We

We can achieve more collectively than we can individually. You have honored me to lead ASHI in 2011. As we lay out our plans, it is beneficial to review ASHI’s mission statement: “To set and promote standards for property inspections and to provide educational programs to achieve excellence in the profession.”

There also is an old saying: The more things change, the more they stay the same. ASHI was built on a vision of setting a standard for the home inspection industry and providing education through a network of chapters. We have additional challenges today that we did not have when we were a new-growth industry. We will find ways to meet these challenges.

ASHI’s strengths come from striving for excellence and making each of us a better inspector. We do this through our education, both at the chapters and at InspectionWorld. In addition, we (ASHI) have introduced several online offerings in the way of Smart Track. Excellence also comes from sharing and the camaraderie with fellow ASHI inspectors.

ASHI Chapters

In October 2010, over 90 ASHI leaders gathered in Chicago for a day to review the challenges and opportunities of our chapters. This included over 60 chapter leaders representing 43 chapters, the ASHI Board of Directors and ASHI staff. This group was asked to address and answer three questions:

1) What problems are the chapters facing?
2) What are the causes of these problems?
3) What are the solutions to the problems?

Below is the consensus of the problems.

a) Perceived value of belonging to ASHI and the chapter,
b) Membership recruitment and retention,
c) Recruitment and participation of new volunteers, and
d) Delivering state-approved quality continuing education.

During the year, we will be developing programs to address these problems.

Volunteer

If you are a leader at the chapter or national level, thank you for your time. If you want to receive more from ASHI, please offer your time and services. There are givers and takers in the world. Those who contribute do so for different reasons. If you volunteer, you will be rewarded with an increase in fellowship ten-fold with other ASHI inspectors, not only in your area, but from around the country.

Challenging times

The real estate market has been hit hard by the economic downturn. It has hit me hard. When you are being interviewed and are trying to book an inspection or service, remember to sell ASHI as the gold standard. This includes the statement, “If you don’t choose me, be sure you choose an ASHI Certified Inspector (ACI).” This is an idea of how we can help each other.

Goals for 2011

In keeping with the theme of “We,” ASHI will be rolling out at least four two-hour state-approved education modules that all chapters can use for education sessions. If this program is used and successful, we will roll out additional modules. Also, you are encouraged to contact The ASHI School (TAS) for speakers to hold a weekend education seminar. This approach was a success in 2010 for Pittsburgh Pro-ASHI. We also are working on other ideas for ASHI to support chapter educational offerings.

I wish everyone a prosperous 2011. By working together in 2011, we can and will make a difference.