Today we’d like to introduce you to James Vanderlinde
Hi James , it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
It truly all started when I retired from the military in 2020. I had planned on serving 20 plus years in the military but God had other plans. I was abruptly medically retired at 12 years of service due to service related injuries. Worst of all being that a medic had broken a hypodermic needle off into my knee. Long story there. But, from that moment I had to learn who I was and what I was really good at. I didn’t even know what I liked, let alone what I wanted to be. All I had known was being an infantryman, a soldier, for over a decade. And that doesn’t really correlate to the civilian world much. All I knew was I had an interest in construction and architecture in high school, so I went with that. My first job was in construction sales. It taught me a lot but ultimately I knew I couldn’t be happy in that role. Next I tried construction management. Spending almost a year doing that, again, it just wasn’t making me truly happy or fulfilled. I had a phone call with my brother around that time and he said “Bro, you’re retired. Why you haven’t started your own company yet is crazy to me. You’d be great.” That conversation created the spark that led to me ultimately deciding I needed to at least try it. So, I got with my career counselors at the Wounded Warrior Project and the USO Pathfinder Program to devise a plan. We considered my strengths, weaknesses, desires, and goals to figure out the best fit. A construction oriented field that involved a lot of social interaction, direct client communication, and low start up costs with exponential growth opportunity was really what we were looking for. The first suggestion was a real estate agent. But I had been in the sales role and wasn’t too fond of that idea. That suggestion though, lead us directly to home inspecting. And it really seemed like a great idea. We analysed the market in Clarksville, Tennessee. What we found is a real need for a true home inspection company. Not just some one man show, run of the mill, home inspector who was just doing it as a retirement plan or side gig. Where there is demand and opportunity, there is profit and growth. Ultimately, I decided that was the best fit. I took 5-6 months to create a business plan, create systems and processes, design a logo, and lay the groundwork so that we could hit the ground running. In February of 2021 we started Journey Home Home Inspection Services and the rest is history. Within 3 years we became the biggest and best home inspection company in Montgomery county. Also, servicing southern Kentucky, Nashville, and all surrounding counties.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has most definitely not been a smooth road. The amount of money I thought id have to invest and what I really invested were nowhere close. I had a 5 year old boy, also got engaged, married, and had a baby girl all in the span of that three years. My wife, Tashina, partnering with me in the second year of business is a big reason for our success and rapid growth. But it was hard on both of us. We were both very comfortable when the company had started. By year two everything was on notes and we were on a tight budget. Still very blessed and happy, but it wasn’t easy. And finding balance was incredibly hard. I ended up in the hospital twice for stress related complications. It got dangerous at one point. But, we had momentum and didn’t want to stifle it so we kept grinding. All we kept saying is “Were moving in the right direction, God has a plan, and we can’t quit.” The battle still isn’t over but we can see the light at the end of the tunnel and thats a beautiful thing. Its been incredible to watch the growth of our company in such a short amount of time. It really makes it all worth it. But we aren’t done yet!
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Journey Home Inspection Services is a one stop shop for all home inspection needs. We provide standard residential home inspections as well as termite, radon, HVAC, mold & air quality, lead based paint, and septic inspections. The residential home inspections and mold & air quality inspections are done in house. The rest of our services are sub contracted with vetted partners. Unlike most home inspection companies, we only conduct one inspection, per day, per inspector. Which allows us to be more thorough, give more time and attention to our clients on each inspection, and have more flexible scheduling. We have 6 inspectors and hiring additional inspectors regularly to ensure we always have availability within 48 hours. Journey also offers a $50 military and first responder discount. We are most proud of our community involvement and the reputation we have gained for doing so. We donate approximately 10-15k per yer to local charities in Clarksville and Montgomery County. We want people to know that Journey was created to make a change in the home inspection industry. To raise the bar and create a new standard for home inspectors is our goal. Our mission is to be the most valuable, communicative, and professional home inspectors our clients and agents can possibly have protecting and educating them throughout the home buying process. And the relationship doesn’t end after the home inspection report is submitted. We are always 1 call away with our 24 hour phone line. We will always be there when you need us!
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
We would readers to know that when they work with Journey Home Inspection Services they become part of the family. Our google page stouts hundreds of reviews from our clients stating just that. We love our people!!
Pricing:
- $425 @2000 sq. ft. ($50 every additional 5oo sq. ft.)
- $50 military & first responder discount
Contact Info:
- Website: http://Www.Journeyhis.Com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/journeyhomeinspection
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/JourneyHIS
- Twitter: @journeyhis22
