About Terry
Posted on | November 29, 2006 | 35 Comments
My name’s Terry. Terry Wayne Platt to be exact. I live on the western edge of Mobile Alabama in the United States. For anyone who’s not sure where that is. See map
I have worked in a variety of jobs and never stayed with one occupation for very long if it confined me or bored me. I started working as a deckhand on a shrimp boat when I was about twelve and during my early teens I worked on fishing vessels around Mobile Alabama and Panama City Florida. When I graduated from high school at 17, I purchased a charter boat in Panama City but had to hire a captain to run it since the Coast Guard would not license me until I was 18. From age 18 until I was 21, I ran a charter boat service. I also lived on the boat and would “crank up and sail away” when I became bored. When there were few tourist in the winter, I would round up a crew and we would commercial fish in the Gulf of Mexico, usually down the west coast of Florida.
My father died when I was 21 and my family needed to sell the boat.  I was pretty much without any direction at that point. I had worked on the water for over half of my life and I was only 21. The local police department decided that if they could talk me into being a cop, they would have less work to do and could even use me to round up the drunk and roudy fishermen on the waterfront. They sent me to the police academy and I became a cop and I loved it. I went from city policeman, to county deputy, to state marine police. It was fun and the confinement lessened as I went up the line.
I left the marine police and Florida and returned to Mobile about ten years later. After moving back to Mobile, I once again found employment in the maritime industry and took of for the Louisiana and Texas oil fields and started carrying oil field supplies around the Gulf of Mexico for the next ten years or so. I eventually had my own ship and crew and I spent my last year at sea running supplies between New Orleans Louisiana and Coatzacoalcos Mexico.
My wife finally got jealous of me having all the fun while she raised the kids. She put a stop to it about 1985. A real bummer! What am I going to do now?
I had always had an interest in electronics and communications.  I got my first amateur radio license when I was 12 and I worked as broadcast engineer at a FM broadcast station and was co-creator of our college TV station, WGCC. Knowing this, my sister recommended that I apply for a position at a relatively new high tech outfit not more than a couple of miles from my house. I did not know what the company did or even where they were located. That’s because only my wife and kids really lived in Mobile; I had been living somewhere between New Orleans and Coatzacoalcos! I interviewed on a Thursday and was at work the following Monday.
I started to learn about corporate life and “team playing” and learned that when a job was posted on the company bulletin board it did not mean that they were “really” looking to fill the position with anyone. I was pretty often told that I did not have the degree necessary for the position. I obtained three degrees while at that company before I finally realized that the person they wanted to fill the job had already been selected but they had to post the job to make it look like everything was on the up-and-up! The word “gullible” comes to mind. I don’t feel bad about it now; they did pay for three degrees!
A serious illness in the family necessitated my resignation at that company and shortly afterwards I took a short term assignment with the US Government that I cannot discuss.
I guess it was pretty much around this time that I decided that I was basically unemployable and I decided to never again “look for a job”. I started a software mail-order business that went very well until technology moved away from floppy disks and similar types of magnetic media. I then went into computer repair, networking, internet programming, web site design and hosting and all the new things. It too was pretty good to us but I got bored in about five years.
I sold the web design and hosting accounts I had to a competitor and launched a few e-commerce sites for myself. I launched several web business ventures and was maintaining a number of websites (at one time I had 140 web sites).
It was during this time of intense web activity that I started finding tidbits of information about a business called the “field services business”. It became a serious challenge since there was so little information to find and I could get no one to talk to me about it. That set me on a quest!
After about six months of investigation, hundreds of hours of research and hundreds of phone calls, I accepted my first job in the field services industry. I agreed to drive 400 miles round trip and spend several hours on site for a total compensation of $85. Am I brilliant or what? That’s how I started. I did not have a clue what to do but I did finally figure it out.
One day a thought came to my head (that’s rare) that I had been in this business for years. Then years later a thought came into my head again – you’ve been doing this for a long time! As it turns out, I have been in the field services business possibly longer than anything else I have ever done. I have some interests that have been around longer but I’ve never worked at anything for this amount of time. I finally had to ask myself “Does this mean that I like this business?” It most be so because I have no intention of changing.
