Benefits

Shared Manpower:

When an inspector gets a job assignment for which he needs additional manpower, he pays additional inspectors to attend at a pre-agreed fee. This can be based on services and time required. The primary inspector maintains his role with the client, and the others work as subcontractors for the primary inspector.

Monthly Meetings: We meet at a centrally located spot and share training, skill-building, ways to build our businesses, and answer any needs of those participating. These meetings have proven to be extremely beneficial in order to develop strategies, and great learning experiences though joint training. Working together promotes a higher level of functioning and a team approach to larger projects. The more comfortable we are with each other and other inspectors' abilities, the smoother and more seamless experience the inspection will be for the client and the realtor.

Central Booking & Scheduling: We use a central office providing answering of phones, message taking, and scheduling of jobs. This is simply smart economics. None of the original companies had the finances to have a sales staff selling and booking the jobs. Steve Gladstone set up a program that each company would be assigned a toll free number. All they had to do is call forward their phones to the toll free number. Each company has their own line answered with their company name. Billing for this service from HPN, Inc is every 15 days. Pricing is included in the cost sheets. We feel, without any hesitation, our staff is simply wonderful and their closing ratio is exceptional. We do not lose jobs because an answering machine picks up. Live, friendly, and well trained staff answer our phones. They understand inspections and our credentials which facilitates client confidence. During office hours we have full phone coverage and during off hours we have monitored voice mail.

Shared Reporting System: We agreed for simplicity sake, we would find a reporting system that was professional, well defined, and pleasant for the client. We wanted a report that could be delivered on site. After some changes we chose the Home Book from HomePro in Virginia and became part of their network. After almost two years we changed to ITA / Kaplan's Deluxe Matrix Bindered reporting system. The Inspection Training Associates product was cleaner and more cost effective. ITA / Kaplan also offers us some attractive pricing on continuing education and training materials. The ITA / Kaplan reporting system is used by thousands of inspectors across the country and meets all recognized standards of practice.

Education: Steve Gladstone is the managing instructor of the Connecticut branch of the ITA / Kaplan school in West Redding, Connecticut. This relationship offers HPN members opportunities to attend classes locally and purchase educational materials at a discount. Resources such as course schedules for ITA / Kaplan Connecticut can be accessed on the web at http://www.home-inspect.com/campuses/connecticut/index.asp.

Library: We have established a library of tapes and conference proceedings. Educational materials and environmental fact sheets as well. All Library goods purchased by the group are kept at HPN for the purpose of the shared library. The library has all sorts of materials to supplement your educational needs on a multitude of subjects. Videos, slides, cds, power point programs and computer programs are at the office.

Mentoring: Membership also includes "mentorship" with the senior members of HPN which includes free consultation and assistance when needed. This may be for educational help, consultation about a problem, or with customer or company dynamics.

Services

Marketing: Marketing materials have always been a expensive for a small company to develop and use. We decided we would search for ideas and develop them to be used at near cost pricing, for our members. These advertising, sales, and gifting programs have been mutually produced and allow participation on an as needed, or as desired, level on the part of the members.

Newsletter: We produce a quarterly personalized newsletter. The newsletter is published by HPN and customized with the participants information. Members are encouragesd to submit articles quarterly, featuring information about themselves. Participation in the newsletter is voluntary. Cost is based on cost of production and has varied based on color and length but in the past has been 28-35 cents an issue. These were developed to drop off at real estate offices, to be mailed to previous clients and for important referring sources.

Web Site: Our HPN web site features all participating members and gives out contact information for referrals. The cost of the site is equally shared by all members.

Apparel Program: Shirts, jackets, and other apparel are available at discounted pricing. In order to enhance a professional look and to identify your participation in the network, we developed a logo for HPN and we created jackets and shirts. There is indeed a purpose behind "the official" look. These products are to be worn on jobs and for Chapter and association meetings. This works for both the Network identity, and individual company identity. Seasonal hats and short sleeve shirts are available.

Printing services: To help develop business cards and letterhead at a discount we have arranged set ups for necessary printed forms so that we can enjoy volume discounts and personalized needs. Vinyl vehicle and specialty sign lettering has been developed. We can help you to make your signs and apply them to the vehicle, or you can apply them yourself at a substantial discount.

Gifting: Through several sources we have the ability to purchase several gifting products for thanking realtors and clients for referrals or for their business. The 25' customized tape measure promotion has been very successful. Individuals in the Network can buy as many or as few as they wish at bulk pricing.

ITA / Kaplan Calendars, smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors which also can be used as referral gifts are available at a discount in bulk.

Coloring Books: A child's view of the home inspection in the form of a coloring book was developed by HPN / Lifeworks Inc. The coloring book is customizable and can be bought below market cost for promotional use. The book is great for distributing to realtors' offices as a gift to entertain kids while their parents focus on buying or selling a home. New coloring books are in production for Environmental issues, Home Safety, and Radon.

Brochures: Brochures on Radon, Lead Paint, Septic Systems, and Carbon Monoxide are available in bulk for cost. Additionally we offer assistance to our members in development of web pages, promotional & educational marketing materials. We have purchased a table top display which is available for the group's use at home shows and realtor shows.

Home Inspection Reports: As we do not sell inspection reports for inspections that are scheduled by the office (these are included in the scheduling fee) we offer collated books with customized State of Connecticut Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics, Walk Through Check lists, Expectation Clarification forms, HPN Logo and spines and Evaluation forms.

Discounts:

Membership Fees (for existing Companies):

Start-up: There is a $500 fee for script preparation for answering your phones. We will help you to develop a script reflecting you credentials, services, hours and a description of your talent, technique and abilities.

Your company must have a business line in place that is call forwarded to the new toll free number (either or both numbers may be advertised). The line is to be left on the service at all times. You should have a dedicated fax line, as well and an e-mail address, and a cell phone.

Once the service is activated your Company is responsible for all costs billed for scheduling, calls answered, priority calls, (we will notify you by cell, or call your home if required) and add-on or re-scheduling fees. We bill the 15th and 30th of each month.

Phones are only to be taken off remote call forwarding during times of weather related or similar emergencies of which you will be notified. This is to avoid lost calls and scheduling confusion.

You may order as many additional inspection books as desired for your inventory. These should be used for inspections you book on your own or for demonstration.

Library: All Library goods purchased by the group are kept at HPN for the purpose of the shared library. These materials may be borrowed for the benefit of the group.

Membership Fees (for New Companies):

School: Discounted opportunities are available to attend our local ITA / Kaplan school in West Redding, Connecticut which offers both course work meeting the minimum requirements of the State of Connecticut Licensing board and other course work. HPN inspectors may be offered the opportunity to become school instructors.