My RV Resource loves sharing details about our Featured VIP members and this week, we’re proud to spotlight David Cantrell at Miles From Monday RV Inspection Services.
When I was introduced to David, he was a newer RV inspector but I could tell from his logo, this guy was going places (pun intended). His clever highway sign is fitting for his website design, which I absolutely love!
It’s been a few years and we’ve become great friends with David and his wife, Robin since they are close to Tampa where Jason and I live full-time in our fifth wheel.
They’ve come to visit our vendor booth at the Florida RV Super Show several times, we meet up occasionally with them and other fellow RV inspectors in central Florida and we talk on the phone quite often.
It’s always a pleasure to speak to David with his southern accent and his great manners which reflect his genuine nature and helpfulness. He and Robin are some of the most down-to-earth people we’ve ever met.
Here’s a little more about their journey at Miles From Monday RV Inspection Services…
Tell us a little about your situation while running Miles From Monday RV Inspection Services.
We are headquartered in the Orlando area and Miles From Monday RV Inspection Services
covers all of Florida and central and eastern Georgia. We also work from the road seasonally when possible.
Robin and I are usually chasing the fall foliage in Tennessee and North Carolina the month of October. The Summer of 2022 will be spent out West in Utah, Montana, Oregon and Wyoming.
Do you live in an RV full-time?
My wife Robin and I aren’t full time yet but are working in that direction. We just purchased a 2021 Alliance Paradigm 385FL in preparation for the transition.
What inspired you to start Miles From Monday RV Inspection Services?
I never knew there was such a thing as an RV inspector. I knew I liked RVing and was burned out in the corporate world, so I took the leap and turned my passion into a work hobby.
My retirement “part-time” job has turned into a full-time plus affair. We are very thankful that we got into the business just prior to the RV boon.
David Cantrell, Miles from Monday RV Inspections, checking the front cap seal on an RV roof.
What RV services or RV products do you offer?
Along with traditional RV inspections, we provide first-time RV buyer training that includes: Pre-delivery RV walk-throughs; RV Familiarization at campsites; RV Fluid Analysis, and light RV repair service work.
We are also Amsoil distributors and can provide you with oil and lubrication products for pretty much any application.
What is your background and how did you develop the skills to start Miles From Monday RV Inspection Services?
My wife, Robin, and I have been RVing for over 30 years. If you have been around RVs for any amount of time, you will end up repairing often and performing yearly RV maintenance actions.
I spent many years after my Air Force retirement doing Project Management. Using the skills I learned doing projects and our RV experiences have certainly helped me start and run my own business.
What has been your business’s proudest moment?
Nothing is better than when a client thanks us for our thoroughness, honesty and integrity. Positive reviews are always fresh meat for a tiger. When clients go out of their way to tell others about their experience with Miles From Monday RV Inspection Services, it reaffirms my commitment to help other RVers.
When I am able to identify discrepancies and issues that help prevent a client from spending thousands of dollars on a rig that they will never be satisfied with, it is always a good day. Clients are very appreciative and turn around and rehire us for the next rig.
What has been your biggest challenge?
Saying “No” to new clients. I love the RV life and want everyone to share in the great adventure.
Like most of us the past 18 months, we have been extremely busy. Even though my schedule is packed, I always try to fit a new client in somehow. I am thankful that I can (and do) refer callers to the My RV Resource directory website.
Describe your typical work day at Miles From Monday RV Inspection Services.
David performing an RV LP (propane) leak check.
When I get to the worksite, I always take a picture of the rig and text it to the client letting them know I am onsite and starting. They are generally on pins and needles, so anything I can do to help calm them down and keep them excited at the same time keeps them engaged.
I have modified my HomeGauge report writing software templates (thank you, Lisa Carletti) so they better follow my typical workflow.
I always call the client when I am complete and give them a quick rundown on any major items they should be concerned about. I also take the time to explain what they will see on the report later that evening.
Tell us something interesting/fun about Miles From Monday RV Inspection Services.
My best days are when I get to show new RVers all the aspects of their RV, explaining how everything works. I also offer suggestions for ancillary items that might save them time and money.
My time as a flight instructor comes back to me during these times. I can’t help but offer RV training in the hopes that their RV experiences are positive ones.
If you could go back to the beginning knowing what you know now, what would you have done differently?
I wish I would have gotten more experience/knowledge on different types of RVs and campers. I have always been a towable guy (fifth wheels and travel trailers). More knowledge on Class A, Class C motorhomes and Class B campervans would have been very helpful.
I believe if I could have followed another qualified RV inspector around, I would have saved myself some headaches.
What’s your best advice for someone who wants to start his/her own RV business?
Find another certified RV inspector and try to shadow them for a couple of RV inspections. I have mentored a couple of guys and I always seem to relearn items every time we go out on an inspection.
Pick their brains on how they conduct inspections and what RV tools they use to manage the RV business side.
Any other comments or advice you'd like to share?
STAY HYDRATED!!
Glad to chat with you, my friend!
To read more about spotlight Miles From Monday RV Inspection Services, click here to check out his company listing page.
You can also follow David Cantrell on Facebook or visit his website here.
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