I’m quite a creative person, though often lack the talent or patience to follow through on even my best ideas. I have a keen interest in photography, boating (surprise), dogs, books, reading, astronomy, and I enjoy living wide open.  If I had to narrow it down, it would come down to a tie between my love for books and my love of interacting with people. Often I can identify my main passion swaying towards the books though.
About the Site
I created this site (and a few others) for two reasons and only two reasons:
#1 – I intend to counteract some of the things going on in the business that I feel are counterproductive to the advancement and the goodwill of the industry
#2 – I intend to make money doing it
It took a while for me to determine that a blog would be the best way for me to share my daily activities, my concerns, my views and maybe a few stories and articles. The blog also allows you to comment and interact with me. Please do, there’s nothing I like better than meeting and talking with new people. (books excluded)
So feel free to wander around my site.  Visit the links I may recommend, comment on my posts, or just hang out, if that’s your thing.
The site is not finished yet, and will probably prove to be more of an ongoing project, with constant little improvements as and when, either from user feedback, or some crazy notion I got.
Disclaimer
The reason for this site’s existence is to offer an inside daily view of the field services business and to promote my e-book about the business.
I try to post my daily activities so you can follow along, or ride with me so to speak.
For years I have been contacted by individuals interested in the business and wanting more information. The hardest part has always been describing a typical day in the business. Hopefully, you will not only enjoy my posts but also learn what the realities of the business are on a day to day basis.
TerryPlatt.com is a unique web site — a blog focused on the field services industry. I’ve spent several years working in the field services industry and I thought it would be entertaining to write about my daily experiences and what I see going on in the industry.
No one that I know of besides myself is really talking about the street level side of the business, so this site gets a lot of curious visitors every day. As the site attracts more and more attention, I occasionally try to remind my visitors that the purpose of the site is to tell about my day and give my opinion of the field services industry. What does that mean? It means that if you don’t like what I say, then don’t read the blog.
My opinion of the industry can often hit the bull’s eye. It can also be dead wrong. Your decision to use the information this site provides means you assume all risk for relying on anything I’ve decided to write here — while I do my best to make sure my information is as accurate as possible, I make no warranties, express or implied, regarding the veracity of my opinions expressed within.
I also do not assume any responsibility for the content of reader’s comments, although I may at my discretion edit or remove offensive material. Your decision to rely on the information contained within the comments on a particular story is just that — your decision alone!
I thank each of you for visiting and your contact with me. Please continue to do both and let’s continue to make this a fun and profitable business.
As always, if you would like to contact me, please use the email address of terry at terryplatt.com
Have fun!
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December 22nd, 2006 @ 10:46 am
Hi Terry!
I’ve been perusing your site and have found it very interesting and informative.
I’m trying to get started in the industry, initially to supplement my income, and if it takes off, I guess I can reevaluate at that time.
I just did my first inspection last week in Olive Branch, MS–I actually had two but I couldn’t find one of the properties. So, it leads me to two questions….
1. What do you usually do if you can’t find a property given the directions by mapquest or yahoo maps?
2. The other property, I need to verify if it was vacant or occupied and I could not have contact with the owner. When I drove by to take a picture, there was a person in the yard that appeared to be a visitor and I observed another person exit the house to talk. I put on the report that it was verified occupied as the occupant was on the premises. Do you think that was enough or do they generally want to know WHO the occupant is (in the case that it is subleased?) Should I have talked to a neighbor or would the company reply that they need more info?
I’m just a little insecure as it was my first assignment and I want to make sure it was done properly.
Also–do you have any suggestions for a female in the business, the idea of going to strange houses–at least in some areas–does make me a little nervous.
Thank you for your time and considerations of my questions and I look forward to talking/e-mailing with you!
Kim
December 30th, 2006 @ 4:34 pm
Terry
How can I buy your Field Services Business Manual by mail using a money order? i’m unable to order online with a credit card.
Thanks
Dennis Bendickson
January 1st, 2007 @ 8:56 pm
Hey Terry,
Just saw your website for the first time. I, like you, love the industry. However, I had one bad experience that anyone out there should not repeat.
