It's almost 2026! And as we look back on the year, we've got much to be grateful for. Both here on the show, and in the field. But we see a lot of issues throughout the year as home inspectors... and as such, there's also a few things we'd be grateful to never see again. So, who better to help us wrap up the year than one of the OG TIkTok Inspectors: Brad Zirlott, aka @duesouthbrad ! We've wanted to get him on the show for a while, and together we talk about the impact of social media on our businesses, the importance of maintaining relationships with realtors, and the challenges of balancing work and personal life. But as always, we want to hear from you too! What were some of your highs and lows in 2025? Sound off in the comments, and we'll see y'all next year!

The TLDR:

- Introduction and Year-End Reflections

- The Role of Social Media in Home Inspections

- Building and Maintaining Realtor Relationships

- Balancing Work and Personal Life

- Gratitude and Lessons Learned

- Humor and Authenticity in Business

- Learning and Adapting in the Industry

- The Importance of Networking and Mentorship

The Links:

Check out our sponsor: http://Getsync.pro

Subscribe to our Newsletter: https://pages.theridealong.show/newsletter

Leave us a VOICEMAIL! http://theridealong.show

Follow @duesouthbrad on TikTok, IG, and here on YouTube!

Want to grow your home inspection business quickly in a new city? Charles Bellefontaine, a seasoned home inspector and founder of GetSync, has a few ideas on how it can be done. In one of the last episodes from Inspection Fuel, we sit down with Charles to talk about how inspectors can reach home buyers quickly and directly. We also get into the question of which forms of marketing are most effective: online ads or social media marketing... or both! We explore the importance of thorough inspections, the impact of marketing strategies, and the role of technology in streamlining business operations. The conversation also touches on personal experiences and lessons learned from overdoing it in growing a business and the effects it can have on our personal lives... lessons we've learned firsthand.

So, be sure to check out our FIRST EVER sponsor at GetSync.pro to learn more!

Chapters:

00:00:00 Introduction and Overview

00:03:00 Challenges in Home Inspections

00:09:00 Marketing and Business Growth

00:15:00 Technology and Innovation

00:21:00 Personal Experiences and Lessons Learned

00:27:00 Conclusion and Future Outlook

The TLDR:

- Home inspections should be thorough and not rushed.

- Marketing directly to consumers can significantly boost business.

- Technology like GetSync can streamline operations and reduce overhead.

- Building relationships with real estate agents is crucial for business growth.

- Understanding client needs is key to providing valuable services.

- Personal experiences can shape business strategies and decisions.

- Effective communication with clients builds trust and credibility.

- Adapting to market changes is essential for long-term success.

- Balancing work and personal life is important for mental health.

- Continuous learning and adaptation are vital in the inspection industry.

The Links:

Check out our sponsor: http://Getsync.pro

Subscribe to our Newsletter: https://pages.theridealong.show/newsletter

Leave us a VOICEMAIL! http://theridealong.show

Brianna Beans fell off a ladder on a home inspection... and it rocked her career. In fact, it inspired a complete overhaul of her business model and a pivot from home inspections... to rental property inspections. This opened up an entirely new stream of recurring revenue while allowing her to operate within her new safety limits. By focusing on building relationships with property managers and rental companies, she was able to build a snowballing schedule where she was inspecting the same properties on a regular basis every time a new lease was signed. She details the whole story here and more.

Key Moments:

00:00:00 - Introduction and Guest Introduction

00:02:00 - Brianna's Unique Inspection Approach

00:05:00 - Market Opportunity and Expansion

00:08:00 - Safety and Maintenance Focus

00:11:00 - Business Model and Property Management

00:14:00 - Challenges and Career Transition

00:17:00 - Franchising and Future Plans

00:20:00 - Branding and Recognition

00:23:00 - Conference Insights and Networking

00:26:00 - Conclusion and Future Outlook

The TLDR:

