Spectora Spotlight with Carla Heatherly

Spectora
  • 4.8 (52)
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Home inspection & real estate trends, tips and tools to help the modern home inspector grow and run a successful business. Learn more about Spectora at https://www.spectora.com

  1. 12/18/2025

    How to Grow a Stronger Inspection Business in 2026 - Mark Hummel - Ep. 144

    How to Grow a Stronger Inspection Business in 2026 — with Mark Hummel Running an inspection business can feel busy without always feeling better. In this episode of Spectora Spotlight, host Carla Heatherly sits down with Mark Hummel of Inspection Empire Builder to talk about what actually helps inspection businesses grow — sustainably, strategically, and without burning out. Mark brings more than 20 years of leadership and team-building experience, plus a clear view of where inspection business owners tend to get stuck. This conversation focuses on clarity, systems, leadership, and the habits that help inspectors build businesses that support their lives — not consume them. In this episode, we cover: Why lack of clarity — and staying in a technician mindset — keeps inspection businesses stuck What a healthy inspection business really feels like day to day Why simplicity scales better than complexity The Service · Operations · Growth (SOG) model Why budgeting beats “bank account accounting” How to manage seasonality without panic Why business owners are always the bottleneck — and how to use that as leverage The role of accountability and community in long-term growth 🔗 Links & Resources Who Not How — Dan Sullivan & Benjamin Hardy Service · Operations · Growth (SOG) model 1–3–5 Vision Framework Budgeting vs. bank account accounting Accountability research showing shared goals can increase success rates up to 95% 🔍 Follow Mark Hummel LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-hummel-mba-83232672/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InspectorEmpireBuilder Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mark_hummel_/ 📍Upcoming Industry Event IEB Unite 2026 | March 4–6 A live, in-person event for inspection business owners focused on clarity, strategy, and real-world growth. Speakers include Nick Gromicko (InterNACHI) and other leaders shaping the future of the inspection industry. 👉 https://events.iebcoaching.com/IEBUnite2026/ 🚀 Ready to grow your business? Try Spectora free: https://hubl.li/Q02nfFrR0 Bundle Spectora + a custom site: https://hubs.la/Q02p9VvF0 🎙️ Subscribe to Spectora Spotlight on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen.

    47 min

  2. 12/18/2025

    Don’t Do That! How Inspector Brent Fletcher Built His Business & 500K Followers - Ep. 143

    Don’t Do That! How Inspector Brent Fletcher Built His Business & 500K Followers Brent Fletcher didn’t plan on becoming a home inspector—until one inspection changed everything. Five years later, he’s built a thriving business in Colorado and grown an audience of more than 500K across social media with his viral “Don’t Do That!” posts. In this episode of Spectora Spotlight, Brent shares the highs, lows, and behind-the-scenes strategies that fueled both his business growth and his online presence: How an $8,000 check at closing launched his inspection career The toughest lessons from his first year in business Networking strategies that turned overflow jobs into loyal clients Why relationships and local reputation matter more than ads Building a backlog of 4,000+ videos and knowing what actually goes viral The tools and posting habits that fuel his growth (InShot, Canva, TikTok, FB, IG, YT) What inspectors can do right now to grow their own presence online Whether you’re an inspector, a small business owner, or just curious how to turn authenitic content into clicks — this episode is packed with practical advice and some pretty fun stories.    🔗 Links & Resources Fletcher's Home Inspections: https://fletchershomeinspections.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FletchersHomeInspections YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Inspector_Fletch  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inspector_fletch/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@inspector_fletch   🚀 Ready to grow your business? Try Spectora free: https://hubl.li/Q02nfFrR0 Bundle a year of Spectora + a custom site: https://hubs.la/Q02p9VvF0 Dive into Spectora Academy: https://hubs.la/Q02pv_G90 🎙️ Subscribe so you don’t miss what's next! We’re on Apple, Spotify, Google—wherever you pod. Click follow or subscribe to stay in the loop.

    49 min

  3. 08/28/2025

    Sharing the Extra: Building Your Brand Online - Lauren Hughes - Ep. 142

    You don’t have to choose between online marketing and in-person connection—you can have both. In this episode, Lauren Hughes from Lighted Way Home Inspections shares how she takes the community-first approach from Part 1 and brings it into her social media, online branding, and even AI workflows—without losing the personal touch that makes it resonate. We get into: How to make social media content that people actually engage with Mixing educational posts with lifestyle and behind-the-scenes moments Using AI for captions, ideas, and market research Building a brand that isn’t dependent on one person’s name Simple ways to start showing up online consistently This is Part 2 of a 2-part conversation that will help you connect with your audience—whether you’re across the table or across the screen.   📲 Interested in Spectora? Start your free trial today and get all the education and onboarding you need to hit the ground running: https://hubl.li/Q02nfFrR0 🚀 Bundle a year of the app with a custom website: https://hubs.la/Q02p9VvF0 🛠️ Growing your business? We’ve got your back. Check out our business tools: https://hubs.la/Q02p9S0B0 👥 Learn more about the power of Spectora—visit Spectora Academy: https://hubs.la/Q02pv_G90 🚨 Not subscribed to the pod yet? You’re missing out. We’re on Apple, Google, and Spotify. Click follow or subscribe so you don’t miss an episode! 🤓 Got topic ideas or wanna be a pod-star yourself? Send us a message through chat or email carla@spectora.com 💬 Not using Spectora yet? See why the biggest and best inspection companies are: https://hubs.la/Q02p9SRZ0

