Today we’d like to introduce you to Mark Kenney.
Hi Mark, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I started my career in the building industry working as a framer with residential and commercial projects in Michigan. I came into the industry literally knowing very little about it, but was eager to learn, a hard worker and was putting food on the table just wanting to support my growing family.
Along the way I decided to get my real-estate license. Back then home Inspections were just starting to be performed for people who were in the process of purchasing a new home. Before this it was almost unheard of in Michigan. At that time a person buying a new home might get a contractor to check out the property and that inspection would normally consist of the contractor walking around the property checking the structure, roof and heating system….very limited. But that’s all the Real-estate industry new back then and it was accepted.
As I continued to work construction and had my real-estate license I thought it would be great if someday I could have my own company that would consist of real-estate and the appraisal of properties.
With that my next step would be to get my appraisal license. In the process of taking my appraisal classes the teacher mentioned the home inspection industry was really starting to get traction in the industry…when he said that a light went off in my head and I said to my self that’s what I need to do since I have the background in construction.
I then searched to see what was required to get a home inspectors license in Michigan. To my absolute amazement there were literally no requirements back than other than hanging a shingle out and saying I’m open for business. ( amazing and a potential for disaster for both the clients and inspectors alike) In my research I found that other states had requirements and licenses that had to be obtained, so I thought I would contact a company who taught and certified inspectors through a system they had put together. I knew I had the background but I also knew I needed to learn a system that had track record.
I bought the system for around $600 and it was mailed to me. It consisted of a number of VHS tapes (back in day) work sheets and test to take.
My wife was on a weekend trip for something and I decided I would do a crash course the entire weekend to learn what I could. ( because of work that’s the only time I had) I devoured the information took the multiple test and was certified by this company.
Now I had to go out a present my services to the real-estate community, that was another learning curve…..I look back on those 1st presentations and can only laugh or cry. The process of growing and becoming your dream!!
After awhile I had a few real-estate agents that liked my work and would use me on a regular basis, back then there was little to no inspection software for computers so everything was done in paper form. ( very limited but effective)
I did this for a few years but had to keep working construction and build my inspection business on the side.
Then the economy took a downturn in 2008 – 2010 which I think most folks felt in the country.
Construction came to halt and so did real-estate. I remember working any job I could for the next 2 years just to survive. ( literally) like most it was rough.
During this time I would run into a real-estate broker from Phoenix AZ every now and then and every time I would see him he would say you need to move to Phoenix there is lots of work there, but every time I would think I’ll never leave my home town this where I grew up it’s home…it’s a funny thing that happens to you when you have a hard time paying your bills and putting food on the table, You all of a sudden become open to a new direction.
So the last time I ran into this (what I call a bridge person ) I was sooo open I jumped at the opportunity .
He put me in contact with a home inspector he knew in Phoenix, I flew out and job shadowed with him for another couple of days and we clicked. He offered me a position, I went back to Michigan and put my house on the market (in a absolutely depressed market) and prayed. I remember the homes on our street that had been for sale had been sitting for close to a year.
Within 3 months the house was sold and we packed our belongings in a Pensky truck pulling my work truck behind us and headed to the great state Arizona.
Once settled in I hit the ground running doing 3 inspections a day 5 & 6 days a week. The learning curve was massive changing from a paper form inspections to computer and software reports. But I was so great full and so hungry for work it didn’t matter. I will always be in debt to the inspector who taught me the ropes. ( another bridge person)
My 1st year in AZ I made more money than ever before in my life….and again was very great full.
I worked with him about four year’s and then decided I would start my own company. In talking to a very successful businesses man I ask what do you think would be an appropriate name for the company, he said use your own name. You want your client’s to associate your name and the quality of your work with the company. So Mark Kenney Inspections was launched
It’s been about 12 years now and more rewarding than I could have ever imagined.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Most if any struggles were related to the learning curves we all face in any endeavor we choose to pursue. Book knowledge is one thing practical application is another
But that’s the only way that I’ve personally grown.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Home Inspections that I’ve found are a 2 part business like most business.
You have a mechanical side which is your trade or skill set. For me it’s the ability to go through a Structure, Home or Commercial building top to bottom and find defects and safety issues if warranted. Write a report for my client that communicates those findings and explain to them in a way that THEY understand the condition of the property their wanting to purchase.
The second part is TOTALLY communication and people skills. This is a vital part of any business that I’ve seen through the years.
You can be the at the top with your mechanical skills, but unable to communicate properly with the folks your helping and watch the whole deal go south.
It really is that important and a learned skill
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
You’re business is people first and foremost!! When buying a house it can be emotional. It’s not something we do very often and it’s one of the biggest investments most of us ever make
So naturally people are nervous about it and need someone to talk them through it and meet them right where their coming from the best you can.
Pricing:
- No on the pricing, because every home is priced according to Size. Location, Age and amenities
Contact Info:
- Website: MarkKenneyInspections.com
