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This message was edited 3 times. Last update was at 05/19/2015 05:03 PM EDT

Testimonial of P. Nathan Thornberry’s Book Hungrier 2nd Edition Chapter 16 (A Good Inspection is only Part of the Business)

Pages 116-124 talk directly about professionalism, differentiation, consistency, and convenience. The chapter both scared me and got the wheels turning in my head, thinking about losing my market share. I have learned in this chapter to simplify the inspection process, while maintaining a high level of professionalism. Dan Huber of Inspection Support Network (ISN) offers six different steps to help your Home Inspection business, to be the very best in your market. There are also 9 different suggestions to deliver the best product that I found to be very helpful in the Home Inspection business.

This message was edited 3 times. Last update was at 05/19/2015 05:04 PM EDT

Testimonial of P. Nathan Thornberry’s Book Hungrier 2nd Edition Chapter 17 (Work on your Business, Not In It)

This has been a hard chapter to adjust to. Pages 125-130 are from America’s Call Center’s Mr. Paul Zak. I have been in the mindset for years that I have to personally do everything (because I want it done right). As bad as I hate to admit it, I am a control freak. This chapter focuses on time and on how we can have more of it. I want to take my Home Inspection business to the next level, and it looks like I will have to follow the advice given in this book, to do just that.

This message was edited 3 times. Last update was at 05/19/2015 05:04 PM EDT

Testimonial of P. Nathan Thornberry’s Book Hungrier 2nd Edition Chapter 18 (Making More Money and Keeping It)

I love this chapter so much. Pages 131-137, reiterate the fact that my phone needs to always be answered and that I need a great website. I understand that I need to have Inspection Support Network (ISN), on my website and face book page, so clients can schedule / book their inspections. After reading this chapter, I will work on my volume of business and value added services, being a one-stop shop. There is a huge debate in the Home Inspection industry on how many pictures that should be taken. Personally the more the better for future reference, but at the same time, I think only a handful of pictures should go into the report. Bob Pearson from Allen Insurance has done a great job in this chapter.

This message was edited 4 times. Last update was at 05/19/2015 05:04 PM EDT

Testimonial of P. Nathan Thornberry’s Book Hungrier 2nd Edition Chapter 19 (Implementation is Key)

I live anything but an easy and relaxed life as Mike Crow says in Pages 138-149. I am always trying to accomplish something whether it is Homeschooling my daughter (Autumn) or building my Home Inspection business; I am swamped 16 hours out of the day (every single day). I have yet to do all seven tricks suggested in this chapter (I am working on it though). Great and very useful advice was given in this chapter; I just need to put it all to work.

This message was edited 3 times. Last update was at 05/19/2015 05:05 PM EDT

Testimonial of P. Nathan Thornberry’s Book Hungrier 2nd Edition Chapter 20 (Certified?)

Chapter 20, pages 150-154, happens to be the most controversial words that I have heard throughout my career as a Home Inspector. These words hit hard because they are so true. I have been working in the construction industry for most of my life holding the title “Jack of All Trades, Master of None.” I was always taught and still believe that a Home Inspector is a “Generalist” and nothing more. I understand that the Certified Inspection Expert is a very valuable marketing piece to a lot of inspectors. P. Nathan Thornberry and I have had numerous talks about the Certified Inspection Expert designation, and he stands behind it as much as Nick Gromicko stands behind his Certified Master Inspector designation. I do not consider myself an expert but I do admit that it is a catchy title. I may eventually decide to use the Certified Inspection Expert designation, as P. Nathan Thornberry stands behind any and all of the Home Inspectors that use his services.

This message was edited 6 times. Last update was at 05/19/2015 05:05 PM EDT

Testimonial of P. Nathan Thornberry’s Book Hungrier 2nd Edition Chapter 21 (No Excuses)

Pages 155-167 are from P. Nathan Thornberry’s new Book “Change Up.” Pretty much this chapter just tells you to do what works. Nathan does not stop the math in Hungrier the Second Edition; he continues to do the math, in his new book “Change Up.” Nathan outlines from A to Z, on how to go from being a small one man Home Inspector to going BIG and having a multi-inspector firm. In this chapter, you will find 26 items that will have you take your business, to the next level.

