Conscious Consumer 7 Things to Keep in Mind while Buying a Home What's Next? The Role of Technology in Home Inspection Services
FortifyingHomes',Bolstering Smiles! Awayfromourdailycommuteandrecurring
complexitiesofwork-lifebalance,itisthe relaxingexperienceofourresidencethat cherisheshumanemotion,givingeveryindividuala feelingofbelongingness.Asonecommuteshome fromthebusyurbanscape,oneexpectstosettleintoa cocoonofhomelypleasure.
Torelishthecomfortofhomes',itisimportantthat younurtureitsecosystemtakingcareofitsshelflife.I havealwaysbeenamazedbythetechnological advancementsutilizedtoevaluateapropertyandmap outthefutureplanofitsrestorationwithrequired upgradation.
Theconstructionindustryhasmanysubsetsthatfocus ondesigningandcustomization,butthehuman emotionconnectedwithadomesticatedresidenceis rarelybeingtakencareof.
Imaginelivinginadecade-oldmansionthatis approachingneartoitsshelflife,butyoudon'twishto
replaceitwithanunknownstructurethatismerelyastack ofbrickandmortar.Standinginthemid-crisisofcherishing what'syourswhilecustomizingtotheurbanneedsmight squinchyoutotheunimaginable.Butchallengeshave alwaysbeenwaitingtobeencounteredwitha transformativesolution,justliketheriseofTopHome InspectionExpertsthatmadeittotheleaderboard.
Ridingthetechnologywave,businessesarebolsteringtheir dreamsintorealitywiththeirindustryexpertiseand empatheticapproach.TheHomeInspectionandEvaluation companiesareleveragingcreativesolutions,screeningthe homesandrejuvenatingthembacktolife. Inspiredbythenovelinnovationsisournewaddition,"Top HomeInspectionExpertsin2021."
Acknowledgingthecreativityofhomeinspection specialistsisourcoverstoryonKnockoutInspection,a certifiedhomeevaluationcompanyinFloridathatpioneers homeinspectionandevaluatesthepropertywithitspresent conditionwhilefacilitatingthefuturemapofyourdreams.
Whileyouflipthroughthemagazine,makesuretoreadthe insightfularticleswrittenbyoureditorialteam.
Ihopeyouhaveahappyread!
- Bhushan Bhad
Protecting Buildings Against the Wrath of Nature Home Program
ARTICLES Editor-in-Chief Pooja Bansal
Anish Miller Senior Editor
Managing Editor
Assisting
Art & Design Head
Co-designer
Abhishaj Sajeev
Art & Design Assistant Visualiser David King
Rohil Shinganapurkar
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Mrunalinee Deshmukh
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Marketing Manager Joseph D'souza
Business Development Executives
Kelly, David
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Assistant Technical Head
Technical Consultants Prachi,Rajeshwari
Digital Marketing Manager Alina Sege Assistant Digital Marketing Manager Renuka Kulkarni
SME-SMO Executives Gemson
Research Analyst Eric Smith
Circulation Manager Tanaji Fartade
sales@insightssuccess.com
December, 2021
Inspection Experts in 2021
Featuring Brief CompanyName AmeriSpec amerispec.com
ExclusiveHome Evaluations&Inspections eheinspections.com
SteveAnderson Owner,HomeInspector
ErikRobinson CertifiedMaster Inspector,Owner andSoleInspector
FORTIFIED koinspections.com
HomeInspectionServices SouthAfrica homeinspection.co.za
HouseMaster housemaster.com
DanielleBentley CEO
Bonnie-JeanMasson CFO&Marketing
KathleenKuhn President,CEO
MaxIntegrity Enterprises,Inc. npiatlanta.com
ProTecInspectionServices protec-inspections.com
Max,Certified HomeInspector
AmeriSpecInspectionServicesprovidestheexpertevaluationand assessmentthatyouneedforanyresidentialorcommercial propertyinspection.
ExclusiveHomeEvaluations&Inspectionsisthetrustedhome evaluationandinspectionserviceproviderinSouthDenver, Colorado,whichfocusesonprovidingtherightsolutionatthe righttimetosaveclients’valuableresources.
TheFORTIFIEDprogramisasetofstandardstobuild,re-roof, orretrofitahometobetterprotectagainstsevereweathersuch ashurricanes,highwinds,hail,andeventornadoes.
HomeInspectionServicesSouthAfricaisoneofthefirst InterNACHItrainedandcertifiedinspectioncompaniesin SouthAfrica.
TheHouseMasterhomeandbuildinginspectionfranchise systemwasfoundedin1979.Sincethen,thecompanyhas growntoover370locallyownedandoperatedofficesacross NorthAmerica.
NationalPropertyInspectionswillprovideyouwithathorough unbiased,detailed,confidentialandprofessionalinspectionof yourproperty,whetherthatisyourhomeoracommercial building.
MichelleHopkin CEO
ProTecInspectionServices,aone-stopshopforallinspections andhasbeenprotectinginvestmentssince1986.
SchaeferInspectionService mhschaefer.com
BruceSchaefer Owner
SchaeferInspectionServiceisfamily-ownedandoperated,and hasbeenservingresidentsofCTsince1982.
TotalHouse InspectionLLC totalhouseinspection.com
WINHomeInspection wini.com
DanJoandrea HomeInspector
TotalHouseInspectionLLCoffersprofessionalhome inspectionserviceswhenbuyingorsellingahome.
TomLemieux Owner,HomeInspector
WINHomeInspection(WIN)wasfoundedin1993inSeattle, Washington,andhasdevelopedintoanetworkofmorethan 200locationsin40states,makingitoneofthefastestgrowing homeinspectioncompaniestoday.
Home Program Protecting Buildings Against the Wrath of Nature We offer home inspections, standard Bank Loan Draw Inspections, 203K loan inspections, and FORTIFIED evaluations.
Nathan Lippinco CMI
FORTIFIED Evaluator
C O V E R S T O R Y
Fromthebeginningoftime,humanshavestruggled withforcesofnature.Humanbeingshavenatural instinctstoseeksheltertoescapesevereweather Forcenturies,they’vemadeadvancementsinshelterto protectthemselvesagainstcalamites.Inthemodernperiod, theyconstructedbuildingsforprotectionagainstnatural disasters.Thestruggleforsaferlivingisstilladvancing towardsthestandardsoffineness.
Naturaldisasterssuchashurricanes,tornadoes,highwinds, etc.,candamagehumanconstructions.Thoughsomeof themarepredictableduetothetechnology,theyare unavoidable.Theusualtargetsthatfacetheimpactsofthese disastersarebuildingsandconstructions.Hence,tosustain againstthesenaturaldisasters,highstandardsofprotection wererequired.
