From pillar to post is now a family affair –

Initially, Jacqueline collects he had plans to launch it and run it From pillar to post franchise in Brooklyn, New York, with my husband, as we shared in our first BLACK ENTREPRENEURSHIP Gathers profile within the 2018 article Pillar To Post Franchisee Carries On Legacy After Losing Her Husband. Six years later, Gathers revived the dream of the family business, taking her son, Tim Gathers, together with her. TO BE We spoke with Gathers to learn more about how the choice got here about and what impact it had on the corporate.

(Black Enterprise) In our previous interview, you discussed your plan to run the Pillar to Post franchise along with your husband, who unexpectedly passed away. When and why did you select to bring your son into the business?

(Jacqueline collects) It just made sense. Tim had seen me start the business and when he decided he was unsure about his profession path, I invited him to get his license and join the corporate while he found out what he wanted to do. He discovered that he enjoyed inspecting homes and the feedback from his clients was overwhelmingly positive! He also discovered that he enjoyed working along with his hands, which made bringing him in the corporate the right decision for him and the corporate.

(TO BE) How did running a business change once you had a son, and what advice would you give to parents wondering whether bringing their children into the business is the suitable idea?

(Folds) My son is a Gen Z, and their mindset is very different than the Baby Boomers. He has initiated some specific changes in the corporate that I initially disagreed with, but they appear to be making a big difference. His use and implementation of technology has been useful to us. Tim is very intelligent and is already helping shape the corporate for the longer term. Now he is taking the initiative to start conversations about ideas and technologies that he thinks we should always implement in our industry. Before, he would just take instructions from me and let me lead. It is a joy to watch him grow in the corporate, but I’m also happy with my son.

When considering hiring your child for a job, it needs to be a alternative, not a mandate. Choosing a profession needs to be something they enjoy, not an obligation.

(TO BE) We talk a lot about family legacy and generational wealth. Is there anything you do or steps you’re taking to ensure your corporation lasts for generations? If so, what?

(Folds) We need a reliable team to help us run the business. We have spent a lot of time training inspectors to perform inspections to the high standard expected of Pillar To Post. Ultimately, when Tim steps away from conducting inspections, we could have reliable individuals who will meet the necessities of the business. Tim is starting to learn the business side of the franchise in order that when the time comes, he can take a leading role in managing and developing the business.

(TO BE) As a black woman in an industry dominated by white men, what challenges have you ever faced and the way have you ever overcome them? Do you are feeling that clients are more open to your son?

It wasn’t easy. Most of the inspectors didn’t appear like me. I had a hard time convincing people who I knew what I used to be doing. But I used to be good at it, so I kept it consistent. Eventually, I began constructing trust with the actual estate agents in the world and I saw them repeating properties with me. Then, those repeaters began recommending my services to other real estate agents, and my clients began recommending me as well. I expanded my territory greater than I could have before, and at every turn, I built relationships locally and helped not only provide quality inspections, but additionally educate the community about home ownership and constructing wealth within the black community. I’m a member of the Brooklyn Chapter of the National Association of Real Estate Brokers (NAREB) and currently the Second Vice President of the Bedford Stuyvesant Real Estate Board, Brooklyn Chapter. NAREB’s platform is to increase the variety of black homeowners across the United States. I help by educating first-time home buyers concerning the importance of the house inspection component of shopping for a home. Especially those coming off the pandemic and my son’s age who may not know in the event that they may even buy a home. I also mentor people enthusiastic about becoming home inspectors.

(Folds) When my son shows up for an inspection, they do not blink a watch. They seem to be more friendly towards him and have began asking him questions and approaching him as a substitute of just following me around and watching me. There is room for me to proceed to change people’s perspectives as an inspector. But that did not stop me before. I’m glad that my son is respected because he grew up within the industry, but there is still more for me to do as a black woman in the house inspection field.

(TO BE) Do you think that you can have built such a successful business as an independent? In other words, what was it about franchising that led to your success?

(Folds) Franchising is a piece of cake for my part. I did not have to create a logo, provide you with colours, construct a website, create marketing materials, etc. I just had to concentrate on inspections and targeting my clients. Plus I even have a whole management team that I can call on for advice and guidance on any unique situations that inspections may bring up. I still talk to my Regional Director once a month about any issues I could have. He is at all times available if I want to pull him aside for my monthly call if I even have any concerns or issues. That in itself is priceless!