The company I sold, CleanAir Systems Inc., manufactures emissions control equipment for diesel-powered machines, including generators, trucks and construction and earth-moving equipment. We were a supplier for Caterpillar, and they made an offer to buy the company. That\u2019s when we moved to Montana.<\/p>\n
How did you find out about WIN?<\/strong>\u00a0When I was a Realtor with Coldwell Banker, I was familiar with several inspectors. One that I regularly used was affiliated with WIN. I always thought about it. The company was successful in Santa Fe, and I decided to do it here.<\/p>\n There are other franchises out there. What makes WIN stand out?<\/strong>\u00a0One thing customers notice and appreciate is the modern equipment, like the radon detector. I call it the \u201cgizmo.\u201d It connects with a computer and checks the levels every hour. Very impressive. If you don\u2019t have it, you\u2019re like everyone else.<\/p>\n The technology isn\u2019t cheap, but to build your business and stand out, you have to provide a level of service beyond your customers\u2019 expectations. I\u2019ve invested $30,000 in my business and charge $300 and up for inspections, so my ROI is attractive.<\/p>\n Why did you choose to join WIN over going out on your own?<\/strong>\u00a0The inspection industry didn\u2019t have a professional presence here. There are several people doing it, but it\u2019s not organized. For example, instead of writing reports for a client, they might just scribble some notes on a piece of paper.<\/p>\n There was room for someone more branded, with a more professional feel than a guy with an old truck. I chose WIN because I knew what WIN\u2019s system was, and I knew it was successful. I arrive wearing a professional uniform. I drive a late-model vehicle with WIN\u2019s branding on it.\u00a0I love my vehicle, and I use it extensively. This being Montana \u2013 Big Sky Country \u2013 I have a large territory.<\/p>\n Did you look at other franchises?<\/strong>\u00a0No. I was familiar with WIN, and Amanda, my wife, was enthusiastic. Since I knew the franchisee in Santa Fe, my wife encouraged me to give him a call. I also spoke with Keith Mathias (director of strategic market development for WIN).<\/p>\n How long did the process take?<\/strong>\u00a0About 45 days. I\u2019ve never been risk-averse. I\u2019m a \u201cgo for it\u201d kind of guy, so I made a decision and did it.<\/p>\n What do you like about WIN\u2019s marketing?<\/strong>\u00a0WIN has easily accessible materials and fliers, with downloadable information that\u2019s simple to use. When I want expert advice, I can contact Blair Dufresne, the marketing manager.<\/p>\n Marketing a home inspection business is not rocket science; it\u2019s about taking advantage of opportunities. I go to open houses, talk to friends, give presentations to real estate companies. It\u2019s about being available and reaching out to potential customers.<\/p>\n The WIN car with the logo and graphics package really gets attention and makes a great impression. It\u2019s a great marketing tool, especially when a lot of competitors drive older pickup trucks.<\/p>\n It helps me live up to clients\u2019 expectations. People are paying me a lot of money. They\u2019re paying me about $100 per hour. They want to know they are paying professional wages to a professional.<\/p>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t How much education and training was required to take on this job?<\/strong>\u00a0I have years of experience as a Realtor, so this wasn\u2019t entirely new to me. But real estate experience is not a requirement. Someone who\u2019s never been in the business can succeed.<\/p>\n I spent time at the corporate office, learning the ins and outs of inspections, learning ways to interact with clients, learning marketing techniques. The training helps you build the confidence to put yourself out there. It gets you over that hump.<\/p>\n I learned about WIN\u2019s unique corporate culture. We need to make a professional impression, to maintain a clean, solid, consistent presence. It helps the company, and at the same time it helps franchisees. It also sets WIN apart. It\u2019s something an independent operator can\u2019t copy. I could have hung out a shingle on my own, but it wouldn\u2019t have been the same.<\/p>\n In business, getting the business starts with talking to people. If you never ask, you are guaranteed to lose. If you ask, you have the opportunity to win.<\/p>\n How does being part of a national organization help you?<\/strong>\u00a0I don\u2019t have to reinvent the wheel. I have support and can benefit from others\u2019 experience. For example, WIN has a spreadsheet that guides me through how to build the business. If I call headquarters, I get immediate feedback. If I email Gary Greenberg (WIN technology support manager), I have my answer within a day. Usually sooner than that.<\/p>\n I called another franchisee to review my client reports. He gave me the feedback I needed to feel confident. I like that aspect. I know I have a backup if I have an issue. And being affiliated with WIN gives you credibility. We have 200 offices and are in 30 states.<\/p>\n Do you foresee owning more than one franchise?<\/strong>\u00a0My plan is to expand. For the first three to five years, I\u2019ll stay in my current marketing area, then grow into other cities. Realistically, I see the possibility of three franchises in Montana. When I achieve that, my plan is to take on more of an executive role. I\u2019ll do the marketing and scheduling, and my employees will do the inspections.<\/p>\n How are you enjoying being your own boss?<\/strong>\u00a0I have never liked having a structured schedule. I like having control over my own time. Amanda is a teacher, fifth grade, so I have family responsibilities, including taking our son to school. He\u2019s in first grade this year. Being my own boss gives me the freedom to plan my time around important things like that.<\/p>\n Would you recommend a WIN Home Inspection franchise for others?<\/strong>\u00a0I love being in business. WIN can provide that opportunity to someone with the right motivation. If you want to make a living, you can. You just have to go out and do it. As the economy recovers, more people are going to buy properties and need inspections. I expect demand to grow.<\/p>\n The WIN Home Inspection franchise provides extensive training to help Strategic-Partners understand the technical skills needed to be great home inspectors. Many consider WIN to be one of the best home inspection franchise opportunities on the market.\u00a0<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Experienced entrepreneur brings WIN\u2019s polished, professional brand image to Big Sky 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\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\nLearn about starting a WIN Home Inspection franchise<\/h2>\n