TheFORTIFIEDProgramwascreatedbytheInsurance InstituteforBusinessandHomeSafety(IBHS)toestablish ahigherstandardofprotectionforsaferliving.After witnessingfirst-hand,thesuccessandeffectivenessofthe strongerbuildingstandard,KnockoutInspections partneredwithIBHStohelpupholdthishigherstandardof livingasFORTIFIEDEvaluators.
KnockoutInspectionsopenedinAugust2013,inFairhope, Alabama.TheyconsistoflicensedCertifiedMaster Inspectors,HomeInspectors,andFORTIFIEDEvaluators. Thecompanyoffersstandardhomeinspections,bankloan drawinspections,203Kloaninspections,andFORTIFIED evaluations.Thecompanyisfocusedonitsmissionto ensuresafeliving,onehomeatatime.Theyusevarious technologiesinthefieldthatgeneratereports,documentthe conditionofthepropertythroughphotosandvideos,and ensuresthatstandardsaremetforsaferlivingconditions.
Brief AbouttheFORTIFIEDProgram
TheFORTIFIEDprogramisasetofstandardstobuild,reroof,orretrofitahometobetterprotectagainstsevere weathersuchashurricanes,highwinds,hail,andeven tornadoes.TheFORTIFIEDprogramisaproductofthe InsuranceInstituteforBusinessandHomeSafety (IBHS). Theyareanon-profitorganizationcreatedtoresearchand generatesaferlivingstandardsforresidentialand commercialhomesacrosstheUS. IBHS helpinpreventing avoidablesuffering,strengthenshomesandbusinesses, informstheinsuranceindustry,andsupportsthriving communities.
Theydothisthroughresearchofexistingstandardsand providesolutionsforimprovementtobetterprotectagainst severeweather Theseinsightsandsolutionsinfluence buildingcodesandstandards,resultinginbetterand strongerbuildingpractices.Toexecutetheirprogram, IBHS createdatrainingcurriculumtocreateFORTIFIED Evaluatorsthataretheeyes,ears,andeducatorsinthefield.
TheFORTIFIEDprogram(alsoknownasfortification) consistsofanevaluationofthebuilding,retrofitting,orreroofingofahome,anapplicationsubmittedto IBHS,an auditconductedby IBHS toensureallFORTIFIED standardshavebeenproperlymet,andadesignationofa certificatetothepropertyaddress.Thedesignationisthen validforfiveyears.Itwillneedtoberenewedwithareevaluationofthecurrentconditionoftherooftoensureit hasfivemoreyearsoflife.Also,itensuresnoadditionsor repairshavebeenmadethatwouldcompromisethe integrityoftheFORTIFIEDstandards.
TheThreeTiersofProtection TherearethreeFORTIFIEDdesignationswiththeirownset ofstandardsthatprovidedifferentlevelsofprotectiontothe property:FORTIFIEDRoof,FORTIFIEDSilver,and FORTIFIEDGold.FORTIFIEDRoofistheloweststandard offortification;itconsistsofasealedroofdecktoprevent waterintrusionintothehome.FORTIFIEDSilvertakesthe standardsoftheFORTIFIEDRoofandaddsimpact protectiontoallopeningsofthehome,suchaswindows anddoors.
Italsorequiresporchandchimneystrappingaswellas overhangsandgablebracing.FORTIFIEDGoldisthe highestleveloffortificationthatisreservedfornew constructionorcompleteguttingandremodellingofa home.IttakesthestandardsfromtheFORTIFIEDRoofand FORTIFIEDSilverandaddsacontinuousloadpath requirement.Thisfortificationalsorequiresanengineerto beinvolvedthroughtheentiretyoftheevaluationprocess.
Eachsetofstandardsrequiresaspecificapplicationtobe submittedtotheIBHStobeauditedbeforetheyissuea designationcertificate.AtKnockout,ateamofin-field FORTIFIEDevaluatorsworkswithlicensedroofersand builderstoeducatetheFORTIFIEDstandardsandensure allstandardsareproperlymet.Then,ateamofin-house evaluatorscompilephotodocumentationfromtheroofer and/orbuilderduringtheentireprocessoftheconstruction toprepareaFORTIFIEDdesignationapplication.
,, Our mission is to ensure safe living, one home at a time.
Althoughthecompany’shomeofficeislocatedinsouthern Alabama,itsteamislicensedtoconductFORTIFIED evaluationsthroughouttheUSandhasissueddesignations tohomesinNorthCarolina,NewYork,Connecticut,and manymore.Insomestates,legislationispassedthat requireshomeownerstoreceiveadiscountforthe fortificationoftheirhomes.Forexample,homeownerswith aFORTIFIEDbuilthomecanreceiveadiscountofupto 55%ontheirhomeowner’sinsurancepremium.Theonly requirementistohaveavalidFORTIFIEDcertificatewhich mustbeprovidedtotheinsurancecompany.
WhenhurricaneSallyhitthegulfcoast,over16,000homes werebuiltorroofedtotheFORTIFIEDstandard.Ofthose 16,000,therewereroughly500homesthatreceivedany damages,muchofwhichwereduetofallentreesbythe impactofthelingeringstorm.TheFORTIFIEDstandards havefurtherproventheireffectivenessinthemostrecent hurricanethathitLouisiana,hurricaneIda.Althoughthe FORTIFIEDprogramwasnotasprofoundinthatarea, manyarechoosingtorebuildtheirhomestothe FORTIFIEDstandardsforamoreresilienthomeafter witnessinghomesthatwereFORTIFIED.
ThePersonwiththePassion NathanLippincott,theFounderofKnockoutInspections, camefromalonglineofcontractorsandbuildersandwasa framerinhisearlycareer.Hehasbuiltmanyhomes,even severalofhisownforhisfamily,andknewtheinsandouts oftheconstructionindustry Thelastfewhomesheframed wereactuallybuilttotheFORTIFIEDstandardwhenitwas stillinitsinfancy.In2013,hedecidedtoleavethe constructionindustrytopursuehisdreamsof entrepreneurshipbybecomingaHomeInspector.
KnockoutHomeInspectionsstartedasaone-personshow. Hegrewthecompanybyvisitingmanylocalrealestate officesandmakingconnectionswithrealtors.Manyofthe customnewconstructionhomesthatheinspectedwerebuilt totheGoldFORTIFIEDstandards.Oneoftherequirements tobecomeaFORTIFIEDEvaluatoristobealicensedhome inspectorforseveralyears,soNathanbecameacertified FORTIFIEDEvaluatorin2015.
