Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Adam Smith. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Adam, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s start with a story that highlights an important way in which your brand diverges from the industry standard.

I had the good fortune to have been trained as a home inspector by really wonderful, knowledgeable and patient people. I was trained to be primarily focused on the home inspection report, but I started to notice that client connectivity and client education were being overlooked. I learned from my time working in the high end furniture fabrication and design industry how important the client experience is, so now as a home inspector I try to work hard to make what I do enjoyable and educational for my clients.

I also have a blast dressing up for my home inspections. I often wear a fun dressy outfit, including my signature dress vests. I like to have fun with it, but I feel that it also creates an atmosphere of mutual respect.

Adam, 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?

When I was young my studies revolved around graphic and industrial design. I was very interested in production and custom furniture, so when I finished school, I apprenticed with a master woodworker for a few years, and later started my own custom furniture and design company. I created fun custom furniture for bars, restaurants, and high-end interiors, as well as dabbling in production furniture. Unfortunately, the financial crisis of 2009 slowed down a lot of my commercial work and made furniture fabrication less and less viable for me. After some intense decision making and sadness, I closed my shop.

While recovering from my heartache, I found my way to facilities management for a large national restaurant chain. After about two years, I realized the corporate world was not for me. I tried a few other things out, and eventually began managing logistic operations for a larger construction company — which was unfortunately also not for me. I spent three months in Costa Rica working on a farm to regroup and of course have some much needed fun.

When I came home, I decided I was done with construction and briefly considered a career in nursing. My neighbor at the time was a home inspector and begged me to come out with him for a few inspections to see if I liked it. He was right! I liked it immediately, and here we are ten years later! It may sound like a fluid and organic trajectory, but from my standpoint it was tumultuous and wrought with self doubt. It took me all that time to realize that I wanted to educate and help people and wouldn’t be happy unless that was part of my life. Conveniently the base of knowledge that I gained while working through all of those fields set me up to be a great home inspector. I’m able to pass on this knowledge and help my clients with the focus on customer service and continued relationships with my clients.

Recently I added sewer inspections to my repertoire. The idea of sending a camera down a sewer line is probably not an enticing prospect to most, but I’ve enjoyed learning this new skill and being able to provide this important service. As I like to say, “Its really fun, and just a little gross.”

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

It was a big transition for me when I opened my own inspection company, Adam Smith Inspects Philly, back in 2022. For the previous seven years, I had worked for two larger inspection firms in the city. While I had a great experience training and working with those groups, I started to notice things I would do differently or better if I had the choice. And with the imminent birth of my first child in the summer of 2022, I also needed something more financially viable.

So I started investigating the different aspects of the business that I would need to set up and interviewing other inspector friends who had also gone solo. I found an accountant, got the insurance I needed, and met my incredible office manager Sharon. I also invested in the branding and marketing for the company so that the images match the quality of service I provide, with a touch of whimsy to match my personality. I decked out my new work van with decals that say “Adam Smith Inspects Philly” in huge letters on the side, which is very recognizable–my daughter calls it the “Dada Van”.

It was a bit scary to be a brand new dad and open a brand new business at the same time, but I was lucky that a lot of my clients followed me to my new home. I’m happy to have more control over my work life now, and also pleased to be able to give my clients the high-quality experience I’ve always wanted to provide.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

Providing a high-end experience through fun and clear client education, amazing customer service, and of course fancy vests has allowed me to develop a wide reaching reputation in the Philadelphia market. While the technical education and know-how that allows home inspectors to accurately note defects is important, that ability alone doesn’t create long lasting client relationships. The homebuyers and realtors that I work with appreciate the way that I can explain things to people regardless of their incoming knowledge level, and the way that I work to make the experience of the home inspection as fun and easy as possible. I also work hard to be very communicative in terms of setting expectations via e mail before hand, following up afterward, and of course answering any questions that clients may have. This level of attention and service makes my clients feel valued, and many of them return as repeat clients, tell their friends, or leave great online reviews.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.adamsmithinspectsphilly.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inspecto_patronum/

Image Credits

Adam Smith