The Mentor Moment

Changing your life begins with believing that something better is possible—and taking steps to make it happen. In this episode of The Mentor Moment, host Dirk Houglum explores three steps toward meaningful change: believe it, manifest it through action, and don’t be afraid to change direction.

Through lessons from business, mentoring, and learning Kung Fu at fifty, Dirk shares how to challenge limiting beliefs, build confidence through consistent effort, and recognize when your plan needs adjusting. Whether you’re starting a business, learning a skill, or pursuing personal growth, this episode encourages you to begin where you are, follow through, and stay willing to learn along the way.

In this episode of The Mentor Moment, a delayed restaurant visit sparks a conversation about the difference between knowing what to do and assuming you do. Paulette, drawing on her years in the restaurant industry, reminds Dirk that deciding when to cut staff is a fine line. Dirk reflects on his father’s grocery business and his advice: “If you can’t find something to do, sweep the floor.” The lesson for business owners and mentors is to listen to people closest to the work, question your assumptions, and change course when the facts change.

In this episode of The Mentor Moment, Dirk talks about how leadership skills grow through practice. Drawing on his experiences mentoring inspectors, serving in BNI and at church, and learning Kung Fu, he explores the value of listening, accepting correction, following through, and owning mistakes. Leadership doesn’t require a title; it develops through everyday choices that help the people counting on us.

In this episode of The Mentor Moment, I talk about continuing to show up when you are sick or simply not feeling like yourself. As you will hear, my voice is off today—but that makes this message even more real. Many of us continue working because people depend on us and the job still needs to be done. However, there is a difference between confidently pushing through a difficult day and ignoring your body’s warning signs. Sometimes strength means getting up and moving forward, while other times it means slowing down, asking for help, and allowing yourself to recover. You do not need to be perfect to make a difference, but you do need the wisdom to recognize when it is time to work and when it is time to rest.

In this episode of The Mentor Moment, Dirk Houglum welcomes Rachel Schneider, author of The Widow Chose Red?, for a conversation about faith, grief, and finding hope when life takes an unexpected turn.

Rachel shares her experience of losing her husband to ALS, raising their sons through grief, and supporting a son through addiction and recovery. Together, Dirk and Rachel discuss how mentoring and community help people feel understood, supported, and less alone.

Through personal stories, they explore giving ourselves grace, trusting God through difficult seasons, and recognizing how a simple act of kindness can change someone’s day. Rachel also explains that prosperity reaches beyond finances to include emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being.

The central message: Faith does not make every struggle easy, but it can help us move forward. Even when life’s “happily ever after” changes, hope, purpose, and meaningful connection are still possible.

As the year moves toward its final months, now is the time to take an honest look at your business. In this episode of The Mentor Moment, Dirk discusses examining what worked, what failed, where you grew, and where you struggled—without allowing mistakes to define you. He also explains why continuing education remains essential, even for experienced professionals, and how the lessons from this year can help you set clearer priorities, strengthen your systems, and build meaningful goals for next year.

This is one of those conversations I honestly did not want to have—but it is necessary. Personal growth is not only about making more money, gaining confidence, or building a bigger business. It is also about becoming responsible enough to protect what you have worked so hard to build.

In this episode of The Mentor Moment, Dirk talks straight about protecting your name, your business, your time, your family, and your future. From E&O insurance and written contracts to clear boundaries, good documentation, and planning ahead, this episode is a reminder that wisdom is not living in fear—it is being prepared.

If you are an inspector, entrepreneur, business owner, or anyone trying to build something that lasts, this is a conversation worth hearing. You have worked too hard to leave everything exposed.

Today on The Mentor Moment, Dirk talks about how real-life situations can teach us the biggest lessons. After a recent ER visit and more testing ahead, he shares why he started building a backup plan for D&P Home Inspection and reaching out to trusted inspector friends.

Using his own story—and the story of a friend who lost their spouse—Dirk explains why having a plan, building real relationships, and keeping important information organized is not fear; it is wisdom. This episode is a reminder that your business matters, but your family, health, and the people you love matter even more.

In this episode of The Mentor Moment, Dirk talks about how storytelling can make mentoring more powerful. After speaking with a former home inspector who left the business because fear became overwhelming, Dirk shares how fear can affect even talented people—and why mentors need to listen, encourage, and share their own real experiences.

He also opens up about being afraid to put his face and voice on Facebook, YouTube, and social media. The message is simple: confidence does not come before action—it comes from taking one step at a time, learning as you go, and refusing to let fear control your future.

In this episode of The Mentor Moment, Dirk explains the GROW Model: Goal, Reality, Options, and Will. Building on active listening and powerful questions, this simple mentoring tool helps business owners define where they want to go, honestly examine where they are, explore possible solutions, and commit to meaningful action. Real growth begins when we stop simply staying busy and start moving forward with purpose.