Bill Redfern is the founder, president and CEO of A Buyer’s Choice Home Inspections (ABCHI), a franchise business meeting the huge demand for home inspections.
Redfern started his business in Canada in the mid-2000s, remarkably turning it into the largest home inspection franchise in the country after only two years of franchising.
Now, the company is rapidly expanding throughout the United States and worldwide, on a path to become the world’s largest home inspection company.
Redfern is a seasoned industry executive with more than two decades of experience developing, owning and managing real estate before ABCHI.
In addition to his real estate investments and management roles, Redfern also worked as a real estate agent and broker for 10 years.
Redfern’s belief in the tools and support ABCHI offers franchisees and the collection of proven processes and systems will continue to provide the company with a successful future.
BeTheBoss: Tell us about the A Buyer’s Choice Home Inspections franchise concept?
Bill Redfern: The concept for A Buyer’s Choice Home Inspections franchise business is twofold. We provide customers with a professional and seamless service at a much higher standard of care and attention than previously available, allowing piece of mind in a sometimes stressful process. We also provide potential franchise owners a real business opportunity for a small investment. Through dedicated efforts, they can derive a tremendous amount of job satisfaction from creating something of true value at a highly profitable operation.
BTB: How and when did you become involved with A Buyer’s Choice Home Inspections franchise?
BR: A Buyer’s Choice Home Inspections came about as a result of years working in real estate and having deals fall apart due to unprofessional inspections. I believed we could create and duplicate, on a large scale, a franchise system that would satisfy the needs of consumers and real estate practitioners on a consistent and professional level.
BTB: What was your background prior to joining A Buyer’s Choice Home Inspections franchise?
BR: Before A Buyer’s Choice Home Inspections, I worked in the real estate in business development and investment property areas. I also worked as a real estate agent and broker for 10 years.
BTB: What are some of the advantages of being an A Buyer’s Choice Home Inspections franchise business owner (franchisee)?
BR: An advantage of being an A Buyer’s Choice Home Inspections franchisee is that our franchisees achieve very quick ramp-up and business revenues. The strength of A Buyer’s Choice Home Inspections is grounded in the support we offer franchisees. We take pride in our ability to provide outstanding training, huge marketing horsepower, ongoing marketing assistance and support of the brand that operates successfully in six countries to help franchisees run their businesses as efficiently as possible.
BTB: Who is your ideal franchise business owner (franchisee)?
BR: Our ideal franchisee is anyone who is looking for a new opportunity and wishes to buy themselves a secure future and career not subject to layoffs, downsizing or any of the many transitions peoples careers go through. The franchisee must desire to create something of their own that they can be proud of and must be willing to learn and work with customers. Otherwise, no prior related experience is necessary to become a franchisee. We provide full training for every franchisee regardless of his or her background.
BTB: Tell us a little about the home inspection real estate market?
BR: Until recently, the home inspection market was not nearly as regulated as the real estate industry, but that is now changing in provinces and states due to the advance of licensing. We jumped ahead of this curve some years ago by setting very high standards of training and execution of the business model, exceeding anything required then or now. The home inspection industry tends to revolve around transactions occurring in the real estate industry, but we are currently seeing a substantial increase in other services our franchises offer that are not related to the purchase or sale of a home, such as maintenance inspections. There has also been a significant increase in consumers and realtors alike requesting our presale inspection services. This service significantly assists the sale of the home without nasty surprises during the final stages of the upcoming transaction. It also increases the buying consumer’s comfort level when facing a competitive bidding situation if they have the ability to preview an inspection report. With the increase of these services, there are opportunities at this time for our Canadian franchisees to hire additional men and women and train them as inspectors to satisfy the demand we are creating through our ongoing marketing and development efforts with the franchises.
BTB: What are some of the greatest lessons you’ve learned in growing this franchise opportunity?
BR: The greatest lesson we have learned is that old-fashioned customer service and attention to detail both in dealing with consumer customers and our franchise partners has been our greatest achievement to date. We have fantastic people in terms of human resources within our system who have proven repeatedly that the greatest success is achieved when the system is followed as closely as possible.
BTB: Do you have a mentor and is there someone you use for inspiration?
BR: I look to two people for inspiration in the franchising business. The first is Dave Liniger of RE/MAX. Dave is seen as a disrupter of his day, coming into a well-established real estate market and offering a better solution to realtors. He did a fantastic job on a macro scale around the world in a well-disciplined franchise system. I also look to Howard Schultz of Starbucks. His never-ending enthusiasm and passion for his business and the people that work with him make it special and possible. I also really appreciate Starbuck’s commitment to giving back to society. In following that example, A Buyer’s Choice Home Inspections has led our industry with a recent significant system wide pledge that every Canadian home inspection service will have a portion of the proceeds donated to Autism Speaks Canada to assist in supporting research.
BTB: What advice do you have for someone looking to acquire a franchise opportunity in Canada?
BR: Call us now we’d be happy to speak with you! Don’t delay, limited territories are available!
BTB: In your opinion, why do you think that A Buyer’s Choice Home Inspections would be a great business opportunity for someone?
BR: A Buyer’s Choice Home Inspections is a great opportunity for someone looking for the freedom and rewards of owning their own business, but wants the backing of a system structure and full support locally and nationally. Regardless if they’ve ever considered this type of industry or any trade experience, they will be compelled to consider what our business model has to offer against any analysis they wish to perform.
