Explore every episode of the podcast The Commercial Property Inspector Podcast
Dive into the complete episode list for The Commercial Property Inspector Podcast. Each episode is cataloged with detailed descriptions, making it easy to find and explore specific topics. Keep track of all episodes from your favorite podcast and never miss a moment of insightful content.
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/
CCPIA Member Spotlight: KC Bartley of Professional Home Inspections
27 Aug 2024
00:29:06
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.
Building Your Business with CCPIA: Commercial Insurance Basics with Elite MGA
30 Jan 2024
00:51:02
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.
CCPIA Member Spotlight: Tony Escamilla of Villa Property Inspections
30 Jan 2024
00:47:31
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/
Building Your Business with CCPIA #15: Understanding The Interview Process
26 Aug 2024
00:31:23
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.
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/
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.
Building Your Business with CCPIA #14: Special Guest Ian Schroff, InterNACHI Marketing Team and Graphic Artist
28 May 2024
00:38:36
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.
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
Building Your Business with CCPIA #13: Special Guest Levi Nelson, InterNACHI Logo Designer and Illustrator
18 Apr 2024
00:55:09
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.
Building Your Business with CCPIA #12: Special Guest Christian Adams, Co-Founder of Repair Pricer
21 Mar 2024
00:32:34
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
Building Your Business with CCPIA #11: CRE Market Trends for Inspectors
26 Feb 2024
00:20:41
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:
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
Building Your Business with CCPIA #18: Special Guests Toby Theriault and Kevin Labonte of Groupe Inspek
18 Dec 2024
00:57:15
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 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:
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.
Building Your Business with CCPIA #17: Special Guests Bob Hintze and Mark Wahl of Waypoint Property Inspections, LLC.
15 Nov 2024
01:17:14
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.
Building Your Business with CCPIA #16: Special Guest Nick Gromicko, CCPIA Founder
19 Sep 2024
00:35:40
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.
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.
Building Your Business with CCPIA #20: Special Guest Rick Francis of 4 Site Building Inspection
13 Mar 2025
00:43:54
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.
Building Your Business with CCPIA #19: Special Guest Drew Thacker of Ariel Inspections and Engineering
25 Feb 2025
00:39:08
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!
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.
Audio Newsletter for Commercial Property Inspectors: August 2025
13 Aug 2025
00:07:02
👋 Hello, commercial property inspectors! In this month’s newsletter, you’ll find inspection headlines, CRE market insights, and training announcements, including:
Profitable service add-ons
Must-know procedures for electrical inspections
Zoom courses and hands-on training held nationwide
CRE industry regulatory news that keeps you informed on what’s happening (and gives you client conversation starters)
August 2025 Episode of the Commercial Property Inspectors Roundtable Hosted by CCPIA® is out now! This month’s roundtable covers internet marketing, managing cost per lead, ensuring prompt payments, and navigating large project acquisitions. Get valuable insights to help grow your business!
To attend an upcoming meeting, visit: http://ccpia.org/training-calendar/
Building Your Business #23: Jay Clark, CCFP Solutions, LLC.
23 May 2025
00:35:55
Building Your Business with CCPIA® is a monthly video and podcast series featuring leading voices in the field. Each episode offers practical tips and insights into commercial property inspections, breaking down key trends and educational topics. It’s perfect for inspectors looking to grow and succeed.
May 22, 2025 — Performing commercial property inspections to an entirely new audience and with a focus on facility maintenance.
In this episode of Building Your Business with CCPIA®, host Rob Claus welcomes special guest Jay Clark from Fort Worth, Texas. Jay has spent much of his professional career as a staff facilities maintenance manager and has now taken those skills to the private sector, and is performing this type of inspection for small businesses throughout Texas.
What does a facility manager do?: They are responsible for the daily, monthly, and yearly care of the commercial properties they manage. While they may not perform the actual work, they oversee the buildings and ensure they remain operational.
Joint Commission: The Joint Commission is the accreditation organization that oversees most of the medically related buildings in the country. They provide the every 3-year inspection that certifies that these buildings meet the standards for patient care.
Fractional Facility Management: There are hundreds of thousands of businesses across North America that are used for commercial purposes but are small enough not to have a staff facility manager present. Providing a professional service as a vendor can help these properties stay productive and in service.
Opportunity: It is essential to conduct maintenance inspections for smaller facilities that lack staff to monitor the building. If any critical system fails, it can lead to significant revenue loss, which could jeopardize the budget. CCPIA® members are excellent candidates to fill that role.
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.