I hooked up with a firm in California (I live in Maryland) who called me and offered $10 occupancy inspections. What a deal! They initially sent me 65 inspections. I did them the first weekend in time, and then they started sending me more. Two weeks after the initial inspections, they went me a check for $50. I called and said I was due more than $600. They stalled and said they will mail out the rest. Needless to say, I stupidly believed them, completed more than 500 more inspections, but never saw anymore $$. Here’s what I didn;t do that all inspectors should:
Get the rate, date payment due, and how they are going to pay you.. IN WRITING.. before, you take on work.
THese guys turned out to have done this before (thru the SOFI site) and probably to my predecessor in the area. It seemed too good to be true and was.
I will stick to the business because I love it. I have done disaster inspections for years and love the whole site inspection vocation. I just haven’t found it enough to provide for my family, so I have a “real” job.
OK, good luck with the site. Don’t know how you have time to do it though.
adios
Mark
February 20th, 2007 @ 9:58 am
Mark’s story is really scary. Is there any place or way to share names of companies that take advantage of field inspectors? I’m a SOFI member, too, and I know that site admin would be horrified if he knew this happened through SOFI. I’m sure nobody wants to bad-mouth, but I surely couldn’t afford to do work for nothing and would appreciate knowing who the really bad guys are.
Thanks,
Sandra
February 21st, 2007 @ 7:32 am
The best way to learn about problems in the industry is to communicate with others in the business. Yahoo and Google chat groups are good as are forums and web sites.
Protect yourself. It’s not difficult. Set an amount you are willing to sacrifice if need be; $200, $500 or so. When the unpaid amount owed you reaches your preset limit just quit accepting work from the company and let them know why. There are several remedies after the fact also.
March 8th, 2007 @ 5:10 pm
Can anyone give me some ideas on what to charge when getting accounts dirrectly with insurance or lending instutions. I am sure if the middle man is eliminated inspections will pay more. I am just getting started in field inspections and have only worked for companies found on field reps needed. I found a web site that lists a lot of insurance, banks and mortgage cos. in my area and any info will be greatly apreciated. I have been taking anything I can get and they are scattered all over the state. It would really be nice to get work in a concentrated area. Thanks herb
June 30th, 2007 @ 12:03 am
Terry I have been doing inspections in Indiana for a company based in Ohio. In the begining I was getting bombarded with orders and was driving all over the place. I was really pumped up. Well then some other guy under bid me and the company that was feeding me orders suddenly took away several zip codes and gave them to this new company. I cant evan under bid them because they entered this guy into a contract for all of my money zip codes, so now I find myself out in the middle of the country driving many miles to each job. I was doing about 75 per day and am now down to about 25 on a decent day. I have a great on time percentage and am really ticked that this company was so un-ethical. I would really like some suggestions on some companies to apply at. I am tired of being out in the middle of corn fields all the time. Its killing me financially but I dont want to give up on it because I love my job. I have gave it my all I to have many stories I would love to share sometime. Lets face it my family just cant relate to any of my talks about “houses or inspections” Any advice would be great. I will keep an I out in chat rooms but would love some extra info.
Thanks Jennifer
July 2nd, 2007 @ 8:10 am
Jennifer,
Your situation is not unusual. In fact, I was creating new directories this morning on our office server and that reminded me there are four or five companies I did not have to make directories for – they no longer send any work.
There are not many mortgage field service companies loyal to the field reps nowadays. There are a few but less than a handful.
Your only option is to venture into other areas of field services like field chases, insurance inspections, floor plans, etc. Now here’s the good part: they pay more, are less stressful and are less harmful on your vehicle.
You will find a pretty large list of companies at http://www.TheRepReport.com. I also recommend you use the RepReportsâ„¢ there. The information the RepReportsâ„¢ give you is dynamic – they change according to the industry. Use the information to find other companies to work for.
Of course you can also call if you need to talk.
September 7th, 2007 @ 7:15 am
Terry, I’m not very savvy with a computer and my 18 year old son wasn’t home when I ordered the manual. So, I was reading the manual and enjoying it, but I had only downloaded it and not saved it. What can I do? Ed
September 7th, 2007 @ 8:38 am
I have re-sent the download link to your hotmail e-mail address.