This message was edited 25 times. Last update was at 05/17/2015 11:51 AM EDT

Testimonial of P. Nathan Thornberry’s Book Hungrier 2nd Edition - Chapter's 1-21

Testimonial of P. Nathan Thornberry’s Book Hungrier 2nd Edition Chapter 1(Beginnings)

After reading pages 14-23, I can say that Nathan started in this business at a very young age. I love the fact that the phone was answered within 3 rings (every Home Inspection Business should be like this). Nathan points out that there are two sides to all of us (Home Inspectors and Business Owners). In short, the Thornberry’s got started in this business, when Home Inspection was still in its infancy. Many successful Home Inspectors offer their clients a 90-day warranty from Nathan’s Residential Warranty Services, Inc - which was started in 2000 – 2001.

I was impressed with Nathan Thornberry’s positive comments towards 99% of all of us Home Inspectors. P. Nathan Thornberry said it all, when he said: “Home Inspectors who give clients and agents tangible reasons to choose them, looking professional, and acting the part in everything that they do, are the one’s who are going to make it BIG in this business”.

Testimonial of P. Nathan Thornberry’s Book Hungrier 2nd Edition Chapter 2 (The Journey)

Nathan talks a lot about Tennessee and North Carolina, in this chapter. Pages 24-31 talk about a 15-30 year Success Journey. To make a long story short, a Home Inspector, came to Nathan asking for help. The Inspector was not performing many inspections because of his mindset of realtors (much like the Old me).

Nathan Thornberry continues in this chapter about his 90-day warranty from Residential Warranty Services, Inc. I have finally come to realize that the Real Estate Agent(s) are not my enemy but my customers. I also realize after reading Chapter 2, the difference between clients and customers. “I have a New Respect for those that can Make me or Break me.”

Testimonial of P. Nathan Thornberry’s Book Hungrier 2nd Edition Chapter 3 (The Technician Mindset)

In pages 32-38, Nathan Thornberry talks about most Home Inspectors being a one-man shop / operation. Nathan does some math at an ASHI convention and asked: What is the most important thing to the inspectors, concerning their business? Like most of us inspectors, the answers given were pretty much the same (Performing A Better Inspection). As Home Inspectors, we perform the inspection, prepare the reports, and send them to our clients. It was brought up that the most important part about this business would be making more money.

I have to admit that after reading page 35, that I too have or had “The Technician Mindset.” P. Nathan Thornberry and I have spoke to each other about me being a man full of pride. Nathan pointed out to me that my pride was getting in the way of my success. It keeps jumping out in front of me the words: Real Estate Agents are the source for almost all referrals for future Home Inspections. This is where I first learned about USP’s (Unique Selling Propositions). Summing it up dealing with multiple Real Estate Agents, implementing Unique Selling Propositions, like 90-day warranties, Recall Check, SewerGard and MoldSafe, along with Ancillary services, will make me, in many ways, primarily by marketing my business.

Testimonial of P. Nathan Thornberry’s Book Hungrier 2nd Edition Chapter 4 (Inconvenient Truths)

After reading pages 39-44, I was stopped in my tracks. Those words on them 5-6 pages stopped me dead in my tracks and changed my way of thinking. I came to understand that to be a successful Home Inspector, I have to realize that the Real Estate Transaction, The Purchase Agreement, and the Real Estate Agents all go hand in hand, and that I am part of that process.

Testimonial of P. Nathan Thornberry’s Book Hungrier 2nd Edition Chapter 5 (The Myth of the Bad Inspector)

I have read pages 45-50 several times. This is where I first learned of The Elite Group, which is the largest Multi- Home Inspector firm, in The United States of America. The Elite Group is the most successful Home Inspection business, with over 35 full time Home Inspectors. If we go by the words of P. Nathan Thornberry, as much as I hate to admit it, I could be thought of as the bad inspector. My situation is a little different than Nathan described throughout these 5 pages. Nathan makes perfect sense with his words. I may get a little hot under the collar with some of the things that he has suggested, but I calm down go back and think about things from a new perspective. P. Nathan Thornberry has the best interest of the Home Inspector. I will continue to read this chapter because something keeps telling me to go back to it.