In2016,StrengthenAlabamaHomeswascreated–astate programthatoffersagranttore-roofhousestothe FORTIFIEDstandard,andover9,000peopleappliedfor thisprogram.NathanwasoneoftheapprovedFORTIFIED Evaluatorsthroughthestate,andhebegantogrowhis
companytomeetthedemand.Attheendof2016,thecity ofFairhopeadoptedtheFORTIFIEDstandardsastheircity coderequirement.
Asofnow,severalcitieswithinBaldwinandMobile CountiesrequiretheFORTIFIEDstandardsastheircity codeforallnewconstructions.Nathansaid,“Knockout Inspections continues to grow beyond our local area as we travel to North Alabama and beyond our state area as we expand the FORTIFIED program.”
ThePandemicTale–AnOpportunityinAdversity Talkingaboutthepandemicdays,Nathanshared,“We were considered essential during the pandemic, so we did not face many challenges or obstacles. After we took a direct hit from hurricane Sally, it was essential that we were able to work alongside roofers and evaluators for the fortification process as well as continue to conduct inspections for those who were misplaced or were concerned about damages to their home.”
Knockoutensuredthesafetyofitsemployeesduringthe beginningofthepandemicbyofferingitsin-housestaffa work-from-homeoption;however,itsin-fieldemployees continuedtogototheirscheduledstopsandsocialdistance whennecessary.Whensomanysufferedthroughthe pandemic,KnockoutInspectionsthrivedandhaditsbest yearofbusinessduetotheunfortunatecircumstancesof HurricaneSally ,,
We consist of licensed Certified Master Inspectors, Home Inspectors, and FORTIFIED Evaluators.
FutureEndeavour Knockoutiscontinuingtoeducate,grow,andexpandthe FORTIFIEDprogram.Nathansaid,“We have seen great success in the standards and truly believe that FORTIFIED is the future for safer, more resilient construction.”The companyrecentlyhadanupdateissuedby IBHS thatensures evengreaterprotectionbyadheringtothe2018IRCCode. Knockout’sgoalthisyearwastoissue3,000FORTIFIED certificatestohomeowners.Notonlydidthecompanymeet itsgoal,butithasalsosurpassedit.In2022,themanagement planstoissue5,000FORTIFIEDdesignationcertificates.
SunniLippincott,aCertifiedProfessionalLifeCoach, advisedtheyoungentrepreneurs,“I always recommend taking the risk. You’ll never feel 100% ready, and you’ll never be good at something until you try. It all starts with the first step. Leadership is not a title; it’s a mindset.”
AppreciationsforExcellence CrownVolumeAwardwinner–presentedbyIBHSforover 1,000FORTIFIEDdesignations
LeonPitts:
Wehavebeenusingknockouthomeinspectorsforthree years,theyareprofessionalandtothepoint.Wewillalways recommendKnockoutforallfortifiedinspections.Thanks toPittsRoofingLLC.
ZachariahSpaulding:
Knockoutcametomynewhomelastweektoperforman inspection,andIcouldn’thavebeenhappier Thisisthe secondtimethatI’veusedknockoutandhadpleasant experiencesbothtimes.Notonlyweretheyontime(which seemstobehardformany),buttheywereearly.Upon arrival,theinspectorwasveryprofessionalyetpersonable andkeptmeinformedofeverythingalongtheway.The reportwasreadythesameday.Highlyrecommendingto anyonelookingforsimilarservices!
ExclusiveHome Evaluations&Inspections AnExpertServiceProvider Homeisourveryownheavenlysafespacewhere weestablishourownidentity.Yourhomecan representmultipleaspectsofyourselftosocietyin general.Itisessentialforeveryhomeownerorpersonwho isconsideringbuyinganewhometoseeifthehomeisina suitableconditiontoliveinornot.
Overtheyears,sincethetimethehomewasbuilt,several issues,seenandunseen,couldstarttopopup.Ifthese issuesarenottakencareofattherighttime,theycanlead toabigdisaster.
Toidentifythecurrentconditionofthehome,oneshould hireaprofessionalhomeevaluationandinspection provider.Professionalassistanceattherighttimecansave yourhomefromfurtherdamagerisksaswellasattendto theissuebeforeitgetsbigger.ExclusiveHome Evaluations&Inspectionsisthetrustedhomeevaluation andinspectionserviceproviderinSouthDenver,Colorado, whichfocusesonprovidingtherightsolutionattheright timetosaveclients'valuableresources.
Mr.ErikRobinson,OwnerandSoleInspectorofEHE,is aCertifiedMasterInspector.Heuseshisvastexperience overtheyearstoeffectivelyanalyzesmalltobigissueswith theclients'home.Withhisexpertiseinthefield,hegives thepropersolutionsrequiredforthehometoprevent furtherdamage.
ExclusiveHomeEvaluations&Inspectionsprovides serviceslikeresidentialhomeinspections,radontesting, childsafetyevaluations,sewerscopesandinspections,etc. Thehelpofdigitaltechnologyistakentoprovideafull-
colorhomeinspectionreportinHTMLandPDFformat. High-qualityimagesoftheinspection,includingthermal imagery,emailandphonesupportforfollow-upquestions andexplanationsarealsoincludedinthecompany's service.
Thecompanyalsooffersadditionalserviceslike custominspectionsforroofs,decks,prelisting,annual,appliancerecalls, irrigation,andothernecessaryservices tokeepthehomesafeandsound.
WeinterviewedMr.Robinsontogeta detailedunderstandingoftheservices heprovidesthroughEHEandhowthey areearninghimrecognitionasthemost preferredhomeinspectorinColorado.
Below are the excerpts from the interview:
Pleasebriefouraudienceaboutyourcompany,its USPs,andhowitiscurrentlypositionedasaleading playerinthehomeinspectionspace.
SincestartingExclusiveHomeEvaluationsInspections backattheendof2017,Ihavegrownthebusinessever sincetheword.Ihavebetteredeverypreviousyearnotonly ingross,butinthenumberofinspectionsperformedand thenumberIammostproudofisthecontributions, donations,andsponsorshipsIhavemadeinmycommunity
Shedsomelightonyourofferingsandhowarethese makinganimpactintheindustryandyourcustomers?
Myincomparablecustomer servicecombinedwithmy attentiontodetailhasmademe oneofthemostsought-after inspectorsintheColorado market.
Myincomparablecustomerservicecombinedwithmy attentiontodetailhasmademeoneofthemostsought-after inspectorsintheColoradomarket.
