Today we’d like to introduce you to Ian Souden.
Ian, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I’ve been involved in the construction industry almost as early as I can remember. My father is a self-taught general contractor and specialized in custom home design/builds. His passion was to purchase a plot of land, design a beautiful custom home, hand draw the blueprints and complete the construction from rough grading to a finished product. His crew usually only consisted of himself and a few other contractors or laborers to help with the entire project. Of course, having two sons, we were recruited to help as much as we could. Since an early age I’ve been on the job, digging ditches and stacking lumber. I eventually learned how to frame walls and construct the structural system of the home. By age 12, I was swinging a hammer with the best of them. I worked for my father’s company professionally through high school and a couple of years after. During that time, I learned the ins and outs of the residential construction industry, from plumbing and HVAC, to framing and roofing. After high school, and while working full time, I completed a 2-year college level certification course focusing on building codes and construction management. In 2009, I was approached by a small inspection business owner, looking for a new hire to train. I spent the next 7 years performing 3000 residential and commercial property inspections, helping manage the firm and training new recruits as the supervising inspector. In late 2016, I decided to strike out on my own and start my own inspection service company and am now one of the youngest inspection firm operators in southern California. As a small business owner, my focus is on providing an outstanding product and excellent customer service.
Great, 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?
I have no illusions about the fact that most people associate the term “inspector” with age, and in the beginning most of my clients expected a much older person to inspect their home. I performed my first inspection after 2 weeks of training and at age 21. Needless to say, I had some very skeptical clients during my first few years and I actually was sent home after showing up to the inspection a few times because the client simply didn’t trust my experience level. I’ll never forget the looks I got as I walked up the driveway with my ladder and tools in my first years. After my clients saw the way I worked and explained everything in detail to them, they were always very happy with the service and their realtors consistently refer inspections to me. I don’t run into the same issues as often now, though occasionally I’ll get asked “How long have you been doing this?”.
Fort South Inspection Services, Inc. – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I started my company, Fort South Inspection Services, because there is a genuine need for experienced, professional and personal service in the inspection industry. Clients and realtors continually refer me because I take the time to explain the condition of the home and help to answer any questions, either on-site or long after escrow closes. One aspect that sets me apart from other larger firms is the “boutique” experience that my clients receive when they choose my company. I enjoy walking my clients through the condition of the home, explaining how everything works together in the “home system”. Properties don’t come with instruction manuals, and I strive to help my clients understand the condition of the property and how to operate the various components. After the inspection, my clients have a profound knowledge of their new home and a detailed inspection report is sent to the client and realtor the same day which includes descriptive comments, pictures and diagrams. Another important difference is my extensive construction background, inspection certifications and continuing education. Believe it or not, California does not have any certification or licensing requirements regarding the home inspection industry. Essentially, anyone can say they’re an inspector and evaluate the home you are about to purchase. I hold certifications through the California Real Estate Inspection Association and the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors, both of which require ongoing education and training. This is a great industry because I get to meet outstanding people and have the privilege to inspect beautiful homes every day. I love what I do because I help people make an informed decision on one of the largest investments that they will make in their lifetime.
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
I am very fortunate to live proud moments in my career every day. My favorite clients are the first-time home buyers, which understandably are very stressed about their new purchase. I love to get to know them and help them know exactly what their purchasing. I actually prefer that my clients walk around the home with me to see what I see and to gain a better understanding. My biggest compliment is the look of relief on their face after we have discussed the condition of their home and I’ve answered their questions. I also love the excitement that washes over them once they realize that this is their new home. To be even a small part of that makes me proud to do what I do.
Pricing:
- Single Family Home Inspection – Starting at $300
- Condo/Townhome Inspection – Starting at $250
- Multi-Family Property Inspection – Starting at $325
Contact Info:
- Address: 310 N. Indian Hill Blvd. Ste. 457
Claremont, CA 91711 - Website: WWW.FortSouthInspects.COM
- Phone: 844-446-7728
- Email: [email protected]
- Facebook: @fortsouth
- Twitter: @FortSouthInspct
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/fort-south-inspection-services-claremont-5?osq=fort+south+inspections
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