The International Franchise Association Recognizes Husband-Wife Team with Coveted Franchisee of the Year Award
(MURFREESBORO, Tennessee)---When you hear how they approach their profession on a daily basis, it's easy to understand why Jerry and Debbie Black were honored as top-performing franchisees by the International Franchise Association at its recent 2018 Franchisee of the Year Awards program. Headquartered in Murfreesboro, Jerry and Debbie, both 50, have been franchise owners with Pillar To Post Home Inspectors - the brand to which more than three million families have trusted to be their advisor when buying or selling a home - since 2011 after taking over the franchise from Debbie's father and establishing an aggressive growth strategy.
"We were the only fortunate franchise owners from the home inspection industry to be recognized," Jerry Black said. "Every day we get out of bed and do our jobs. When we lay down at night, we have the unique opportunity to say we were able to help someone that day. It is such a great feeling and gives value to what we do." The IFA honored 42 top-performing franchise owners with the award, which was created to recognize outstanding franchise owner-operators who are IFA members.
Pillar to Post serves homebuyers and sellers throughout the entire Middle Tennessee region. Jerry and Debbie both joined her father's franchise in 2001 - Jerry as an inspector and Debbie as office manager - before taking it over 10 years later. Jerry had formerly worked as a full-time youth and family minister while Debbie had worked in the psychiatry field as a youth counselor as well as being a stay-at-home-mom to the couple's two children. "As a minister, my job was to deal with people in various stages of their lives who were dealing with different issues," Jerry said. "In both of our jobs, Debbie and I were involved in communicating with people and problem-solving every day, much like what we do today in inspecting houses and communicating with buyers, agents and sellers."
As the housing market booms again, homeowners clearly recognize the importance of hiring a certified home inspector. A recent survey released by the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) found that 88 percent of all U.S. homeowners believe home inspections are a necessity, not a luxury.
A professional evaluation both inside and outside the home is at the core of Pillar To Post's service. Inspectors input data and digital photos into a computerized report that is printed and presented on site. All information is provided to clients in a customized binder for easy reference, allowing homebuyers or sellers to make confident, informed decisions.
After receiving their Franchisee of the Year honor, Jerry and Debbie Black offered four tips for finding success as a franchise owner:
- Treat every person with respect and dignity, realizing they are important and deserve your undivided attention.
- Set goals and a plan to meet those goals. Without a plan, you are wandering.
- Find an accountability partner or group. Even top producers need someone to hold them accountable to their goals and plans.
- Enjoy the journey. If you're not enjoying yourself, find something else to do. Life is too short to be unhappy and unhappiness reflects in everything you say and do.
About Pillar To Post Home Inspectors®
Founded in 1994, Pillar To Post Home Inspectors is the largest home inspection company in North America with home offices in Toronto and Tampa. There are nearly 600 franchises located in 49 states and nine Canadian provinces. The company has been named as Best in Category in Entrepreneur Magazine's Franchise500® ranking for 18 years in a row. Long-term plans include adding 500 to 600 new franchisees over the next five years. For further information, please visit https://franchise.pillartopost.com/.