Skip to content
Home Inspection Software
home inspection software photo editing view nachi home inspector association Home Inspection Software allowing you to create easy to read, customizable reports that can be uploaded online, emailed, or printed out on the job site. Runs on Windows, Mac & Linux!
ASHI home inspection software screenshot.png Create a professional looking home inspection website for $20-$25 a month. We give you all the tools you need to create a site and get it to the top of the search engines. No previous skills required!
You are here:Home arrow General Discussionarrow Inspection Discussionarrow Life before HI
Home Inspector Pro Inspection Software Forum
November 21, 2008, 09:29:30 PM *
Welcome, Guest. Please login or register.

Login with username, password and session length

There are currently users in chat
News: Welcome to the brand new Home Inspector Pro Forum. Please feel free to ask any questions and help get the discussions rolling.
 
   Home   Help Search Chat Login Register  
Poll
Question: What did you do before becoming a Home Inspector?
I was in construction - 8 (38.1%)
I was in an unrelated field - 8 (38.1%)
I have only been a home inspector - 0 (0%)
I do home inspections part time - 0 (0%)
Other - 5 (23.8%)
Total Voters: 21

Pages: 1 [2] 3 4   Go Down
  Print  
Author Topic: Life before HI  (Read 3057 times)
Jay Markanich
Location: Bristow VA
Hero Member
*****

Karma: 8
Offline Offline

Posts: 529



View Profile WWW
« Reply #20 on: July 21, 2008, 02:39:19 PM »

You probably didn't fit real well in the rack either...
Logged

Jay Markanich Real Estate Inspections, LLC
Based in Bristow, serving all of Northern Virginia
www.jaymarinspect.com
Northern Virginia Home Inspector
Festina Lente - Make Haste Slowly
Dominic Maricic
Administrator
Location: Rancho Cucamonga, CA, USA
Hero Member
*****

Karma: 12
Offline Offline

Posts: 1476



View Profile WWW
« Reply #21 on: July 21, 2008, 02:46:40 PM »

Ouch. I wonder how many times you forgot to duck.
Logged

Dominic Maricic
Home Inspector Pro Home Inspection Software - Lead Programmer & Owner
John Adrian Sopher
Location: Oklahoma City
Sr. Member
****

Karma: 3
Offline Offline

Posts: 435



View Profile WWW
« Reply #22 on: July 21, 2008, 04:54:37 PM »

LOL ya the racks were 6' long by about 2 1/2' wide.  Needless to say, I was bigger than the racks.  And for some reason I can’t remember how many times I forgot to duck.  hehe pun intended.
Logged

John Adrian Sopher
HLC Home Inspections LLC
www.oklahomahomeinspector.biz

We aim to serve Oklahoma City, Yukon, Mustang, Newcastle, Moore, Norman, Del City, Midwest City, area's.  We welcome inspections in other area's as well. Visit our site and learn more about our move in certified program.
Dominic Maricic
Administrator
Location: Rancho Cucamonga, CA, USA
Hero Member
*****

Karma: 12
Offline Offline

Posts: 1476



View Profile WWW
« Reply #23 on: July 21, 2008, 05:12:47 PM »

Yikes, that must have been uncomfortable!
Logged

Dominic Maricic
Home Inspector Pro Home Inspection Software - Lead Programmer & Owner
John Adrian Sopher
Location: Oklahoma City
Sr. Member
****

Karma: 3
Offline Offline

Posts: 435



View Profile WWW
« Reply #24 on: July 21, 2008, 09:21:29 PM »

You do what you gotta do for Uncle Sam
Logged

John Adrian Sopher
HLC Home Inspections LLC
www.oklahomahomeinspector.biz

We aim to serve Oklahoma City, Yukon, Mustang, Newcastle, Moore, Norman, Del City, Midwest City, area's.  We welcome inspections in other area's as well. Visit our site and learn more about our move in certified program.
Julian Benton
Location: Santa Rosa, Sonoma County CA
Jr. Member
**

Karma: 3
Offline Offline

Posts: 90



View Profile WWW
« Reply #25 on: August 21, 2008, 05:52:38 PM »

I spent 5.5 years in the Coast Guard, half of which was on the icebreaker Polar Star.  I did enjoy spending time in Antarctica and the Arctic, but much like John, the accommodations left something to be desired.  As Mark Twain once said, "The only difference between being in the Navy and prison, is that in the Navy you have the added fear of drowning."
After the CG, I spent the next 10 years in various Electronics Engineering positions until deciding that I could make money doing Home Inspections that I had been doing free for friends.
Logged

Halcyon Home Inspection
"Not Knowing Can Be Stressful"

http://www.halcyonhomeinspection.com

Proudly performing Home Inspections in Santa Rosa, Sebastopol, Windsor, Rohnert Park, Petaluma and surrounding areas of Sonoma County.

http://twitter.com/julianbntn
John Adrian Sopher
Location: Oklahoma City
Sr. Member
****

Karma: 3
Offline Offline

Posts: 435



View Profile WWW
« Reply #26 on: August 21, 2008, 06:01:44 PM »

