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TECHNICAL
R
egistered Home Inspector (RHI)
and Architectural Technician, Mark
Hendley, is the inventor of the “Eye-
Stick,” a tool that keeps home
inspectors in staying safe on the ground
while a camera does the work 25 feet above.
I like to recognize those entrepreneurs who
take a step outside the box, and “pick their
brain” so to speak, so I approached Mark for
an interview about his invention and asked
him what made him decide to create and
market his product.
Mark, Congratulations on the success of the
‘Eye-Stick’.
How long have you been in the
home inspection business?
Thank you Laurel, this year marks 15 years
(1997)
What was your background prior to becoming
a home inspector?
I am a Graduate of the Architectural Tech-
nician Diploma program and then worked 6
years as a Residential Insurance Property
Claims Estimator, before getting into the Home
Inspection Industry.
When did you first toy with the idea of inventing
the ‘Eye-Stick’?
After consistently inspecting risky roofs with a
ladder, both as an Estimator and Home Inspec-
tor, in 2008 I figured there had to be a safer
and more convenient way to inspect roofs with-
out being at risk. I researched high and low
for something similar to the Eye-Stick, only to
find nothing. As a result, I decided to attempt
designing one for my own use.
What made you decide to step outside the realm
of home inspecting into the development of a
product for our business?
I am a firm believer in diversity and therefore
thought manufacturing and selling a tool for
our Industry would generate a perfect second
income.
How long did you need to spend on the design
and creation before you patented your product
and put it out to market?
It took approximately 2 1/2 long years.
Did you need to make a number of prototypes
before the final product was ready to market?
Numerous prototypes were made and tested.
Different poles, different heads, different elec-
tronics! I have a garage full of useless compo-
nents to prove it!
What options are available with this product?
Can I use my own camera?
You can absolutely use your own camera.
The Basic Eye-Stick was originally designed
as a simple means to “Elevate” your personal
digital camera to a height unattainable due
to risk or circumstances. We then created
a second option, the Professional Eye-Stick
which incorporates a live feed camera and
monitor to have the ability to see exactly
what you are capturing on your own camera,
while still on the ground. A very exciting third
Eye-Stick option has just been launched and
consists of a combination of the latest Sam-
sung Wi-Fi camera which communicates to
any Samsung Android Smartphone or Tab-
let. This latest option reduces the number
of required electronic components, allows
you to snap still pictures instantly and also
permits you to zoom in on specific areas of
concern.
Do you market this product to other profes-
sionals besides Home Inspectors?
We also market the Eye-Stick to engineers, law
enforcement and security officials, photogra-
phers and insurance adjusters. The uses and
applications are endless.
How many home inspectors do you estimate are
using your product?
There are approximately 125 Home Inspec-
tors in North America currently using either the
Basic or Professional Eye-Stick package. We
anticipate a very strong response to the latest
Wi-Fi model.
Do you provide instruction to your customers on
how to use the Eye-Stick?
Keeping an “Eye” out for new ideas
Laurel Harris interviews Mark Hendley about his latest invention
By Laurel Harris
, RHI - OAHI, ACI – ASHI, NCA#00054
continued on page 33
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T H E C A N A D I A N
HOME INSPECTOR