Testimonial of P. Nathan Thornberry’s Book Hungrier 2nd Edition Chapter 6 (Pioneers Get Slaughtered)

In just 4 short pages (51-54), Nathan Thornberry gives a lot of credit to a great person in the Home Inspection industry (Mr. Dominic Maricac of Home Inspector Pro). I am a current user of Dominic’s Home Inspector Pro 4, and I would like to agree that Dominic Maricac is a great person (Thank You). Nathan gives mention to Dominic’s web presence for Home Inspectors. Once again Nathan works his math for us, showing how a Home Inspector benefits from a well built website / SEO/ and web presence with Google. Nathan Thornberry clearly points out to us that 80%+ of business comes straight from Real Estate Agent referrals and that the other 20% or so come from our websites.

Testimonial of P. Nathan Thornberry’s Book Hungrier 2nd Edition Chapter 7 (A True Marketing Message)

While I was reading pages 55-58, I thought that Nathan had a fascination with having his car washed. This chapter focused on marketing (How and Why it works in a nutshell). Nathan points out that the Home Inspection industry is no different from any other industry in the terms of marketing (Reaching your customers, with a Positive message for them to choose you, as their Inspector of Choice).

Testimonial of P. Nathan Thornberry’s Book Hungrier 2nd Edition Chapter 8 (Liability and Lies)

I found pages 59-69 to be about P. Nathan Thornberry’s very own liability issues when he was a young man (many, many moons ago). You have to respect this man not only working at a very young age but also running a business, before he even graduated High School. I did not realize that they had cell phones that long ago, but Nathan carried two. Reading this chapter I can just see Nathan’s blood pressure rising. I bet part of him turned as white as a ghost, while his face boiled red with anger and frustration.

Some rich woman tried to stick Nathan with paying almost $5,000.00 for a bleached ring in her wool carpet. To summarize the story: Nathan answered the phone call while he was at school and then was committed to solving the problem by hiring a professional to color treat the carpet, saving Mr. Thornberry, right at $4,000.00 (Calm down Nathan). Chuck E Cheese's TV Commercial Where A Kid Can Be A Kid did not apply to the young and determined Mr. P. Nathan Thornberry (Nathan). He was the man, even way back then. This chapter goes on to talk about professionalism. Nathan goes on to give us several examples of professionalism and un-professionalism.

Testimonial of P. Nathan Thornberry’s Book Hungrier 2nd Edition Chapter 9 (The USP)

The pages 70-78 of this book have to be at the top of my list for making this one of my favorite chapters in this book. I never even knew what a USP (Unique Selling Proposition) was until I started reading this book. Now I think of them daily. From my understanding a Unique Selling Proposition, is a benefit in the Home Inspection industry to clients that other Home Inspectors just do not or cannot offer. This is where I personally intend to shine and after I polish my USP and implement it from my business plan, my company should be rocking and rolling. Our companies USP, is going to be just that (Unique).

Nathan got me thinking when he mentioned that He was going to let the other Home Inspection companies, do the selling for him on pages 75-77. Now I am thinking. I intend to increase my base rate and my volume several times over by using Mr. P. Nathan Thornberry’s strategies that are taught in this book. This chapter alone was worth three of the five stars that I rated Nathan in a review. Very well done Nathan.

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Testimonial of P. Nathan Thornberry’s Book Hungrier 2nd Edition Chapter 10 (The Mike Crow Effect)

Pages 79-85 remind me of when I too purchased Carleton H. Sheets “No Money Down” Real Estate Investing course back in the mid 1990’s. I still say a poem daily from Elsa Beech Wheeler that was at the last of the CD’s. Off the record, I also invested in Russ Whitney’s Building Wealth program, as well. Nathan Thornberry must love the subject of math, because here he goes again in this chapter explaining the numbers.

