Greg Newman opened a Pillar To Post Home Inspectors franchise in October 2012. A U.S. Navy veteran with 21 years of experience operating and maintaining ships' engineering systems, Newman serves Lehigh Valley and surrounding communities with his mobile business by providing detailed home inspection services as part of North America's largest home inspection company.

Upon his retirement from the Navy, Newman spent 15 years managing corporate facilities for Fortune 500 companies. Long harboring entrepreneurial ambitions, Newman explored many opportunities before deciding that inspecting homes was the most logical fit for him. After interviewing multiple inspection franchises and considering going independent, Newman came upon Pillar To Post and liked what he saw.

"For a time I thought about running a home inspection business of my own," said Newman. "But the more I thought about it, the more it made sense to own a franchise instead. With Pillar To Post, I recognized the value of franchising for someone like meâ - I could still be my own boss, and get the right framework to quickly get my business off the ground."

With Pillar To Post, Newman has since gained a foothold in the community, having performed over 1,500 inspections since opening. Newman employs an additional inspector and his eldest son has joined the team. Newman also works alongside his wife, a registered nurse for 25 years, who handles the administrative side of the business.

"The franchise system worked for me; there was no need for me to reinvent the wheel," said Newman. "I worked the program, and in my first year was selected as Rookie of the Year for Pillar To Post. I've learned the importance of not being afraid to take the plunge when it comes to a business opportunity that's a good fit. I wish I had done so sooner."

As he grows his business, Newman places a special emphasis on giving back to his community in more ways than through the services he provides.

"Because of my military background, I want to lend a hand to other vets," said Newman. "I offer special discounts to all active duty military and free wood destroying insect inspections to all veterans. I'm a big believer in giving back to the community; we are supportive of the Greater Lehigh Valley Realtor Association and back several of their events throughout the year.  I have been a sponsor at their Signature Events, Iron Pigs baseball game nights and 5K run, which raised funds for the Homes for Heroes program. I've also supported the philanthropic programs from several realty organizations, where we've provided Thanksgiving turkeys, Christmas gifts and Easter baskets for underprivileged families for the past several years. I am also the sponsor of a community softball team and the local high school cross country team."

For Newman, having a hand in all facets of his business has allowed him to gain a special appreciation for the value of the services he provides for his clients.

"As a business owner, I'm entrenched in all aspects of running the business," said Newman. "I spend most of my day actively inspecting homes. I love meeting clients and helping them to get to know their new homes. This is the biggest investment of their lives, and I really want them to feel good about their purchase. When I started the business, I was so concerned with whether or not I'd be able to find any clients, that I never considered the alternative. We gave ourselves two years to get the business off the ground, but it took off much more quickly than I anticipated. Now, the sky is the limit."