Otherwise, get replaced.
From humble beginnings to being CEO and co-owner of Elite Group Inspection Professionals, the largest inspection company in the United States, Chad’s story is one of relentless determination, groundbreaking innovation, and a commitment to helping others succeed.
Chad’s journey began in government housing in Maui in the early 70s, where life was anything but easy. He faced regular adversity and had to develop strong emotional intelligence just to survive.
At 10 years old, his family moved back to California, only to face homelessness during a major recession — his father lived in a truck camper, his brother on a sailboat, and his mother left for a new relationship.
Amid these hardships, 11-year-old Chad made a pivotal decision: he would break the cycle of poverty and create a better life for himself. “I realized I was better than that,” he recalls. “I needed to do whatever it took to succeed.”
Determined to rise above his circumstances, Chad excelled in school, enrolled in college, and gained the confidence that became a driving force in his life and career.
As he neared the end of his college studies, Chad’s entrepreneurial journey began with his father’s idea to start an inspection business. While his father and business partner excelled in the technical aspects, Chad took charge of marketing, business operations, and scalability.
Through relentless effort and strategic planning, Chad grew Elite Group Inspection Professionals into the #1 inspection company in the U.S., scaling it from $1 million in revenue to $15 million annually. The company has held this title for about 15 years.
His ability to identify the right people for his team, invest in their growth, and implement cutting-edge systems was key to this transformation.
“I’ve always been good at putting the right people in the right seats on the bus,” Chad says. “When you pour resources into good people, the results speak for themselves.”
A key to Chad’s success has been his ability to modernize the inspection industry. From introducing digital cameras to pioneering AI-driven inspection software, Chad has seen success by consistently staying ahead of the curve.
“I’ve always been focused on modernizing and advancing the industry,” he explains. “Innovation separates us from our competitors, which leads to our success.”
The latest AI software streamlines the inspection process by generating reports from video footage, which is a game-changer. It cuts inspection time in half and addresses one of the industry’s biggest pain points: efficiency.
Chad also credits bodybuilding as a significant influence on his success. The mental and physical discipline required to train, even through injuries and setbacks, taught him to push past limits.
“Success is rented, and rent is due every day,” he says. “You have to show up every day, no matter how tough things get.”
He is also inspired by the words of Kobe Bryant: “So what if I hit a wall? I’ll run straight through it.”
“I know I can do anything now,” Chad says, “which is a huge mental and emotional win.”
Chad’s mission extends beyond his own success. In 2017, he co-founded InspectionGo (iGo), which provides coaching, backend services, and innovative tools to help inspection businesses grow and thrive.
“I struggled for so many years, hitting walls and feeling like I failed,” Chad shares. “I want to help others avoid that and succeed.”
His passion for innovation and education has advanced the industry and empowered others to achieve their own growth.
For Chad, success isn’t just about revenue or accolades — it’s about impact. His proudest achievement is becoming a father and inspiring his son to embrace the entrepreneurial spirit.
As he continues to push boundaries and mentor others, Chad’s journey stands as a powerful reminder that success is about more than where you start — it’s about having the vision to innovate, the strength to overcome, and the heart to help others rise.
“I’m not here for the likes or fame — I’m here to help people do better,” Chad says.
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About me
I’m a senior leader at The Elliott Group with over 12 years of client service experience and have held a substantial leadership roles in the automotive industry. I’m also an accredited coach, a writer, speaker, and a triathlon finisher. To contact me for engagements you can reach me at [email protected].