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.

• 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

• 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%

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-hummel-mba-83232672/

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InspectorEmpireBuilder

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mark_hummel_/

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/

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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

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🎙️ Guest: Lauren Hughes, Lighted Way Home Inspections (Hillsboro, TX)

🚀 Want more clients without working harder?

Lauren shares how she built a trusted brand just by showing the extras she already does every day—no extra effort required. From simple posts to smart use of AI tools, Lauren breaks down exactly how inspectors can:

• Create social content people actually want to see
• Mix education with personality to connect with clients + agentsUse AI for captions, ideas, and competitor research
• Build a brand that stands on its own (not just your name)
• Show up consistently without burning out

🔗 Links & Resources Lighted Way Home Inspections: https://www.lightedwayhomeinspections.com

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