• Introduction of Brianna Beans : Brianna, known as "Inspector Beans," specializes in rental property inspections, focusing on cosmetic and maintenance aspects rather than full home inspections.
• Unique Inspection Approach : Brianna's inspections are more simplified than traditional home inspections, emphasizing the current condition of rental properties before tenant move-ins.
• Market Opportunity : Brianna identified an untapped market for rental inspections, which led her to expand her services in the Fort Collins area after training with Axiom Inspections.
• Safety and Maintenance : Emphasis on safety and maintenance, including checking smoke detectors and addressing minor issues during inspections, which is not common in traditional home inspections.
• Business Model : Brianna's business model involves working closely with property management companies, offering initial free inspections to build trust and secure recurring business.
• Challenges and Adaptations : Brianna transitioned to rental inspections after a serious injury from a fall during a roof inspection, which led her to focus on safer inspection practices.
• Franchise Potential : Brianna is considering franchising her business model to expand her services beyond her current location.
• Conference Insights : Brianna appreciates the networking opportunities at industry conferences, which help her connect with other professionals and share innovative business ideas.
• Branding and Recognition : The unique name "Inspector Beans" helps Brianna stand out and is memorable to clients and peers.
• Future Plans : Brianna aims to continue growing her business, potentially selling it in the future, and is exploring additional services like light maintenance to enhance her offerings.

The Links:

Follow Inspector Beans on TikTok: @inspectorbeans

Sign up for our Newsletter here: https://pages.theridealong.show/newsletter

And you can even leave us a VOICEMAIL to suggest ideas for future episodes here: https://www.theridealong.show

We've got another episode of The Ride Along this week featuring social media management experts Saiya Patel and Lindsay Freeman... the founders of Social Saiya! Most business owners are too busy to keep up with the latest trends and algorithm changes that can keep your company's social channels relevant and visible... and that's why proper, knowledgable social media management matters so much! Saiya Patel launched her company to help take her father's multiple booming businesses to even greater levels after seeing that social media marketing was the one area where they were truly lacking. And she did that while still in college! Today, she's sharing the story behind her company's launch and how her company can help YOUR company continue to grow.

Learn more at: https://socialsaiya.com

Sign up for our newsletter here: https://pages.theridealong.show/newsletter

And you can even leave us a VOICEMAIL to suggest ideas for future episodes here: https://www.theridealong.show

In part two of our ISN product feature from Inspection Fuel 2025, we hang out with Lindsay Grimm... the Head of Product for ISN. As one of the key product vendors at Inspection Fuel, it was awesome to hear not just what's happening on the software side, but also on the product feature side of ISN. Including things like an AI Voice Assistant and improved online scheduling.

The TLDR:

- ISN has made the FlexFund fee more transparent, leading to increased adoption among inspection companies.

- big update and improvements to Zapier Integration, allowing for more customizable and efficient operations for users.

- Digilatics Integration: Lindsay explains the one-way sync with Digital Addicts, streamlining operations and enhancing marketing insights.

- AI Voice Assistant Development: The team is working on an AI voice assistant to handle client calls after hours, ensuring no call is lost.

- Order Form Overhaul: ISN is redesigning its order form to modernize the user experience and improve backend stability.

- Premium Time Slots Feature: A new feature allowing inspectors to charge more for high-demand time slots, offering greater control over scheduling.

- Commitment to User-Centric Innovation: Lindsay emphasizes ISN's focus on developing features that respond to user needs and enhance the inspection process.

The Links:

Subscribe to our newsletter here: https://pages.theridealong.show/newsletter

And leave us a voicemail here: https://www.theridealong.show

Find out more about ISN at: https://www.inspectionsupport.com

Inspection Fuel 2025 was FIRE! Pun intended. And we have SO much content to share with y'all starting with this episode! We kick off the show reflecting on some Fuel highlights during our time in New Orleans, including networking opportunities we had, engaging presentations we saw, and memorable moments. We also get into the evolution of the show, the concept behind 'The Ride Along,' and the importance of vendor insights in the inspection industry.

In fact, the next couple of episodes highlight one of the key vendors at Fuel, ISN. As two inspectors who use ISN daily, we were stoked to hear about all the improvements made to the Report Writer, the app, and even some of the neat time-saving AI features they're launching.