September 14th, 2007 @ 12:46 pm
Hi Terry,
I found your website today and it is very informative. I am located in Atlanta and worked for a company based out of California for a few years doing only commercial property inspections for Wachovia, Bank of America, GMAC to name a few. This company hires inspectors part-time and you can make pretty good money doing 30-60 inspections per month. I stopped because I had other obligations that were more pressing. I read somewhere where you do some commercial inspections. I would like to do commercial property inspections on my own. Do you have a source that you could point me to locate lenders or asset managers to let them know about my services? Thanks!
Sonya
September 15th, 2007 @ 8:30 am
Hi Sonya,
I do a few commercial inspections. No where near what I would like to do, but yes, I do them and am looking for me.
When I first started in business I tried all types of field services to kind of make a decision on what I would prefer. I wound up concentrating on mortgage inspections. I think I did this because I am a nervous energy type of person that gets bored very easily. I liked the go-go-go and disliked spending the time required to do commercial inspections. Of course some commercial inspections can be finished in a very short time.
As a result of my earlier decisions, I do not have many contacts for commercial work. The work I have done lately has come from three sources – other reps, calling the few companies I know and internet research. The largest income has come from referrals. So, I suggest you get involved in the forums at TheRepReport and track down all the Yahoo and Google forums you can participate in.
TheRepReport is a tremendous resource. A link for every company I locate is put there. The RepReport keyword searches will show you hundreds of links to companies that may need you. You will have to spend the time going through them and visiting the sites.
Sorry I can not be more specific but this is usually the normal procedure anyway. As far as I know, TheRepReport is the ONLY source for leads and links. I actually use it myself practically everyday. As my mortgage inspection assignments fall off, I try to replace the cash flow with commercial assignments.
September 15th, 2007 @ 10:19 am
Thanks Terry! I appreciate your reply. I did not know about RepReport until I visited your site. I will check them out and investigate some of the companies that are listed. I will keep checking your site for new updates. Thanks again.
October 2nd, 2007 @ 2:36 pm
I purchased you manual online on Friday. I have not gotten an email about the manual or how to access it. Would it be possible for you to email it to me.
Thanks,
M Byrum
lehuamalia1@yahoo.com
October 3rd, 2007 @ 10:05 pm
Hi Billie,
I’m glad you got in touch with me and I’m glad I was able to get the manual to you. Thanks again.
November 1st, 2007 @ 9:57 pm
Terry,
2 things:
1. I purchased your manual a long time ago and never received it due to it being updated at the time. Now that your new manual is complete, I would like to get a copy. I paid for it when I ordered originally. You did send me names of companies to contact etc.
2. On September 26th, maybe, you had a request for inspectors for medical facilities in certain cities. I live in Bristol, TN and would like to do some of this work in NE TN if you could drop my name to the company looking if ever they need someone here.
We work with diabetics on Medicare fitting them with therapeutic shoes. We are in and out of medical facilities and see plenty. Would be interesting inspections for us.
I enjoy your blog and keep up the good work you do keeping us informed.
ED
November 7th, 2007 @ 12:42 pm
Terry,
You have done a wonderful job with this site. The more I read the more I want to know. I thnk you have taken a creative and innovative approach to this site and this industry. I bet you thought I would say that.
Keep up the good work!
Callie
November 8th, 2007 @ 4:05 pm
Thanks Callie. Kind words from a good friend.
November 13th, 2007 @ 11:08 am
Hi Terry,
Just wanted to say thanks for a great site and to ask you a couple of questions.
First, I live in the Houston area which seems to be the hub for this type of work. I have yet to see a job listing for this area. I really want to get this up and going but am wondering if it is too saturated here?
Also, I read in one of your post that you suggest newbies starting off with commercial and insurance inspections ’cause it doesn’t require having insurance. I didn’t even know I would need insurance until I came accross your site, so thanks for that. Are those really the only two types of inspections that I can do that don’t require insurance?
Thanks for everything,
Steve Sellers
November 13th, 2007 @ 2:24 pm
Hi Steve,
It is impossible to predict how much work would be in an area. I tell everyone that the only way to find out is to get started and work at building a business.
