For Tampa-based HomeTeam Inspection Service franchisees Jeff and Margo Ackerman, along with their son Michael, success has truly been a team effort. 

When the family first purchased the franchise from its original owner in 2019, inspections were declining 12% year over year. Using their combined skills and areas of expertise, they turned the business around almost immediately, completing a whopping 1,200 inspections in the first year alone. Currently on pace to complete nearly 1,900 inspections this year, the Ackermans clearly know a thing or two about how to run a successful business.

With a background in marketing, Margo Ackerman made it her mission to get to know the real estate agents in her area. “I would go to the inspections with homemade cookies, bottles of water and business cards and take special care to talk to the agents,” she said. “I called other agents at their offices and invited them to lunch. Slowly, I started to get more involved in community events and made myself a more recognizable figure around town.” 

Additionally, hosting cocktail parties for Real Producers magazine helped the Ackermans get in front of some of the top-performing agents in their area, a strategy that is central to HomeTeam’s model of delivering high-quality service that adds value to trusted real estate partners. 

“I knew that if we could build a relationship with local real estate agents, we would end up being successful,” Margo said. “In order to build those relationships, they need to see you. Down the road, it’s harder to switch from a company when they really know you. That’s what real estate agents are trying to do when building their own businesses, and it works.”

Bringing his years of business acumen to the table, Jeff realized early on that HomeTeam’s unique team-based approach was a huge differentiator in the inspection business that needed to be brought to the forefront. 

HomeTeam’s unique model of using teams to conduct inspections, rather than single inspectors, not only saves time for everyone involved, but it allows the inspectors to focus on their unique areas of expertise during an inspection.

“Most home inspectors don’t have teams,” Jeff said. “The fact that HomeTeam’s model allows us to do an inspection in an hour is a huge selling point for busy real estate agents who are trying to build their business. We are able to complete inspections within 48 hours of getting a call and, because of that, we’re currently taking business from other home inspection companies who can’t offer that speed of service.” 

Rounding out the team is the couple’s adult son Michael, who handles budgeting, financial modeling and strategic planning. “He’s one of the keys to our success,” Margo said. “He’s very numbers-driven, and he closely monitors all the data.”

Looking back, the Ackermans couldn’t be happier they decided to franchise with HomeTeam and, just as they all bring different skills to the business, they all pull different pieces of pleasure from their job.  

“Our son is happy to play a behind-the-scenes role as he still has a full-time career,” said Margo. “I enjoy working closely with agents and providing a high-quality inspection that will enable them to get to the closing table — and ultimately, be successful.”

For Jeff, it’s more about the homebuyers. “I’ve found I really like being able to help buyers feel comfortable with the decisions they’re making,” he said. “Also, I can’t stand retirement.”

HomeTeam President Adam Long couldn’t be happier the Ackermans decided to bring their business acumen to HomeTeam. “Jeff, Margo and Michael are ideal franchisees because they understand and follow the model that we have created. They work hard and are passionate about the business. We’re proud of their success and are thrilled to have them as our partners in Florida.” 

For more information about HomeTeam Inspection Service, visit http://www.hometeam.com.