Gleaming Some Gems From ASHI’s Past-Presidents

One of the things that happens to every ASHI President when they’re obligated to write a monthly column for the Reporter is the proverbial writer’s block.

Like all ASHI members, ASHI’s Presidents have to work for a living, in addition to handling the “big-picture” side of running our association. Well, after 11 months of writing articles, I admit that I’ve hit that “cement masonry unit.”

So, I’d like to take this opportunity to share with you some gems written by my predecessors:

Randy Sipe, 2016
As I finish up my last weeks as ASHI President, I find myself looking back on my experiences as a leader and recalling all the people I’ve met on this journey. My message to you this month is that you don’t have to be a “big player” to make this journey—you only have to start by being involved.

Alden Gibson, 2015
One person asked: In hindsight, would you serve as president again? Yes, I would. My home inspection business has provided a good full-time living for 23 years, and I also present seminars to realtors and first-time homebuyers. ASHI has given me and my business the direction required to be successful. I’ve received advice and knowledge by attending InspectionWorld® and chapter meetings and by holding chapter and national offices. I’ve learned practical information from my colleagues at events and activities. Home inspectors are willing to share their successes and failures—all you have to do is ask.

Bill Loden, 2014
First, on a personal note, I close out the year as ASHI President for 2014 with mixed emotions. At times, the job has been exhausting, with long hours of face-to-face meetings and many more hours of teleconferences. There have been many days away from home, and business traveling from California to New York and from Tampa to Canada. Interspersed within all of this activity, there have been articles to write, crises to address and challenges to overcome. 

But the job has also been extraordinarily rewarding because during those meetings, teleconferences and trips, I have had the opportunity to meet and work with some amazing people. I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that, among the list of amazing people, are the Past-Presidents of ASHI. 

Bill Jacques, 2013
When we perform a home inspection, we look for signs. What kind of signs? There are many: new work; old work; incomplete work; caulked-up areas around old repairs; fresh paint; old peeling paint; stains on walls, ceilings and around doors and windows. How about stains in attic roof sheathing, around plumbing vent stacks, in valleys and around the chimney? What about old plumbing repairs or new plumbing repairs on old plumbing systems? Several types of plumbing supply lines: poly, copper, PEX and PVC. There are flex drain lines under kitchen sinks and wash basins. There are rubber drain lines and lines spliced together with taped connections. Don’t forget plumbing waste or supply lines that aren’t supported properly.

Marv Goldstein, 2012
Sharing interesting experiences always enlivens an interview while making a point. I shared several on the radio show, including the time I climbed out of an attic and said to an owner, “I see you have a roof leak.” When the owner countered that he knew of no such leak, his 10-year-old son added, “Dad, don’t you remember the last time it rained, you said it was a result of the roof leaking?” From the mouth of babes.

I hope you’ve enjoyed reading these timeless quips and quotes from my fellow ASHI Presidents and don’t consider this column to be a cop-out on my part. Think of it this way: We all build on the foundation of others’ work and I’m no exception!

Here’s hoping you have an enjoyable holiday season, and we’ll talk next month.