Ialsooffersewerscopesandradontestingasancillary services.WithColoradohavingsomeofthehighestRadon levelsinthenationandsewerlinereplacementcosting upwardsof15K-20K,theseareveryimportantservicesto notonlyofferbuthaveperformedaswell.Alsoofferinga VAMERDiscount(Vets,ActiveMilitary,Emergency Response)10%offallservices.
Briefusaboutyourjourneyintheindustry,andhow youhavecontributedtowardsthecompany'ssuccess.
Startingmybusinessbackatthebeginningof2018Ihave quicklybecomeoneofthetopandmostrespected inspectorsintheindustry.Myattentiontodetail,dedication totheclientandoverallcustomerservicehashelpedme becomethego-toinspectorintheDenverandsurrounding market.
Beinganexperiencedleader,shareyouropiniononthe impactoftheadoptionofmoderntechnologiesonthe homeinspectionnicheandwhatmorecouldbeexpected inthefuture?
Technologyhashadatremendousimpactontheindustry Forinstance,wearenolongerfillinginboxesona predeterminedchecklistandhandingthembacktothe client.
InowuseaniPadthatincludeshigh-resolutionphotosand detaileddescriptionsaboutnotonlydeficienciesbut everythinginthehomelikeserialnumbers,floors,walls, ceilingsandshutofflocations,etc.
Allreportsarethensentviaemail(nomorewastedpaper) instantlyaftertheinspectionisfinished.Inaddition,the advancementofthetoolsweuseeveryday,IRCameras, moisturemeters,electricalgasandCOdetectors.
Consideringthecurrentpandemic,whatinitial challengesdidyoufaceandhowdidyoudriveyour companytosustainoperationswhileensuringthesafety ofyouremployeesatthesametime?
IhavetakeneveryprecautionIcanwhilestilltryingtokeep
theclientinmind.Duringallof2020,Iwouldnotallowthe client,theiragentoreventhecurrenthomeownertobe thereduringtheinspection.Withcurrentguidelines, vaccinationsandtheuseofmasks,Iamgladtosaythatthe businessasnormal.
Whatwouldbeyouradvicetobuddingentrepreneurs whoaspiretoventureintothehomeinspectionservices space?
Firstly,getyoureducation/certificates/licensesandfind3-5 differentinspectorsinyourareatoletyoufollowthemfor 2-3inspectionseach.Thiswayyoucanseehowdifferent inspectorsgothroughtheprocess.
Iwouldrecommendthatyoudrivetoandfromthe inspectionwithwhoeveryouareshadowing.Thiswayyou canhearandseewhatelsegoesintoaninspectionbefore andaftertheworkisdone.Thereismoretimespentbehind thescenesthantheactualinspection.
Howdoyouenvisionscalingyourorganizations operationsandofferingsin2022andbeyond?
OfferingRadonTestingandSewerScopesalongwiththe HomeInspectionhasbeenaperfectformulafortheDenver market.Iwillcontinuetooffertheseservicesinthefuture alongwithmyexceptionalcustomerservice.Ianticipate another7.5%-12.5%growththisyear,asthishasbeenour trendforthelast4yearsnow
The Role of Technology in me INSPECTION SERVICES Ideatingasafeandsecureharborhasalwaysbeenthe
dreamofmany.Indulgingintoarefreshingexperience thatishassle-freewhilerejuvenatingtheexhaustive choresofadailycommuteisHOME.
Buyingahouseisalwaysonthetopofeveryindividual's prioritylist.Butdidyoueverthinkofinspectingthe propertyyouarewillingtoown?Howaboutconducting expertresearchbytechnologicalsolutions?Answering thesequestions,HomeInspectionServicesisleveraging technologicaladvancementandensuringthatevery individualiseducatedaboutthehousethatiseitherbeing fortifiedoraccommodated.
Withrisingtechnologicalinnovation,companiesscout differentwaystofacilitatepersonalizedhomeinspection services.Thisarticlewilldriveyouthroughthesignificant roleoftechnologythatpioneerstheHomeInspection Industry.
Intendingtobuyahomeorfortifyit,oneexpectstohavea holisticinspectionoftheproperty Therearemany architecturalandengineeringfactorsoneneedstofocuson. Homeinspectionagenciesutilizenoveltoolsand techniquestoensurethatthebusinessclientshaveadopted modernwaysofscreeningtheexistingproperty,lookingfor areasofimprovisation,andeducatingonreal-time evaluation.
WalkingthroughVirtualScreening Evaluatingapropertywithvirtualvideographyhelpsthe inspectorsrecordthemselvesforthedesiredpropertya customerisinterestedin.Thishelpswiththereal-timevisit whiletheclientcanbecomfortableattendingavirtual meeting.Walkingthroughtheproperty,theclientcan understandthehomesettingandplantocustomizeor fortifythepropertyifrequired.
Thisfeaturehastransformedtherealestatedomainwithan eyepoppingserviceattheclient'send,savingtimewhile utilizingtechnologymarvels.Usingthecutting-edge inspectionscopesthatareWi-Fienabled,companiesare facilitatingahigh-definitionvideofacilitatingahassle-free virtualexperience.
Movingfromthevirtualvisit,theclientmustbeeducated aboutthestructuralpositionoftheproperty.
EducatingtheTechnicalKnow-How! Buyingorfortifyinganoldhomeisanintimateexperience. Homeinspectorsuseinfraredandthermalimagingcameras toensuretheowneraboutthedefectsandlacunasofthe property.Thesecamerasdetectwaterintrusion,mold growth,hiddenmoisture,plumbingleaks,andmanymore importantdetails.
Withtheinfraredradiation,anelectronicimagegets created,andinspectorsanalyzethedetailedstructural propertiesandeducatetheclientontherealstatusofthe property Thetechnology-mediatedworkflowensuresthat theclientunderstandsthedesiredpropertyappropriately
Lookingatthesetechnologicaladvancements,home inspectionslooklikeacakewalk,buttherearemultiple challengesbeingsolvedwithnewinnovativeapproaches andcreativesolutions.
AerialInspectionMadeEasy Solvingthechallengesofinspectingapropertywithnonwalkableroofs,theemergenceofdronetechnologyisa savior.Thestateofartdroneshasahigh-resolutioncamera thatallowsaccesstohard-to-reachareaswithZOOMIN capability.
Thesedroneshelpfacilitatein-detailinspectionservices, transformingthehomeinspectionindustry
Withaquickinspection,theseservicesneedmoredetails scrutinylikeradongasornecessaryairflow.
