Advertise on podcast: The Commercial Property Inspector Podcast

In this episode, Rob Claus of CCPIA® welcomes Rod Santomassimo, founder of The Massimo Group, the #1 CRE broker coaching organization in the world. Rod is the author of "Selling Buildings" and "Brokers Who Dominate" and has built a reputation for helping thousands of commercial real estate brokers think bigger and grow their businesses exponentially. Rob and Rod sit down to discuss how brokers and inspectors can become trusted authorities, grow their referral relationships, and leverage AI to build their businesses. 00:00 – Welcome and Rod’s background 03:26 – Launching a coaching business in the 2008 recession 06:02 – The biggest surprise: everyone leaves money on the table 09:30 – Motivation, discipline, and thinking bigger 16:16 – Authority vs. commodity 20:07 – Where new business comes from 24:38 – How inspectors help brokers and save deals 27:05 – The “SWAT team” model: partner, not vendor 28:45 – Getting in the door: associations and lunch-and-learns 31:52 – How AI is reshaping the industry 38:30 – Closing thoughts and Knowing Isn’t Doing 🔗 Learn more about CCPIA®: https://ccpia.org/ Watch or listen (anywhere, anytime, and any way you like). Visit ccpia.org to browse the video library!

In this month's roundtable, the discussion focused on improving sales strategies, building client trust, and identifying new opportunities to grow your commercial inspection business. Members shared practical ways to increase proposal conversion rates, adapt services to client budgets, and develop recurring revenue through maintenance inspections and emerging markets. 00:05 Sales Strategies in Commercial Inspections 08:19 Building Client Relationships and Trust 16:31 Innovative Inspection Approaches 18:41 Integrating Specialty Consultants 22:40 Future Trends in Commercial Inspections 24:01 Lifecycle of Commercial Buildings 26:17 Understanding Data Center Construction and Maintenance 29:38 Opportunities in Data Center Inspections 31:45 Marketing and SEO for Maintenance Inspections 34:03 Challenges in Proposal Follow-ups 40:08 Payment Solutions in Commercial Inspections 43:57 Choosing the Right Software for Inspections 📆 To attend an upcoming meeting, visit the training calendar: https://ccpia.org/training-calendar/ Watch or listen (anywhere, anytime, and any way you like). Visit ccpia.org to browse the video library!

This month, we're talking about commercial kitchen inspections. Inspecting commercial kitchens is a serious task. Listen as we explore why evaluating these spaces requires a properly trained inspector to identify key operational risks and verify essential safeguards. ➡️ View the October Newsletter ➡️ Training Calender Watch or listen (anywhere, anytime, and any way you like). Visit ccpia.org to browse the video library!

In this episode, Rob Claus of CCPIA® sits down with Ryan Walker, managing partner at ETS Environmental to discuss how commercial property inspectors can add Phase I Environmental Site Assessments to their business, how their inspector partnership model works, real stories from the field, and how to get started. 00:01 — Introduction and Ryan's background 04:42 — What is a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment? 10:51 — How commercial property inspectors fit into the Phase I process 14:52 — The ETS inspector partnership model explained 20:33 — Property types and expanding into new markets 25:24 — What the site visit actually involves 32:44 — Ryan's most memorable environmental find 39:39 — Getting started: training, insurance, and investment 45:11 — Turnaround times and closing timelines 47:54 — Final thoughts and closing 🔗 Learn more about CCPIA®: https://ccpia.org/ Watch or listen (anywhere, anytime, and any way you like). Visit ccpia.org to browse the video library!

This month, we’re focusing on how to get started in commercial property inspections, from building the right knowledge base and protecting yourself with the right insurance to landing your first job. Plus, check out the latest podcast episodes and see upcoming trainings and free virtual roundtable meetings. ➡️ View the September Newsletter ➡️ Training Calender Watch or listen (anywhere, anytime, and any way you like). Visit ccpia.org to browse the video library!

