Tools of the Trade: Flawlessly Synergizing Real Estate and Home Inspections

A quality home inspection can give both the buyer and seller peace of mind, help create a smoother closing and improve the overall ease of the buying process. When a real estate professional and a home inspection company work together, the result can make an astounding difference for all parties involved. This is exactly why Ron Irace decided to open a Pillar To Post franchise in Orland Park, Ill. Irace spent more than two decades working in manufacturing, during which time his wife, Karen, launched a successful career as a RE/MAX Synergy agent.

Irace decided to leave his manufacturing career behind and, five years ago, purchased his Pillar To Post franchise; he was introduced to the company by his wife many years before when she sold her first property and another agent referred a local Pillar To Post operation to her. Over the years, Karen shared with her husband how impressed she was with the professionalism and quality of the inspection. When that franchise owner decided to relocate, Irace decided to purchase the business.

Of course, making a marriage and two real estate businesses coexist harmoniously is no small feat, especially with the amount of work required on nights and weekends. The couple compares schedules at the beginning of each week to see what personal tasks they can tackle together and what they can do for the other while running errands in similar areas, depending on showings and home inspections, to make the most of their gas mileage. “We know that faith, marriage and family come first. By keeping these priorities straight, our family life and our businesses run smoothly,” says Irace... Read More.

Posted on Tuesday, May 15, 2012

Indian Land man’s new retirement tool: owning a franchise

INDIAN LAND -- Don Murphy wanted to control his own destiny.

After working as an accountant for 25 years, Murphy, who lives in Indian Land, decided to start his own Pillar to Post franchise.

“I’m not ready to retire. I love what I do and I love people,” Murphy said. “I’m 62 years old and feel like that is just a number. It’s all about how you feel.”

Pillar to Post is a home inspection company. Murphy opened his own franchise on Jan. 1.

“Pillar to Post has been great,” he said. “Roofers are my bread and butter. I go from business to business and market to them and people refer me to their clients for home inspections.”

While inspecting a home, Murphy has a list of 1,500 things he looks for, including cracks, electrical issues, structures incorrectly built and roof issues... Read More.

Posted on Tuesday, May 1, 2012

April Showers Bring Flooding and Mold

As winter gives way to warmer weather and spring begins to bloom, heavy rain storms pose a threat to homeowners. Homes that aren’t properly protected from the elements are at risk of flooding and mold infestation, which can cost thousands of dollars to fix once the damage is done.

Water damage claims have been growing faster than other components of homeowners insurance in recent years, according to the American Insurance Association. Water and moisture damage not only affect homes, but health as well. Moisture creates the ideal breeding ground for mold growth, which can trigger allergic reactions and a host of health problems... Read More.

Posted on Saturday, April 21, 2012

Pillar To Post Announces New VP Of Franchise Sales

Franchising Veteran Will be Instrumental in Company’s Aggressive Growth
April 18, 2012 // Franchising.com // Tampa, FL - Pillar To Post is pleased to announce Brian K. Wieters’ addition to the corporate team as Vice President of Franchise Sales.

Wieters has spent more than two decades working in various capacities for some of the biggest names in franchising including Steak ‘n Shake Enterprises, Inc., FASTSIGNS International, Inc., Schlotzskys, Inc. and Allied Domecq Retailing, USA (now Dunkin’Brands, Inc.). Over the course of his career, Wieters has been responsible for more than 500 franchise sales.

Pillar To Post added 20 new franchises in 2011. Wieters has lofty plans for 2012, aiming to more than double that number. Wieters will be instrumental in Pillar To Post’s long-term plans to add 500-600 new franchisees over the next five years.

"Brian comes to Pillar To Post with a proven track record of franchisee recruiting within a number of industries," said Dan Steward, president and CEO of Pillar To Post. "We welcome Brian's leadership and innovation in the recruiting process and believe he will be a great asset to growing the brand."

About Pillar To Post
Founded in 1994, Pillar To Post is now the largest home inspection company in North America, located in 44 states and 8 Canadian provinces, with over 400 franchisees. In 2012 Pillar To Post ranked 215 on Entrepreneur Magazine's Franchise 500 rankings... Read More.

Posted on Wednesday, April 18, 2012

From factory to franchise — Burlington man reinvents himself

Andrew McCarthy woke up, put his feet on the floor and felt his stomach twist with anxiety. He rushed to the toilet and threw up.

Everything he had worked for — all the difficulties of losing his job, being called back to his old job, studying for hours and hours, rethinking his life and his career — everything came together on the day of his first solo home inspection.

“It just hit me, the responsibility. I just sat there, gathered myself together and thought about what it was that I had to do,” he said.

It was only a few months ago that he struck out on his own. Now he’s learned to trust his gut on how to handle clients, tackle difficult home inspections and market himself... Read more.

Posted on Sunday, April 1, 2012