Be sure to comment about you favorite Inspection Fuel highlights!

The TLDR:

- Networking is a key highlight of events.

- Mardi Gras World exceeded expectations.

- The live show format was a unique experience.

- Audience participation added to the event's success.

- The show's name change reflects its purpose.

- Riding along with inspectors is a valuable learning experience.

- Vendors play a crucial role in the industry.

- Feedback from the audience helps shape the show.

- The venue's layout fostered community interaction.

- Future episodes will feature insights from various vendors.

The links: Subscribe to our newsletter here: https://pages.theridealong.show/newsletter

And leave us a voicemail here: https://www.theridealong.show

Find out more about ISN at: https://www.inspectionsupport.com

Inspection Fuel 2025 was FIRE... pun intended. And if you were there, we hope you were able to attend the first ever live recording of The Ride Along podcast! But in case you weren't, don't worry. We've got you covered because you can see the entire thing right here. We get into everything from Building Science and the importance of deepening our understanding of homes can be made more durably and efficiently... and we also get into the best ways to present our knowledge as inspectors via social media. Travis Jones and @Inspector_Fletch are two guests you DO NOT want to miss. So, watch the whole thing, and be sure to like and share.

Also: Subscribe to our newsletter here: https://pages.theridealong.show/newsletter

And leave us a voicemail here: https://www.theridealong.show

Franchises... do they work? Are they better than starting independently? Are they worth the cost? We get into all of that and MORE with Nate Boucher of Mike Holmes Inspections! If you've followed the HGTV/DIY space for the past 20 years, the name Mike Holmes should be familiar to you. Pivoting off of his on-screen success, he launched his home inspection franchise in Canada where inspectors like Nate have been thriving.

And Mike Holmes Inspections is one of the largest groups using Home Inspector Pro!

There are an abundant amount of franchise options if you've ever considered it as a foot into the inspection space, so if you've been wondering how/if they work and whether they're worth it... then maybe Nate's story will help.

The Links:

Register for Inspection Fuel (September 8-10 in New Orleans) here: https://www.inspectionfuel.com/register

Sign up for our newsletter here: https://pages.theridealong.show/newsletter

Leave us a voicemail here: https://www.theridealong.show

Learn more about Home Inspector Pro: https://homeinspectorpro.com

If you're a brand new home inspector and looking to break out in the industry, you're not alone! In fact, we get comments from new inspectors all the time asking for tips whether it's about the job on-site or about growing a business. So, if that's you, then you'll love our guest Ashleigh Flores from Horizon City, Texas. Because she's in her sixth month of doing just that! We get into the ins and outs of starting a career in home inspection, the importance of consistency, and the tools of the trade. Ashleigh shares her journey, offering insights and advice for new inspectors. And if she can do it... so can you!

ALSO... WE'VE GOT SOMETHING REALLY COOL HAPPENING THIS MONTH ON OUR INSTAGRAM! Go follow @theridealongshow on Instagram so you can be part of it :)

The Links:

Register for Inspection Fuel (September 8-10 in New Orleans) here: https://www.inspectionfuel.com/register

Sign up for our newsletter here: https://pages.theridealong.show/newsletter

Leave us a voicemail here: https://www.theridealong.show

The conversation around PEX piping has generated a LOT of opinions on this channel. We thought the episode with Eric Aune would be the last on the topic, but inspector Jon Bolton reached out to us regarding material failures and class action lawsuits that are still ongoing surrounding the product. So, we figured we'd bring him on for a rebuttal of sorts. But we want to kick the conversation to YOU guys? As inspectors, have we reached the point of discovery where a PEX disclaimer is warranted? Or are we still sorting out and improving a product that has a strong future use case? Sound off in the comments!

Oh and if you're in the Dallas area tonight, go hear Matt speak at the regional BS and Beer event happening this evening! BS = Building Science 😉

The Links:

Register for Inspection Fuel (September 8-10 in New Orleans) here: https://www.inspectionfuel.com/register

Subscribe to our newsletter at: https://pages.theridealong.show/newsletter