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The Commercial Property Inspector Podcast
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.
The Commercial Property Inspector Podcast
Building Your Business Ep. #25: Ian Dolby on Turning Proposals into Profits
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In this episode, host Rob Claus sits down with Ian Dolby, a commercial property inspector from southwestern Michigan who brings an unusual background to the industry. With experience in construction, real estate, and senior-level investment banking in mergers and acquisitions, Ian shows how diverse professional experience creates competitive advantages in commercial inspections.
00:00 – Introduction: Meet Ian Dolby & His Service Area
00:57 – From GC Licenses to Real Estate: Ian's Non-Traditional Path
02:41 – A Brit in Michigan: Moving to the US Since 1992
03:26 – From Investment Banking to Commercial Inspections
04:34 – Speaking the Client's Language: Translating Finance to Construction
09:17 – Ian's Pricing Model: Giving Clients Options to Win More Jobs
12:16 – Success Story: Landing an $18K Job from the CCPIA Website
14:53 – Serving Southwest Michigan, Indiana & Beyond
16:08 – Home Inspector Licensing: Michigan vs. Indiana
18:59 – Main Street vs. Corporate Clients: Relationship vs. Transactional
21:15 – Bridging the Gap Between Small Business Owners and the C-Suite
23:55 – Mentoring Advice: Helping Inspectors Transition to Commercial
27:34 – Marketing Yourself as a Trusted Advisor, Not a Technician
31:44 – Written Proposals & Winning Without Competing on Price
34:35 – Adopting a Winner's Mindset & Continuous Self-Education
38:23 – Building a Trusted Subcontractor Network Through CCPIA
41:44 – Closing Thoughts & Thanks
Helpful Links for Commercial Property Inspectors:
- Commercial Property Inspector Mentoring
- Pricing and Proposals for Securing the Job Course
- Understanding Commercial Property Inspection Client Types Course
- Tool Guide for Commercial Property Inspectors + Free Checklist
- Risk Tolerance and Due Diligence in Commercial Property Inspections
Watch or listen (anywhere, anytime, and any way you like). Visit ccpia.org to browse the video library!