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Success Stories
This Veteran Hit The Ground Running And Hasn’t Stopped Yet
40% of Pillar To Post’s new franchisees in 2022 are veterans. An astounding number, but there is a reason for that. The systems, technologies and training provided by Pillar To Post makes perfect sense to highly disciplined and well-trained members of the military.
A perfect example is Paul Holt who owns and operates The Holt Group of Fayetteville, NC. serving Cumberland, Harnett, Duplin, and Hoke counties. His business launched in May of 2019.
Holt served in the U.S. Army for 21 years and when he retired from Fort Bragg, he looked for a career where he could utilize his skills and leadership abilities (he had 1200 service members under his charge at any given time).
“I have a background in residential construction prior to my military service and the residential housing market has always interested me,” says Holt. “Becoming a home inspector seemed like the perfect blend of my disciplines. As a soldier I was trained to look at projects in finite detail, as well as from a macro vantage point. Dedication to the accomplishment of my mission was paramount. I work until the job is done, not when the clock says it’s time to go home. These are the characteristics that have also driven my team’s success with Pillar To Post.”
Success is an understatement, typical of Holt’s humility and grace. By the following year, 2020, The Holt Group was presented with the Pillar To Post honor of Rookie of the Year. In that year of the pandemic, The Holt Group conducted 885 inspections and over 600 additional services such as water tests or radon inspections on properties.
“I am honored and proud of the fantastic team I have built in our Fayetteville, N.C. location. I find the industry more fascinating now than ever,” shares Holt. “What we have seen since The Holt Group’s beginning is first, the unfortunate advent of a pandemic. One that called for ‘contactless everything.’ Then a strange phenomenon occurred during the pandemic. Demand for Pillar To Post services almost tripled and never slowed down. We capitalized on the added attention by ensuring we grew our capacity steadily to support the influx of demand while never relaxing our standards of service…
In retrospect we realized that the boom had started, partly due to the pandemic and individuals who had begun working from home. There seemed to be a huge movement in upgrading living spaces. More outdoor room for families was required. Bigger homes to separate work/live space were being sought. By then the latest technologies that Pillar To Post had been developing for quite some time, were fast tracked to meet this new demand. The indispensable new tools were invaluable in getting through the pandemic and using those tools we offer a package called The Ultimate Home Inspection™ which I believe revolutionized the home inspection industry. We are onboarding and training new home inspectors at a steady pace and as of the end of 2022 we have completed 3,368 inspections.
Danny Shetter: Revolutionizing Home Inspections in Texas
Since launching his Pillar To Post franchise in September 2022, Danny Shetter has swiftly made a mark in Texas. His bold decision to hire an employee from the start enabled efficient management of a growing workload, allowing his team to perform more inspections and maintain high service standards. "For us to achieve goals that we want in life, we have to think a little crazy and do things that are a little abnormal," Danny reflects on his approach.
Danny employs innovative marketing strategies that extend beyond traditional methods. He actively participates in community events and local real estate open houses, significantly increasing his visibility among real estate professionals. "The realtors say, 'Oh my goodness, I hope he selects my open house.' When we first started, everybody said, 'What are you doing here? No home inspector does this, this is weird,'" Danny recalls about his community engagement.
Quick to adapt to market needs, Danny expanded his service offerings early on, introducing additional inspection services that cater to specific local demands. This adaptability not only meets client expectations but also enhances the financial health of his business.
His approach, characterized by the philosophy of doing 'what others won't,' sets him apart in a competitive field. This proactive and occasionally unconventional method has not just attracted clients but has also fostered lasting community relationships.
Looking back over the past year, Danny credits his success to aggressive marketing and community involvement. His innovative thinking and community focus are a testament to the extraordinary achievements possible in the home inspection business.
Dave Dalfino: A 25-Year Journey to the Top
Celebrating his 25th year with Pillar To Post, Dave Dalfino stands out not only for his longevity but for his exceptional ability to adapt and thrive. Located in a competitive market, Dave has transitioned from stable to stellar performance through strategic evolution.
Dave learned the critical lesson of working 'on' the business rather than 'in' it. "It wasn't until I realized that I was wearing way too many hats. Once I realized that there are a lot of good people out there who can probably do a lot better at things that I could do, it allowed me to focus on what I enjoyed doing and what I was better at," Dave explains.
Dave’s success is largely due to his relinquishing control, which has allowed him to utilize the strengths of his team better and focus on areas like customer experience and marketing—domains where he excels.
His leadership style is defined by adaptability and a commitment to learning. Dave values detailed planning and setting actionable goals, enabling him to navigate various market conditions and continue innovating.
Reflecting on his impressive tenure, Dave offers clear advice to other franchise owners: embrace change, focus on strategic growth, and recognize the power of a well-executed plan. His journey underscores the potential for sustainable success in the franchising world.
