Loan Helps Home Inspector Make ‘Business Dreams Come True’

Kendall Kinnear always dreamed of starting his own business.

Then, one day, he made the leap. He quit his job, went back to school, and was ready to launch a new career as a home inspector. But after living on savings and a line of credit for two years while studying and earning his license, Kendall knew he needed two things: a small business loan and the right people in his corner.

And he knew just where to start.

“Growing up in Vernon, I had always heard about Community Futures and had actually gone in years before for help searching for a job,” says Kendall. “I knew that Community Futures supports small local businesses, and I just had a feeling that they would be able to help me.”

He soon met the business services team, dove into entrepreneurial workshops and, with the support of business analyst Scot McNair, got the funding he needed to follow his dreams. He paid his licensing fees, bought the required tools for his business and was ready to get to work.

Now, nearly two years after successfully launching Argos Home Inspection, Kendall beams as he talks about helping buyers in the Okanagan get to know their dream homes.

“I love it. I love my job. I get to meet all kinds of people and see all kinds of houses. I like to think that we offer a protective service for people,” says Kendall. “We’re out there educating people and helping them protect their wallets by making them aware of potential issues.”

Before launching Argos Home Inspection, Kendall worked as a skilled flood technician and water damage inspector. Now, he uses his years of restoration experience to educate buyers about potential water damage before closing on a new home.

“Helping clients get to know their homes before they buy feels way better than I ever could have imagined,” Kendall says. “I’m so happy for my clients when they finally find their place.”

And, he smiles, it wouldn’t have been possible without the connections he made when he went into Community Futures North Okanagan to ask for help.

“It was such a streamlined process,” says Kendall. “If I didn’t get the loan, I wouldn’t have been able to start the business and would still be working in restoration.”

After finding his stride with Argos, Kendall joined Community Futures’ Business Exchange program to help develop his skills as a well-rounded business owner. While he has since moved on to open a spot in the small group forum for other local entrepreneurs, Kendall now sits on the Home Inspectors Association of BC’s board of directors and loves helping new inspectors find their path just as Community Futures helped him.

“Community Futures made it easy,” says Kendall. “I was shocked at how straightforward it was to get a business loan and make my small business dreams come true.”

Ready to launch or grow your business? Visit us online to learn more about how our business loans and resources can help you reach your goals. https://www.futuresbc.com/