BrickKicker Home Inspection - Industry Q & A

Provide an overview/ description of your industry. Include reasons why it’s a great industry to start a business in today.

At some point everyone is a potential client.  There will be a time in the near future were every home will be inspected prior to purchase.  

How has your industry changed in the last 10 years?  20 years?  

Licensing has been the biggest change in the last twenty years.  In some respects this has raised the bar and made it even more important to separate yourself from the rest of the industry.  Being have to have support and a national force allows the entrepreneur the opportunity to shine above their local peers.

What trends do you see in your industry over the next 5 years?  Next 10 years?

More and more environmental and energy inspections are on the horizon.  In addition, the consumer is becoming much more astute and already values the service.  This is why you have to be a step ahead and be on the leading edge and not the periphery.  

What is the biggest concern about your industry that a franchisee candidate should be aware of and investigate?  

This is not a steady nine to five job.  This is a great industry and there are opportunities to provide balance between home and work but there will be times were you will be asked to work weekends or holidays.  You can, because it is your business, choose to not but there is that same chance the buyer will find someone who will.  

Why do you think your company stands out in the industry?  

Beyond the name The BrickKicker we believe our dedication to service makes us stand out.  Each franchise has the ability to develop their own style but when a new franchise goes through training they are taught the proved methods that have made The BrickKicker successful.

What makes your franchise/ business opportunity more attractive than your competitor’s?  

There are two reasons we feel we are more attractive.  First, we are a lower cost than most of the others but we feel we can offer the same high quality support.  Secondly, we are smaller than the others.  This by pure size provides more open opportunity to find the right location to build your BrickKicker operation.

Describe the ideal candidate.  Do you think your requirements are any different than your competitor’s?  

Most of the requirements are the same across the industry.  The ideal BrickKicker should be someone who can walk through a home and juggle the emotions of the purchase with the ability to identify and describe the conditions present.  This involves the technical ability to inspect home as well as the psychology to the process.

What’s the strongest skill you require in a candidate?  

The ideal candidate is someone who processes the drive to get up and get things done. They should have a very strong service quality goal and strong moral character.  This is very conflicting industry.  In many cases you are being referred to your client by a member of the Real Estate community who has their potential commission hinging on your inspection findings and you have a client who wants the very best so they do not have any surprises later.  This by the very nature is very conflicting and not mutually beneficial.  This is why a BrickKicker is thoroughly trained on the art of the home inspection.  Roll playing and mock inspections are a large part of the process.

Describe the working environment of your franchisees (indoors, home office, mobile, etc…). Is your environment typical of other companies in your industry?  

Most home inspection companies operate out of their residences.  Unless you have several inspectors working for you the need for space is not necessary.  As a franchisor we do not have requirements on where the business is to be located.

Why has you’re your company been successful?  

We feel our success is attributed to our family’s first mentality.  We treat each franchise operation like they are our family.  When they hurt we hurt and we they are successful we rejoice with them.  This is why we have tried to grow intelligently and slowly through the years.  Our franchises are not numbered.  There is a person who owns that operations and so they are referred to but their names.  

What advice would you give someone interested in buying a franchise in your industry?  

Do your homework.  This is a very rewarding career but it does require work.  You will have to walk on roofs, go into attics and crawl spaces.  You will write inspection reports and will have people angry with you from time to time.  You are only as good as your last inspection so be great on every one.

How much experience in this industry should a franchisee candidate have should they consider buying a franchise in your industry?  

None is necessary.  Some of our most successful franchises were never in the industry prior to their training.