In this month's Commercial Property Inspectors Roundtable, the conversation centers on the challenges of breaking into new markets, building trust with potential clients, and knowing where the next referral will come from, opening with a real example of missed opportunities that could have doubled one member's business. The group digs into tailoring proposals to specific property types, speaking the client's language, and keeping communication fast and consistent to build trust. Members also share how they have connected with the right clients, from updating Google Business listings to networking through industry associations, along with real success stories and a live Q&A on transitioning from residential to commercial work. 0:05 – Intro 1:19 – Topic: breaking down barriers to closing jobs 2:16 – Story: 27 inquiries, only 7 wins 6:43 – Tailoring proposals by property type 10:07 – Walking clients through inspections by phone 12:18 – Storage facility case study 14:02 – Communication as a barrier-breaker 17:00 – Google listing strategy for going commercial 18:07 – First 45 days going live in commercial 20:10 – Marketing collateral ideas 23:21 – Networking through associations 26:09 – Niche-building in smaller jobs 27:47 – Vacation rental / glamping niche 32:47 – Confidence as the ultimate barrier-breaker 35:50 – Upcoming training events 38:20 – Q&A: transitioning to commercial 47:54 – Closing remarks 📆 To attend an upcoming meeting, visit the training calendar: https://ccpia.org/training-calendar/ Watch or listen (anywhere, anytime, and any way you like). Visit ccpia.org to browse the video library!

Jeff Crabtree of SureGuard Property Inspections has been selected for CCPIA's Member Spotlight, recognizing the impressive momentum he's built in just over a year. In this conversation with host Rob Claus, Jeff shares why he left a 20+ year corporate career to launch his own inspection company, along with lessons for other professionals. Before going full-time, Jeff spent two decades in asset management for Fortune 100 companies and has personally inspected more than 165 million square feet of commercial real estate. 00:06 – Intro & welcome 02:48 – Jeff's corporate background (Walmart, private equity) 05:21 – How they met at CCPIA and why Jeff left corporate for inspections 09:26 – Corporate vs. CRE inspections: communication and objectives 13:10 – Building SureGuard: zero to double-digit inspections/month, starting with FCAs 17:57 – Networking through BOMA/CCIM and building client communication 19:35 – CCPIA resources beyond core training 23:40 – Website story and client engagement (calls, inquiries, closure rate) 31:24 – Reading the client: sale-leaseback example and business flexibility 33:36 – Marketing investment (Tree Ring/Paige) and ROI 37:00 – Closing advice: branding day one, learning the client's language 43:20 – Wrap-up and outro 🔗 To learn more visit https://ccpia.org/ Watch or listen (anywhere, anytime, and any way you like). Visit ccpia.org to browse the video library!

In this episode, Rob Claus of CCPIA® welcomes Bob Brown, "The Dirt Whisperer," a foundation repair expert, about using data-driven tools to detect slab movement, foundation damage, and structural risk in commercial buildings. 00:01 – Intro 00:28 – Bob's background 02:37 – "Dirt Whisperer" origin 06:18 – Floor level surveys & smart level tool 11:39 – Objective vs. subjective assessments 16:37 – The 16 data points for foundation evaluation 21:31 – Dead blow hammer technique 22:40 – Slab curling explained 28:52 – Warehouse settlement case study 31:05 – Spatial Vision software overview 35:45 – Time estimates for surveys 42:08 – Best industries for this service 51:10 – Closing and resources 🔗 Learn more about CCPIA®: https://ccpia.org/ Watch or listen (anywhere, anytime, and any way you like). Visit ccpia.org to browse the video library!

In this month's roundtable, we discussed strategies for optimizing profitability and efficiency in commercial inspections. The highly variable nature of commercial work requires inspectors to move away from rigid hourly pricing toward more flexible, project-based models. 00:00 – Intro 03:42 – Industrial Speed Benchmarks 08:39 – Commercial vs. Residential 14:31 – Sq Ft vs. Hourly Pricing 17:04 – Job Costing & Profit Margins 20:38 – Templates & Software Efficiency 25:58 – Field Time vs. Reporting Time 27:46 – AI for Report Narratives 29:05 – Standardizing Team Inspection Times 37:36 – On-Site Reporting Workflow 42:36 – Spectora AI Assistant Discussion 45:05 – Large Multi-Building Case Study 50:00 – Representative Sampling & Drones 55:36 – Tiered Proposal Pricing (A/B/C) 58:00 – Wrap-Up 🔗 Learn more about CCPIA®: https://ccpia.org/ Watch or listen (anywhere, anytime, and any way you like). Visit ccpia.org to browse the video library!