There are probably plenty of businesses that could use your help. The problem is, they don’t know about you and you don’t know about them.
Just as an example, just this year, I can pick out three reps I helped get started and they are now doing things I never knew existed. One inspects and reports on ATM machines throughout the state, one inspects private runways and aircraft terminals in the southeast, and another is verifying installation of medical equipment.
So, I really cannot say how things will go there. There may not be room for another mortgage inspection rep, and there may be a surplus of insurance inspection reps, but there is probably a shortage of some other types that neither you or I know about. Maybe you would stumble on them while trying to build a field service business.
As far as the insurance, it appears that mortgage inspection work is the only service that requires E&O. All businesses should have liability insurance.
December 11th, 2007 @ 7:06 pm
Terry:
First I would like to say thank you for your hard work on this website and Therepreport.
My question is regarding the E&O Insurance, Is a $1,000,000.00 policy that is $2800.00 per year the going rate for this type of policy?
I appreciate any input you could give me. I am enjoying reading your manual and list.
Sincerely,
Sandra Shean
San Diego, CA
December 12th, 2007 @ 1:05 am
Hi Sandra,
I don’t think that is the going rate any longer. At one time there was only one company writing E&O for field reps – or only one that I knew about, and they could pretty much get what they wanted. Rumor has it that there was a little back rubbing going on.
Things did improve when a couple of competitors showed up with better pricing but the latest rumor is that some of the companies are saying they will not accept the policy written by the competitors! Kind of makes me think the rumors could be proven to be fact! Just sounds too fishy!
I have been told there is the possibility of some legal fireworks over the whole mess. I do not know any reps that think the insurance requirement is on the up-and-up. In fact, just about all other field service activities other than MORTGAGE field services do not require E&O at all.
It’s my opinion that the mortgage servicing companies are assuming less and less responsibility for what goes on in the field and if they can require the rep to get the E&O insurance, then they have greatly reduced their liability too. Such a deal! Where else can you get someone to inspect a property for $5 and take on the liability for thousands of dollars?
I am quickly souring on the mortgage field services part of this business. I continue to advise everyone to look elsewhere. Just about everything else pays more and requires less time and effort anyway.
Now, to answer your question. Even though I rant and rave about mortgage inspections, I still do plenty of them. And, there are better prices than $2800. Call me at the office.
January 28th, 2008 @ 3:21 pm
http://www.answers.com/topic/alan-shepard this link attributes Alan Shepard as making the quote about the low bidder building the space ship
August 11th, 2008 @ 6:40 pm
Hi Terry,
I am very interested in your manual if it is still available. I was wondering how safe this type of work is for a woman and a mother at that. I’m a SAHM of 2 boys and am looking for something I can do on the side.
I’m wondering what all is involved in a typical inspection. I understand there are many different types of work. I am just curious if you are ever confronted by people.
I see there is some sort of insurance required which runs around $2800? Its nice to know ahead of time so I can decide if this is right for me. I understand that other parts of this business do not require it.
Any tid bits you can provide would be greatly appreciated and would help in my decision.
Thanks,
Jessi
September 3rd, 2008 @ 10:23 am
Hey Terry, I wanted to ask if you had any advice on starting a preservation company? Thanks.
September 11th, 2008 @ 6:14 am
Don’t set around and wait on the nationals to give you work.
Don’t believe everything you hear.
Go out and eat your favorite and most expensive meal before you talk fees with anyone.
September 17th, 2008 @ 9:53 am
Hi Terry,
I love your website as it helps us newbies benifit from your years of experience. My question is what is a field chase and floor plan inspection?
Thanks,
Terry
September 23rd, 2008 @ 7:26 pm
A field chase is the old slang term that probably originated with the repo man of days gone by. Field chase was the term that meant they were out looking for the property. Some companies still use the term and you will see ads looking for someone to field chase boats, or cars, or motorcycles; that kind of stuff. I used to field chase Harley Davidson motorcycles.
A floor plan inspection is where a rep visits a retail establishment that has inventory for sale that was financed by a lender. That inventory, when purchased or financed by a lender, is called a floor plan. Many companies use reps for floor plan inspections. I have done mobile homes, lawn mowers, boats, cars, sporting goods and more.
