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

Jalen Sanders, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. One deeply underappreciated facet of entrepreneurship is the kind of crazy stuff we have to deal with as business owners. Sometimes it’s crazy positive sometimes it’s crazy negative, but crazy experiences unite entrepreneurs regardless of industry. Can you share a crazy story with our readers?

It had been a year since we lost my uncle Jerome to complications with his heart, a loss that still weighed heavily on our hearts. Recently, my cousin had put Uncle Jerome’s house on the market, hoping to start anew. However, a potential buyer had unexpectedly backed out after the inspection, leaving my cousin puzzled and concerned. Desperate for answers, he called me to come and take a look.

The morning I arrived at my cousin’s house, the air felt heavy with anticipation. I couldn’t shake the feeling that something significant was about to unfold.

As I stepped inside, greeted by my cousin’s solemn expression, my curiosity intensified. What had prompted the potential buyer to back out of the contract? What hidden flaw lurked within these walls?

Together, we explored every corner of the house, searching for clues. But it wasn’t until I climbed into the attic that the truth revealed itself.

There, in the dim light filtering through the rafters, I saw it: the vent for the gas furnace, disconnected and abandoned. My heart sank as the realization washed over me. Carbon monoxide, the silent killer, had been lurking within these walls, invisible yet deadly.

The science behind it all flooded my mind: how carbon monoxide, unlike harmless carbon dioxide, binds to the hemoglobin in our blood, starving our bodies of oxygen and leading to asphyxiation. It was a chilling reminder of just how fragile life can be.

In that moment, staring at the disconnected vent, I felt a mix of emotions wash over me – grief, anger, and a newfound sense of purpose. The memory of my uncle, lost to a heart complication, loomed large in my mind.

In the days that followed, I grappled with the weight of what I had uncovered. But amidst the darkness, a spark of determination ignited within me. I knew I had to do something to prevent others from suffering the same fate.

And so, from that tragedy emerged a mission: Sentinel, a guardian dedicated to protecting the sanctity of every home. With each inspection, I honor my uncle’s memory and work to ensure that no family or client of mine will ever have to endure the same heartache again.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

My foray into the world of home inspection was spurred by my big cousin Jamal Hampton. After wrapping up my basketball career and earning a bachelor’s degree in finance from Appalachian State University, I ventured into coaching while pursuing a master’s in sports administration from Hampton University. However, when COVID-19 abruptly halted my last basketball season, Jamal’s persistent encouragement about the potential in the inspection business finally struck a chord. During quarantine, I seized the opportunity to enroll in a home inspection course, obtaining my first license.

With Jamal’s guidance, I relocated to the DMV area, where together, we propelled Sentinel to new heights. However, our vision extended beyond local borders. After years of success, we felt it was time to expand, leading to the birth of Sentinel NC. This move also provided me with the perfect opportunity to return home to Charlotte and extend our services to cover both North and South Carolina.

At Sentinel NC, we offer a wide array of inspection services, including residential and commercial inspections, along with environmental testing such as air quality, radon, mold remediation, and water testing. Our mission is clear: to offer peace of mind through precision and professionalism. We recognize that purchasing or selling a home is one of life’s most significant financial decisions. Thus, we’re committed to empowering our clients with the insights needed to make informed choices and safeguard their investments.

I take immense pride in the impact Sentinel NC has had on countless homeowners and families. Knowing that we’ve played a part in ensuring the safety and security of their homes is incredibly fulfilling and drives us to continually strive for excellence.

Whether you’re navigating the real estate market or simply seeking to safeguard your current home, you can rely on Sentinel NC for unparalleled service and peace of mind. We’re dedicated to protecting what matters most, with your safety as our top priority.

At Sentinel NC, we’re not just about inspections – we’re also at the forefront of technological advancements within the industry, ensuring that our clients receive the most comprehensive and innovative services available.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

Consistency and a relentless dedication to excellence have been the cornerstones of building our reputation within our market. By following the same streamlined process for every inspection and treating each home as if it were our own, we ensure that we put our best foot forward every single time.

Our commitment to delivering high-quality results, without exception, has set us apart and earned us the trust and respect of our clients and colleagues alike. Whether it’s meticulously inspecting every nook and cranny or providing thorough and transparent reports, we leave no stone unturned in our quest for excellence.

As a result, our work speaks for itself, rapidly earning us a reputation for reliability, professionalism, and unparalleled service. We take immense pride in the trust that our clients place in us and strive to exceed their expectations with every inspection.

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

Books, videos, and essays have played a pivotal role in shaping my management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy. I firmly believe that continuous learning is key to growth and success in any endeavor.

Among the many resources that have left a lasting impact on me, a few stand out as true game-changers. “The 5 AM Club” by Robin Sharma has been instrumental in helping me cultivate a disciplined and productive mindset, setting the tone for each day with intention and purpose.

“The 48 Laws of Power” by Robert Greene offers invaluable insights into the dynamics of power and influence, providing timeless wisdom that has shaped my approach to leadership and strategy.

Tony Robbins’ “Money Master the Game” is a treasure trove of financial wisdom, offering practical strategies for achieving financial freedom and security.

Currently, I’m delving into “The 12 Week Year” by Brian P. Moran and Michael Lennington, and I’m already experiencing its transformative effects. The concept of compressing a year’s worth of goals and achievements into a focused 12-week period has been a revelation, leading to increased productivity and tangible results.

These resources have not only expanded my knowledge base but have also inspired actionable changes in my approach to management and entrepreneurship. I’m grateful for the wealth of wisdom they offer and the profound impact they’ve had on my journey.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.sentinelnc.com
• Instagram: @InspectorJalen
• Facebook: Sentinel NC
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jalen-sanders