ScoutingInsidetheWindowpane Movingaheadfromtheexistingevaluation,companiesalso provideradontestingandwaterairflowevaluation. Utilizingthenewtechnologiesofradontestersanddigital airflowmeters,theclientcanensurethatthereareno discrepanciesofimpropergasorairvelocity.
Thedigitalairflowmeterisagreatassistanceinmeasuring airflow,temperature,andmultiplescreeningfactorslike ventingeffectiveness,HVACperformance,andthelistgoes on.
Usingthesetoolsisdrivingtheindustryintothespotlight, andbuyerspreferamodernhomeinspectionagencyover conventionalones.Scrollingtotheconclusion,onemight thinkofthesetoolstobearevolutionarystepintothefuture andmustensuretoutilizethesemoderntechniqueswhile buyingthedreampropertyyouwishtodwellupon.
- Bhushan Bhad
Home Inspection Services HolisticInspectionServices byExpertProfessionals Manypeopledreamoftheirownhouse.However, purchasingahomeisasignificantinvestment andtherearemanythingstolookforbefore buyingahome.Fromventilationandappliancestothe temperature-controlsystems,yournewhomeincludesalot ofsystemsandhundredsofparts.
Whenallofthesethingsworktogether,yourhomebecomes morecomfortable.However,whilepropertiesmayappear tobeingoodconditiononthesurface,purchasersshouldbe awareofanumberofissuesthatonlyatrainedeyecan detect.Aprofessionalhouseinspectorwhocanfindany kindofflawsandassistyouinmakinganinformeddecision canbeyoursavior.
Thus,thedemandofhomeinspectionservicesisincreasing significantlyandtofulfillthisdemand,HomeInspection ServicesSouthAfricastartedtoprovidequalityinspection serviceswithtrainedprofessionals.
Inthefollowinginterview,Jean-MarcMasson,theOwner andCertifiedMasterInspectorofHomeInspection ServicesSouthAfricagivesdetailedinsightsabouthis company,itsservices,andthefutureaspectsofhome inspectionsector.
Pleasebriefouraudienceaboutyourcompany,itsUSPs, andhowitiscurrentlypositionedasaleadingplayerin thehomeinspectionspace.
HomeInspectionServicesSouthAfricaisoneofthefirst InterNACHItrainedandcertifiedinspectioncompaniesin SouthAfrica.Sincethen,manynewercompanieshave adoptedtheInterNACHItrainingandcertification,and somehaveevenstartedtrainingschools.
TherearemanytrainedhomeinspectorsinSouthAfrica, butmanyofthemarenotyetfunctioningashome inspectorsbecauseofthemisconceptionsintheRealEstate
Webelievewe aremakingheadwayin influencingachangein governmentalpolicy andprivatepsyche. industryabouttheroleandfunctionsofacertifiedand trainedhomeinspector.
Therehasalsobeennorealdrivefromtheauthoritiesyetto makehomeinspectionsmandatory Webelievethisis changingthough,andifwecontinuetoinfluencethe mindsetsofindividuals,realestateagentsandcommercial propertyowners,thepublicwillpushthegovernmentto makethemuch-neededchanges.
Wehavealreadyseensomebillsputintolawinrecent years,especiallywithournewconsumerprotectionact introducedin2011,andlater,recognitionofhome inspectorsaspropertypractitioners.
However,weneedmorespecificlawspassedthatwillsee HomeInspectionsmademandatoryaspartofthesaleofa property.Weseeourselvesasindustryleadersand influencersinSouthAfrica,eventhoughHomeInspections arenotasprevalentastheyareintheUS.Webelievewe aremakingheadwayininfluencingachangein governmentalpolicyandprivatepsyche.
Withveryhighethicalpracticesinourday-to-daydealings inthereal-estateindustry,andwithreliable,responsible reportingbytrainedandcertifiedinspectors,weareslowly butsurelyseeingthemuch-neededchangescominginto
Jean-MarcMasson CertifiedMasterInspector
Jean-MarcMassonjoined homeinspectionservices in2011asaninspector agentinonearea.Thiswas whentheideaofhome inspectionswasstillafresh conceptinSouthAfrica,andthe newconsumerprotectionactwas abouttobeinstituted.Jean-Marc Massonwastrainedandbecamea certifiedhomeinspectorin2012.After inspectingmorethan1000housesand fulfillingalloftherequirements,hebecame acertifiedmasterinspector.
Hehasalwaysbeencommittedtoeducatingthe publicabouttheimportanceofhavingahome inspectiondoneandhowitprotectsalltheparties involvedfromanyfoulplayintheprocessoftheproperty transaction.
Inthebeginningof2020,Jean-MarcMassonbecamethe ownerofHomeInspectionServicesSouthAfricaandstarted expandingthebusinesstothemajorcitiesacrossSouthAfrica.
play Asaprivatecompany,wehavedecidedtofranchise ourduplicatable,andveryscalablehomeinspectionservice company.
Wehand-pickspecificindividualsaroundthecountrywho havethesamemindsetandworkethicaswedoandtrain eachinspectorineachfranchisewithveryspecificin-house criteria.WeputeachinspectorontheInterNACHItraining andcertificationprogram,andwesupport,guide,andassist themtofunctionasprofessionalhomeinspectorswhoalso influencethechange,andfostertrustintherealestate marketinSouthernAfrica.Allofthisisdoneunderour growingbrand–HomeInspectionServicesSouthAfrica.
Shedsomelightonyourofferingsandhowarethese makinganimpactontheindustryandyourcustomers?
HomeInspectionServicesSouthAfricaoffersatrustworthy, reliable,unbiasedinspectionservicetoanyindividualor
companywhorequiresspecificconditionsrelateddue diligenceonaproperty/buildingtheyareinvolvedin.
Thismaybe:
Ÿ Aprivateindividualwhoisbuyingasmallapartmentfor thefirsttimeandneedstobesurethatthepropertyisin agoodconditionandisnotgoingtocosthim/hermoney torepairunknowndefectsaftertheyareintheproperty
Ÿ Aseasonedpropertyinvestormayrequireourservices tounderstandtheconditionofafixer-upperproperty thattheyareabouttopurchase,sothattheycanbudget forthenecessaryrepairsorrenovationsneededtoflip thehouseandsellitataprofit.
Ÿ Commercialpropertiesarepurchasedandsolddaily withdetailedduediligencerequiredduringapurchase orsaleprocess.
Karen, East Rand, South Africa:
IamsoimpressedwithHomeInspectionServices!IhadtogetaninspectiondoneonsubstandardworkIreceivedfrom anothercompany,thatwasrefusingtoacknowledgeandrectifytheirwrongdoings.IcontactedHomeInspectionServicesfor anassessment.
