Your path to a bright future.

Transcription

1 Your path to a bright future. No matter what your background or experience, NPI equips you with the knowledge, power and confidence to get your business up and running.

2 You ve Found the Path to Success If you re in the woods, a compass will help you find the path to where you need to go. Take a look at your career compass. Which direction leads to success? If you have an entrepreneurial spirit and enjoy working for yourself, then National Property Inspections * could be your path to success. NPI is an international market leader with more than 25 years of experience in guiding its franchisees toward building successful property inspection businesses. And, at NPI, our franchisees never feel abandoned: You ll work with a marketing coach who will provide ongoing support, and we re available seven days a week to answer any inspection questions you may encounter on the job. We understand that we re only successful if you are successful, so we work hand in hand with our franchisees to help them become as successful as possible. That s the NPI difference. No matter what your background or experience, NPI equips you with the knowledge, power and confidence to get your own inspection business up and running. Consider us your professional career compass: It is our job to point the way to your success. It is our pledge to lead the way on your journey. We ll Help You Build Your Business Your Way As a group, NPI franchisees can offer more than 20 types of inspections, including residential, commercial, field service and builder s warranty inspections. *We operate as Global Property Inspections in Canada.

3 No matter what your background or experience, NPI equips you with the knowledge, power and confidence to get your business up and running. NPI offers franchisees the following opportunities: Build a business for yourself, but never alone. Build a well-rounded service business that is nonseasonal and recession-resistant. Build a business in which you can create value that can be sold. You ll build a business that you can grow and operate to meet your needs, and you ll run it your way: Work alone. Work with your spouse or partner. Work from home or a rented office. Enjoy a flexible work schedule. The NPI Franchise Package and Startup NPI provides a comprehensive package of the following: Business and inspection training and support Classroom training One week of practical field training with a mentor Proprietary inspection and tracking software Professionally managed, custom website Database of potential clients Tools and computer system Ongoing support

4 Why NPI? Most of NPI s competitors sell home inspection franchises. The NPI franchise is different. It s a diversified business model. Although home inspections are an important part of what we do, they are only one aspect. Commercial inspections are also an important part of what you ll do as an NPI franchisee. We were the first industry franchise to emphasize commercial property inspections, and this part of the business has greatly benefited our franchisees by expanding the portfolio of services they offer. Investors, banks, insurance companies and various corporations are increasingly requiring inspections, said Bill Erickson, executive vice president at NPI. We train our franchisees how to perform commercial inspections and how to price and solicit these inspections. Work alone or as a team. However you decide to build your business, NPI s staff will be there to get you started quickly and support you along the way. NPI s diversified business plan is a time-tested business model that has endured even economic recessions for more than 25 years. Another reason to choose NPI: Our 2014 franchisee satisfaction survey conducted by Franchise Business Review showed a franchisee overall satisfaction rating of nearly 80 percent. The following are just some of the services you can provide in our business model: Residential inspections for homebuyers Commercial inspections for investors, insurance companies and mortgage companies Construction draw inspections for banks Employee relocation inspections Property assessments for real estate investment trusts (REITs) Maintenance inspections for property managers Builder warranty inspections Asset inspection and verification for bank trust departments Field service and other specialty inspections

5 We train our franchisees how to perform commercial inspections and how to price and solicit these inspections. Bill Erickson, Executive Vice President, National Property Inspections Success With National Accounts NPI franchisees benefit directly and indirectly from our national accounts. Although we cannot promise a specific volume of inspections, we have referred thousands of inspections from our national accounts to our franchisees. Sometimes investors, property managers and the like will find your website and contact you; other times, larger clients that need multiple inspections in multiple locations prefer to use our central coordination service: We provide a central point of contact. The client explains and defines the scope of the work only once. We offer a consistent reporting format. We offer centralized and uniform billing. The client can work with a long-established company. We send any inspections in your area to you. The national accounts market segment simply isn t available to most independent inspectors who lack the training and support to compete at national level. Our national accounts department works hard to solicit and service this business, benefiting all of our franchisees. NPI s national accounts department refers thousands of inspections to franchisees as a group, giving them access to clients they may not otherwise reach.

