Breaking Barriers and Building Community

When I reflect on my journey to becoming a home inspection franchise owner, I am often struck by how unexpected this path has been. I never imagined myself in this industry, yet here I am—owning and operating a successful Pillar To Post franchise in New York City. More importantly, I am using my platform to uplift and empower others, particularly women and people of color, to pursue their entrepreneurial ambitions in industries where we are often underrepresented.

A New Beginning 

My journey into franchising was not conventional. My late husband was a businessman, and we had initially explored franchise ownership together. We attended a franchise event in Lower Manhattan, where I realized I had no interest in managing a food business or relying on teenagers to flip burgers. When I was introduced to Pillar To Post, the business model immediately resonated with me. It offered structure, support, and an opportunity to provide a crucial service—home inspections.

After my husband passed away, I had the option to sell the franchise, but I chose to forge ahead. I had recently retired from the New York City Housing Authority after 30 years, and I saw this as a new challenge and an opportunity to build something for myself and my family.

Breaking into the industry was not easy. Home inspection has long been a white male–dominated field, and as a Black woman in Brooklyn, I faced my fair share of obstacles. Many real estate offices were hesitant to work with me, and I often found my inquiries ignored. But I didn’t let that deter me. Instead, I expanded my reach into Flatbush and East New York, where I began to gain traction. I built relationships, provided exceptional service, and ensured every client received a same-day report—something that set me apart.

Building a Business, Growing a Legacy

One of my greatest achievements has been turning this business into a family affair. My son became a licensed home inspector and joined me in the business, allowing me to focus more on marketing and community outreach. With him handling inspections, I could dedicate my time to networking, sponsoring events, and speaking about homeownership and entrepreneurship.

I believe consistency is key to success. Just like when you order a vanilla latte at Starbucks, you expect it to taste the same no matter where you go. I’ve applied that principle to my business—arriving early, dressing professionally, and delivering high-quality inspections every time. My clients know they can count on me to provide thorough, detailed, and reliable service.

Community Impact and Education

My role as a home inspector goes beyond just checking properties; it extends into educating my community. I am actively involved with the National Association of Real Estate Brokers, where I serve as the Vice President of Membership for the Real Estate Board. Through this organization and other community initiatives, I host and participate in events that promote Black homeownership, provide first-time buyer education, and teach property management fundamentals.

One of the most fulfilling aspects of my work is helping people understand the significance of homeownership as a means to build generational wealth. Many of my clients are the first in their families to purchase a home, and they often feel overwhelmed by the process. I make it a priority to be available to them before, during, and after the inspection—answering questions, offering guidance, and ensuring they have the resources they need.

I also collaborate with Neighborhood Housing Services to educate homeowners on property management. Many people inherit homes but lack the knowledge to maintain them effectively. I provide insights on preparing homes for winter, hiring reliable contractors, and navigating home maintenance.

Paving the Way 

Representation matters. When people see someone who looks like them succeeding, it makes their dreams feel possible. In an industry that still lacks diversity, I am proud to be a trailblazer. When I first started, I was one of 11 inspectors in my region—10 of whom were white men. Today, only five of us remain, and I am one of them.

I have made it my mission to bring more diversity into this field. I mentor aspiring home inspectors, particularly women and people of color, to show them there is a place for them in this industry. Whether it’s through speaking engagements or one-on-one mentorship, I want to ensure the path is a little smoother for those who come after me.

Looking Ahead

As I look to the future, my goal is to continue growing my business while reinforcing its role as an educational resource in the community. I want my franchise to be known not just for exceptional home inspections but also for the knowledge and support we provide to homebuyers and property owners.

Success in this industry requires resilience, consistency, and a commitment to service. It also requires a willingness to uplift others along the way. My journey into home inspection may not have been traditional, but it has been deeply rewarding. If my story can inspire even one person to take that leap of faith, then every challenge I’ve faced has been worth it.

Jacqueline Gathers is a New York State Licensed Home Inspector and owner of Pillar To Post Home Inspections, specializing in educating first-time homebuyers and underserved communities mainly in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. A member of ASHI and other professional organizations, she brings decades of expertise and a passion for community engagement to her work.