When I decided to become an IC in the field services industry, the first thing I did was visit the Society of Field Inspectors that was recommended by an acquaintance at a book club. The site was chock full of information.
Richard Law owns and operates SoFI and is himself an inspection veteran with 20+ years of experience. One of the great things he offers is a 1-hour phone consultation with the purchase of the directory (all I needed was 20 minutes).
So I purchased the “National Field Service Directory”, and downloaded his free “13 Easy Steps to Becoming a Field Service Inspector”. What hooked me was the fact that there is no license required to do this type of work.
After reading all 33 pages of the free guide, I dove into the directory. My version of the directory had 150+ firms looking for inspectors, and I began calling almost every single one of them. My parameters were companies needing inspectors in and around my area.
I also purchased SoFI's resume service. Richard creates a pdf resume one can use when contacting inspection companies. I attached mine to every email I sent and/or was asked to, and of course I offered it … just say'n.
About 70% of the inspection companies I called already had inspectors in my area but that didn't stop me. I ended every conversation with, “well, if you need somebody to fill in, just let me know.” I got their email address and sent the resume.
After a few days of calling I got my first job on October 5th, 2018 with a firm out of Lynbrook NY, Majestic Service Company. They needed an inspection done in Blytheville AR, it was a hotel, and it paid $75 bucks. I was on my way!
Creating the business was pretty straight forward. I knew I wanted an LLC so I did a Google search on “setting up an LLC“, picked one of the many services available and started the process.
I created a holding company, Ventures Consulting Group LLC, and started Inspections Midsouth as a DBA with my state. The investment was minimal but the protection invaluable.
Being incorporated or establishing a LLC is also what a majority of inspection companies required to start inspecting for them. For me it was a no brainer, the LLC was the cheapest way to go and the easiest to manage.
To wrap up, my three steps for getting started:
- Visiting SoFI and learning about the industry.
- Buying the directory and started dialing.
- Establishing the business.
Sunshine and Rainbows…
People often approach me asking how they can get started in this industry and when I start sharing what it takes, I get a deer in the headlights look.
The inspection industry isn't for everyone. Not only does one have to be self motivated, self sufficient, and work in all weather conditions, the work has to get done. Insurance inspection companies have guidelines for completing inspection work and expect it to be submitted to quality assurance within their timelines.
If the work is assigned to me and I accept it but don't follow through, that looks bad on me, my company, and I take the chance any future work going to someone else. Not happening…
When I'm in the field on an inspection and it starts raining, or snowing, it doesn't matter; the work has to get done.
Family emergencies aside, rescheduling the work because it's raining, snowing, freezing, with snot running out your nose; or so humid you're drenched in sweat, is not acceptable.
Not only does it put other inspections behind schedule, but you won't know if you'll be back to that area any time soon, or even a few weeks. So I tough it out and get the work done, end of story.
For me, as an independent contractor, the 9 to 5 job with a steady paycheck is gone. If I'm not in the field working, I'm not getting paid! And I like getting paid. My wife would agree 😉 .
Time to notch it up a level with some Tools of the Trade. Be prepared, this is a long one so take your time, read, and absorb. Don't be afraid to ask questions…
