Eric Steward

Eric first joined the franchise world in 2009 as a franchise business owner providing window cleaning services and later joined Pillar To Post in 2013. He now leads the Franchise Recruiting Team whose goal is to help franchise candidates assess the Pillar To Post franchise opportunity and its ability to help those candidates reach their goals. His passion is seeing the positive impact owning a business has on the lives of our franchise business owners as they gain the ability to spend more time with their family and achieve their dream of business ownership.

Pillar To Post’s Eric Steward Shares Franchise Growth Tips

Franchisees Grow Successful Operations with Pillar To Post’s Executive Model and Community Engagement

Eric Steward of Pillar To Post Home Inspections knows firsthand the importance of securing the right fit between a franchising company and prospective franchisees. Steward is now the senior director of franchise recruiting for Pillar To Post, but he began his career as a franchise business owner, giving him a valuable perspective on franchise relationships.

“I’ve gone through the due diligence process, invested my own time and money, and navigated the challenges of building a franchise business,” he said. “Because of that, I understand what prospective franchise business owners are going through.” 

The company prioritizes trust and transparency during the onboarding process, Steward says. “It’s a two-way discovery process — we learn about them, and they learn about us, ensuring that the fit is mutually beneficial,” he says.

Pillar To Post is the largest home inspection franchise in North America, with more than 450 locations. The company’s success is due in part to its distinctive executive model, Steward explains, which is designed to help franchisees grow their business by building strong teams and efficient systems, allowing them to delegate the home inspection services. “While franchise business owners are still actively involved in managing and leading their teams, this model enables them to step away from the front-line work and focus on business development, customer relationships, and long-term growth,” he says. “This approach supports scalability and helps franchise business owners navigate the challenges of fluctuating real estate markets with the right team in place.”

New Technology

In changeable real estate markets, home inspections play a key role. “The demand for home inspections is growing due to the consistent activity in the real estate market, whether people are downsizing, relocating, or looking for larger homes,” he says. “As the home services market grows, expected to hit $25 billion by 2029, new franchise business owners have the opportunity to offer essential services that continue to evolve with the times.”

An essential element in the evolution of services is the integration of new technologies, such as Pillar To Post’s proprietary PTP360 tool, which provides an interactive, navigable virtual tour of a home. The PTP360 gives a comprehensive visual summary and detailed report of key findings from the home inspection, and it can be accessed at any time from a personal device. 

 “The shift toward digital home-buying processes, like our PTP360 platform, has created a new dimension of services,” Steward says. “Homebuyers are seeking more confidence in their purchases, and our technology allows them to revisit homes digitally after an inspection.”  

Human Connections

Along with innovative technology, Pillar To Post emphasizes the need for the human connection and solid personal relationships within the community. Steward says that franchise owners develop strong business networks with real estate professionals and with homeowners as well. “Our franchise business owners work closely with Realtors, providing valuable insights during home inspections, so the ability to build relationships and demonstrate professionalism is key,” he says. “At Pillar To Post, we emphasize serving the community and Realtors, even if there’s no immediate opportunity to do business — it’s about building trust and delivering value.”

Pillar To Post seeks franchisees who align with the company’s culture and values. “We look for individuals who are confident, have excellent communication skills and enjoy networking,” Steward says. “While previous experience in sales or home services isn’t necessary, a willingness to engage with people and serve their needs is critical.”

New franchisees are supported with comprehensive training and mentoring, working initially with a startup director and then with a regional director after the first year. 

“Our support systems, from dedicated business coaching to innovative technology, provide franchise business owners with the tools they need to succeed,” he says, “while our focus on scaling ensures that franchise business owners can create a business that has lasting value.”

 Our franchise business owners are business leaders who build and scale large operations.

Franchisee Success at Pillar To Post

The Pillar To Post system is designed to help franchisees build a business that will thrive even when markets fluctuate, Steward says.

“Our franchise business owners are business leaders who build and scale large operations, with some generating over $3 million in revenue,” he says. “Additionally, we emphasize wealth creation, helping franchise business owners build businesses that they can eventually sell or pass down. It’s not just about running an inspection business — it’s about creating an asset that has long-term value.” 

Steward also advises new franchisees to develop their business with an exit plan in mind. “Whether they plan to sell or pass it down, it’s crucial to start thinking about that from day one,” he says. “We support our franchise business owners in creating scalable businesses that can provide long-term benefits, not just for themselves but for their families as well.”