MAY 13, 2025
ROUNDTABLE HIGHLIGHTS:
This month’s roundtable was led by Rob Claus and packed with insights about marketing, reporting, and growth strategies in commercial property inspections.
Starting Your Career: A new member asked about the best way to get started in commercial property inspections. The advice shared ranged from how to build building inspection skills to looking into ancillary service offerings, like ADA/accessibility surveys, sewer scope inspections, and cost estimating for repairs, maintenance, and repairs.
Report Writing: A question came up about how to report serious structural issues that could pose a safety risk. Inspectors emphasized tips from how to provide clear documentation to providing strong recommendations for further evaluation or action.
Choosing the Right Software: Selecting reporting software that aligns with the ComSOP and fits personal workflow preferences was a common challenge. Peer feedback was shared on platforms that support commercial-specific features.
Final Word: The commercial property inspection industry continues to evolve. Whether you're refining your reports, expanding your service offerings, or improving visibility, focus on consistency, education, and strong client communication.
Building Your Business with CCPIA #22: Lucas Kirsch and Tyson Saelzer of Twenty20 Inspections and Inspectagram Software
18 Apr 2025
00:49:48
Building Your Business with CCPIA® is a monthly video and podcast series featuring leading voices in the field. Each episode offers practical tips and insights into commercial property inspections, breaking down key trends and educational topics. It’s perfect for inspectors looking to grow and succeed.
April 18, 2025 — What happens when a builder-turned-inspector can’t find software that fits commercial work? He builds his own—and it’s changing how inspections get done.
In this episode of Building Your Business with CCPIA®, host Rob Claus welcomes special guests Lucas Kirsch, founder of Twenty20 Inspections and Inspectagram Software, and Tyson Saelzer, a CCPIA® Certified Commercial Property Inspector since 2022. Some of the key insights and practical takeaways include:
From Builder to Business Owner: Learn how Lucas transitioned from building custom homes and commercial spaces to founding a thriving inspection that spans Canada and the U.S.
Hiring Former Athletes: Find out why Lucas looks for athletic backgrounds when building his team and how drive, discipline, and teamwork carry over into the field.
Expanding into Commercial: Hear how Twenty20 Inspections broke into commercial property inspections with large-scale inspections and strong relationships with CRE professionals. Tyson shares how one conversation with a commercial broker turned into a booming line of business.
Built for Speed: Discover how Lucas created Inspectagram—a fully mobile inspection software with CCPIA® ComSOP templates, intuitive workflows, AI features, and a format that’s built for modern clients and multi-unit properties.
Scaling Smart: Get a behind-the-scenes look at how this team handles huge projects—like 80-unit inspections in a day—using strong culture, smart systems, and tech-forward efficiency.
Real Talk About the Industry: Rob, Lucas, and Tyson dive into collaboration vs. competition, the evolving role of inspectors, and how CCPIA® training and inspection SOPs are raising the bar for the entire industry.
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.
APRIL 10, 2025
ROUNDTABLE HIGHLIGHTS:
This month’s roundtable was led by Lance Coffman and packed with insights about marketing, service offerings, and growth strategies in commercial property inspections.
PPC Marketing: Participants shared their experiences with Google Ads and pay-per-click campaigns, including keywords.
Cost-to-Cure and Service Expansion: Cost-to-cure tables are emerging as a high-value add-on. Tools like Repair Pricer help scale, but many are building in-house templates for better accuracy.
Phase I Environmental Site Assessments (ESAs): A few inspectors are now offering Phase I ESA services through partnerships, noting it’s a great opportunity— though more intensive than typical add-ons.
Postcards and Digital Brochures: Postcards, flipbooks, and short digital brochures are popular for sharing with prospects, offered through CCPIA’s Logos and Marketing Design Services.
Getting Started in Commercial: For newer inspectors, the advice is clear: Start simple with basic building inspections, then build into ADA/accessibility surveys, sewer scopes, and cost estimates.
Understanding Client Types: Inspectors shared how to identify client goals — whether they’re buying, leasing, or managing — and tailor the report (debt report, equity report, or disposition report) accordingly.
Final Word: The commercial property inspection industry is evolving. Whether you're refining your report format, improving online presence, or expanding services— consistency, education, and client communication are key.
Building Your Business Episode #24: Fire Door Facts with Lori Greene of Allegion
11 Aug 2025
00:29:40
Episode #24: Learn why fire door inspections matter for commercial property safety and liability.
In this episode, host Rob Claus welcomes special guest Lori Greene, Manager of Codes and Resources for Allegion. With nearly 40 years in the door and hardware industry, Lori is the industry's foremost expert on fire doors and fire door assemblies. Allegion is a global security company with approximately 40 brands, including the well-known Schlage brand.
