Interview with Triad Home Inspector, Dean Young
Today, we are interviewing Triad Home Inspector, Larry “Dean” Young with Hometek Inspection Services. Dean has lived in the Triad area for over 51 years and has owned Hometek since 2018. Let’s get to it!
Business Address:
806 Green Valley Road Ste 200 Greensboro, NC 27408
Business Phone Number
336-989-8185
Home Services / Trade Niche:
Licensed Home Inspector
What Area(s) Do You Service?
The Triad, Triangle and Charlotte Metropolitan
Describe your business
HomeTek Offers home inspection services for buyers, and sellers. We also offer radon, water and air quality testing. Additionally, we offer the WDIR (Wood Destroying Insect Report), which is performed by a third party vendor.
Why did you choose this profession?
After being in the residential and commercial renovation business for 28 years, I wanted to use my knowledge and to help others when making the biggest purchase and investment in their life-time. I was asked by a home inspector firm to join their team, and that I would be a great asset. Now, I have been a home inspector for 5 years, and 4 years as the owner of HomeTek Inspections Services.
What drives you to do what you do? What motivates you?
Helping other has always been a passion and gaining the clients trust and helping them understand the process of buying a home and asking for reasonable repairs.
God and my family motivate me. I feel I am here to serve others, and I will continue to do that to the best of my ability.
What has surprised you most about the being a in the home services industry?
Nothing really surprises me in this field. You see and deal with all walks of life and situation on a regular basis.
How did you get started in this business? What was it like when you first started?
At 18, I was a maintenance tech for an apartment community and then became a maintenance supervisor. I later used what I had learned to start a small handyman business which grew over the years. The business was started in 1994, but it closed in 2019, so that I could focus on being a home inspector.
Would you recommend this profession (or being a trade) to a young person?
Definitely. We need more of our youth in trades.
What is something most people don’t know about your business?
We help Hispanic clients. We mentor other inspectors. We have helped other inspectors start and setup their business.
What would your customers say they love most about your product or service?
Thorough. Timely. Trusted. We have detailed reports, and spend as much time as needed with out cleints.
How do you motivate and encourage your trades or staff?
Bible Scripture for one. And we let them know that we must treat our clients with respect and understanding. Always do your best and people will notice.
What are your goals over the next year?
Possibly add 1-2 more inspectors so that I can focus on client relationships and marketing.
What are your greatest challenges in the home services industry?
People who have no understanding or respect for others. Mean people that blame others and do not take responsibility for their own actions.
What do you see happening in your industry over the next year?
Real estate prices continuing to grow, causing some clients to waive inspections.
What do you want to see improve the most in home services industry?
Everyone working together and putting the client first. This is a cut-throat business and people will throw you under the bus. I wish everyone would learn to respect each other and leave their feelings out of things.
What’s the most memorable experience you’ve had working with a customer?
An elderly client was buying a home for the first time and how excited she was during the inspection.
What city do you live in? How long have you lived in the Triad area?
Randleman. 51 years living in the Triad.
What were the factors that made you choose working in the Triad area?
I love it here and it is a good market.
What do you love most about the Triad (or your city) area?
Central location for driving to the beach or mountains
Have you witnessed any significant changes in the Triad area since living here?
Changes to the highways over the years and lots of building
What is something most people don’t know about you?
I suffer from panic disorder. It started out of the blue when I was 15 years old. It got so bad that it turned into something else to where I was scared to leave the house for eight months. I was scared to walk outside. I was scared to drive. I tried all kinds of medications and natural remedies to help me. Then, finally found medications that have been working for me. It’s pretty much under control, but from time to time I will have an episode. Or I may wake up in the middle of the night with my mind racing.
Why do you think it’s important for people to shop local?
We need to support local Triad small businesses, because we are what keeps everyone else going.
Do you have anything exciting going on that customers should know about? New services, products, etc.?
We are now offering next day water sample results.
Is there anything else you would like for us (the public) to know about you or your business?
We have expanded our service locations to cover Raleigh as well as Charlotte.
What is the best way for customers to contact you?
Business Website / Blog
Business Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/hometekinspectionsllc
Business Twitter
Business YouTube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXTT3ZyRJPqHy-XS1lnB85Q