JeanMarcandhisassistantDerronwerepunctual,professional,friendly,andefficient.Theywastednotimeingettingthe assessmentdoneandthereportwassentthroughthenextday.Thereportwasamazingandsodetailed.Itincludedthermal readings,photosandmostespeciallywhatisrequiredbylaw
Becauseofthatreport,itshiftedtheentiredecisionregardingthisissue,ensuringthatthecontractorsrectifyandcompletethe outstandingwork.Thankyou,HomeInspectionServices.Iamaveryhappycustomer
Akinwale Ayeni, Johannesburg, South Africa:
IcontactedHomeInspectionServicesbecauseoftheiroverwhelminglypositivereviewsandtheinformationavailableon theirwebsite.I'mcertainlyhappyIdid!Theservicewassimplyamazing,andIsaythisinthetruesenseoftheword.
FromthetimeIcontactedthemtothetimethejobwascompleted(whichwasliterally3-4workingdays),everythingabout thewayJean-Marcandcolleaguesconductedthemselvesoozedofclassandprofessionalism.Jean-Marcandhiscolleague werethoroughlyefficientduringinspection.
Iwaspresentattheinspection,andhetookhistimetoexplainrelevantaspects/conceptsregardingtheproperty,evenoffering adviceonthebestprobablecauseofaction,wherenecessary,includingapplicableprofessionalreferral.Thereportwasready within24hoursandIwonderedhowtheygotthatmuchinformationaboutthepropertyinacoupleofhoursofinspection!
ThereportgeneratedbyDarrenandJean-Marccanonlybedescribedassplendid.Theirreportcontainsallthat'sneedednot onlytoaidyourtransactionnegotiationsbutalsoforyourownrecordandpeaceofmind.Buyingorselling?DONOT concludethattransactionwithoutHomeInspectionServices'input.Youwon'tbedisappointed.
Tak
Yin Yui, Johannesburg, South Africa:
Jean-Marckeptusinformedallthewayduringtheprocess,fromorganizingatimewiththeagent,andduringtheinspection. Onthesamedayhetalkedusthroughhismajorfindingsoftheproperty,explainedthecausesoftheissues,and recommendedstepstofixit.
Thereportwassentthedayafteralreadyandwasextremelydetailed(120pages).Theyinspectedthesiteextremely thoroughly.WearesogladJean-MarchelpedusfindandunderstandthedefectsofthepropertybeforewefinalizedtheOTP.
Thereportevengaveusanideaofthepossiblecostofrepairingmajorissues.Icandefinitelyrecommendthiscompanyto anyonerequiringahighlydetailedpropertyinspection,especiallyforprospectivepropertybuyersthatneedthatpeaceof mindwhensearchingforthehomeoftheirdreams.
Cathy, Johannesburg, South Africa: Jean-MarcfromHomeInspectionServicesdidaMasterBuildingInspectionforusonanewpropertywepurchasedinSept 2021.Wewereincrediblyimpressedwithhisservice.ThereportVERYextensiveandhiscommunicationwasfantastic throughouttheprocess.HeevenhelpeduswithsomeotherOTPrelatedquestionsandgaveussoundadvice.Iwould definitelyrecommendJean-Marcandhisteam!
Ÿ Maintenanceinspectionsarerequiredforsectionaltitle complex/multilevelapartmentsorhomes.These communalpropertiesaremanagedbyassociationsor managementcompanieswhoneedunbiased,regular reportsonmaintenancerequirements.
Ÿ Insurancecompaniesandbanksrequireinspectionsfor claims.
Ÿ Newbuildingsneedtobesnaggedforarchitectural firms,developers,individualsetc.
Ÿ Wealsoofferveryspecializedserviceswhichinclude indoorairqualityinspections,mouldinspections, asbestosetc.Ashealthandwellnesscontrolismoving moreandmoretowardstheindividual,weareseeingan increaseinindividualsneedingspecifictypesof inspectionsintheirlivingandworkenvironment, relatingtotheirhealthandwellness.
Beinganexperiencedleader,shareyouropiniononthe impactoftheadoptionofmoderntechnologiesonthe homeinspectionnicheandwhatmorecouldbeexpected inthefuture?
Moderntechisvitaltoourindustry.Inrecentyearswehave seenhowthermalimaging,dronesandmanymorenew technologieshavecomeinandassistedusinourindustry Weareontheconstantlookoutfornewideasandstrategies todoourjobmoreefficientlyandeffectively
Wecanseehownewdevelopmentsinreporting,scanning, anddemandsbythepublicforlessbulkyreportswillbethe future.
Consideringthecurrentpandemic,whatinitial challengesdidyoufaceandhowdidyoudriveyour companytosustainoperationswhileensuringthesafety ofyouremployeesatthesametime?
Ourchallengeswerelikemostothers,wewereverylimited inmovement.Sincewerelyonmeetingpeopleintheir homesandoffices,wehadtobeverycreativeinour inspectionsandneededtokeepourclientsandstaffsafeas wedidso.
WefollowedleadingfromInterNACHIthrough:
1. DoingtheirCOVID-19training.
2. Implementedmasksandsanitizationatallinspection sites.
3. Setupsomeclearboundariesandparametersin operatingthatwouldfostersafeinspectionsforour clientsandstaff.Wedidconsultonlineanddevelopeda franchiseplanthatsawourbusinessexpandoverthis period.
Nowweareinabetterpositiontosafelyassistmorepeople inawiderarea.
Whatwouldbeyouradvicetobuddingentrepreneurs whoaspiretoventureintothehomeinspectionservices space?
Ÿ Getthebesttraining,withthemostreputablerecordin theindustry.
Ÿ Workandstudyhardtobeasknowledgeableaspossible inyourspecificfield.
Ÿ Don'tgooutthereonyourown,joinanexisting companytoguide,assist,andhelpyouinyourcareer
Ÿ Beteachableandlearnfromallthosewithexperience aroundyou.
Ÿ Bedriventohelpothers,nottomakemoney Yourtrue motiveswillalwayscomeoutunderpressure.
Howdoyouenvisionscalingyourcompany'soperations andofferingsin2022andbeyond?
Ÿ Byfocusingonexpandingourveryduplicatablesystem, throughfranchising,tomoremajorcentersinthe country.Oncewehaveestablishedastrongbase,we haveagreatervoicetoinfluencemorepeopleinthereal estateindustry.
