This is Tom Pape's Graduate Success Story

How did you get involved in the home inspection profession?

My wife and I have been home renovators for over 40 years and have owned many houses and have pretty well done everything you can do to a home, both right and wrong.

The first Christmas gift my wife gave me was a Reader’s Digest — A Complete Do-it-Yourself Home Manual. Little did I know that this would become my second Bible. Thus, started a long and serendipitous journey into homes and home construction.

Several years ago, I started looking at the possibility of becoming a home inspector and through my research I found Carson Dunlop. My initial call to Carson Dunlop was to Ahmed. He was totally welcoming and professional. He said all the right things and I decided to sign up for the Carson Dunlop virtual classroom and take the Course. The virtual classroom suited my busy lifestyle as I was still holding down a full-time job where I travelled internationally.

Can you tell us about your experience in the Program?

The workload was daunting at first, but the services and ongoing support from absolutely every person on the Carson Dunlop staff made my journey a pleasure as well as totally informative. I liked the mentoring process and the support I received during my training. The Course provided a much better understanding of building sciences.

Would you recommend the Program to others?

I have recommended Carson Dunlop to several people who are looking at a career change and some have decided to take the Course.

What system do you use for writing home inspection reports?

As I journeyed through the courseware I was introduced to Horizon Reporting. Horizon is nothing short of brilliant from the booking process, to reporting as well as the fully integrated marketing tools like RecallChek, HomeBinder, AgentBook, Horizon Marketer, sales metrics analysis and online payment and the Mobile Apps with Insight. Horizon is “My Business” all in one package at a fraction of the cost if I had purchased these components elsewhere. So I was up and running with ease.

What do you do when you’re not inspecting homes?

When I am not doing an inspection I am pretty well thinking about how I can expand my market. Having been involved in sales and marketing for 35 years, as well as owning my own industrial supply company, I work. But when I can I take my 16 ft. boat on the beautiful Pacific Ocean to fish or just cruise around with my wife of 43 years, my 4 kids and some of my 8 grandchildren. We hike, cycle and enjoy serving the community in whatever way we can.

Do you have any advice for people getting started?

Commit to the Carson Dunlop Course because the CD team is committed to the student. Treat it as a full-time job, not a sideline or passing interest.

Be courageous and enjoy the journey but keep your eye on the goal.