Remembering Jay Balin

Jay Balin became an ASHI member in 1989. He was a former chapter president (Great Lakes) and president of the Wisconsin Association of Home Inspectors. Balin was the 1999 John E. Cox Member of the Year and the 2007 President’s Award winner. He had been retired for several years and lived in the Milwaukee area before passing away in late 2024.

Like many inspectors, Jay Balin had an interesting life before getting into the home inspection profession. 

After graduating from the University of Illinois, he attended the University of Chicago for graduate studies. He attended medical school but decided not to pursue that career. Instead, he became a department head at Colgate with a long posting in France.  

After years of climbing the corporate ladder, he decided to enter the burgeoning home inspection field. He started Habitat Home Inspection in a suburb of Milwaukee. That’s where his corporate experience shined. 

Balin became the education chairman, director, and editor of the monthly chapter newsletter, The Laker, and the president of the Great Lakes Chapter. He went on to become a leader on the ASHI National Board of Directors, with input that was often in contrast to the prevailing view. While he was always willing to listen to opposing views, he did not suffer fools gladly. One saying I related to Jay many times was, “You would argue with a sign that you put up.” He would laugh, shake his head in agreement and say, “No, I wouldn’t.”

Another ACI, Jamie Dunsing, owner and ACI at Dunsing Inspections in Lake Bluff, Illinois, summarized what a lot of other inspectors would say: “Jay was a guiding light for me. He acted as a mentor to me and helped me to understand that giving back to my profession was a worthwhile effort. As a result, I have made many great friends through ASHI and in the extended home inspector industry. I will miss Jay.”

While I echo Jamie’s sentiment, I would add that Jay was like a big brother to me, both professionally and personally. So much so that I asked Jay to introduce me when I became ASHI President in 2007. When I became ASHI’s Executive Director Jay was a sounding board for any management idea I had. I could always count on his honest opinion.

Jay Balin was instrumental in providing quality education for both new and experienced inspectors during and even long after his inspection career. He was a true Renaissance man. I will miss him deeply.

Frank Lesh is former ASHI President and Executive Director. He joined ASHI in 1990 and has served as Great Lakes Chapter President, Council Representative, ASHI Director and Secretary. He operates Home Sweet Home Inspection Co. in Indian Head Park, Illinois.