We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jarrod Schulz a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Jarrod, appreciate you joining us today. What were some of the most unexpected problems you’ve faced in your business and how did you resolve those issues?
Early in my career, one of the biggest challenges I faced wasn’t performing inspections; it was keeping clients coming back. In the home inspection world, much of your work comes through real estate agents. Most buyers simply trust the inspector their agent recommends, so building those relationships matters. At first, I did what most new inspectors do. I marketed myself, introduced myself to agents, and slowly began getting booked. Sometimes an agent and I would work together on a few properties, and then the calls would stop. At the time, I couldn’t always figure out why.
One experience early on helped me understand more about how the industry works. An agent I had recently started working with hired me for several
inspections in a short period of time. Everything seemed to be going well. I was thorough, professional, and made sure both the buyers and the agent understood the condition of each property.
Then one inspection turned out to be very different. The house had a long list of significant issues, exactly the kind of property that makes buyers pause and reconsider. After the inspection, I spent nearly an hour on the phone with the buyers walking through the findings. That’s something I’ve always believed in doing. When clients hear the report explained in plain language, they can ask questions, stop me when something concerns them, and make decisions at their own pace.
Over the years, I’ve communicated with clients in every way imaginable: on-site during inspections, by phone afterward, and through follow-up messages when they need clarification. My goal is always the same: make sure they understand what they’re buying. In this case, the buyers clearly had concerns. After hearing the full picture, they decided not to move forward with the purchase.
Not long after, I received a message from the agent representing them, and who hired me. They were upset and blamed me for the buyers backing out of the deal, saying I had raised too many concerns. I responded professionally and apologized for any frustration the situation caused. But I also explained something I strongly believe: the issues I discussed weren’t opinions or exaggerations. These were real conditions the buyers would have been living with the day they moved in.
Buyers hire inspectors to uncover those problems. Our responsibility is to the client and to the truth about the property. Our licenses, reputations, and livelihoods depend on that honesty. If we overlook serious defects or choose not to mention them, we’re not doing our job, and eventually it would catch up with us.
After the project, I never heard from that agent again. At the time, losing any business stung a little. But looking back, I’m grateful for the lesson. It showed me early on that not everyone in the industry measures success the same way. Some people prioritize closing the deal. Others prioritize making sure the client fully understands the risks. That experience helped shape the way I approach my career. Instead of trying to work with everyone, I began focusing on building relationships with professionals who share the same values, people who believe in honesty and transparency.
Jarrod, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
My name is Jarrod Schulz, and I’m the owner of Sierra Nevada Structural, a home and commercial inspection company serving communities throughout Northern Nevada. I work with homebuyers, sellers, real estate professionals, and lenders to provide detailed property inspections and specialized structural evaluations. My services include home and commercial inspections, and HUD manufactured foundation certifications. The goal of my work is simple: provide clear, accurate information so people can feel confident when buying, selling, or maintaining a home.
Over the years, I’ve developed extensive experience inspecting properties across both rural and urban areas of the state, from Reno and the Carson Valley to more remote communities like Hawthorne, Tonopah, and Round Mountain. That wide range of environments has given me practical insight into the types of issues that commonly affect homes across this region.
What sets Sierra Nevada Structural apart is the level of detail and professionalism I bring to every inspection. I focus heavily on structural components, safety issues, and long-term performance concerns rather than just surface-level observations. My reports are designed to be clear and thorough, helping clients understand not only what issues may exist but also why they matter and what the next steps might be. I also make a point to communicate directly with clients, agents, and lenders so they can ask questions and fully understand the findings.
One area I’m particularly proud of is helping clients navigate specialized inspections, such as manufactured foundation certifications. These inspections are often required by lenders and can be confusing for homeowners who have never dealt with them before. I work to make that process straightforward by explaining what’s required, documenting the property carefully, and guiding clients through any corrections that may be needed.
At the end of the day, my brand is built on trust, reliability, and clear communication. A home is often the largest investment someone will ever make, and people deserve honest, accurate information about the property they’re buying, selling, or maintaining.
Can you open up about how you funded your business?
When I started my business, I made a conscious decision to build it the old-fashioned way—by funding it myself and growing it step by step. I paid for everything out of pocket, from my licensing and education to the tools, equipment, marketing, and software needed to operate professionally. Instead of taking on loans or outside investment, I chose to reinvest the money I earned back into the business as it grew.
In the early stages, that meant being very intentional about every purchase and focusing on what was truly necessary to deliver a high-quality service. As the business expands, I gradually add more tools, technology, and specialized services that allow me to better serve my clients. That approach forced me to stay disciplined and build a strong foundation before scaling.
Today, I’m proud to say the company operates without any business debt, which gives me the flexibility to focus on quality service and long-term growth rather than financial pressure. Bootstrapping the company also helped me develop a deeper appreciation for every client and every opportunity, because each step forward was earned through the work itself.
Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?
Building an audience on social media for my business was absolutely necessary for success. I primarily use Instagram and Facebook, and instead of focusing on trying to “go viral,” I consistently share real examples of the work I do every day. Home inspections naturally uncover interesting situations, structural issues, roof conditions, attic discoveries, and crawlspace problems. Those real-world examples create educational content that people actually find valuable.
A big part of growing my audience has also been connecting with local real estate agents, lenders, and homeowners in the communities I serve throughout Northern Nevada. Social media allowed me to show my expertise while also building relationships with people in the industry. Many of my posts highlight real inspection scenarios, explain common problems found in homes, or give quick tips that help homeowners better understand how their properties work. That type of content tends to resonate because it’s practical and based on real experience.
For anyone just starting to build a social media presence, my advice would be to focus on authenticity and consistency rather than perfection. You don’t need fancy production or complicated marketing strategies. Simply share what you do, what you learn, and what people might find interesting or helpful about your work. Over time, that builds trust, and trust is what ultimately turns followers into clients.