In this episode, Aaron Shishilla shares his journey from growing up in the family inspection business to founding Wolfpack Advertising. We explore digital marketing strategies, the impact of AI, and how inspectors can effectively source work in a digital-first world. 00:00 Introduction and Background 02:59 Family Business and Early Experiences 06:02 Transition to Marketing and Wolfpack 09:01 Growth and Evolution of Wolfpack 11:54 Shifts in Marketing Strategies 14:58 The Impact of AI on Business 18:10 Marketing Methodologies for Different Inspections 21:12 Budgeting for Marketing Expenses 23:59 Types of Marketing Spend 27:01 Website Management and Updates 27:39 The Evolution of Digital Marketing in Commercial Inspections 30:17 Building Authority Through Website Content 32:09 Navigating Google Ads for Commercial Inspections 37:10 Understanding Bing Ads and Their Value 40:01 The Importance of Inside Sales in Lead Conversion 46:18 Tailoring Marketing Strategies for New Inspectors 53:42 Outro 🔗 Interested in attending CCPIA® training? See upcoming dates and locations for in-person and online classes here: https://ccpia.org/training-calendar/ Watch or listen (anywhere, anytime, and any way you like). Visit ccpia.org to browse the video library!

This month's Building Your Business episode features host Rob Claus sitting down with Inspector Shawn Mizell, a Florida home inspector and content creator ready to transform his business. Shawn shares his journey on how a single CCPIA course completely changed his mindset, how he is using social media to attract new clients, and where he sees the commercial inspection industry heading. 00:00 Introduction to Home Inspection Journey 03:18 Transitioning to Commercial Inspections 05:59 The Impact of Training on Confidence 09:04 Content Creation and Networking in Commercial Real Estate 12:01 Rebranding for Commercial Success 15:19 Learning from Real-World Experiences 18:05 Advice for Aspiring Inspectors 20:52 The Excitement of Commercial Inspections 24:07 Future of Commercial Inspections 26:51 Surprises in the Journey of Change 31:01 Closing  🔗 Interested in attending the CCPIA® in-person training Shawn mentioned? See upcoming dates and locations for the Introduction to Commercial Property Inspections 3-Day Class: https://ccpia.org/introduction-to-commercial-property-inspections-3-day-class/ Watch or listen (anywhere, anytime, and any way you like). Visit ccpia.org to browse the video library!

In this month's open forum roundtable, we hear directly from members on the topics that matter most: VAV boxes, cost-to-remedy estimates, converting inquiries into booked jobs, and competing on value over price. Plus, updates on upcoming classes and resources to help grow your commercial inspection business. 0:05 – Welcome & intro; 2027 class planning and upcoming July cost-to-remedy class in Chicago 4:28 – VAV box inventory in office buildings 9:48 – Using allowances for cost-to-remedy on cosmetic items 15:14 – Caution against over-inspecting specialized commercial systems 20:27 – Setting client expectations upfront 21:51 – Conversion rates and inside sales strategies 33:09 – Competing on value over price 36:38 – Qualifying clients who are shopping on price alone 45:04 – Upcoming courses and member resources 46:30 – Inspector efficiency benchmarks 49:05 – Upcoming in-person classes 50:01 – Using sample reports to demonstrate value 52:00 – Wrap-up and closing reminders 🔗 Learn more about CCPIA®: https://ccpia.org/ Watch or listen (anywhere, anytime, and any way you like). Visit ccpia.org to browse the video library!

