The Commercial Property Inspector Podcast

Hosted by CCPIA®

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Latest episode

Jun 2026

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EN-US

About the show

The Commercial Inspector Podcast is produced by the Certified Commercial Property Inspectors Association (CCPIA®)—the leading organization for commercial property inspector training and professional development. Tune into multiple series, including the Roundtable Meeting, a monthly discussion with inspectors from across the country, and Building Your Business, where industry leaders share practical tips and strategies. Whether you're looking to sharpen your inspection skills or grow your business, there's something here for you.

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60 recent

June 15, 202631 min

Building Your Business Ep. 34: Shawn Mizell, Rebrand and Level Up

This month's Building Your Business episode features host Rob Claus sitting down with Inspector Shawn Mizell, a Florida home inspector and content creator ready to transform his business. Shawn shares his journey on how a single CCPIA course completely changed his mindset, how he is using social media to attract new clients, and where he sees the commercial inspection industry heading. 00:00 Introduction to Home Inspection Journey03:18 Transitioning to Commercial Inspections05:59 The Impact of Training on Confidence09:04 Content Creation and Networking in Commercial Real Estate12:01 Rebranding for Commercial Success15:19 Learning from Real-World Experiences18:05 Advice for Aspiring Inspectors20:52 The Excitement of Commercial Inspections24:07 Future of Commercial Inspections26:51 Surprises in the Journey of Change31:01 Closing 🔗 Interested in attending the CCPIA® in-person training Shawn mentioned? See upcoming dates and locations for the Introduction to Commercial Property Inspections 3-Day Class: https://ccpia.org/introduction-to-commercial-property-inspections-3-day-class/Watch or listen (anywhere, anytime, and any way you like). Visit ccpia.org to browse the video library!

June 9, 202653 min

Commercial Property Inspectors Roundtable Meeting #32: Let’s Talk Commercial

In this month's open forum roundtable, we hear directly from members on the topics that matter most: VAV boxes, cost-to-remedy estimates, converting inquiries into booked jobs, and competing on value over price. Plus, updates on upcoming classes and resources to help grow your commercial inspection business.0:05 – Welcome & intro; 2027 class planning and upcoming July cost-to-remedy class in Chicago4:28 – VAV box inventory in office buildings9:48 – Using allowances for cost-to-remedy on cosmetic items15:14 – Caution against over-inspecting specialized commercial systems20:27 – Setting client expectations upfront21:51 – Conversion rates and inside sales strategies33:09 – Competing on value over price36:38 – Qualifying clients who are shopping on price alone45:04 – Upcoming courses and member resources46:30 – Inspector efficiency benchmarks49:05 – Upcoming in-person classes50:01 – Using sample reports to demonstrate value52:00 – Wrap-up and closing reminders🔗 Learn more about CCPIA®: https://ccpia.org/Watch or listen (anywhere, anytime, and any way you like). Visit ccpia.org to browse the video library!

May 12, 202659 min

Commercial Property Inspectors Roundtable #31: OREP + CCPIA® Exclusive Insurance Policy

In this month's roundtable, we sat down with Isaac Peck, Adam Merrifield, and Gina Hood from OREP Insurance to discuss a brand-new commercial inspection insurance program built exclusively for CCPIA members. 0:00 – Welcome & Introductions1:17 – About OREP & the New CCPIA Program3:04 – Why Standard Policies Fall Short for Commercial Inspectors9:11 – Base Policy vs. Full Commercial Coverage12:06 – Restaurant Inspections, Kitchen Equipment & Defense-Only Coverage20:27 – Pre-Claim Services & Attorney Support24:35 – Program Requirements: Membership, Standards & Contracts26:27 – Certificates of Insurance & Turnaround Time28:19 – Light vs. Heavy Industrial: Defining the Line33:26 – Switching Coverage, Multi-Inspector Firms & Premium Pricing36:20 – Independent Contractors & Large Building Inspections43:17 – General Liability vs. E&O Explained45:05 – Specialty Inspections: Drones, Infrared & Geographic Coverage48:54 – Cost-to-Remedy Reports & Phase One Environmental Coverage55:21 – Tail Coverage & Retroactive Coverage57:06 – Closing Remarks & Upcoming CCPIA Events🔗 Learn more about CCPIA®: https://ccpia.org/Watch or listen (anywhere, anytime, and any way you like). Visit ccpia.org to browse the video library!