Nathan points out that the very best; the most successful inspectors in the world are those that have dealings with Mike Crow. Personally, I know that Mike Crow is a marketing mastermind in the Home Inspection industry, so I would have to agree with Mr. Thornberry’s comments, in this chapter.

Testimonial of P. Nathan Thornberry’s Book Hungrier 2nd Edition Chapter 11 (Agent Haters)

After reading this chapter the respect, that I have for the Thornberry’s is way up there. Nathan’s Grandfather Don Thornberry, seems to have done it all. Pages 86-92, really goes to show the love of a Grandson for his Grandfather. I too have a love for my Grandfather: Mr. Frank Wilson James Sr. from Holdenville, Oklahoma. My Grandpa worked hard all of his life, and retired from the Lynchburg Foundry, in Radford, Virginia.

Grandpa retired as a main supervisor after working hard as an Iron Worker, every day there for over forty years. My Grandfather is my Hero as well. He was in World War 2 fighting for us, he became very educated, and he taught me so much. I wish that I was half the man that he was.

Nathan starts doing the math again on page 89-90. I learned a lot from this chapter and the main thing that sticks with me is Understanding. I honestly believe that any buyer or seller for that matter would benefit greatly from having me as their Home Inspector. I never was an Agent Hater; I just have always like to beat at my own drum. After reading this chapter, I am now willing to be part of the team for each and every real estate office, in my service area.

Testimonial of P. Nathan Thornberry’s Book Hungrier 2nd Edition Chapter 12 (How to Install a Toilet)

The title threw me for a loop, until I read all 4 pages 93-97. The story is about a Home Inspector / Engineer named Jeff Donaldson who owns a multi-inspector firm in the great state of Florida. It’s a great short story worth reading. I will say that belonging to organizations like ASHI or InterNACHI and going to conventions, definitely help Home Inspectors out.

I learned that it is in my best interest not to link to an association from my website. I also learned to have my logo stand way in front of the associations (Common Sense).

Testimonial of P. Nathan Thornberry’s Book Hungrier 2nd Edition Chapter 13 (Pricing Yourself Out of the Market)

I found pages 98-104 to be a good read. I have flew all over the United States many times (A good portion was with the United States Army and the other times Business Related). P. Nathan Thornberry and I have went over the issue of pricing countless times back and forth with each other. When I started performing Home Inspections the going rate was around $300.00 in a good market. Almost 18 years later, Nathan Thornberry comes along and says: “No Michael, You are doing it all wrong. Start your pricing at $225.00 and include Recall Check and the 90 Day Warranty as a minimum for your USP.” I wanted to say to him: Are you Crazy?

I understand what Nathan is saying in this chapter and I 100% agree with his philosophy now. I can tell you that the man is as hard headed as can be, but he has changed my mind and helped me to quit being so stubborn (Thanks Nathan). Every chapter so far Nathan Thornberry has done the math and this chapter is no different. Nathan asks questions that he already knows what your answer is going to be. Then he proceeded to answer the question after I already answered it (Same Answer). I asked myself: What kind of Mind Games is Mr. Thornberry, playing now? I could almost hear his voice saying: “One’s that work and get you results.” As I kept reading, he ended the chapter with “It’s all about Volume Michael, It’s all about Volume.”

Testimonial of P. Nathan Thornberry’s Book Hungrier 2nd Edition Chapter 14 (The Multi-Inspector Mindset)

I learned about both of Nathan’s parents from reading pages 105-110. I had already learned about Nathan’s Grandfather Don Thornberry, in Chapter 11. Now it’s on to the parents. Phil Thornberry (Father) and Patty Thornberry (Mother) started one of the largest multi-inspector firms in the country (Security Home Inspections). Nathan carefully explains why his parent’s inspection business became the best in Carmel, Indiana. I like this chapter because Nathan just laid out a plan, a rough draft on how any Home Inspector can make it big, using the same strategies as his parents Phil and Patty Thornberry did to grow Security Home Inspections.