In this month's roundtable, we sat down with Isaac Peck, Adam Merrifield, and Gina Hood from OREP Insurance to discuss a brand-new commercial inspection insurance program built exclusively for CCPIA members.  0:00 – Welcome & Introductions 1:17 – About OREP & the New CCPIA Program 3:04 – Why Standard Policies Fall Short for Commercial Inspectors 9:11 – Base Policy vs. Full Commercial Coverage 12:06 – Restaurant Inspections, Kitchen Equipment & Defense-Only Coverage 20:27 – Pre-Claim Services & Attorney Support 24:35 – Program Requirements: Membership, Standards & Contracts 26:27 – Certificates of Insurance & Turnaround Time 28:19 – Light vs. Heavy Industrial: Defining the Line 33:26 – Switching Coverage, Multi-Inspector Firms & Premium Pricing 36:20 – Independent Contractors & Large Building Inspections 43:17 – General Liability vs. E&O Explained 45:05 – Specialty Inspections: Drones, Infrared & Geographic Coverage 48:54 – Cost-to-Remedy Reports & Phase One Environmental Coverage 55:21 – Tail Coverage & Retroactive Coverage 57:06 – Closing Remarks & Upcoming CCPIA Events 🔗 Learn more about CCPIA®: https://ccpia.org/ Watch or listen (anywhere, anytime, and any way you like). Visit ccpia.org to browse the video library!

In this episode, host Rob Claus welcomes Brent Fletcher, owner of Fletcher’s Home Inspections and content creator. Brent shares his journey from a home inspector to a content creator and aspiring commercial inspector. Discover insights on transitioning into commercial inspections, leveraging social media for business growth, and the future of the industry. 00:00 Introduction and Background 02:20 Brent's Journey into Home Inspections 05:18 The Evolution of Content Creation 08:28 Transitioning to Commercial Inspections 11:19 Insights from the CCPIA Class 14:21 Challenges in Commercial Inspections 18:41 Transforming Inspection Approaches 19:23 Challenges in Launching a Commercial Site 20:59 Rebranding and Building Clientele 22:49 Maintaining Relationships During Transition 24:19 Scaling and Managing Larger Projects 26:45 Navigating Complexity in Commercial Inspections 27:31 Future of Commercial Inspections 28:47 Embracing Technology in Inspections 29:58 Encouraging New Inspectors 31:02 Investing in Equipment for Commercial Inspections 31:46 Reflections on Training and Learning 35:59 Excitement for Future Growth 🔗 Learn more about CCPIA®: https://ccpia.org/ Watch or listen (anywhere, anytime, and any way you like). Visit ccpia.org to browse the video library!

The International Standards of Practice for Inspecting Commercial Properties (ComSOP) is free for use by all. The ComSOP is the industry-accepted standard for commercial property inspectors and serves as the foundation for all education and certification offered by the Certified Commercial Property Inspectors Association® (CCPIA®). Its nine core sections outline the inspection process, reporting practices, inclusions and exclusions, and the ethics inspectors follow. The standard is applied to enhance understanding of property conditions across all types of commercial real estate, supporting better decision-making for those buying, selling, maintaining, or improving a property. The appendix provides additional guidance and resources for reporting practices, training, and education. It also includes supplementary standards of practice for inspectors, such as those for accessibility and fire door inspections. 🔗 International Standards of Practice for Inspecting Commercial Properties (ComSOP) 2026  0:00 Introduction 1:37 Section 1: Purpose 1:50 Section 2: Definitions 46:10 Section 3: Use 49:12 Section 4: Inspection 52:56 Section 5: Research 57:52 Section 6: Walk-Through Survey 1:40:22 Section 7: Report 1:45:00 Section 8: Limitations, Exceptions and Exclusions 1:52:18 Section 9: Ethics 1:55:59 A.1. Guidelines for Recommended Reporting Practices 2:00:33 A.2. Guidelines for Recommended Proposal and Agreement Practices 2:02:52 A.3. Building Systems Image Gallery 2:03:42 A.4. Recommended Walk-Through Survey Inspection Documentation 2:29:10 A.5. Standard Accessibility Inspection Report for Existing Commercial Buildings 2:41:55 A.6. International Standards of Practice for Inspecting Commercial Fire Doors 2:59:30 A.7. Observed Green Features Report for Existing Commercial Buildings 3:06:15 A.8. International Phase I Standards of Practice for Inspecting Fireplaces and Chimneys 3:34:32 A.9. International Standards of Practice for Inspecting Radon Mitigation Systems 3:54:26 A.10. The Future of This Standard and Ancillary Documents 3:55:45 A.11. Recommended Training 3:57:02 Conclusion Watch or listen (anywhere, anytime, and any way you like). Visit ccpia.org to browse the video library!