At 27 years old, Jesse Durham decided to leave his career as a Realtor in Southeast Michigan and move his family to Fort Worth Texas to launch a new career with Pillar To Post Home Inspectors®.
“I loved being a Realtor,” Durham says. “But I was ready to make a move towards owning my own business and showing my kids that you can aspire to anything with hard work. I certainly had seen firsthand how amazing Pillar To Post was to work with as a Realtor. They are the No.1 home inspection company in North America for a reason. Thorough, honest, and professional are words that come to mind when describing them. Those words match up with my work ethic and principles perfectly.” The Fort Worth resident serves homebuyers and sellers throughout Tarrant and Johnson counties, focusing primarily on north Fort Worth. He did so well in his first year he was named the Rookie of the Year for 2022!!
Durham stresses, “I decided to make a leap to home inspection because it kept me close to the real estate market. I wanted to use all the valuable skills I gained as a Realtor, and thankfully that plan really paid off. In a bustling, crazy real estate market, we kept our cool, stressing to everyone to NOT skip a home inspection, especially because it was such a competitive market. People who were convinced to skip some contingencies to “get that house” have lived to regret skipping their home inspection. As a Realtor I knew that an inspection was a MUST and it gave my customers and the Realtors I now work with an advantage. The company fast tracked new ground- breaking technologies that were in the works and came out with ‘contactless’ inspections and many more programs now known together as The Ultimate Home Inspection. I see things going nowhere but upwards from here in this industry and with this franchisor.
Excellence in Expansion: Chad Casper's Tucson Triumph
Chad Casper has been a standout in Tucson's home inspection market since 2017. As our Franchise Business Owner of the Year, Chad leads a dynamic team that has mastered the art of growth and resilience. His approach includes innovative service expansions like warranty inspections for new homes and pre-listing inspections, which have driven an 18% increase in inspections and a 34% rise in sales this year alone.
Reflecting on his strategies, Chad notes, "Last year, when things started to slow down, we got a little creative! We started thinking outside the box; offering pre-listings, getting as creative as we could, and adding on as many services as possible. Driving as far as our gross sales can go. And you know, marketing, marketing, marketing!"
Marketing is central to Chad’s success. He forges strong connections with the local real estate community through effective social media campaigns and active participation in major real estate events. This engagement helps keep his business firmly rooted in the community.
Chad’s commitment to creating an outstanding customer experience shines through in his interactions. "It’s very important to our success," Chad believes, emphasizing the value delivered through the brand's standards which attracted him to Pillar To Post.
Chad's story demonstrates that dedication and a clear, innovative strategy can lead to exceptional outcomes, even in challenging markets. His business acumen and customer-centric approach serve as a powerful model for success.
Matt Ruggieri: U.S. Army Veteran and Entrepreneur Redefining Success with Pillar To Post
Matt Ruggieri is a U.S. Army veteran and the proud owner of a Pillar To Post home inspection franchise, where he is redefining what success means for veterans transitioning to civilian life. With over eight and a half years of military service, including a role in construction and logistics, Matt made the difficult yet rewarding decision to pursue a new path in entrepreneurship after leaving the Army. His transition to civilian life led him through a successful career in project management, but it wasn’t until he joined Pillar To Post that he truly found his calling.
In January 2023, after completing the necessary training and attending a brand conference, Matt officially launched his Pillar To Post franchise in Pittsburgh. His approach and drive quickly set him apart in a competitive market, earning him the company’s prestigious Rookie of the Year award by the end of his first year. Matt’s journey demonstrates the power of combining military discipline with the structured yet flexible framework offered by franchising, particularly with a brand like Pillar To Post that values veterans and their skill sets.
A natural fit for the franchise model, Matt credits his military background for instilling the leadership, work ethic, and commitment to excellence needed to thrive in business. "The military straightened me out," Matt says, emphasizing how the Army’s structure and discipline continue to guide him. These values, combined with his technical knowledge and commitment to building strong relationships within the community, have made him an asset in the local real estate and home inspection sectors.
Matt’s success goes beyond just technical skills; he prides himself on trust, professionalism, and his commitment to continuous learning. His ability to build strong relationships with real estate agents and immerse himself in the local community has been instrumental in his business growth. Through Pillar To Post, he’s not just running a business—he’s fulfilling a mission to serve his community in a meaningful way.
As a veteran-friendly brand, Pillar To Post has allowed Matt to maintain the camaraderie and support he cherished during his military service while providing the autonomy and entrepreneurship he sought. For Matt, the journey is about more than just financial success—it’s about doing things the right way and being known for the quality and integrity of his work.
Matt Ruggieri’s story is a powerful example of how military experience and a commitment to service can fuel success in civilian life, and his work with Pillar To Post is a shining example of the thriving veteran entrepreneurial spirit.