We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Brian Smith. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Brian below.
Alright, Brian thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Getting that first client is always an exciting milestone. Can you talk to us about how you got your first customer who wasn’t a friend, family, or acquaintance?
When I first started to look into getting my feet wet as a home inspector I knew if I wanted this to work long-term I had to put the work in.
The first 3-4 months after getting my license I spent every weekend Sat/Sun going to every Open House in about a 15 mi radius of my home.
Keep in mind covid had just made its landfall and no one was really sure of how to handle it or what obstacles it would cause. I pushed forward and ultimately after completing the first few inspections for a few friends I landed an opportunity with one of the Realtors I met while out Canvassing OH. I remember calling my wife into the office and sharing the great news. Ow thousandths of inspections later, I still remember it like it was yesterday.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
My name is Brian Smith, I am a native of Houston and I am a proud product of an HBCU ( Historically Black College/University)- Prairie View AM University Grad with a degree in Electrical Engineering. That ties into one thing that separates us from other inspection companies you may meet locally or nationwide.
My business is a service-based business that offers property inspections.
In a normal real estate transaction, the buyer submits an offer to purchase property & then the buyer has the property inspected once their offer is accepted. This is where my company enters the transaction.
My company specializes in property inspections with a concentration on residential but also commercial properties.
A few things that set us apart include the variety of inspections offered:
1. Termite Inspections
2. Pool Inspections
3. Septic Inspections
4. Sewer Camera Inspections
5. Mobile Home Inspections
6. Multi Family Property Inspections
7. New Construction/ 3 Phase Inspection
I am most proud of our commitment to customer service & willingness to help inform our clients of the condition of the properties they are purchasing.
Some of the accomplishments I’m most proud of are:
I’m a Husband to my wife and partner in life Rhonda. We will celebrate 12 years of marriage coming in January 2023.
A Father of a beautiful daughter that’s 6, and an amazing and active 10-year-old son
In addition, I’m a man of faith who relies heavily on my faith in this journey of entrepreneurship and in all areas of my life.
The next time you google Smith Group Property Inspections you’ll find we have over 300+ 5 star google reviews
Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?
I am a big reader. I am always listening to a podcast while driving around our great city of Houston headed to the next inspection.
About 4 years ago, my wife Rhonda and I did the Financial Peace University by Dave Ramsey. It was a game changer. That shift in thinking about money and entrepreneurship was forever changed after we did this course.
If we had not taken course when we did we wouldn’t have been ready to pivot into fulltime entrepreneurship the way we did. Another favorite of mine is Joyce Meyer. Her messages can really get you and keep you in right mindset of powerful thoughts and what you believe about yourself .
Being successful in business is not just a think it game. You have to execute or as I always say. “touch it everyday.” Talk about it, have realistic goals and timelines to “grow forward”. There are several others, but those are a few I’ll share.
Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?
I stay connected to the Real Estate Industry on a daily basis. Whether its supporting Women’s Council of Realtors, attending marketing events with some of my loyal brokerages/agents or going to open houses. M wife Rhonda, has been going to Open Houses since we met back in 1998 so it is a natural thing for our family to check out new subdivisions around town or full on gut jobs of old buildings lining the Houston cityscape.
She is Operations Manager for Smith Group Property Inspections so if I can’t make it to an event she will attend for the team. We are always thinking of ways to grow. You can be on the lookout for new content on our social media platforms and updates in the months to come. We are really excited and feel very blessed for the success we’ve experienced thus far.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.getyourhouseinspected.com/
- Instagram: @home_inspector_tx
- Facebook: Smith Group Property Inspections
Image Credits
The wedding anniversary photo in formal wear- Karly & Co Photography (Karly Cowen Owner)