We recently connected with Charles Jeans and have shared our conversation below.

Charles, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Let’s kick things off with talking about how you serve the underserved, because in our view this is one of the most important things the small business community does for society – by serving those who the giant corporations ignore, small business helps create a more inclusive and just world for all of us.

One of my favorite things about being a home inspector is the fact that I get to help people. Give them information about their new home and help them learn, and understand how it functions. Sometimes though, that information can actually prevent someone from finally finding their home. This market has been insanely difficult for some people, lower income, single moms, first time home buyers. The most difficult thing about the work I do is giving someone the news that this home may not work for them. I preformed an inspection for a single mom, and before I was finished she was face timing her mom, showing her mother the home that her and her kids finally got! Only this house was a wreck, you just couldn’t see it behind the new paint and remodel. I had to stand there and give her a negative finding, after negative finding that in the end actually prohibited her from getting the house because of the type of her loan. Watching her eyes fill up with tears during what is typically my favorite part of the inspection process, the review is something I’ll never forget.

Charles, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I have been involved in construction and residential inspection for several years and I have always loved problem solving, and helping people. I believe that has helped me become a better inspector, unfortunately wanting to help people is not always common in the inspection world. The reason I got into home inspection is a little like the philosophy I continue to follow with my work. Be available, helpful, and patient. I always make myself available for my clients especially in this market. If a realtor I work with needs to shorten an inspection period to make their clients offer more competitive, I will make myself available to get the job done. The amount of services I offer is how I’m helpful, making myself a “one stop shop”. I make the entire inspection process easier. you need a home inspection, and a plumbing scope? I got you. Need a termite inspection? I’m licensed for that too! Patience is so undervalued, but so important in this line of work. First time home buyers are stressed to the max, apprehensive and anxious especially during the review of their home insopection. They have tons of questions, as they should! I answer everyone of their questions as best i can to educate them, and help take the edge off. The reports i create are geared towards this approach. They are easy to navigate, and understand and backed by the largest residential technical reference guide in the nation. All of this together brings a unique and refreshing approach to your home inspection.

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

I think just creating the Tattooed Inspector brand/identity has helped word of mouth for me. I don’t know of any other home inspector that looks like I do. Embracing what makes me unique is something not everyone can do. To add to it, my philosophy that we talked about earlier makes people talk, the availability, being helpful, and patient. I have always tried to have fun with it too. There are times to be serious and straight forward, but you have to enjoy what you’re doing to be any good at it.

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

By far social media. I have a website with all my pricing, services, and bio I am very transparent with that. I’ve done SEO and google ads, but I just never benefited from it in any substantial way. That really boils down to something one of my mentors Michelle Berman told me, you have to build relationships. Realtors are the most solicited professionals I’ve ever seen. Everyone wants to work with them because in the real estate game, that is where you make your money. Lenders, trades people, home inspectors! We all need realtors to gain consistent income. So how do you approach or sell yourself to someone who gets hit up daily? You don’t! You have to build relationships. What better way than sharing your experiences, passions, and thoughts. If you look at my Instagram (quick plug, GO CHECK OUT Tattooed Inspector on IG!) there is tons of information in the form of reels, videos, and posts about the home inspection process, fitness and entertaining subjects. I market myself as your friend who is here to help, even if it’s just to answer your questions.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.safehousehi.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/tattooedinspector

Image Credits
Papaya Photo by Ryelle Rogers