partner spotlight By Jane K. Asher, Ph.D. Photos by Sasha Marceta with Skyview Experts
JOSEPH LEO CONCLUSIVE INSPECTION SERVICES
A Top-Notch, Timely and Thorough Inspection Team Joseph Leo started his career in the construction industry where he “built” a lot of hands-on experience and knowledge working alongside his father, an Italian immigrant who owned a small general contracting company — and who Joseph identifies as his greatest influence and inspiration in life. Joseph later put his experience to good use at Walbridge Aldinger, a worldwide construction general contractor where he worked as a superintendent and project manager.
Joseph “loved the work” and the pay at Walbridge, but after many years, the stress of his position was beginning to wear on him. “As fate would have it, while I was vacationing in Marquette, I met an older gentleman who was a home inspector, and our conversation — and the long drive home I spent contemplating my options — prompted me to put in my two-week 26 • November 2021
notice at Walbridge and pursue a new path,” Joseph said. “At the time, I knew all aspects of construction but nothing about the home inspection business, so when we started the company, we felt our way through the learning process. Now, almost 20 years later, we have become the model for successful inspection companies.” Joseph and his partner, Karen Clover, established Conclusive Inspection Services (CIS) in 2003. During their first month in business, they performed one home inspection and finished their first year with only 40. “Karen told me to get a second job as a bartender because it wasn’t working out at first, but I had no doubt in my mind that our business would succeed,” Joseph said. “And I was right: This year we will perform over 1,000 inspections.” @realproducers