6 Marketing and Business NPI s professional marketing team is available to help you with all of your marketing needs, including printed materials, your website and social media. Your ability to sell, market, manage your time and manage your business is key to your success. NPI s proven, step-by-step marketing plan and business training will put you on the path to success, helping you to learn who your clients are, where to find them and how to approach them. Just as importantly, your marketing coach will provide ongoing support for you and your business. NPI s dedicated marketing team has the experience to instruct and coach you every step of the way. We also provide you with a vast library of marketing materials and implementation instructions for their use. Your Professional NPI Website NPI Marketing Advantages The company s long history and nationwide reach Established and ongoing national accounts Professional and proven websites Federally protected trade name Professional, proprietary inspection software On-site report option Training for sales and marketing staff Free six-month limited warranty for your clients Satisfaction guarantee for your clients A professional website adds credibility, function and a way for potential clients to learn about your services. NPI provides you with a professional, individualized and fully functional website that works for you continuously and you can customize it to your needs. NPI will instruct you on how organic and NPI-paid ad traffic is driven to your website. In addition, countless technical bulletins are located in the back end of your website for use by you or your clients. You also will be able to automatically forward to your contacts the monthly NPI newsletter, personalized under your name and signature. Gain Exposure With Social Media Marketing changes with the times, and NPI is in tune with the trends in marketing. In addition to our websites, we continually monitor and explore the ever-changing world of social media. Various social media, including Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn can be used to communicate with your contacts and potential clients to grow your business.

7 Thermographic imaging is just one of the additional services NPI inspectors might offer. NPI s Inspection Report Software NPI has spent years and hundreds of thousands of dollars developing Inform, our proprietary inspection reporting and tracking software. Most independent property inspectors use generic inspection software. But NPI franchisees use our unique and proprietary Inform inspection reporting and tracking software, which NPI has spent years developing and keeping updated. With Inform, you ll have the ability to produce professional and highly prized inspection reports, including the following: Home inspection reports Various commercial inspection reports Field service and specialty inspection reports The following are some of the specialized features of Inform : Checklist format, which guides you through the inspection List of thousands of preloaded and peer-reviewed inspector comments for better and quicker report writing Embedded photos to clarify and illustrate conditions found Tracking software who referred inspections to you, how many inspections they referred, marketing return on investment (ROI) You ll love how easy it is to use the newest version of NPI s unique, professional inspection software, Inform.

8 We ll Start You on the Right Path The path to your future begins at NPI s two-week Business, Technology and Inspection Training Academy in Omaha, Neb. The training academy meets or exceeds state standards for technical training. It also includes the marketing, business and operational training necessary to build a successful inspection business, covering topics such as the following: Building structures and components Mechanical systems Exterior surfaces Inspection standards and ethics Report writing Use of tools Computer and software training Operating an inspection business Growing an inspection business Unlike most inspection training available today, NPI s training and support doesn t end when you return home from classroom training. We provide ongoing education and support to all of our franchisees so their skills are current and stay sharp. In addition, NPI can help train your sales staff and inspectors to help protect your business and the NPI brand.

9 Frequently Asked Questions Do I need a construction background to become a property inspector? No. Our inspectors come from a variety of backgrounds, with varied skill sets. Many have no related experience and have built successful inspection businesses with our help. With the right aptitude and desire to learn, you can learn to perform a variety of inspections, as well as the business side of owning an NPI franchise. What is the term of the franchise agreement and how do I renew it? At the end of the original 10-year term, as long as you are in good standing, you may renew for another term with no renewal fee. NPI has franchise owners who have been with us 10, 15, 20 years or longer. Will I get my own territory to operate my NPI franchise? Yes. Your NPI franchise territory is exclusive and protected. As long as you remain an NPI franchisee, the franchise territory is yours exclusively. When is the best time to enter this business? NPI s franchisees come from a wide range of backgrounds. A construction background is not necessary. The right business model, implemented the right way can be started at any time. An NPI franchise is nonseasonal and recession-resistant. Can I get a franchise disclosure document from NPI? Yes. Contact us to request our Franchise disclosure document (FDD). Can I sell my franchise? Built the right way, this type of service business builds value and can be sold. The buyer must be approved by NPI and will attend NPI s training academy in Omaha, Neb.