Tune in to hear Rob and Lori discuss:
Fire door fundamentals
Identification and compliance
Real-word impact of consequences of insufficient fire doors
Staying Smart in CRE#3: The 410A Phaseout and What's Next
06 Aug 2025
00:17:16
Hear how the R-410A phaseout is reshaping commercial HVAC systems and what it means for property inspections, with your host Lance Coffman.
Episode #3 Highlights:
- R410A manufacturing stopped January 1, 2025 - Repair costs following R-22's path - New A2L refrigerants require complete system replacement, not retrofits - Document refrigerant type on every data plate during inspections - Equipment over 10 years old faces immediate replacement decisions - Frame findings as capital planning, not emergencies - Maintenance history reveals leak-prone systems worth replacing - Local codes for A2L safety vary - Biggest HVAC shift in 20 years requires proactive client education
CCPIA® Member Spotlight: Tony Christoforou of Certified Commercial Property Inspections
14 Jul 2025
01:00:48
We recently connected with CCPIA® member Tony Christoforou, who discussed how his well-established commercial inspection business has evolved into something greater—thanks to collaboration and a dedication to learning from each project and client experience.
Tune in to the free monthly virtual meeting, where inspectors nationwide gather to exchange ideas, discuss business development strategies, and explore industry opportunities. This month is packed with insights about clients, contracts, and insurance coverage.
Special guests from the leading provider of Errors & Omissions (E&O) and General Liability insurance for inspection companies joined us for the second half of the meeting.
To attend an upcoming meeting, visit: http://ccpia.org/training-calendar/
Staying Smart in CRE #2: What Private Equity Means for Commercial Property Inspectors
08 Jul 2025
00:16:00
Host Lance Coffman breaks down how institutional capital is driving faster deals, larger portfolios, and new expectations for commercial property inspectors.
Learn what sets private equity (PE) clients apart, how inspection workflows are changing, and what it takes to succeed in this high-stakes, data-driven environment.
Bonus Episode! The Walk-Through: Inspecting Dry Cleaner Properties
26 Jun 2025
00:06:38
Dry cleaners may look like simple storefronts, but they often present serious safety challenges tied to fire risks, health concerns, and environmental hazards.
In this episode, we cover:
Long-term environmental and safety concerns from current, former, and neighboring dry cleaning operations
Solvent use and how it ties into fire code classifications and environmental risks
When dry cleaner sites may warrant a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment, and why many trigger a Phase II
Fire and life safety issues, including extinguishers, egress, maintenance, spill containment, and storage of flammable/combustible materials
Common ventilation concerns and requirements, plus real-world examples of poor vapor control
Key ComSOP inspection points connected to dry cleaner risks
What to document, and where to look, during a commercial property inspection
Learn more about inspecting dry cleaners in these readings:
Host Lance Coffman breaks down how environmental factors, emissions, and natural disasters affect commercial properties—and why it’s critical for building and business owners to plan ahead rather than scramble after failures.
The discussion includes capital planning, equipment life cycles, and tenant transitions as ways to manage cost, timing, and scope. Ending with insights for commercial property inspectors on how to stay shape in the ever-evolving commercial real estate landscape.
This roundtable covered key industry updates, inspection challenges, and business opportunities for inspectors.
4th Quarter Sales Ideas:
Brainstorming of sales initiatives for the upcoming fourth quarter. Historically, this time of year sees increased demand for commercial inspections, making it a key opportunity to drive revenue.
Software Needs:
John Ajinga shared details about his upcoming inspection software designed for commercial use. The launch is expected on August 1st.
Time-Saving Tactics:
Discussion on workflow improvements, including capturing site photos efficiently and completing reports off-site. Inspectors compared their average time spent off-site finalizing their reports.
AI Integration:
Discussion on the emerging role of AI tools, including which ones are currently useful and which features are gaining the most traction in the industry.
Reporting Layout:
Review of report layout tips, such as the importance of customizing layouts to each client type and how to present findings in a way that enhances clarity and value.
Conferences for Commercial Real Estate Professionals:
Discussion on the value of attending conferences to represent their company and whether such events are effective for marketing and client acquisition.
Building Your Business with CCPIA #25: Featuring Member Ian Dolby
09 Sep 2025
00:43:42
In this episode, host Rob Claus sits down with Ian Dolby, a commercial property inspector from southwestern Michigan who brings an unusual background to the industry. With experience in construction, real estate, and senior-level investment banking in mergers and acquisitions, Ian shows how diverse professional experience creates competitive advantages in commercial inspections.