May 11, 202638 min

Building Your Business Ep. 33: Brent Fletcher, Crossing Into Commercial

In this episode, host Rob Claus welcomes Brent Fletcher, owner of Fletcher’s Home Inspections and content creator. Brent shares his journey from a home inspector to a content creator and aspiring commercial inspector. Discover insights on transitioning into commercial inspections, leveraging social media for business growth, and the future of the industry.00:00 Introduction and Background02:20 Brent's Journey into Home Inspections05:18 The Evolution of Content Creation08:28 Transitioning to Commercial Inspections11:19 Insights from the CCPIA Class14:21 Challenges in Commercial Inspections18:41 Transforming Inspection Approaches19:23 Challenges in Launching a Commercial Site20:59 Rebranding and Building Clientele22:49 Maintaining Relationships During Transition24:19 Scaling and Managing Larger Projects26:45 Navigating Complexity in Commercial Inspections27:31 Future of Commercial Inspections28:47 Embracing Technology in Inspections29:58 Encouraging New Inspectors31:02 Investing in Equipment for Commercial Inspections31:46 Reflections on Training and Learning35:59 Excitement for Future Growth🔗 Learn more about CCPIA®: ccpia.orgWatch or listen (anywhere, anytime, and any way you like). Visit ccpia.org to browse the video library!

May 5, 20263 hr 57 min

International Standards of Practice for Inspecting Commercial Properties (ComSOP) 2026

The International Standards of Practice for Inspecting Commercial Properties (ComSOP) is free for use by all. The ComSOP is the industry-accepted standard for commercial property inspectors and serves as the foundation for all education and certification offered by the Certified Commercial Property Inspectors Association® (CCPIA®).Its nine core sections outline the inspection process, reporting practices, inclusions and exclusions, and the ethics inspectors follow. The standard is applied to enhance understanding of property conditions across all types of commercial real estate, supporting better decision-making for those buying, selling, maintaining, or improving a property.The appendix provides additional guidance and resources for reporting practices, training, and education. It also includes supplementary standards of practice for inspectors, such as those for accessibility and fire door inspections.🔗 International Standards of Practice for Inspecting Commercial Properties (ComSOP) 2026 0:00 Introduction1:37 Section 1: Purpose1:50 Section 2: Definitions46:10 Section 3: Use49:12 Section 4: Inspection52:56 Section 5: Research57:52 Section 6: Walk-Through Survey1:40:22 Section 7: Report1:45:00 Section 8: Limitations, Exceptions and Exclusions1:52:18 Section 9: Ethics1:55:59 A.1. Guidelines for Recommended Reporting Practices2:00:33 A.2. Guidelines for Recommended Proposal and Agreement Practices2:02:52 A.3. Building Systems Image Gallery2:03:42 A.4. Recommended Walk-Through Survey Inspection Documentation2:29:10 A.5. Standard Accessibility Inspection Report for Existing Commercial Buildings2:41:55 A.6. International Standards of Practice for Inspecting Commercial Fire Doors2:59:30 A.7. Observed Green Features Report for Existing Commercial Buildings3:06:15 A.8. International Phase I Standards of Practice for Inspecting Fireplaces and Chimneys3:34:32 A.9. International Standards of Practice for Inspecting Radon Mitigation Systems 3:54:26 A.10. The Future of This Standard and Ancillary Documents3:55:45 A.11. Recommended Training3:57:02 ConclusionWatch or listen (anywhere, anytime, and any way you like). Visit ccpia.org to browse the video library!

April 16, 20261 hr 1 min

Commercial Property Inspectors Roundtable Meeting #30: Report Software, Scribeware

This month's roundtable featured a special conversation with the two founders of ScribeWare, an inspection software designed to streamline the reporting process. Dylan Chalk and Tim Trickle introduced the platform and provided a live demonstration of its features.00:00 Introduction to Scribeware and Dylan Chalk02:05 Challenges in Commercial Inspections05:53 Innovative Reporting Features of Scribeware12:55 Streamlined Workflow and Navigation19:05 Advanced Table Functionality and Customization25:43 Data Management and Security in Scribeware28:31 Pricing and Team Management30:11 Streamlining Document Signing Processes34:04 Integrating Software for Inspections38:19 Managing Phase Inspections and Reports41:48 Incorporating Video in Reports45:29 Onboarding and Support for Users48:33 Customizing Templates for Different Inspection Types50:41 Utilizing Photos and Comments Effectively55:30 Data Security and Client Privacy🔗 See key highlights additional resources: https://ccpia.org/commercial-property-inspectors-roundtable-meeting-30-report-software-scribeware/Watch or listen (anywhere, anytime, and any way you like). Visit ccpia.org to browse the video library!