Its funny you used that quote.  LOL  I use to tell everyone that I was a legal slave for the government.  lol  I had a lot of fun though.  Too much I think!  Its all a blur now! Wink
Logged

John Adrian Sopher
HLC Home Inspections LLC
www.oklahomahomeinspector.biz

We aim to serve Oklahoma City, Yukon, Mustang, Newcastle, Moore, Norman, Del City, Midwest City, area's.  We welcome inspections in other area's as well. Visit our site and learn more about our move in certified program.
Brian OKeefe
Location: Hubertus, WI
Newbie
*

Karma: 1
Offline Offline

Posts: 27



View Profile WWW
« Reply #27 on: September 15, 2008, 09:47:32 PM »

Hey Jay,

I am the 3rd other. I have worked on boilers since 1987. Worked at the same company and worked my way to management. I could only handle that for 2-1/2 yrs too much stress. Talked it over w/ my wife she said she would go back to full time instead of part time till I got the HI thing going which has only been since the first week of August. Have had a couple of inspections now so far so good.
Logged

Brian O'Keefe
O'Keefes Home Inspections LLC
www.okeefeshomeinspection.com
Serving Grafton, Menomonee Falls, Waukesha, Milwaukee, West Bend and surrounding areas
Jay Markanich
Location: Bristow VA
Hero Member
*****

Karma: 8
Offline Offline

Posts: 529



View Profile WWW
« Reply #28 on: September 16, 2008, 06:24:54 AM »

Better home inspections than boiling over from stress...

Keep on truckin' Brian!  Well, woohoo, then truckin'!

I am afraid "woohoo" is going to become a site word.  Way to go, DeVries!
« Last Edit: September 16, 2008, 06:27:12 AM by Jay Markanich » Logged

Jay Markanich Real Estate Inspections, LLC
Based in Bristow, serving all of Northern Virginia
www.jaymarinspect.com
Northern Virginia Home Inspector
Festina Lente - Make Haste Slowly
Steven Turetsky
Jr. Member
**

Karma: 3
Offline Offline

Posts: 84


View Profile
« Reply #29 on: September 17, 2008, 07:37:42 PM »

I've been working since I'm 9 years old, and have done so many different things. It always seemed that no matter what I was doing, I always was involved with a construction, whether it was my own or someone else's.

Ok, lets see.

From early childhood I was quite involved with horses, and besides being a steerwrestler (sport), I was a practicing horse dentist. I also had a security company and supplied armed guards, etc. During that period, I built a central station and taught myself how to install alarms. That is when I learned about low voltage wiring.

As a teenager, I installed alot of water diversion systems and became familiar with the business end of a shovel, helped a few friends renovate their houses, etc. I still get involved with water diversion, I've straightened out some really difficult water problems. My solution isn't "out in a french drain", I've always tried to control the water before it came in.

When I was in my twenties, I also had a Karate school, and bounced in nightclubs. That is how I ended up in the security business.

My first real construction job was in the 70's. I build reinforced concrete buildings all around New York City. If you've ever taken the Outerbridge Crossing from NJ into Staten Island, you drove past the administration building that I built.

I ran a glass factory and then started a glass company and built stores and  custom glass storefronts in alot of fancy malls, airports and public buildings around the east coast.

In 1993, I walked into a collapsing building that I bought from the bank and three years, when I walked out it was a laundromat. I learned about plumbing and electrical and alot of other stuff then.

For about two years, I was a project superintendant for a mid sized construction company in NY, I did a great deal of hospital work, including building a maternity ward, instant hot water system for the OR's, a mammography clinic, sonnography clinic, and so much more. I also renovated hi rise condos for these people.

Well, that's the "short list", there is so much more. One of the reasons I became an HI is because of all of the different things I've done. It seems like everything brought me here.

I also feel off a roof a few years ago. Drove myself to the hospital. I walked out 13 hours later, went home, removed my own intravenous , and drove to South Carolina to pick up a trailer.

I love the ocean, old cars and young women.

I really enjoy inspecting. Besides inspecting homes, I also inspect EIFS... which I really love doing. Right now I'm also doing insurance inspections. If I wanted I could be busy with that 7 days a week. I don't because the pay sucks... big time.

I also take on side projects to fill the holes.

Logged
Dominic Maricic
Administrator
Location: Rancho Cucamonga, CA, USA
Hero Member
*****

Karma: 12
Offline Offline

Posts: 1476



View Profile WWW
« Reply #30 on: September 17, 2008, 08:21:36 PM »

Wow, you've been busy!
Logged

Dominic Maricic
Home Inspector Pro Home Inspection Software - Lead Programmer & Owner
John Adrian Sopher
Location: Oklahoma City
Sr. Member
****

Karma: 3
Offline Offline

Posts: 435



View Profile WWW
« Reply #31 on: September 17, 2008, 09:02:52 PM »

Wow Steven, lol do you stop and smell the roses?  lol  Thats alot, and in different areas!
Logged

John Adrian Sopher
HLC Home Inspections LLC
www.oklahomahomeinspector.biz

We aim to serve Oklahoma City, Yukon, Mustang, Newcastle, Moore, Norman, Del City, Midwest City, area's.  We welcome inspections in other area's as well. Visit our site and learn more about our move in certified program.
Steven Turetsky
Jr. Member
**

