In this episode, Charlie, a seasoned home inspector from Chicago, joins the host and co-host Chris Enright in Albuquerque to share his unconventional approach to building a thriving $2 million home inspection business. Starting his company in 1993, Charlie reveals how the birth of his first child sparked a drive to provide, leading to a lean, automated operation that prioritizes direct-to-consumer (D2C) marketing over realtor referrals. He introduces his "PAS" (Pain, Agitate, Solution) marketing strategy, leveraging AI, Yelp, and Google Local Services to fill his calendar while spending just $300/month on ads. Charlie’s commitment to work-life balance shines through, with inspectors performing one thorough inspection daily, ensuring quality and family time.
The conversation dives into Charlie’s innovative exit strategy, gifting his business to a key employee while securing a 5% residual for his family, reflecting his focus on legacy and stewardship. He discusses automating operations with GoHighLevel, minimizing overhead, and offering his system to other inspectors via GetSync.pro for $50/month. Charlie’s candid take on realtor relationships; favoring client trust over agent referrals; sparks a lively discussion on boundaries, authenticity, and reputation. Packed with actionable insights, this episode is a must-listen for inspectors aiming to scale smartly while staying true to their values.
Key Takeaways:
D2C Marketing Mastery: Charlie’s PAS method and AI-driven automation keep ad spend low ($300/month) while booking inspections a week out.
Lean Operations: Using GoHighLevel, Charlie automates scheduling and communication, employing only one VA and maintaining minimal overhead.
Legacy Planning: Gifting the business to an employee with a 5% family residual ensures continuity and supports his team’s families.
Boundary Setting: Avoiding realtor dependency empowers Charlie to prioritize client trust and maintain business integrity.
GetSync System: For $50/month, inspectors can access Charlie’s replicable D2C system at GetSync.pro, including training and SEO tools.
"Figure out who you are, put it in writing, and stick to it. That’s how you build a business you’re proud of."
