project acquisitions. Get valuable insights to help grow your business!

To attend an upcoming meeting, visit: http://ccpia.org/training-calendar/

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

Episode #24: Learn why fire door inspections matter for commercial property safety and liability.

In this episode, host Rob Claus welcomes special guest Lori Greene, Manager of Codes and Resources for Allegion. With nearly 40 years in the door and hardware industry, Lori is the industry's foremost expert on fire doors and fire door assemblies. Allegion is a global security company with approximately 40 brands, including the well-known Schlage brand.

Tune in to hear Rob and Lori discuss:

• Fire door fundamentals 
• Identification and compliance
• Real-word impact of consequences of insufficient fire doors
• Annual fire door inspection requirements
• Industry resources

Helpful Links for Commercial Property Inspectors:

• Fire Door Inspection Online Course for Swing, Siding, and Rolling Doors
• Fire Door Locations: Types and Inspection Guidelines for Buildings 
• Exit Door and Fire Doors Inspection Video
• Fire Door Inspections Reporting: Tips and Tools
• Life Safety Inspection Online Course for Commercial Property Inspectors

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

Hear how the R-410A phaseout is reshaping commercial HVAC systems and what it means for property inspections, with your host Lance Coffman. 

Episode #3 Highlights:

- R410A manufacturing stopped January 1, 2025
- Repair costs following R-22's path
- New A2L refrigerants require complete system replacement, not retrofits
- Document refrigerant type on every data plate during inspections
- Equipment over 10 years old faces immediate replacement decisions
- Frame findings as capital planning, not emergencies
- Maintenance history reveals leak-prone systems worth replacing
- Local codes for A2L safety vary
- Biggest HVAC shift in 20 years requires proactive client education

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

We recently connected with CCPIA® member Tony Christoforou, who discussed how his well-established commercial inspection business has evolved into something greater—thanks to collaboration and a dedication to learning from each project and client experience.

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

Tune in to the free monthly virtual meeting, where inspectors nationwide gather to exchange ideas, discuss business development strategies, and explore industry opportunities. This month is packed with insights about clients, contracts, and insurance coverage. 

Special guests from the leading provider of Errors & Omissions (E&O) and General Liability insurance for inspection companies joined us for the second half of the meeting.

To attend an upcoming meeting, visit: http://ccpia.org/training-calendar/

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