When Les Miller retired from the Canadian Armed Forces, he wasn鈥檛 quite ready to put up his feet and relax.
So when he was offered funding to help him transition from the Forces to another career, he seized the opportunity and applied to the Home Inspection certificate program offered though Dal鈥檚 College of Continuing Education. It was a strategic decision.
鈥淚 could have taken the course directly from Carson Dunlop [a Home Inspection company], but I wanted to have the endorsement, the accreditation, of a AV俱乐部 certification,鈥� he says. 鈥淚鈥檇 also heard great things about the program 鈥斅燵that] it鈥檚 easy to get in touch with someone if you have questions.鈥�
Making new connections
The Certificate in Home Inspection includes 10 courses that cover electrical, heating and cooling, insulation, plumbing, and structure inspection. There鈥檚 also a course on communication and professional practice, which Les found useful with his transition to civilian life.
鈥淚n the military you learn to give direction, but as a home inspector I have to be able to explain the work that needs to be done in a way the customer will understand it. The course really helped to point out the things you might know but don鈥檛 always think about 鈥� what you need to do to make a good impression.鈥�
His choice to get into home inspection was a natural fit with his 35 years in the Forces as a supply technician. Though he didn鈥檛 always do hands-on work 鈥� his role became more focused on supervision as he progressed through the ranks to chief warrant officer 鈥� he worked with many people in a variety of trades and had gained a working knowledge of construction and inspection. The certificate program helped him with making local connections.
鈥淲hile all the courses were completed online, there were many assignments that gave me the opportunity to get out and work with the local tradespeople. That was very useful.鈥�
Getting down to business
Since completing the program and passing the home inspector鈥檚 licensing exam, Les has started his own business. DownHOMEr Inspection Service offers services including comprehensive home inspections and reports, as well as Wood Energy Technology Transfer (W.E.T.T.) inspections and radon measurement.
As a business owner and operator, Les has worked with homebuyers from Pictou to Yarmouth to Lunenburg, preventing expensive surprises and providing peace of mind. It鈥檚 a role he loves.
鈥淚 like that I鈥檓 able to help somebody decide whether to make what could be a lifelong decision on the most expensive purchase of their lives. They鈥檙e often first-time home buyers and I give them the information they need to make the best decision for them.鈥�
Standing with fellow veterans
While he鈥檚 proud of what he鈥檚 accomplished in his new career, Les still has strong ties to the Armed Forces. He feels Veteran鈥檚 Week and Remembrance Day are important reminders of the people who have laid their lives on the line for their country.
鈥淔or me, it鈥檚 a solemn week 鈥� I鈥檝e lost friends to the war and the after effects of war 鈥� but when you go to a celebration on the 11th, you see how many people show up for them and it fills your heart with warmth to know they still care.鈥