November 2nd, 2008 @ 11:05 pm
How do I buy a copy of your manual? Please email me at whiteappraisal@hotmail.com. thanks!
November 5th, 2008 @ 10:55 am
Terry,
I have found your website very informative. Thank you for all the great information. I have ben working with a friend in PP and REO work in a neighboring state and have just started my own business, but i need insurance. Could you send me the names of the insurence companies?
Thanks in advance,
David
December 2nd, 2008 @ 3:47 pm
TERRY,
I WORKED IN THE CONSTRUCTION TRADES THROUGHOUT HIGH SCHOOL AND IN TO MY EARLY TWENTIES.
UNTIL AN OPORTUNITY AROSE TO DO FIELD INSPECTION WORK FOR A COMPANY OUT OF BIRMINGHAM. THE COMPANY WAS OWNED BY MY WIFES GRANDMOTHER .IT WAS ENJOYABLE WORK AND I MADE DESCENT MONEY. AS THE GRANDMOTHER RETIRED AND SLOWLY LIQUIDATED THE COMPANY. I FOUND MYSELF LOOKING FOR ANOTHER PROFESSION.
I FOUND THE MARINE INDUSTRY. ALL I KNEW ABOUT BOATS AND MOTORS AT THE TIME WAS WHAT I HAD PICKED UP, FISHING AND OPERATING BOATS AS A YOUNG MAN GROWING UP ON THE GULF COAST.NOW AFTER TWELVE YEARS IN THE BOAT BUSINESS I HAVE DONE EVERYTHING FROM BALANCING THE BOOKS, TO WORKING ON THE MOTORS, AND ALL POINTS IN BETWEEN. ALL OF MY EXPERIENCE HAS BEEN SPLIT BETWEEN TWO MAJOR DEALERS. SINCE OUR ECONOMY HAS FALLEN ON SUCH HARD TIMES , AND BOATS ARE DEFINITELY A LUXARY ITEM ,THE INDUSTRY HAS TAKEN A HARD HIT.SO I FIND MYSELF AT ANOTHER EMPLOYMENT CROSSROAD IN MY LIFE .
IF YOU WHERE IN MY SHOES AND WANTED TO EXPLORE GETTING BACK INTO THE INSPECTION BUSINESS WHERE WOULD YOU START ? YOU SEEM TO HAVE A WORLD OF KNOWLEDGE ON THE WAY THE INDUSTRY OPERATES TODAY. ANY INPUT WOULD BE APPRECIATED.
THANKS,
CHRIS
December 10th, 2008 @ 5:43 am
Give me a call and we will talk.
January 6th, 2009 @ 8:46 pm
Hi Terry:
I came across your site while looking for quality control measures for the field services industry. I’m currently a contractor for a field services company and employ 6 subcontractors. Today I received an email stating that I would not receive any new orders until I responded to how an address that doesn’t exist was entered in the system with all pertinent data. After a few minutes of research, I found no such property existed and contacted the person who had sent the email. She told me which sub had reported the information. I called him to find out how he came up with the directions to the property, etc. He didn’t have information with him and won’t be back until Thursday.
To make a long story short, I’m being asked how I would handle such a dilemma in the future and what quality control measures do I use, since this is my company I’m ultimately held accountable. I can’t just blame the subs. Therefore, I wanted to ask if you have any suggestions or best practices for making sure subs are conducting the assignments as required.
They all have a copy of the manual, a form that I provided for use, access to all of the mapping sites and Microsoft Streets and Trips. The sub has been with me for 3 weeks and has extensive experience conducting FEMA inspections.
I’d like to buy your manual but wanted to know if it contained information on quality control before making the purchase.
Any advice you could provide would be welcome.
March 7th, 2009 @ 12:44 pm
Terry
I’m currently doing field inspections as a subcontractor through someone who has vendor contracts through Safeguard, First American, MCS, and others. I’m fairly busy but am getting tired of all the driving. I’d like to start my own business with these and other companies doing a variety of inspections and hire subcontractors in Southern California. Can you give me some tips?
Thanks
Joe
March 24th, 2009 @ 2:14 pm
Terry
What is a resonable amount to bid for Loss Draft inspection work?