10 Start Your Journey Take the Next Step on Your Path to Success When you are ready to reserve your territory, complete and return the Next Step Form included with this packet. You can also complete the form online by clicking the Next Step link in one of our s to you. Questions? Contact Julie Erickson at or , ext. 24 We encourage you to visit Omaha to meet our staff, have your questions answered and see our business firsthand. We will even reimburse you for part of your trip. If you have questions, please contact Julie Erickson, director of franchise sales, at or , ext. 24.

11 At NPI, we help you on the path to building your own business. That s our job. When you succeed, we succeed. From the President Building a successful business is not easy but at NPI, we make it easier. If you follow our business plan, use the assistance we offer, and work with the marketing/business coach we provide, then you will be on the path to becoming a successful NPI franchise owner. At NPI, we help you because it s our job. You see, most of our income comes from royalties. So, when you succeed, we succeed. That is the way it should be. We re especially proud of the results of a recent survey of our franchisees conducted by Franchise Business Review. The survey revealed an overall franchisee satisfaction rating of nearly 80 percent. In addition, 92 percent of our franchisees rated us highly in the Core Values category, which included trust, respect, honesty and integrity. See the insert in this packet for more information about our 2014 survey. I hope your area is available and that you decide to join us. I invite you to call, or visit the NPI corporate headquarters. We ll answer any questions you have, let you see things firsthand or just get acquainted. Sincerely, Roland Bates President National Property Inspections, Inc.

12 About National Property Inspections For more than 25 years, National Property Inspections, Inc., has helped hardworking, ambitious people run successful, profitable property inspection businesses. We operate as National Property Inspections in the United States and as Global Property Inspections in Canada. The NPI training program equips new franchisees with everything they need to know to perform a quality inspection, use the tools of the trade, maximize their sales and marketing strategies, and learn how to operate an independently owned and operated franchise business. Become a part of NPI with access to national accounts, referrals, inside information and other perks available only to our franchise owners. For more information, or to receive an NPI franchise information packet, visit Burt Street, Suite 201 Omaha, NE , ext

13 Take the Next Step Are you interested in taking the next step to NPI franchise ownership? Please complete and return this form by mail or fax it to All information is confidential, and no employers will be contacted without your consent. Personal Information First Name Middle Initial Last Name Address City State Zip Home Phone Business Phone Cellphone Address Best time to contact May we contact you at work? Yes No Date of Birth Marital Status Spouse Information (If Applicable) First Name Middle Initial Last Name Occupation Annual Income Will your spouse be active in the business Yes No Education Last Year Completed Degree(s)/Major(s) Location of Interest First Choice (city, state) Second Choice (city, state) Work Experience Current Job Title/Duties Years at Current Job Annual Income (include bonuses) What job titles have you held in the last 10 years? 1.) 2.) 3.) 4.) Financial Information How much capital do you have to invest? $10,000 $20,000 $20,000 $30,000 $30,000 $40,000 Other $ How will you obtain funding for the franchise purchase and living expenses while building the business? Savings/Investments Home Equity Loan 401(k), IRA Rollover SBA Bank Loan Other General Information When do you anticipate starting your business? Will this be a full-time enterprise? Please rate your skills on a scale of 1 to 5, 5 being the most skilled: Public Relations/Sales Construction/Technical Meeting Your Goals Time Management IMPORTANT NOTICE: The Federal Trade Commission requires franchisors, like National Property Inspections, Inc., to send a franchise disclosure document (FDD) to a prospective franchisee at least 10 days before signing a franchise agreement. Some franchisors may require that you visit their home office to obtain their FDD. National Property Inspections will gladly mail ours to you so you can evaluate our program at your convenience.