Testimonial of P. Nathan Thornberry’s Book Hungrier 2nd Edition Chapter 15 (SOP’s are so Twenty Years Ago)

I found the four pages 111-115, to be a good read. Personally, the InterNACHI Standards of Practice are referenced to in my Home Inspection contract, as well as my website. The InterNACHI Standards of Practice, pretty much define the Scope of my inspection. I admit that I do exceed InterNACHI’s Standards of Practice, many times. I believe that the Standards of Practice are a bare minimum that Home Inspectors should go by. Nathan Thornberry, mentioned Recall Checks, in comparison to exceeding the Standards of Practice, many times. Pretty much this chapter is about Nathan making this Manwich Inspector, really, mad at every Home Inspector Convention.

Testimonial of P. Nathan Thornberry’s Book Hungrier 2nd Edition Chapter 16 (A Good Inspection is only Part of the Business)

Pages 116-124 talk directly about professionalism, differentiation, consistency, and convenience. The chapter both scared me and got the wheels turning in my head, thinking about losing my market share. I have learned in this chapter to simplify the inspection process, while maintaining a high level of professionalism. Dan Huber of Inspection Support Network (ISN) offers six different steps to help your Home Inspection business, to be the very best in your market. There are also 9 different suggestions to deliver the best product that I found to be very helpful in the Home Inspection business.

Testimonial of P. Nathan Thornberry’s Book Hungrier 2nd Edition Chapter 17 (Work on your Business, Not In It)

This has been a hard chapter to adjust to. Pages 125-130 are from America’s Call Center’s Mr. Paul Zak. I have been in the mindset for years that I have to personally do everything (because I want it done right). As bad as I hate to admit it, I am a control freak. This chapter focuses on time and on how we can have more of it. I want to take my Home Inspection business to the next level, and it looks like I will have to follow the advice given in this book, to do just that.

Testimonial of P. Nathan Thornberry’s Book Hungrier 2nd Edition Chapter 18 (Making More Money and Keeping It)

I love this chapter so much. Pages 131-137, reiterate the fact that my phone needs to always be answered and that I need a great website. I understand that I need to have Inspection Support Network (ISN), on my website and face book page, so clients can schedule / book their inspections. After reading this chapter, I will work on my volume of business and value added services, being a one-stop shop. There is a huge debate in the Home Inspection industry on how many pictures that should be taken. Personally the more the better for future reference, but at the same time, I think only a handful of pictures should go into the report. Bob Pearson from Allen Insurance has done a great job in this chapter.

Testimonial of P. Nathan Thornberry’s Book Hungrier 2nd Edition Chapter 19 (Implementation is Key)

I live anything but an easy and relaxed life as Mike Crow says in Pages 138-149. I am always trying to accomplish something whether it is Homeschooling my daughter (Autumn) or building my Home Inspection business; I am swamped 16 hours out of the day (every single day). I have yet to do all seven tricks suggested in this chapter (I am working on it though). Great and very useful advice was given in this chapter; I just need to put it all to work.

Testimonial of P. Nathan Thornberry’s Book Hungrier 2nd Edition Chapter 20 (Certified?)

Chapter 20, pages 150-154, happens to be the most controversial words that I have heard throughout my career as a Home Inspector. These words hit hard because they are so true. I have been working in the construction industry for most of my life holding the title “Jack of All Trades, Master of None.” I was always taught and still believe that a Home Inspector is a “Generalist” and nothing more. I understand that the Certified Inspection Expert is a very valuable marketing piece to a lot of inspectors. P. Nathan Thornberry and I have had numerous talks about the Certified Inspection Expert designation, and he stands behind it as much as Nick Gromicko stands behind his Certified Master Inspector designation. I do not consider myself an expert but I do admit that it is a catchy title. I may eventually decide to use the Certified Inspection Expert designation, as P. Nathan Thornberry stands behind any and all of the Home Inspectors that use his services.

Testimonial of P. Nathan Thornberry’s Book Hungrier 2nd Edition Chapter 21 (No Excuses)

Pages 155-167 are from P. Nathan Thornberry’s new Book “Change Up.” Pretty much this chapter just tells you to do what works. Nathan does not stop the math in Hungrier the Second Edition; he continues to do the math, in his new book “Change Up.” Nathan outlines from A to Z, on how to go from being a small one man Home Inspector to going BIG and having a multi-inspector firm. In this chapter, you will find 26 items that will have you take your business, to the next level.

