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In this episode of the Messages of Positivity podcast, I had the pleasure of interviewing Kimi McBurney, a dynamic member of our BNI group and co-owner of a home inspection company in Western North Carolina. Kimi brings a wealth of experience to the table, having grown up in a construction family and transitioned into the home inspection industry alongside her husband.

We began our conversation by exploring Kimi's background and how her upbringing in a construction environment naturally led her to start her own home inspection business in 2017. She shared insights into the importance of offering comprehensive services, including radon mitigation, to create a one-stop shop for clients. This approach not only enhances efficiency but also reduces costs and potential delays associated with subcontracting.

As we delved deeper, we discussed the gender dynamics within the home inspection industry, which is traditionally male-dominated. Kimi candidly addressed the challenges she faces as a female home inspector and how she has surprisingly received more requests for female inspectors than she anticipated. This led to a broader discussion about the importance of detail-oriented work in home inspections and how her team, which includes both men and women, collaborates effectively.

We also touched on the significance of marketing in today's digital age. Kimi emphasized the necessity of having a strong social media presence and how it plays a crucial role in staying top of mind for potential clients. She shared her experiences with networking, referrals, and the unique challenges of building a home inspection business primarily through word-of-mouth rather than paid leads.

In light of the recent challenges posed by Hurricane Helene, Kimi recounted how her business adapted to serve the community during a time of crisis. By offering storm damage assessments and water testing, they were able to support clients while maintaining their business operations. Her commitment to helping others was evident, as she shared how they raised over $30,000 to provide at-cost services to those in need.

As a mother of two and a business owner, Kimi discussed the balance between her professional and personal life. She highlighted the importance of having a support system and leveraging resources to manage her responsibilities effectively. Her insights into homeschooling and the flexibility of being self-employed resonated with the challenges many face in balancing work and family life.

To wrap up our conversation, I asked Kimi to share a piece of advice for high school students. Her response focused on the importance of financial literacy and saving money, a lesson she wished she had learned earlier in life.

This episode is filled with valuable insights on entrepreneurship, community involvement, and the importance of adaptability in the face of challenges. I hope you enjoy listening to Kimi's inspiring story as much as I enjoyed having her on the show.