Today we’d like to introduce you to Brenda Gerena and Tony Stewart . Them and their team share their story with us below:
Tony Stewart found his passion with home inspections when, at a home inspection for his mother-in-law, the inspector was asking him questions that he could easily answer. His background in overseeing new construction remodels, and his job at an architecture firm was a great background for him.
Tony did his schooling at Penn Foster and again through InterNachi. Though no education or certifications are required in Utah to be a home inspector, he felt that the education added to his experience, and has been invaluable. Continuing education is a part of being a home inspector. Tony started Inspector Tony Home Inspections in late 2016 and by the end of 2017, was working up to 7 days a week. By 2018, Brenda Gerena had quit her job and joined Tony on inspections full time.
In 2019, after working 7 days a week, we decided to train and hire 2 employees. Christian and Chandler joined us, trained for 8 months, and became certified. Since then, we have added Ethan and currently training Nicholas. We decided in 2018 that 2 sets of eyes are always better and there are always 2 inspectors at every home. It has been beneficial for our customers to have 2 people at every home to see as much as we can and to best communicate with our customers.
Inspector Tony Home Inspections has inspected thousands of homes and we thoroughly enjoy educating our clients about their homes. We thermal image the ceiling, electrical panel, major appliances, and plumbing to ensure that we catch any issues that are present while we are there.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely has not been a smooth road. As business owners, we always have to be present. Brenda’s mom passed away in 2019, and we had a full schedule that day and had to work. It has definitely been difficult to manage a life-work balance, and that is something we are striving to accomplish.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Inspector Tony’s Home Inspections?
Our goal has always been to ensure that our clients have a safe home and that they are educated about their big purchases. We are known for continuously being there for our clients and we have made some wonderful friends along the way. What sets us apart from other companies is the fact that there are 2 inspectors per home inspection.
We are also always available via phone, text, or email. Our rule is that as long as Brenda is awake, we respond. We have researched and purchased the technology that is the best fit for our clients – from thermal cameras to our radon machines. We have numerous radon machines to ensure that our client receives their radon test results in 48 hours. We also provide methamphetamine testing and mold testing.
Personally, I am most proud of the fact that we have inspected numerous realtor’s family member’s homes and their own homes. The trust that the people that have known us for years have in us, means a lot to us. We treat each home that we are inspecting as if it’s for a friend. We have made so many friends through the years, that this is completely true. We truly enjoy and care about what we do.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
Tony quit his job in early 2017 to pursue our business. Our goal was to do 10 – 15 inspections a month to pay the business bills and have a little bit of spending money. It was definitely a stressful time when Tony actually put in his 2 weeks notice.
When Brenda decided to quit her job in 2018, it was a huge risk. Brenda had a job that she loved, with a company that was amazing. Quitting meant losing health insurance, plus many more benefits that we took for granted. Betting on ourselves was the best decision we made.
Pricing:
- (Inspections start at) $350.00
Contact Info:
- Email: TONY@INSPECTORTONYHOMEINSPECTIONS.COM
- Website: www.inspectortonyhomeinspections.com
- Instagram: inspectortonyhomeinspections
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/inspectorTonyUtah