Ÿ Throughongoingtrainingandteambuildinginthe existingHomeInspectionServicesfranchises.We believeinfosteringgoodrelationshipswithour inspectorsandhelpingeachothergrowintheir individualgiftings.
Thingsto keep in Mind while Buying Home a AAsrightlysaidbySuzeOrman,financialadvisorand
motivationalspeaker, "Owning a home is a keystone of wealth… both financial affluence and emotional security.”
Forcenturies,owningahousehasbeenseenasasymbolof thehumandreamandassumedtobeamajormilestone. Humanshavederivedalotofprideandjoyfromthe processofhome-buying.Theentireactivityoftouringopen housesandgettingapprovedloansisultimatelyresolvedby purchasingahouse.
Longgonearethedaysoftheunsaidrulethatpurchasinga houseoftenafteryouaremarriedorsettledwasathing. Thereareseveralyoungsterswhobelievethatit'sbetterto startearlywhenitcomestothepossibilityofthebiggest investmentoftheirlifetimes.Associatedwiththis,thereare anumberofadvantagesthatfollow-youcaneithergetto spendamajorpartofyourworkinghoursfreeofrentstress, orthehouseprovidesgreatreturnsasanappreciatingasset.
Thatbeingsaid,ifyouareplanningtobuyahouse,there arecertainboxesyouneedtotick. Beloware seven tips tokeepinmindwhilebuyingahouse:
1.FinancialDiscipline Ifyouwishtomakeyourdreamofhavinganaffordable house,financialdisciplineisthecornerstone.Thefirstand foremostthingtokeepinmindismakingasecureddown
payment.Thiscanrangeanywherefrom10-25percentof theproperty'smarketvalue.
Tostartbuildingyourdownpayment,beginwithcostcutting,avoidwastefulspending,clearyourinitialdebts andmaybetrytoexpandyourincomepool.
2.StandStillwithyourBudget Havingfinancialdisciplinemeansanalyzingyourmonthly expensesthoroughly.Categorizetherent,diningout, shopping,andotherexpensesanddeterminehowyouare spendingyourmoneyandthenmakeabudget. Planningoutabudgetcanmakeyoucutdownonfrivolous expensesandhelpyousavebetterforthedownpayment. Beingsaidthis,youdon'thavetocutoutyourexpenses completelybutjusttrimthem.
3.ResearchWell Tohavethedetailssortedforyourdreamhomeisonebig task,whetheryouarelookingforanapartment,an independenthouse,oracondo.Oraddressingissuesofhow manybedroomsyouwant,whichallamenitiesyouare willingtopayfor,orwillbesituatedintheheartofthecity orontheoutskirts.
Researchingalltheabovefactorsisessentialasthecostof owningahousevariesalot.Forexample,thecostofa houseontheoutskirt'scostswaylessthanoneinthecity
areaforthesamesquarefootage.Havingdetailed knowledgeaboutthesedetailsmeansyou'llknowexactly howmuchtosave.
4.Don'tJustSavebutInvest Simplyputtingasideyourexcessincomeinasavings accountmaynotcallforenoughreturns.Itisalwaysbetter toinvestthantosave.
Asthesavingsaccountwillfetchyouareturnof4%per annum,whileafixeddepositwouldfetchanannualreturn ofupto6%.But,comparedtothis,mutualfundscanoffera returnof10-15percentorevenmore. Eventhoughitcanbeariskyinvestment,thesayingcomes true—thatthehighertheriskgreaterthereward.
5.ToImproveyourCreditScore Havingagoodcreditscorenotonlymakesyoueligiblefor ahomeloanbutalsoincreasesyournegotiatingpowerfor lowerinterestrates.Asthetenureofthehomeloanislong, peopleusuallyenduppayingalotmoreinterestthanthe principalamount.
So,infact,havingagoodcreditscorecanmakeyoufetcha dealofgettingalowerinterestrate.Hence,improvingyour creditscorebypromptlypayingtheoutstandingduesin full,notapplyingformanycreditproductsinsshortspanof time,andnotutilizingmorethan30percentofyourcredit cardlimitiscrucialfortheprocess.
6.ComparingVariousHomeLoans Researchingthetypeofhomeyouwishtobuyisonething. Butitisalsocrucialtoresearchwellandcomparehome loansonthird-partywebsitestonarrowdownyouroptions. Comparingtheavailableoptionsofinterestrate,floating interestrate,andthefixedinterestrateprovidedbyvarious financialinstitutesisanimportantaspectoftheprocessof buyingahouse.Itgivesacrucialinsightintotheactualcost ofborrowing.
7.DecidingontheRightTimetoBuyaHouse Havingathoroughresearchontheprevalent macroeconomicsituationsalongwithrespecttotherepo rateandtheongoinginterestratewillhelpyouunderstand whenthebanksareloweringtheinterestrates,especially forhomeloans.
Itwillhelpfetchyouacheaperratethancomparedrates whichwerehighersomemonthsago.
Conclusion Asweallknowthatbuyingahomeisn'taneasytask,but delayingthetaskwillnotbeprofitableeither Waitingfor yourincometoincreaseinthenearfutureisn'ttheright approachasyourexpenseswouldalsoincreaseowingtothe followedfinancialcommitments.Currently,you'llhaveto makecertainsacrifices,butitwillallpayoffwhenyouget thosecovetedkeysinhand!
- Shrutika Khedekar
Climate Commodities and theNewOil Ath ttheturnofthe20 century,themostprolific industrialrevolutioninhistorywasenabledbythe swashbucklingfirmsoftheerathatcommercialized themodernoilmarket.Atpresent,theworldisundergoing asimilarindustrialrevolutionwiththegoalofavertingthe climatecrisis,butwithoutthepresenceoffirmsdedicatedto commercializingthenewoil,therawmaterialsenabling climatetechnologiessettosaveourplanet.
Seeingthisasaonce-in-a-generationopportunitythat simultaneouslyenablesthecreationofanewmarketwhile contributingpositivelytosociety,threeformercommodity hedgefunders,BenjaminBanwart,NicholausRohleder, JulianTung,andateamofdedicatedadvisorsstarted ClimateCommodities.
ClimateCommoditiesprovidelong-durationofftake solutionstoproducersofclimate-positivecommoditiesand short-durationtradefinancesolutionstocorporatesinthe climatetechnologysupplychain.Thecombinationofthese productsallowsClimateCommoditiestofunctionasthe premiercommercializationagentofthenewoil:climate commodities.