    30 min

  4. 08/14/2025

    Doing the Extra: Small Gestures, Big Wins - Lauren Hughes - Ep. 141

    You don’t need a massive ad budget to grow your inspection business—you just need to show up for your people.  In this episode, Lauren Hughes from Lighted Way Home Inspections shares how she’s built a thriving business in a rural Texas market by leading with generosity, consistency, and heart. From delivering flowers to agents’ desks to sponsoring local events, Lauren proves that the best marketing is often just being a good neighbor. We cover: Why ROI isn’t always measurable (and why that’s okay) Low-cost, high-impact ways to connect with your community How to decide which sponsorships are worth it Growing market share in rural areas (and when to take on the long drives) Turning agents and clients into loyal advocates This is Part 1 of a 2-part conversation that will get you thinking beyond ads and funnels—and back to the simple power of relationships. 🔗 Links & Resources Silk Inspections: https://www.silkinspections.com 🚀 Ready to grow your business? Try Spectora free: https://hubl.li/Q02nfFrR0 Bundle a year of Spectora + a custom site: https://hubs.la/Q02p9VvF0 Dive into Spectora Academy: https://hubs.la/Q02pv_G90 🎙️ Subscribe so you don’t miss Part 2! We’re on Apple, Spotify, Google—wherever you pod. Click follow or subscribe to stay in the loop.

    30 min

  5. 07/31/2025

    AI Tools Inspectors Actually Use, Part 2 - Chris Skinner - Ep. 140

    Ep. 140: AI in Home Inspections, Part 2 Guest: Chris Skinner, Silk Inspections (Fayetteville, NC) Let’s get nerdy! In Part 2, Chris Skinner shares how he’s gone beyond the basics to train custom GPTs, communicate faster with agents, and use AI to unlock serious focus in the field.  We dig into: How to use AI when you’re not the owner The real potential of custom GPTs Communication hacks for agents + clients Where AI shines—and where to stay skeptical Whether you’re AI-curious or already using ChatGPT daily, this episode gives you real-life inspector insights you can use now. 🔗 Links & Resources Silk Inspections: silkinspections.com 🚀 Ready to grow your business? Try Spectora free: https://hubl.li/Q02nfFrR0 Bundle a year + custom site: https://hubs.la/Q02p9VvF0 Explore Spectora Academy: https://hubs.la/Q02pv_G90 🎙️ Subscribe so you don’t miss our next episode! We’re on Apple, Spotify, Google—wherever you pod. Have an idea or want to be on the show? Email carla@spectora.com

    30 min

  6. 07/17/2025

    AI Tools Inspectors Actually Use, Part 1 - Chris Skinner - Ep. 139

    AI isn’t coming for your job—but it is here to help you work smarter. In this episode, Chris Skinner from Silk Inspections breaks down the automation and AI tools he’s using to save time, reduce mental load, and bring more consistency to his business. We get into: Why he started automating—and what he’d never go back to The tools that have made the biggest difference How he’s using AI tools like ChatGPT today What he won’t automate (and why that line matters) Tips for inspectors who are curious but unsure where to start This is Part 1 of a 2-part conversation that makes AI feel less intimidating and more practical. Because the real power? Still comes from you. 🔗 Links & Resources Silk Inspections: https://www.silkinspections.com 🚀 Ready to grow your business? Try Spectora free: https://hubl.li/Q02nfFrR0 Bundle a year of Spectora + a custom site: https://hubs.la/Q02p9VvF0 Dive into Spectora Academy: https://hubs.la/Q02pv_G90 🎙️ Subscribe so you don’t miss Part 2! We’re on Apple, Spotify, Google—wherever you pod. Click follow or subscribe to stay in the loop.

    22 min

  7. 07/11/2025

    Hey! We're Coming Back!

    Join new host Carla Heatherly as she talks with inspectors and industry pros about growth, real-world strategies, and what’s next for the modern home inspector.

    2 min

  8. 05/24/2024

    Yon Lucas & Brian Long on YouTube, Home Maintenance Packages, and Learning from Each Other

    Yon and Brian grew up less than a mile apart. They played on the same sports teams as kids. Now, although they live across the country, they're both home inspectors. And they learn from each other every day. In this episode, we get into: - Growing a YouTube channel and why client education is so important - Building home maintenance plans for clients post-inspection - The difference between inspecting new builds and historic homes - Different communication styles - Why having industry friends/mentors is key to growth You can find Yon and Brian's YouTube channel, Home Inspections Matter, at https://www.youtube.com/@UC3biUdnJzw1sMbWtPNfgSaA. You can find Yon at https://homegrowninspectionsc.com/ and Brian at https://workflowhome.com/. 📲 Interested in Spectora? Start your free trial today and get all the education and onboarding you'll need to get up and running successfully: https://hubl.li/Q02nfFrR0 🚀 Bundle a year of the app with a custom website: https://hubs.la/Q02p9VvF0 🛠️ Growing your business? We got your back. Check out our business tools: https://hubs.la/Q02p9S0B0 👥 Learn more about the power of Spectora, visit Spectora Academy: https://hubs.la/Q02pv_G90 🚨 Not subscribed to the pod yet? Shame! Go do it! We're on Apple & Google Podcasts & Spotify. Click follow or subscribe! This keeps us motivated to keep doing more of this. 🤓 Got ideas for guests? Send 'em our way through the chat bubble or email Kevin@Spectora.com 💬 Not using Spectora? See what the biggest and best companies are saying: https://hubs.la/Q02p9SRZ0

    1h 2m
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4.8
out of 5
52 Ratings

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Home inspection & real estate trends, tips and tools to help the modern home inspector grow and run a successful business. Learn more about Spectora at https://www.spectora.com

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