Week 39 – Confidence vs. Ego: This Week, I Got a Reality Check

This week reminded me: even when you're good, you’re never done learning.

I had a call with Curt that left me thinking for days. Not because he was harsh—but because he was right. I’ve been feeling more confident lately. Reviews are great. Agents trust me. The systems are humming. And somewhere along the way… I started sounding a little too sure of myself.

Then I had a run-in with a contractor that put me right back in student mode.

Here’s what happened:

A client’s contractor called us out—said we “missed a bunch of code issues” in our report. Claimed we should’ve flagged all these items. Started questioning our competence. Honestly? I was steamed. But as Curt reminded me, this wasn’t about defending my pride. It was about helping the client—and staying professional, no matter what.

The truth about inspections (and what some people still don’t get):

We’re not code inspectors. We’re not contractors. We don’t do invasive or destructive testing. We’re here to provide a system-by-system review based on what’s visible and accessible at the time of inspection. But man, some folks really don’t understand that. And this contractor? He was one of them—until we talked.

How Curt helped me get ready:

He coached me through how to handle the call calmly, confidently, and if needed—legally. He reminded me that the client comes first, and clarity always beats conflict. When I called the contractor, things were heated at first. But then, I explained what an inspection is and isn’t. I walked him through what was documented, with photo evidence. And eventually… he got it.

Here’s the outcome:

• The contractor apologized—and actually thanked me for the clarification.
• The client got a follow-up explaining what was (and wasn’t) missed, and left the conversation reassured.
• Our reputation stayed intact—and I learned how to de-escalate instead of over-defend.

What I’m taking with me from now on:

Confidence is earned—but it’s fragile when it tips into ego. I know my stuff. I’m trained. I care. But I’m always a student, and I always represent more than just myself. Every inspection is an opportunity to educate—not dominate. And every tense moment is a test of maturity, not just messaging.

The mindset I’m keeping:

Be the expert. Be the educator. Be open. And when someone pushes back, don’t flinch—just clarify, calmly. Because ego might win the moment, but humility wins the relationship.

→ Next up: Week 40: Turning a One-Time Client Into a Lifelong Referral Source

← Last week we talked competition—catch it here: Week 38: What My Competitors Are Doing — And Why I’m Not Scared

Want to run a home inspection franchise that gives you confidence without ego? It starts with great coaching.