ALong-andShort-TermCommercializationPartner Theindustrialrevolutionisgroundedintheelectrification oftheglobalelectricitygridandvehiclefleet,whichhas far-reachingrawmaterialsimplicationsthatarelittle understoodbythebroaderpublic.Forexample,according totheInternationalEnergyAgencydata,atypicalelectric carrequiressixtimesthemineralinputsofaconventional car,andanonshorewindplantrequiresninetimesmore mineralresourcesthanagas-firedpowerplant.Itdoesn't
stopthere;mineralssuchaslithium,nickel,cobalt, manganese,graphite,andrareearth,whicharecritical inputsinclimatetechnologies,carrytheriskoffallinginto supplydeficitatcurrentclimatetechnologyadoption growthprojections.
Thisisnotwithstandinganygeopoliticaltensions—Russia suppliesapproximately10%ofnickelutilizedglobally. China,whichhasalongstandingrelationshipwithRussia, refines35%ofglobalnickel,50%-70%ofgloballithium andcobalt,and90%ofglobalrareearthmetals.
Commercializationofthesenewmarketsanddiversification ofsupplyrequiresbothlong-terminvestmentinproduction andshort-termexpenditureswhileexpanding manufacturingcapacity.ClimateCommoditiesprovide highlystructuredlong-termofftakesolutionsintheclimate technologysupplychain,simultaneouslyproviding producerswithabankablecounterpartytofinancecapital expendituresandcorporatesutilizingtheproductswith securityofsupply Adjacenttothis,ClimateCommodities providesshortdurationproduct-basedtradefinancing solutionstomanufacturersandsupplierstooptimize workingcapitalastheynavigaterapidgrowthand significantcapitalexpenditures.Together,theseservices makeforapropercommoditymerchantdealinginthenew oilthatwillenabletheclimatetechnologysettosaveour planet.
DeepCommoditiesExperienceandCommitmentto Sustainability Creatinganewmarketisnoeasyfeat,butClimate Commoditieshasputtogetherastellarteamwithdeep commoditiesexperiencededicatedtocreatingamore
sustainablefuture.BenjaminBanwartgrewupin Minnesota,graduatingfromcollegeattheageof19and findinghispassionforenvironmentalsustainabilityatan earlyage;
receivingthePresident'sEnvironmentalYouthAwardfrom PresidentGeorgeW.Bushin2004.Benjaminthenroseto therankofPortfolioManageratbig-threecommodity traderofCastletonCommodities(formerlyLouisDreyfus Energy)andsubsequentlythe$60billionUShedgefund MillenniumManagement.
NicholausRohledergrewupinTulsa,OK,andfoundhis passionforenvironmentalsustainabilitywhileworking manuallaborjobsintheoilfieldduringhighschool summerstolearnthebusiness.Nicholauswentonto becomeaCo-FounderoftheNewAmericanEnergyFund, UniversityofPennsylvaniaalumni,ColumbiaUniversity alumni,andForbes30Under30honoree.Nicholausisthe th youngestgrandchildof20 centuryenergymagnate&MidAmericaPipeline(MAPCO)Co-FounderGilbertRohleder
JulianTunggrewupinSingapore,findinghispassionfor environmentalsustainabilitywhileearningundergraduate andmaster'sdegreesinsustainabilityfromColumbia Universityin5years.Julianwentontoworkasananalyst fortheNewAmericanEnergyFundandspearheadedtheir researchintotheagriculturalsector
ClimateCommoditiesadvisoryboardiscomprisedof AndrewMalloy,TomSoto,ScottMcNeill,AaronRatner, EranGolan,KerryDukes,andBrianGreenstein.Andrew MalloyisthegrandsonofAndrewGoodman,ownerofthe NewYorkCitydepartmentstore,BergdorfGoodman, Co-CIOoftheAndrewGoodmanFamilyOffice,and AssociateGeneralPartnerof754FifthAvenueAssociates.
TomSotoistheChiefInvestmentOfficerofhisfamily office,LatimerPartners,ViceChairoftheLosAngeles CleanTechIncubator,TrusteeoftheCaliforniaScience Center,formerManagingDirectorofAlternativesatTCW Capital,two-timeappointeebyPresidentClinton,andTeam LeadfortheExecutiveOfficeofthePresident'sTransition TeamfortheWhiteHouseCouncilonEnvironmental QualityforPresidentObama.
ScottMcNeillistheCo-ChiefExecutiveOfficerof SwitchbackIII(NYSE:SWBT),formerChiefExecutive OfficerofSwitchbackI,whichcombinedwithChargePoint (NYSE:CHPT),formerChiefExecutiveOfficerof SwitchbackII,whichcombinedwithBirdScooters(NYSE: BRDS),andformerChiefFinancialOfficerofRSPPermian
priortoitssaletoConchoResources.AaronRatnerisan OperatingPartneratCrossRiverInfrastructure,Venture PartneratSingaporeanventurefundVectrVentures, UniversityofPennsylvaniaalumni,andStanfordalumni. EranGolanistheChiefExecutiveOfficerofConcord InfrastructureInvestmentsandformerCEOofthe ConcessionsdivisionofShikun&Binui.KerryDukesand BrianGreensteinaretheCo-FoundersofArdourCapital, oneoftheoldestUSandEuropeancleantechnology focusedfinancialinstitutions.
Author’s Bio Nicholaus Rohleder is a Co-Founder of Climate Commodi es; a physical trading firm focused on developing and expanding markets for cri cal materials for climate technologies. In addi on to his role at Climate Commodi es, he is also the Co-Founder of the New American Energy Fund; a hedge fund focused on the climate technology supply chain and energy transi on. He holds board posi ons at the following companies under the tle of Independent Director: climate technology focused special purpose acquisi on company, Clean Earth Acquisi ons Corp (NASDAQ: CLIN), waste remedia on technology provider, Renovare Environmental (NASDAQ: RENO); solar + storage energy service company, EnergyLink; climate technology investment bank, Ardour Capital; carbon management technology provider, American Hydrogen; and climate-focused media company, Climate & Capital Media. Outside of his professional commitments, Mr. Rohleder serves as an Adjunct Professor at the Earth Ins tute at Columbia University as an Alumni Board Member at the Earth Ins tute at Columbia University as a member of the produc on team for the Energy Policy Now Podcast at the University of Pennsylvania's Kleinman Center for Energy Policy, and as a member of the Energy Technology Leadership Council at Tulsa Innova on Labs, an economic development ini a ve funded by the George Kaiser Family Founda on. Mr. Rohleder received a Master of Environmental Studies with a concentra on in Environmental Engineering and Technology from the University of Pennsylvania, a Master of Science in Sustainability Management with a concentra on in Environmental Economics from Columbia University, and is a former Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree.