During the real estate boom, many people jumped into the real estate business hoping to make a quick buck. From real estate agents to property flippers to home inspectors, the industry became flooded with so-called professionals. When the market crashed, people left the industry in droves. But seasoned professionals like Shrewsbury resident Chad Borah, owner of Pillar To Post home inspection, have seen their businesses thrive. In 2010, Borah’s Pillar To Post had a 13 percent increase in gross sales over the previous year, continuing three straight years of growth. He was recently named Pillar To Post’s Franchisee of the Year for his accomplishments last year.
Borah left a lucrative consulting career to launch his Pillar To Post in 2002. “In my 20s, I traveled all over the country for my job logging hundreds of thousands of miles on the road every year,” said Borah. “When my wife and I decided to start a family, I knew something had to give as I could not keep up the rigorous travel and still be the husband and father I wanted.”
Despite starting his business in a boom real estate market, Borah did not immediately strike it rich. “I had no experience in real estate or home inspection which is why I joined a franchise company for support,” said Borah. “I remember going to my first franchisee convention in Orlando and I flew my tent down and camped instead of paying for a hotel room. But I followed the proven success systems and nine years later I’m one of the top franchisees in the system and have three employees working for me.”
Borah says that while many independent home inspectors have left the industry there are still plenty trying to get into the business. “Ask around. It’s pretty easy to find a story about a home inspector who found nothing in an inspection only to have the buyers uncover major issues after the deal was done,” he said. “The best advice I can give to anyone buying real estate is to hire a American Society of Home Inspectors certified home inspector and one who comes recommended by others whether it’s by friends or real estate agents.”
Pillar To Post President and CEO Dan Steward said of Borah, “Chad is truly deserving of our system’s most prestigious award. Not only did he have his best year ever in 2010, he operates his business with integrity and enthusiasm, and is truly a shining example for our company and a great mentor to our employees.”
In fact, Borah even inspired one of his employee inspectors to become a franchise owner. Borah is continually looking for additional staff members, and willing to provide opportunities and support to people looking to enter the industry. And once you’ve been hired to be part of his team, Borah welcomes you like family. Last year, one of his employee inspectors lost a son who was serving in Afghanistan. In honor of his family, Borah and his team have committed to work with the Marines Toys for Tots campaign in St. Louis.
With more than 400 locations in 44 states and nine Canadian provinces, Pillar To Post is the largest home inspection franchise company in North America. While the real estate industry as a whole has suffered through the down economy, Pillar To Post has maintained its investment in its people, technology and growth initiatives.
More than 90 percent of Pillar To Post franchisees work from home. They include contractors looking to stay in the housing business in an alternative role, past customers impressed with the Pillar To Post business model and many couples who combine their strengths in operating their franchise.
“Due to either losing their job or finding themselves in a situation they want to change, people come to Pillar To Post to realize a completely new and fulfilling lifestyle,” Steward said. “Chad is a great example of this.”
