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

Y'all had some STRONG thoughts on our episode about PEX last year, so who better to straighten things out than Master Plumber Eric Aune of  @mechanical-hub  and  @buildshow ?! If you haven't followed him yet, he's a plumbing and heating expert from Minnesota... and you absolutely should follow him! On top of hosting and contributing on both sites, he's also the host of the Make Trades Great Again podcast.

In a nutshell, if you have questions on plumbing, this guy has answers, and this week we discuss the evolution of plumbing technology, particularly focusing on PEX and its comparison to Polybutylene. Eric shares insights from his extensive experience in the industry, including the importance of adapting to new technologies and the challenges faced by professionals in the field. The conversation also touches on the significance of audience engagement through social media and podcasts, highlighting the need for continuous learning and adaptation in the plumbing industry.

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

Check out  @mechanical-hub  there.

Check out The Build Show Network here: https://buildshownetwork.com

 The TLDR:

• Discussion on the evolution of plumbing technology.
• PEX is often compared to Polybutylene, but they are not the same and one is vastly superior. 
• The industry has learned from past mistakes with Polybutylene.
• Engagement with the audience is crucial for industry professionals.
• Social media plays a significant role in sharing knowledge.
• Continuous learning is essential in the plumbing field.
• Innovations in water heating technology are emerging.
• The importance of adapting to new technologies is emphasized.
• Eric likes a hybrid system and installs both PEX and copper.

Growth... it's almost as weird as the word MOIST. But this time of year, it's a very real concern as we enter the warm, humid, wet summer. Especially in the dirty South, mold and organic growth is super prevalent this time of year. That's why we brought in expert Kristian Geiger of Avid Inspection Specialists to talk about it, as we dig into:

• the process of inspection for mold
• his personal experiences from the field, including injuries and interesting finds
• and the ethical considerations and licensing requirements surrounding mold inspections.

Other areas of mold inspection we discuss involve things like consumer protection, the methodology for large inspections, the importance of adhering to health standards, and the tools and techniques used in the field. We also touch on the competitive landscape of mold inspection and how it influences standards of practice. So GROW your knowledge with us as we discuss all things mold and organic growth. 

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

The TLDR:

• Summer market is busy and full of opportunities.
• Training new inspectors involves hands-on experience and gradual responsibility.
• Mold inspections are a growing area of focus in the industry.
• Unique regional challenges exist, such as termite issues in Louisiana.
• Ethical practices are crucial in mold inspection to avoid conflicts of interest.
• Licensing requirements for mold inspections vary by state.
• Continuous learning is essential for inspectors to stay updated.
• Field experiences often lead to unexpected and interesting stories.
• Networking with other inspectors can provide valuable insights.
• Maintaining high standards in inspections builds trust with clients.
• There are things that protect the consumer in mold inspection.
• Licensed inspectors follow a code of ethics.
• Mold inspections require a thorough understanding of moisture sources.
• The inspection process can be time-consuming and requires foresight.
• Tools should enhance the inspection, not replace the inspector's judgment.
• Health concerns should dictate the standards of practice used.
• Inspectors should rely on visual assessments first.
• Competition influences the tools and techniques used in inspections.
• Mold inspection standards can vary significantly by region.
• Networking and collaboration among inspectors can enhance practices.

YOU SHOULD BE CHARGING A $1000 AVERAGE FEE FOR YOUR INSPECTIONS! At least that's what many leading inspectors and inspection company owners are saying. Ben Gromicko, COO of InterNACHI, is one of them. And while we fully support the idea... we want to know how it can be done and how feasible it is for the average inspector around the country.

And that's why we brought on Ben! Watch the whole thing, because we get into the importance of understanding the value of home inspections, the role of marketing and consumer perception, and the psychology behind pricing strategies. The conversation also touches on the significance of community engagement and generosity in building long-term client relationships. 

We also get into how InterNACHI is growing their educational content to train inspectors on natural disasters, modern technologies, water management, and innovative building techniques.

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

 Learn more about InterNACHI here: https://www.nachi.org

 The TLDR:

• Home inspectors need to understand the value they provide to clients.
• Raising prices can lead to working less while earning more.
• Marketing to the local community is essential for home inspectors.
• Consumer perception can be influenced by social media and reviews.
• Home inspectors should differentiate themselves from competitors.
• The home inspection industry can support higher pricing through perceived value.
• Networking with real estate agents can enhance visibility and credibility.
• Generosity in times of crisis can build long-term client relationships.
• Understanding market competition is crucial for pricing strategies.
• Business success requires a combination of skills, including marketing and psychology.
• Home inspectors can play a crucial role in disaster recovery efforts.
• Leveraging trained home inspectors can help address inspection shortages after disasters.
• InterNACHI continuously updates its coursework to include modern technologies.
• Understanding water management is essential for effective home inspections.
• Innovative practices in crawl space management can enhance home safety.
• Home inspectors should charge based on their individual business needs, not just competition.
• Effective marketing strategies are crucial for communicating the value of inspections.
• Home inspections should not be limited to buyers; there are other opportunities in the market.
• Home inspectors need to measure their marketing efforts to ensure profitability.
• The health of occupants is directly linked to the quality of their home inspections.

Give Inspector Randle a hand! In just a few months time, he's grown his business to 6 figures in revenue after striking out on his own. And he created a massive Inspector social media trend along the way! We're stoked to have him on the show to talk all about the transition from working for a company to starting an independent business, and the rapid growth he's experienced. We also explore the challenges and successes of building a brand online, maintaining professional relationships, and navigating the complexities of non-compete agreements. The discussion highlights the importance of authenticity and creativity in marketing, as well as the evolving landscape of the inspection industry. We also get into the differences between new construction and older home inspections, the challenges of scheduling and booking inspections, and personal preferences in the types of services they offer. So, if you're looking to make a move and get out on your own as an inspector (or if you're starting out and wondering if a franchise, joining a team, or going solo is right for you) then you'll want to watch!

Follow Inspector Randle on social media  @Inspector_Randle  

The TLDR:

• The importance of social media in building a personal brand.
• Transitioning from a company to independent business can be daunting but rewarding.
• Rapid growth in business can occur with the right marketing strategies.
• Maintaining good relationships with previous employers is crucial.
• Navigating non-compete agreements requires understanding your unique situation.
• Authenticity in content creation resonates with audiences.
• The inspection industry is evolving with new marketing techniques.
• Creativity can lead to unique business opportunities.
• Building a following before starting a business can lead to immediate success.
• It's essential to focus on services you enjoy and excel at.
• New construction inspections differ significantly from older ones.
• Booking inspections can be challenging due to high demand.
• Personal preferences influence the types of inspections offered.
• Social media has become a crucial marketing tool for inspectors.
• Work-life balance is essential for long-term satisfaction.
• Foundation evaluations can be time-consuming and require proper compensation.
• Inspectors should charge for ancillary services to ensure fair pay.
• Finding a unique voice on social media can attract more clients.
• Maintaining a manageable workload is key to avoiding burnout.
• Experimenting with different services can help identify what works best.

The Links:

Sign up for Inspection Fuel happening this Sept. 8-10 in NOLA: https://inspection fuel.com/register

Sign up for our newsletter so you don't miss a single episode: https://pages.theridealong.show/newsletter