This message was edited 3 times. Last update was at 05/19/2015 04:34 PM EDT

Testimonial of P. Nathan Thornberry’s Book Change Up Chapter 1 (Killer Instinct)

This chapter starts with the differences between being a Home Inspector and being a Home Inspection Business owner. Pages 7-16 talk about drive, ambition and purpose, and responsibility. Nathan Thornberry lists ten things in order on how to move to the next level. After reading this chapter, I am well on my way to start to take over many of my competitors, in the marketplace. I had to write down my positions in the Home Inspection business, as part of one of Nathan’s assignments. I honestly examined all of my strengths’ and weaknesses, and had to list my position on each one (Love It, Like It, Hate It). To make a long story short, it pays to be physically fit, wake up early, read a lot, and to put the right stuff, in your body. I can easily say that I do 3 of the 4 religiously and I am striving to make it all 4.

My curiosity is peaked.

To be competitive in life or in sports it is necessary to have a game plan. Nathan’s “The Hungry Home Inspector” is the game plan for running a successful home inspection business. It is a must read for anyone who wants to do more than own their job doing home inspections. You need to have the mindset of a business owner, and how to attain that mindset is clearly laid out in the pages of the book.”

Michael,

What the heck happened to your old avatar?! That was your trademark, man.

Mozart Evaluation, Inc. wrote:Michael,

What the heck happened to your old avatar?! That was your trademark, man.

I agree. Bring back the old Avatar.

This message was edited 4 times. Last update was at 05/19/2015 04:36 PM EDT

Testimonial of P. Nathan Thornberry’s Book Change Up Chapter 2 (I’m Fired )

After reading pages 17-27, I think that sometimes I have bitten off much more than I can chew. This is where I went back to Chapter 1 (Killer Instinct) and made some changes. I admit that according to Nathan Thornberry’s Book Change Up, that I am weak in a couple of areas. Honestly, I would love to have a seven-figure income and P. Nathan Thornberry, says that if I apply these strategies taught in both books Hungrier 2nd Edition and Change Up, A Guide To Going Big, that it will happen. Once again, I had to write down each one of my positions in the Home Inspection business, as another one of Nathan’s assignments. This time I had to rank 1-12, all of my strengths’ and weaknesses, and had to list my position on each one (Love It, Like It, Hate It). Agreeing with Nathan, I would have to fire myself from certain positions and hire someone who is more suited for the job description, for my business to really thrive.

This message was edited 8 times. Last update was at 05/19/2015 04:37 PM EDT

Testimonial of P. Nathan Thornberry’s Book Change Up Chapter 3 (Move – Get Out The Way)

Pages 28-37 talk about this person that Nathan hired (a great roofer). This man helped P. Nathan Thornberry, to make a lot of money. Nathan Thornberry had to fire the man because of the roofer’s use of cocaine. To summarize …. One ad in the yellow pages of the phone book, and a very large hailstorm, and Nathan stepping out of the way, changed everything, and helped Nathan to make a lot of money. Nathan continues advising us on ways that we can get in the way and gives sound advice on when and why we should sometimes step aside.

This message was edited 2 times. Last update was at 05/19/2015 04:38 PM EDT

Testimonial of P. Nathan Thornberry’s Book Change Up Chapter 4 (Time is Your Enemy)

Pages 38-49 talk about time. Nathan gives advice on how to get where you are going faster. He suggests not letting anyone stand in your way of getting things accomplished. Nathan goes on to give advice on how to go faster without getting a speeding ticket. I will agree with Mr.Thornberry’s statement that we as Home Inspectors / Entrepreneurs probably care about people more than anyone else does. Nathan made a huge mistake by hiring this man named: Dominic who turned into a problem, so Nathan let him go. I am going to start Outsourcing, as Nathan suggested. I thought that P. Nathan Thornberry worked a lot of math in his book: Hungrier 2nd Edition. Well here again Nathan Thornberry’s math comes into play in Change Up, A Guide To Going Big.