When asked how and why Nick Wilkinson chose home inspection as his next career move, he answered much like a thoughtful member of the military would.
“Clearly the housing market is skewed, with much more demand than supply. Buyers are waiving certain rights they should not. A home inspection is the most important among them in my view.” Wilkinson is exactly right and the U.S. building inspector industry, measured by revenue, is estimated to have a market size of $4.9 billion in 2022, according to global research firm IBISWorld.
Wilkinson discovered Pillar To Post Home Inspectors while searching for a veteran-friendly franchise and the 23-year United States Army veteran could not have found a better match since Pillar To Post Home Inspectors holds 5-Star status with VetFran, which provides discounted franchise fees to veterans. “After comparing Pillar To Post Home Inspectors and its competitors, it was clear that it stood above all the others,” Wilkinson said.
It seems to be a perfect match for the decorated veteran who was awarded a Bronze Star and countless other commendations, among them:
- Civilian Service Achievement Medal (2022)
- Meritorious Service Medal, Second Oak Leaf Cluster (2019)
- Army Achievement Medal, Fifth Oak Leaf Cluster (2015)
- Army Commendation Medal, Third Oak Leaf Cluster (2014)
- Bronze Star, Oak Leaf Cluster (2010)
- Joint Meritorious Unit Award (2010)
- Meritorious Unit Citation (2009)
- Army Superior Unit Award (2009)
- Vermont National Guard Commendation Medal (2007)
- Combat Action Badge (2006)
- Presidential Unit Citation (2004)
- Gold Recruiter Ring (2003)
- Gold Recruiter Badge with Third Sapphire Achievement Star, (2003)
But the memories from his career are ones that will never fade. “In terms of memorable experiences, I am never without a story to tell,” Wilkinson said. “There are memories from my service that can capture every emotion, but there is one from years ago that every time I think about it, it gives me an overwhelming sense of pride, honor, and respect.”
Wilkinson was referring to a day in 2006 when he returned to the States for some well-deserved R&R during the Iraq War. But when Wilkinson arrived that day, he carried with him the memories of the stories his dad had shared with him about his own return home during the Vietnam War. “I remember him describing when he came home in his greens, and specifically an event that occurred when he got off the bus in his hometown,” Wilkinson recalled. “He described walking off the bus and looking for his mom, but some anti-war protestors were standing their waiting, as well. They targeted my dad by spitting on him and calling him names. The pain he expressed about that day always weighed heavy on my heart.”
Wilkinson, however, received a much different welcome when he returned stateside to Dallas Fort Worth International Airport on a plane filled with members of the military. After the plane’s captain thanked everyone for their service while the plane was taxiing, police and fire trucks lined the tarmac, with the fire trucks shooting arches of water over the plane. “We were all like school children crowding around the limited window space to capture a glimpse,” Wilkinson said. “It was so cool to me… arriving home to a police and fire escort. What else could a guy ask for?”
There was more to come for Wilkinson and his military brothers and sisters. The terminal was so packed with people that a path had to be cleared for them as high fives, boisterous cheering and warm hugs were part of the joyous scene. “Kids and adults of all generations had showed up to welcome us home. The sound was so intense it was like being at a concert,” Wilkinson said. “The experience was not only memorable but captured a sense of debt that I owe future generations.”
Now Wilkinson is writing a new chapter for himself and one of the many reasons he chose Pillar To Post Home Inspectors, the largest home inspection company in North America, is the innovative technologies the company recently introduced. These advanced technologies, along with the business model, provide an exceptional home inspection with unique and innovative features that are all delivered within a seamless brand experience. All developed pre-pandemic and ready to be utilized when the pandemic struck, the new features further highlight Pillar To Post Home Inspectors’ standing as a visionary in its industry.
Founded in 1994, Pillar To Post Home Inspectors is the largest home inspection company in North America with home offices in Toronto and Tampa. There are nearly 600 franchises located in 49 states and nine Canadian provinces. The company will add 80 new franchises in 2022. For information about this go to; www.pillartopostfranchise.com
Rhonda Sanderson is a franchise specialist and publicist with 41 years in the industry.