Commercial Inspector Podcast by CCPIA (CCPIA)

We recently had the opportunity to connect with CCPIA member Tony Escamilla, the owner of Villa Property Inspections based in Claremont, California. We discuss his journey in the inspection industry, and he provides some helpful insights those entering the space. 

Read the full member spotlight: https://ccpia.org/meet-ccpia-member-tony-escamilla/

This episode features a conversation between Rob Claus (CCPIA, Joe Denneler (Elite MGA), and Benn Garrison (Elite MGA) about professional liability insurance for commercial property inspectors. 

Elite MGA Website: https://www.elitemga.com/

Join us for a review of the 2023 real estate market and an insightful look forward to 2024. In this episode, we sit down with Director of Education, Rob Claus, to analyze various market reports and discuss key trends in the commercial real estate sector.

Reviewing 2023:

• Office Space: Vacancy rate at 14%
• Multi-family: Increased by 7.5% and finished strong, with 38% of all investor money allocated to multi-family properties
• Retail Properties: Dropped by 4.1%, with large mall spaces continuing to decline while local neighborhood and strip malls outperformed and grew
• Industrial Properties: Remained the leader in the commercial real estate sector

Looking ahead to 2024:

• Office Spaces: Expected to underperform
• Multi-family: Anticipated to perform even better than in 2023 due to rising interest rates keeping potential home buyers in the rental space longer
• Retail Properties: Expected to remain stable, with neighborhood and strip centers projected to grow while malls continue to decline
• Industrial Properties: Expected to grow by 5% again over 2023

Find more insights and resources mentioned in this episode:

• Inspecting Multi-family: Inspecting Multi-family: https://ccpia.org/ins​​pecting-multifamily-properties/
• Organizing a Multi-family Inspection Report: https://ccpia.org/how-to-organize-a-multi-family-inspection-report/
• Pricing Multi-family Inspections: https://ccpia.org/multi-family-dwelling-inspection-fee-matrix/
• Pro Convention 2024: https://www.nachi.org/convention24/

Sources Used:

• NAR Commercial Real Estate Market Insights: https://www.nar.realtor/commercial-real-estate-market-insights/december-2023-commercial-real-estate-market-insights
• NAR Metro Market Report: NAR Metro Market Report: https://www.nar.realtor/research-and-statistics/research-reports/commercial-real-estate-metro-market-reports
• NAR Local Market Report: https://www.nar.realtor/research-and-statistics/research-reports/local-market-assessments
• NAR Commercial Economic Outlook: https://www.nar.realtor/presentations/november-2023-commercial-and-economic-outlook
• NAR Commercial Market Outlook: https://www.nar.realtor/presentations/us-cre-capital-markets-update

Don't miss out on the latest trends and expert analysis in the real estate market. Subscribe now and stay informed!

Join us for a conversation with Christian Adams about Repair Pricer, a product for residential and commercial inspectors to provide repair cost estimates and cost-to-cure services. Tune in to learn more! 

Discussion Points: 

• Origins and Development of Repair Pricer
• Transition from Residential to Commercial Cost Items
• User Experience and Report Presentation
• Precision and Reliability of Cost Estimates
• Efficient 48-hour Turnaround Time
• Exclusive Benefits for CCPIA Members

Visit Repair Pricer Offers Discount for CCPIA Members for information about the exclusive discount. 

Don’t miss out on the latest trends and expert analysis in the real estate market. Listen to it on podcast format (Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Podcasts, etc.). Subscribe now and stay informed!

In this episode of “Building Your Business,” host Rob Claus interviews Levi Nelson, an expert logo designer from InterNACHI®. The discussion focuses on the significance of logos in marketing and building a business identity for commercial property inspectors. The main discussion points include:

• Importance of Logos
  • Logos are crucial for first impressions and branding.
  • Logos must meet the goal and service scope of a business.
  • Logos should look professional to help in building trust and credibility with commercial clients who expect a high level of professionalism and expertise.
• Live Demonstration by Levi
  • Levi shares his screen to show the questionnaire and discusses its components for the design process.
  • He describes the process of creating logos, from concept to completion, using real examples from his work.
• Examples of Various Logos
  • Levi shows that logos should be modern and clean cut for commercial property inspection businesses.
  • Levi walks through examples of different logo styles: modern versus classic, emblem logos, wordmark logos, and pictorial logos.
  • Each style’s advantages and limitations are discussed, particularly in terms simplicity and clarity, symbolism and relevance, and avoiding unnecessary details.
• Technical Aspects of Logo Design
  • The logo’s design should appeal to the intended commercial audience and be appropriate for the industry.
  • Importance of scalability: Logos need to be recognizable and clear at any size.
  • Challenges with certain design elements like drop shadows and complex fonts which may not print well or look good on digital platforms.
• Strategic Logo Design Decisions
  • Discussion on choosing the right logo style to match business goals and audience.
  • Importance of a logo that doesn’t limit the business scope, allowing for flexibility in services offered.
• Practical Tips and Conclusion
  • Levi provides practical advice on ensuring logos effectively represent the business.
  • Discussion on the need for professional input in logo design to avoid common pitfalls and ensure effective branding.

Helpful Links for Commercial Property Inspectors:

• InterNACHI® Marketing Services
• Transitioning From Residential to Commercial Inspections
• Branding Considerations for Commercial Property Inspection Companies

The Commercial Property Inspectors Roundtable Meeting is a monthly meeting hosted by the Certified Commercial Property Inspectors Association (CCPIA) for inspectors across the nation to gather and discuss business development opportunities and strategies. This month we discussed:

• How to help determine your square foot pricing
  • Type of building being inspected - Warehouse, office, etc.
  • Size - does the pricing change as the building increases in size?
  • Offering different inspection packages to help win more inspections
• Marketing
  • Overcoming the  smaller market mentality
  • Should you develop a separate commercial website?
  • Casting a wider net to non-traditional referral sources
• Getting in front of Realtors instead of buyers
  • How to get the word out
  • Networking
  • Google ad campaigns
  • Using the clients to get to the Realtors

Links discussed:

https://ccpia.org/what-is-seo-for-commercial-property-inspectors/

https://ccpia.org/the-basics-of-ppc-advertising/

https://ccpia.org/common-mistakes-when-adding-commercial-inspections-to-your-existing-website/

https://ccpia.org/commercial-inspectors-claim-and-clean-up-directory-listing-2/

https://ccpia.org/getting-started-in-commercial-property-inspections-selling-commercial-inspections/

https://ccpia.org/getting-started-in-commercial-property-inspections-selling-commercial-inspections/

In this episode of “Building Your Business,” host Rob Claus interviews Ian Schroff, an expert graphic designer from InterNACHI®. The discussion focuses on some of the best practices and five key elements that all marketing collateral must have, as well as design pitfalls and things to avoid. His experience lies in creating inspection-related marketing collateral for both residential and commercial property inspectors. The main discussion points include:

• InterNACHI® and CCPIA®
  • InterNACHI® offers free design services to their members
  • Members only pay for printing and shipping.
  • CCPIA® members who are also InterNACHI® members can have their CCPIA® logos and credentials added to collateral designed by InterNACHI®.
  • Access design services through InterNACHI’s website and order forms or Inspector Outlet.
• Ian shows the five “golden rules” of any design
  • Understand Your Audience: Tailor marketing materials to the target audience.
  • Keep It Simple: Avoid overwhelming the audience with too much information.
  • Hierarchy: Highlight the most important information first.
  • Colors and Visuals: Use appropriate colors and images to reinforce the message.
  • Repetition and Consistency: Maintain a consistent brand identity across all materials.
• Ian shows examples of effective marketing pieces for commercial property inspection companies.
• Design Pitfalls and Things to Avoid
  • Avoid overcrowding information and using low-quality images.
  • Be mindful of color choices to ensure they convey the right message.
  • Ensure marketing materials stand out and are memorable.
• InterNACHI’s upcoming Professional Inspectors Convention
  • Ian and his team will be presenting and available for consultations.
  • The convention is scheduled for October 10-12, 2024, in Orlando, Florida.

Don’t miss out on the latest trends and expert analysis in the real estate market. Listen to it on podcast format (Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Podcasts, etc.). Subscribe now and stay informed!

Helpful Links for Commercial Property Inspectors:

• InterNACHI® Marketing Services
• InterNACHI® Marketing Contact
• InterNACHI’s 2024 Professional Inspectors Convention
• Inspector Outlet

The Commercial Property Inspectors Roundtable Meeting is a monthly meeting hosted by the Certified Commercial Property Inspectors Association (CCPIA) for inspectors across the nation to gather and discuss business development opportunities and strategies. 

This session focused on market updates, inspection protocols, and industry trends for commercial property inspectors. Participants shared their insights on regional market conditions, specific inspection requirements, and effective marketing strategies for growing their businesses. Key points included the significance of client-based marketing over realtor referrals, the need for SEO optimization, and the benefits of sharing visual content online.

To register for an upcoming meeting, visit the Commercial Property Inspectors Roundtable Schedule.

The Commercial Property Inspectors Roundtable Meeting is a free monthly meeting hosted by the Certified Commercial Property Inspectors Association (CCPIA). This month, participants shared their insights on regional market conditions, insurance limits, and effective marketing strategies for growing their businesses. To register for an upcoming meeting, visit https://ccpia.org/training-calender/

In this video, I delve into the crucial interview process for commercial inspections, highlighting the key steps and strategies involved. I emphasize the importance of thorough research, effective communication, and offering valuable ancillary services to enhance the inspection fee. Viewers are encouraged to focus on being the solution to clients' issues and to approach the sale with a psychology-driven mindset. Action requested: Pay close attention to the interview process and consider implementing the outlined strategies in your commercial inspections.

We recently had the opportunity to connect with CCPIA member KC Bartley, the owner of Professional Home Inspections based in Kingsport, Tennessee. Our discussion included his approach to adding commercial property inspection services to his residential inspection business, along with his advice and future goals.

The Commercial Property Inspectors Roundtable Meeting is a free monthly meeting hosted by the Certified Commercial Property Inspectors Association (CCPIA). Participants shared their insights on ancillary services, regional market conditions, and new education this month. To register for an upcoming meeting, visit https://ccpia.org/training-calender/

In this episode of Building Your Business, host Rob Claus sits down with Nick Gromicko, the founder of CCPIA®, InterNACHI®, and multiple other successful ventures. Nick is widely recognized as a dedicated advocate for the inspection industry, a market disruptor, and a seasoned entrepreneur. He has authored or co-authored over 25 inspection books, hundreds of inspection-related articles, tools, and professional development resources. 

This is an episode you don’t want to miss! Nick shares his experiences in building businesses, investment strategies, and tips for residential and commercial property inspectors. He also offers valuable tips for inspectors looking to grow their careers in commercial property inspections.

Building Your Business with CCPIA® is a monthly video series hosted by Rob Claus, Director of Education. Each episode features special guests from across the field, offering insights and tips for navigating the commercial property inspection industry.
 
November 15, 2024 — In this episode of Building Your Business, host Rob Claus sits down with Bob Hintze and Mark Wahl, two of the four Managing Directors of Waypoint Property Inspection, LLC., with offices in Tampa and Boynton Beach, Florida. They share insights on business growth, their industry experience, and the value of collaboration. 

Tune in to learn about:

• Waypoint Property Inspection: Their operations across Florida, with offices on both coasts and a shared commitment to top-tier inspections. 
• Industry Backgrounds: How Mark and Bob transitioned from construction, leadership, and risk management into inspections.
• Breaking into Commercial Property Inspections: How CCPIA® education and ComSOP standards helped shape Waypoint’s approach to commercial work.
• Collaboration and Growth: How teamwork, strong client relationships, and partnerships with local inspection companies helped Waypoint become a leader in Florida's inspection industry.
• Large-Scale Projects: Success stories, including inspections for warehouses, shopping centers, and RV parks.
• Why Go Commercial: The specifics on profitability, efficiency, and reduced stress of focusing on commercial properties.

The Commercial Property Inspectors Roundtable Meeting is a monthly meeting hosted by the Certified Commercial Property Inspectors Association (CCPIA®) for inspectors across the nation to gather and discuss business development opportunities and strategies. To register for an upcoming meeting, visit the Commercial Property Inspection Training Calendar.

NOVEMBER 15, 2024 — This month, Rob Claus led a workshop on developing pricing strategies for commercial property inspections. The session provided guidance for inspectors looking to establish or refine their fee structures in today's competitive market.

Key topics covered included:

• Four distinct pricing models with practical examples
• Essential factors for developing an effective fee structure
• A comprehensive breakdown of inspection business expenses
• Methods for conducting market and competitive analysis
• Interactive Q&A addressing participants' specific scenarios

The workshop highlighted how successful pricing strategies must balance multiple factors, including operational costs, market conditions, and desired profit margins.

Both CCPIA® members and non-members were welcome to attend, making this valuable information accessible to the broader commercial property inspection community. View our training calendar for upcoming in-person classes and online events.

The Commercial Property Inspectors Roundtable Meeting is a monthly meeting hosted by the Certified Commercial Property Inspectors Association (CCPIA®) for inspectors across the nation to gather and discuss business development opportunities and strategies. To attend an upcoming meeting, visit the Commercial Property Inspection Training Calendar to register.

Participants discussed ancillary services and prepping for spring marketing by evaluating their services, pricing, and marketing.

Highlights from the Roundtable:

Transitioning from Residential to Commercial
Inspectors shared tips for transitioning from residential to commercial property inspections, including: 

• Using a DBA under your existing company can streamline operations while distinguishing your brand.
• Leveraging your residential experience but adapting to the distinct requirements and client expectations in the commercial sector

Expanding Revenue Streams
Inspectors discussed the value of diversifying services. The main ancillary services discussed include:

• Insurance inspections
• Maintenance inspections
• Specialty inspections (i.e., balcony inspections and drone inspections) 

Cost-to-Cure Reporting Insights
A key topic was the approach to cost-to-cure reporting. Should inspectors include a detailed cost table or simply add estimated costs as comments without aggregating them? Inspectors shared tips on sourcing reliable data and how offering cost estimates can set you apart from competitors.

Marketing for the Spring Season
With the new year approaching, inspectors highlighted the importance of refining marketing strategies by conducting a market analysis, evaluating pricing and services, and engaging with clients and referral sources with specialized offerings.

To register for an upcoming meeting, visit the Commercial Property Inspectors Roundtable Schedule.

Post-Workshop Resources for Commercial Property Inspectors:

• Find An Inspector
• Market Analysis
• Competitive Analysis Spreadsheet
• CCPIA® In-Person Training Calendar

Building Your Business with CCPIA® is a monthly series hosted by Rob Claus, CCPIA’s Director of Education. Each episode features industry leaders sharing tips and insights on commercial property inspections, plus solo episodes where Rob covers key trends and updates. Perfect for inspectors looking to grow and succeed!


DECEMBER 18, 2024 —  In this episode of Building Your Business, Rob Claus hosts Toby Thério and Kevin Labonté, founding members of Group Inspect in Quebec, Canada. They share their journey from independent inspectors to building a multi-inspector, multi-location firm with a strong focus on commercial property inspections. 

Tune in to learn about: 

• Group Inspect’s Dual Locations: Discover how Group Inspect operates across Quebec, with teams in Montreal and Quebec City focusing on residential and commercial inspections.
• Industry Backgrounds: Hear how Toby and Kevin transitioned from engineering and military careers to become leaders in the property inspection industry.
• Adapting to Change: Learn how Kevin is developing a training program to prepare inspectors for new Quebec multi-family inspection legislation and the evolving standards for inspection reporting.
• Navigating Sales in Two Countries: Explore the similarities and differences between Canadian and U.S. inspection markets, including the shared opportunities for growth and unique bilingual reporting requirements in Quebec.
• Memorable Projects: Dive into stories from large-scale inspections, such as 140-unit apartments, historic schools, and hidden attic apartments.
• Collaboration and Innovation: See how Group Inspect leverages teamwork, bilingual software, and AI tools to deliver high-quality reports while supporting inspectors.
• Why Go Commercial: Hear the advantages of expanding into commercial inspections, from market potential to long-term business growth.

The Commercial Property Inspectors Roundtable Meeting is a free monthly meeting hosted by the Certified Commercial Property Inspectors Association (CCPIA®). Participants discussed insurance inspections, multifamily inspections, and other revenue opportunities for their business. To register for an upcoming meeting, visit Commercial Property Inspector Training Calendar

Highlights from the Roundtable: 

This roundtable covered key industry updates, inspection challenges, and business opportunities for inspectors.

• Insurance Inspections on the Rise: Changes in insurance policies are increasing demand for commercial property inspections, particularly for older buildings. Some carriers now require four-point inspections. 
• Expanding Business Through Strategic Networking: Insights on securing repeat work from commercial agents and insurance brokers by providing reliable inspection services.
• Legal Considerations for Inspectors: A discussion on handling depositions and protecting yourself legally when inspection reports are used in lawsuits.
• Maximizing Efficiency in Multifamily Inspections: Tips on optimizing multifamily unit inspections, including setting client expectations, streamlining data collection, and managing report writing efficiently.
• Upcoming Professional Inspectors Convention: Inspectors were invited to attend the Professional Inspectors Convention in Orlando from February 16-18, 2025. CCPIA® will have a booth for attendees to stop by, along with six workshops focused on commercial property inspections and a networking dinner event.

Building Your Business with CCPIA® is a monthly series hosted by Rob Claus, CCPIA’s Director of Education. Each episode features industry leaders sharing tips and insights on commercial property inspections, plus solo episodes where Rob covers key trends and updates. Perfect for inspectors looking to grow and succeed!

FEBRUARY 25, 2025 — In this episode of Building Your Business, Drew Thacker, owner of Ariel Inspections and Engineering in Dallas, explains how thermographic inspections can transform services offered by commercial property inspectors. With a background in aerospace, stealth technology, and infrared imaging, Drew demonstrates that thermography isn’t just about scanning buildings— it’s a new business model with endless applications.

Key Takeaways:

• Expert Background & Innovation: Drew’s journey began at NASA, Rockwell International, and General Dynamics. His experiences laid the groundwork for his pioneering work. He started with roof inspections using drones and advanced cameras to detect issues, then evolved to comprehensive heat mapping of entire buildings.
• Cutting-Edge Thermography in Action: Discover how thermography pinpoints problems from roof leaks to electrical panel inefficiencies, using both drone-mounted and handheld infrared cameras to capture precise temperature differentials.
• Real-World Savings: Hear compelling examples where targeted thermographic surveys saved clients millions by pinpointing exact problem areas— without costly, full-scale repairs.
• Diverse Applications Beyond Real Estate: This technology isn’t just for properties on the market. Drew demonstrates its powerful applications in industrial settings, motor controls, septic system location, feedlot and water tank maintenance, refrigeration systems, drainage design, and overall preventative maintenance.

Tune in for practical insights on creating new revenue streams and enhancing your inspection practice!

Building Your Business with CCPIA® is a monthly series hosted by Rob Claus, CCPIA’s Director of Education. Each episode features industry leaders sharing tips and insights on commercial property inspections, plus solo episodes where Rob covers key trends and updates. Perfect for inspectors looking to grow and succeed!

MARCH 13, 2025 — In this episode of Building Your Business, Rick Francis, owner of 4 Site Building Inspections and several other inspection companies in Southeastern Wisconsin, shares how he successfully transitioned from residential to commercial property inspections. With a background in residential inspections and a Certified Master Inspector (CMI)® designation, Rick took a strategic approach to growing his business and positioning himself as a trusted name in the industry.

Key Highlights: 

• Purchased His Commercial Business: Rick purchased the commercial side of a retiring inspector’s business, leveraging its strong reputation while rebranding under his own company. Learn how he has navigated this process. 
• The Role of CCPIA in His Success – Rick credits CCPIA for providing the training he needed to confidently take on commercial projects. He found the in-person 3-Day Introduction to Commercial Property Inspections class to be a real game-changer.
• Why the ComSOP Matters: With most of his clients focused on the final report rather than attending the inspections, Rick emphasizes the importance of following the ComSOP. 
• More Freedom & Flexibility – Transitioning to commercial inspections has given Rick more control over his schedule, allowing him to spend more time with his family compared to the long days and multiple jobs required in residential inspections.

Tune in to see how Rick, in such a short time, has built his strong and successful commercial inspection company.

The Commercial Property Inspectors Roundtable Meeting is a monthly meeting hosted by the Certified Commercial Property Inspectors Association (CCPIA®) for inspectors across the nation to gather and discuss business development opportunities and strategies. To attend an upcoming meeting, visit the Commercial Property Inspection Training Calendar to register.


MARCH, 11 2025

ROUNDTABLE HIGHLIGHTS:

This roundtable covered an in-depth discussion on strategies for closing more deals, adapting service offerings, and overcoming sales objections. 

• Increasing Closing Rates: How can inspectors increase their proposal conversion from 48% to 80%? Insights on pricing, overcoming objections, and structuring tiered service options.
• Walk-Through Agreement: A potential game-changer for budget-conscious clients by offering a lighter inspection without a full report.
• Getting to the Decision-Maker: Strategies for bypassing gatekeepers and ensuring your expertise is seen and valued.
• Providing Value in Commercial Inspection: The industry is shifting toward comprehensive service packages rather than à la carte options. How can inspectors streamline their processes and structure offerings to drive referrals and business growth?
• Building Client Trust: The role of speciality consultants in strengthening client relationships and securing repeat business.