We were lucky to catch up with Corey Hinson recently and have shared our conversation below.

Corey, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What was the most important lesson/experience you had in a job that has helped you as a business owner?

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned in my career is the value of building strong relationships with business partners and clients. At the end of the day, we’re all people, and taking the time to genuinely connect listening, communicating, and understanding what matters to someone creates trust and makes collaboration smoother. Not to mention, you can learn so much just by building those relationships. People share insights, perspectives, and experiences that help you grow both personally and professionally. Investing in those connections has become one of the most impactful habits in my work.

Corey, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My name is Corey Hinson, and I’m the owner of Cornerstone Home Inspections. My path into the home inspection industry wasn’t something I planned from the beginning. it started with a moment of encouragement from someone close to me. A close friend suggested that I take a step toward investing in myself and explore the home inspection field. At the time, I wasn’t sure what direction I wanted to go, but they saw something in me. the way I solve problems, the way I connect with people, and the pride I take in doing things the right way. That conversation opened the door and ultimately led to the creation of Cornerstone Home Inspections.”

I’ve always been someone who enjoys understanding how things work and helping people make confident decisions. Home inspections align perfectly with those strengths. Today, I provide comprehensive residential inspections designed to give buyers, sellers, and homeowners clarity and peace of mind. I evaluate every major system in a homes structural components, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, roofing, and more and present everything in a clear, easy-to-understand way.

One of the biggest problems I help clients solve is uncertainty. Buying or selling a home is a major life moment, and it can feel overwhelming without the right support. I take pride in slowing the process down, explaining things thoroughly, and guiding clients so they understand not just what’s happening right now, but what they can expect long-term. Transparency, patience, and trust guide every inspection I perform.

Something that is especially important to me both personally and professionally is serving those who have served us first. Veterans, active-duty military, first responders, and public servants give so much of themselves to protect and help others. At Cornerstone, I make it a priority to support them however I can, whether that’s through discounted services, going the extra mile during an inspection, or simply making sure they feel supported throughout the entire process. It’s a part of my mission and a core value of my business.

What truly sets my business apart is my people-first mindset. I don’t rush through inspections or talk over clients. I take the time to build a genuine relationship, understand their concerns, and make sure they feel confident and informed. Every person deserves a thorough inspection, honest information, and someone who genuinely cares about their experience.

What I’m most proud of is the reputation Cornerstone Home Inspections has built one rooted in integrity, reliability, and service. For me, a home inspection isn’t just a checklist. It’s an opportunity to protect families, support smart decisions, and give clients peace of mind during an important transition. I want people to know that I stand behind my work, I show up fully, and I’m committed to providing inspections they can truly depend on.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

One story that truly reflects my resilience happened during the early stages of building Cornerstone Home Inspections. When I first decided to enter the home inspection industry, I didn’t come from a traditional construction background. What I did have was determination, a willingness to learn, and a belief that I could create something meaningful if I stayed committed.

The certification process was intense. I was juggling studying, training, hands-on field practice, and still managing responsibilities at home and at work. There were nights when I was studying until late, mornings when exhaustion made everything feel heavier, and moments where I wondered if I had taken on too much.

What made all the difference was the support I had at home. My spouse was behind me 100% of the way encouraging me when I was frustrated, reminding me why I started, and believing in me even when I didn’t believe in myself. That kind of support gives you a different kind of strength.

When I finally went to take my certification exam, I ended up failing it. It hit me harder than I expected, especially after all the time and work I put in. But instead of stepping back, I used that moment as fuel. I reached out to mentors, did extra field training, and went deeper into the material than ever before. A short time later, I went back, retook the exam, and passed with one of my highest scores. And when I walked out of that testing center, my spouse was the first one celebrating with me.

That experience taught me that resilience isn’t about never facing setbacks it’s about what you do when those setbacks show up. For me, it meant refusing to quit, relying on my support system, and staying focused on the long-term vision even when the path felt difficult. That same resilience carried into launching Cornerstone Home Inspections, building my reputation, and serving clients with consistency and confidence.

Looking back, the challenges made me stronger. They shaped the way I run my business today with persistence, integrity, and a real understanding of what it takes to push through adversity.

Any advice for managing a team?

“With over 20 years of leadership experience, the best advice I can give for managing a team and keeping morale high is to remember that leadership starts with people, not processes. When you invest in your team as individuals — not just employees — everything else becomes easier. People perform better when they feel seen, supported, and valued.”

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned over the years is that communication has to be consistent and honest. Team members shouldn’t have to guess where they stand or what’s expected of them. Clear direction removes confusion, and open conversations build trust.

Another thing I’ve learned is the power of relationships. Take the time to learn what motivates each person, what they’re proud of, and what challenges they’re facing. When people know you genuinely care about them, they become more engaged and more willing to go the extra mile.

Celebrating wins even small ones is incredibly important. Recognition boosts morale, strengthens culture, and reminds people that their work matters.

Lastly, lead by example. After two decades of leading teams, I can confidently say that your team will always reflect your attitude and energy. If you stay positive, stay accountable, and stay focused on solutions, your team will follow your lead. Strong morale starts with strong, consistent leadership.

Contact Info:

• Website: [email protected]
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61579677686841