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Metropolitan Association of Home Inspectors |
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The History of MAHI: A Dream Becomes Reality In 1998 Richard Manning and Michael Diesu, two established Home Inspectors from Long Island, New York, started to converse regularly by phone and mail with one issue on their minds, and one issue only............... to start a National Association of Home Inspectors chapter on Long Island After speaking to other New York NAHI members, it was revealed there was a strong desire to have such a chapter, not necessarily limited to just Long Island, but in the encompassing New York area. Richard was responsible for the preliminary mailings that motivated the idea of a New York Chapter. On October 17, 1998, Richard and Mike attended the National Association of Home Inspectors seminar in Philadelphia, PA. Prior to the start of the seminar, an evening of round table discussions was conducted by NAHI. These two forward thinking individuals chose the New Chapter group. They gathered a wealth of knowledge from established Chapter members. They found that speaking with associates from other areas of the Country was extremely informative. They discovered procedures and methods needed for success, while limiting the pitfalls of failure. Although they learned a lot, it was a bit overwhelming to say the least. They wondered if they would be up to the task! It was during this seminar that they met Gloria Isackson, NAHI Executive Director. While not aware of it at the time, meeting Gloria was fortuitist, and a key to their success. Her experience, guidance and patience helped make the dream come true! The first meeting of this fledgling soon-to-be chapter was held in a diner in Westbury, Long Island. Thanks to help of a NAHI sponsored mailing, the initial turnout was good. Over the noise of a busy Diner an association was born. Officers were elected and the name Metropolitan Association of Home Inspectors was selected.................. MAHI. There was much to be done. Dues, incorporating, future meetings and State Licensing were discussed. Two attendees volunteered their place of business, in West Babylon, NY, as a meeting place to hold monthly meetings, and at no charge. This, coupled with NAHI providing mailings at no charge, allowed the chapter to get off to a running start without any expenses. Attendance at the monthly meetings was respectable. NAHI printed and mailed out all meeting notices. It was during this time period they were introduced to Michele, Gloria’s assistant, another important person in their success. Michele was instrumental in producing the meeting flyers and mailing. To encourage attendance at the monthly meetings, one hour instructional seminars were offered at each meeting. The subjects covered were roofing, plumbing, one story structures, etc. The seminars were presented by one of the six full time NAHI members. These same six members, not only lent the new Chapter two hundred dollars ($200.00) each to support the organization financially, they also became the first Board of Directors. The Chapter incorporated early, obtained a Tax Number and filed as a non-profit organization. With Gloria’s help, the Board of Directors proceeded to develop Chapter By-Laws. After the By-Laws were approved, MAHI was officially inaugurated! The Chapter’s thoughts and energy were now focused on the original purpose of the new organization....... a seminar. Discussions were conducted at every meeting going over the pros and cons of having a seminar in 1999. Dates, locations, speakers, vendors and expenses were the usual topics at these discussions. Finally, it was decided to proceed. There was much to do. Restaurants were reviewed for price and accommodation, speakers and vendors were interviewed, a date was established and an agenda was prepared. This was a long and difficult time for the new organization. The task of maintaining an inspection business and preparing for a Seminar was arduous at best for the members. Again, NAHI and Gloria were instrumental in the success! Gloria proved to be a leader and mentor, and because of her, everything was done in proper order and in a timely fashion, and NAHI assisted financially. Finally, things appeared to be falling into place and this gave a feeling that success was around the corner! On November 12, 1999 , at The Three Village Inn in Historical Stony Brook, Long Island, the dream came true! MAHI’s first annual one day seminar was conducted. The Chapter was not even one year old, but managed to pull off this major accomplishment. Not only that........... it was a total success and profitable as well! The speakers consisted of two attorneys, a Licensed Electrical contractor, a Licensed Heating and Air Conditioning contractor and a New York State Certified Termite inspector. Four vendors were present as were 56 paying attendees. A continental breakfast, mid-morning coffee break, lunch buffet and mid-afternoon coffee break were provided. The opening speaker for the day was Paul Nagalski, a Past President and member of NAHI. Paul’s presentation set the wheels in motion for a successful event. His presences gave the Seminar the prestige that was needed to enhance MAHI’s image and it’s success in the future "A dream becomes reality" would not have happened without the efforts of an
essential group of people. Visionaries Richard Manning and Michael Diesu and the
original MAHI Board of Directors; Gloria Isackson, NAHI Executive Director;
Michele, Gloria’s assistant and Paul Nagalski, Past President and member of NAHI
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