Welcome to another installment of the new feature here at NCW Veterans Info: Veterans In Business. It’s my honor to introduce you to local veterans who are starting or running businesses here in North Central Washington.
In this edition, meet Cassandra Clark, owner and operator of C & C Inspections, LLC. Cassandra moved to Oroville a couple years ago and immediately became active in American Legion Hodges Post 84. Let me tell you a bit more about her and what she does:
Please tell us a little about yourself and your military service:
My name is Cassandra Clark and I served in the Navy from 1994 -1998 as a Hull Maintenance Technician at Sub Base Groton in Connecticut conducting repairs on submarines. I am the owner of C&C Inspections, LLC and I work throughout Chelan, Ferry, Douglas and Okanogan Valley. I am currently the American Legion 9th District Vice Commander and Commander of Post 84 here in Oroville.
Why did you decide to go into business for yourself? And how did you decide what that business would be?
I was working part time in building maintenance at American Legion Housing and enjoyed being able to exercise my Navy construction skills while interacting with residents to make their homes more enjoyable. The pandemic put a large dent in what I was able to accomplish with isolation precautions, etc, and eventually my job dwindled to predominantly yard work. I had been searching for something fulfilling (and full time!) when a friend suggested that home inspectors seemed to be in demand for this area and might suit my skill set. I began researching the requirements, attended the certification training in Ellensburg last fall, passed the certification in Wenatchee and have been full steam ahead ever since, launching C&C Inspections in October 2020.
How do you feel your military service helped you become a successful entrepreneur?
Discipline. A military background teaches a body to press forward despite obstacles, and there are more than a few when starting a business! As others have mentioned, the confidence and determination I learned in the Navy, together with the training and experience I gained throughout my service helped me believe I could build this business and make it a success.
Who or What other resources helped you along the way?
First, the instructors at WASHI in Ellensburg were amazing in their years and volumes of knowledge and their patience with their students. And they continue to be available after the fact for questions that may arise in unique situations, etc.
Also, I recently participated in The Supernova Business Launch Competition, and their personnel were all incredibly supportive throughout the competition, as were the other businesses competing. Everyone came together to support one another, and the experience was positive and motivating. I learned a lot about what it takes to be a successful entrepreneur.
And I have the incredibly good fortune to be surrounded by amazing people who are constantly cheering me on and encouraging me and flat out helping me make it happen. I would never have been able to launch a brand-new business during the COVID epidemic without all their love and support.
How did you come to name your company?
Actually, it was a combination of factors. First, obviously, there’s my initials. But also, it’s a nod to my family history. My family was in steel for several generations, my great-grandfather started CHC Fabrications with a couple of friends and made it very successful while at the same time maintaining a pristine reputation for honesty and fair play. I have generations of excellent examples of how to do this right and I wanted to honor that influence.
What does the future look like for you and the work you’re doing?
As with any new business, the waters have been rough to begin with, but now I feel the sails are filling and as things continue to open up, I’ll be well underway.* I love how diverse my job can be as no two homes are exactly alike so my worksite is always changing. Buying and selling homes is an endless market, and as the word gets out that I am out there to provide the most professional and thorough inspection available, I feel I’ll have plenty of opportunities to help people through what can be a very stressful transition. And, I hope and believe, I’ll be busy for many years to come. And, who knows? Perhaps I leave it as a legacy to my children and we start another generational adventure.
*(shameless nautical metaphor :D)