Karma: 3
Offline Offline

Posts: 84


View Profile
« Reply #32 on: September 18, 2008, 05:52:21 AM »

I love to smell the roses. I think life is a beautiful thing. It doen't always follow the big plan. I'm sure we all have our stories. I'm sure they aren't all peaches and cream.
Logged
Jay Markanich
Location: Bristow VA
Hero Member
*****

Karma: 8
Offline Offline

Posts: 529



View Profile WWW
« Reply #33 on: September 18, 2008, 06:48:47 AM »

Renaissance man!!
Logged

Jay Markanich Real Estate Inspections, LLC
Based in Bristow, serving all of Northern Virginia
www.jaymarinspect.com
Northern Virginia Home Inspector
Festina Lente - Make Haste Slowly
John Adrian Sopher
Location: Oklahoma City
Sr. Member
****

Karma: 3
Offline Offline

Posts: 435



View Profile WWW
« Reply #34 on: September 18, 2008, 08:20:49 AM »

lol
Logged

John Adrian Sopher
HLC Home Inspections LLC
www.oklahomahomeinspector.biz

We aim to serve Oklahoma City, Yukon, Mustang, Newcastle, Moore, Norman, Del City, Midwest City, area's.  We welcome inspections in other area's as well. Visit our site and learn more about our move in certified program.
Gregory Scheer
Location: Plumas Lake, CA
Newbie
*

Karma: 3
Offline Offline

Posts: 47



View Profile WWW
« Reply #35 on: September 20, 2008, 02:52:58 AM »

I'm late on this post--but never late to enter the AOR.  Long and short of it my dad is a general contractor (sort of--now retired) and I joined the AF because I was too afraid to climb a ladder (scared of heights).  Ironically as it sounds, I finished up a 26-year career flying solo in a space suit (yep, peeing down my leg) for HOURS at a time above 70,000 feet.  Now I inspect homes.  I did this before, in the late 90s, but 9-11 put me on the road far too much to have any desire to do anything extra when I was home.  A trip to Korea for two years finished up the GA-based business and then the Deuce (U-2) took all of my time the last few years.  I thought I had a DoD contractor job for USfalcon but they didn't get the bid and their job offer meant nothing--so I figured after 26 years of working FOR the man, I'd become THE man.  I like it but it is truly slow starting.  I miss the flying and the cool things but not other things...

Logged

Gregory Scheer
Location: Plumas Lake, CA
Newbie
*

Karma: 3
Offline Offline

Posts: 47



View Profile WWW
« Reply #36 on: September 20, 2008, 03:01:00 AM »

Another cool pix--solo high flight


* DSC01659.jpg (36.09 KB, 640x480 - viewed 25 times.)
Logged

Dominic Maricic
Administrator
Location: Rancho Cucamonga, CA, USA
Hero Member
*****

Karma: 12
Offline Offline

Posts: 1476



View Profile WWW
« Reply #37 on: September 20, 2008, 03:11:59 AM »

That's so awesome! You're very lucky to have had those experiences!
Logged

Dominic Maricic
Home Inspector Pro Home Inspection Software - Lead Programmer & Owner
Jay Markanich
Location: Bristow VA
Hero Member
*****

Karma: 8
Offline Offline

Posts: 529



View Profile WWW
« Reply #38 on: September 20, 2008, 04:28:33 AM »

Greg - that had to be fascinating, if not fun (minus the schedule, which was probably grueling).  Can I say to you and John Sopher that I for one appreciate very much your service.  So thank you.  I understand that 70,000 feet is quite the view! 

Great helmet by the way - goes with your outfit...  What did you breath?  O2 or a mix?  What's the outside temperature at that height?
Logged

Jay Markanich Real Estate Inspections, LLC
Based in Bristow, serving all of Northern Virginia
www.jaymarinspect.com
Northern Virginia Home Inspector
Festina Lente - Make Haste Slowly
John Adrian Sopher
Location: Oklahoma City
Sr. Member
****

Karma: 3
Offline Offline

Posts: 435



View Profile WWW
« Reply #39 on: September 20, 2008, 08:20:34 AM »

Hey thanks Jay.  I didn't go in to serving my country, but I sure came out having served!  If there is one thing I think the military gave me, it was a pride of having done something bigger than myself!

Oh and Greg, I'm soooo jealous, I want a cool lookin helmet like that!  lol Wink
Logged

John Adrian Sopher
HLC Home Inspections LLC
www.oklahomahomeinspector.biz

We aim to serve Oklahoma City, Yukon, Mustang, Newcastle, Moore, Norman, Del City, Midwest City, area's.  We welcome inspections in other area's as well. Visit our site and learn more about our move in certified program.
Pages: 1 [2] 3 4   Go Up
  Print  
 
Jump to:  

Powered by MySQL Powered by PHP Powered by SMF 1.1.5 | SMF © 2006-2008, Simple Machines LLC
Joomla Bridge by JoomlaHacks.com
Valid XHTML 1.0! Valid CSS!