April 6, 2026Episode 3255 min

Building Your Business Ep. 32: Chris Cummins, Leadership and Communication

In this episode, host Rob Claus welcomes Chris Cummins, CEO and Founder of Cummins Media, Inc. This boutique consulting firm has worked with some of the largest organizations, both for-profit and not-for-profit, to improve their leadership and communication. Chris is an experienced keynote speaker, facilitator, and motivator. He shares insights from his seven TEDx talks and his upcoming book, The Human Side of Business, which explores how meaningful human connection remains essential in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.00:00 The Art of Public Speaking03:17 Facilitating Learning and Engagement07:07 Overcoming Fear and Embracing Discomfort11:23 The Growth Zone and Transformation15:17 Commercial vs. Residential Inspections23:03 The Transformation of Inspectors28:03 Overcoming Self-Doubt in Commercial Inspection32:39 The Importance of Messaging in Inspections36:16 Building Human Connections in Business43:40 Embracing Discomfort for Growth49:57 Actionable Steps for Commercial Inspectors🔗 Learn more about CCPIA®: https://ccpia.org/Watch or listen (anywhere, anytime, and any way you like). Visit ccpia.org to browse the video library!

March 10, 202646 min

Commercial Property Inspectors Roundtable Meeting #29: What is Working For You?

The Commercial Property Inspectors Roundtable Meeting is a monthly Zoom hosted by CCPIA® for inspectors across the nation to talk about business and professional development. This month's roundtable discussion was centered on a reflection of what has been working for the members thus far this year and a reflection back on last year. Host Rob Claus guided the conversation, and multiple members were able to share success stories and plans they have made for this year’s growth. The conversation concluded with Rob announcing upcoming courses, including the Introduction to Commercial Systems courses in Florida and North Carolina, and a virtual Fast-Track Inspecting Commercial Building Systems course. 📆 To attend an upcoming meeting, visit the training calendar: https://ccpia.org/training-calendar/Watch or listen (anywhere, anytime, and any way you like). Visit ccpia.org to browse the video library!

March 2, 202656 min

Building Your Business Ep. 31: InspectorPrime, Using AI and Commercial-Specific Reporting Features

In this episode, host Rob Claus welcomes Jeff Womelsdorf and Jon Ajinga, co-founders of InspectorPrime, to discuss their journey building a report writing solution developed specifically for commercial property inspections. As Marine Corps veterans, Jeff and Jon share how the routines, processes, and discipline from their service shaped the development of their software and how they identified a gap in the market that existing tools weren't filling.What You'll Learn:• Commercial inspection software requires a purpose-built approach, not a residential tool adapted for commercial use.• A user-friendly client portal can make reports more accessible and improve the overall client experience.• Real-time field note submission enhances efficiency and accuracy during inspections.• Built-in quality assurance allows inspectors to review and finalize reports before delivery.• Building on Airtable provides stability, flexibility, and full data ownership for inspectors.• Customization options allow inspectors to tailor the platform to their workflow and align with the ComSOP.🔗 Learn more about CCPIA®: ccpia.orgWatch or listen (anywhere, anytime, and any way you like). Visit ccpia.org to browse the video library!

February 10, 202655 min

Commercial Property Inspectors Roundtable Meeting #28: Websites and SEO with Paige Wiese of Tree Ring Digital

The Commercial Property Inspectors Roundtable Meeting is a monthly Zoom hosted by CCPIA® for inspectors across the nation to talk about business and professional development. This month's roundtable focuses on building an effective web presence and marketing strategy for commercial inspection businesses. Host Rob Claus is joined by Paige Wiese, founder and CEO of Tree Ring Digital, a marketing agency specializing in high-performance websites for service-based businesses. Paige shares practical strategies for converting website visitors into paying clients, including website design principles, effective calls to action, SEO tactics, and niche marketing approaches that help commercial inspectors stand out online.The conversation concluded with Rob announcing upcoming courses, including an Introduction to Commercial Systems course and a Cost to Remedy course scheduled for March. To attend an upcoming meeting, visit the training calendar: 📆 https://ccpia.org/training-calendar/Watch or listen (anywhere, anytime, and any way you like). Visit ccpia.org to browse the video library!