WIN Home Inspection Franchise Makes Military Times’ ‘Best for Vets’ 2016 List

Discipline, multi-tasking skills, ambitious spirit and ability to execute successful systems make vets ideal candidates for WIN franchise ownership

Armed with discipline, multi-tasking skills, the ability to implement established systems and the desire to help potential home buyers, veterans James Price and Dennis Lochard have become successful WIN Home Inspection franchise owners.

James, 28, was not surprised to hear that the Military Times named WIN Home Inspection one of their 42 best franchises for veterans.

“I think a WIN franchise works for veterans because we have the discipline to follow procedures,” says James, who has had his franchise in Lubbock, Texas, since March 2012. He opened another in Austin, Texas. “It came naturally to me.”

James Price on the job at his WIN Home Inspection franchise in Lubbock, Texas

“The core makeup of veterans has proven to be a perfect fit with the WIN Home Inspection brand, ” says WIN President Steve Wadlington. “Their inherent comfort in following a plan, the ability to execute it with strong discipline, and their servant’s heart for delivering true value to customers all work together to give them a competitive edge. WIN business owners help home buyers, home sellers, and real estate professionals clearly understand the functional value of a home, and our veterans stand tall in the consistency and professionalism they deliver.”

WIN Home Inspection is one of the fastest-growing home inspection franchises in the country, and it is ranked as a top franchise opportunity by Entrepreneur magazine, Franchise Business Review and by G.I. Jobs. WIN stands apart from competitors by offering a consistent, professional home inspection service that home buyers appreciate and real estate agents respect. Training, technology and marketing support help franchise owners develop loyal relationships in the real estate industry that lead to a steady stream of customer referrals.

Vets feel “at ease” as WIN franchisees

“The biggest thing to draw me in was the low overhead,” says James about being able to take advantage of the home inspection franchise company’s “WIN for America” program. A qualified, honorably discharged U.S. military veteran may be eligible to receive a discount on the initial franchise fee for a WIN Standard Designated Market Area. The reduced fee is $13,500, compared with the regular $19,500.

Inspired by the International Franchise Association’s “Operation Enduring Opportunity,” which is a concerted effort to help veterans find jobs and start businesses, in 2012, WIN committed $1.2 million to finance WIN for America. In 2013, six veterans were recipients of both Gold and Silver level awards, allowing for 50% or 10% of their franchise fee to be waived. James was awarded a Gold level award.

“We want to give back to the service members who put their lives on the line for us,” says Terry McGee, WIN’s Director of Franchise Development.

WIN Home Inspection also provides veterans a way to own a business with a flexible schedule. James was able to finish college while learning to be an owner. “You control your hours. I pick when I want to work,” James says.

In business since 2001, Dennis Lochard has a WIN Home Inspection franchise in Twin Peaks, Colorado. His brother, Jim, runs another location in Fort Collins.

Dennis, 54, began his business in Twin Peaks, Colorado, in 2001 after serving in the Army for nine years and then working in the high tech manufacturing industry. He tries to schedule three inspections a day, six days a week so he can retire early.

Franchise owners get support from WIN and each other

Some people may think that there are a lot of business and technical aspects to home inspection, but Dennis says owners don’t have to have a background in any one topic because WIN will “teach you everything you need to know.”

WIN franchisees get training at startup and annual training, plus other aspects of ongoing support, Dennis says. The fastest-growing home inspection franchise has an intranet where any WIN franchisee can ask a question for other franchisees to answer based on their experiences.

“I like being in business for myself, but not by myself,” says James about the benefits of being part of WIN.

Why the home inspection industry is a smart move for veterans

James enjoys getting to know homebuyers and notifying them of any issues or potential issues about the home they’re interested in, in a way they can understand. The advanced home inspection franchise has proprietary software that quickly and efficiently get clients a comprehensive home inspection report.

Franchisees are helping people to make a very big life decision.

“It is so rewarding helping a young family buy their first house,” Dennis adds.

Home sales rose 19 percent from 2010 to 2014, and that number is expected to grow. According to the National Association of Realtors, about 77% of homes are professionally inspected, and WIN Home Inspection franchise owners charge an average of $375 per inspection. The average revenue for a franchisee is $112,000 before fees.

“It is a strong industry that will only grow from here,” says James of the home inspection industry. He now has one inspector working for him and an office manager.

Dennis has brought his brother, Jim, on board to run his second WIN location in Fort Collins, Colorado.

Dennis believes WIN “is a great way to own your own business. You have the satisfaction of owning your own business, building your business from the start. There is a tremendous sense of accomplishment.”