The BrickKicker - DeKalb County
Providing Inspection Services for All DeKalb County Communities.
Call Us: 815.827.4677
Email Us: request@brickkicker.com
We'd love to hear your feedback!
Jump To:
Meet Your BrickKicker Team



Field Staff
-
Andrew Fox *
Commercial & Residential Building ConsultantIL Home Inspection License #450.010911closeAndrew Fox *
Commercial & Residential Building ConsultantIL Home Inspection License #450.010911The old saying "Do what you love and never work a day in your life" holds very true to me. Every aspect of what I do on a daily basis for The BrickKicker truly is amazing and I can relate it all back to my upbringing. At an early age, I can remember moving around often from state to state as my parents were getting settled but most of my time was spent living in the Madison, Wisconsin area. Both of my parents served in the U.S. Air Force so I had a pretty structured upbringing but I was always allowed to explore and try new things. Building with Legos stemmed my interest in building things, often without instructions.
All throughout my schooling, I wrestled (nearly 18 years), which helped to prepare me for my time served in the U.S. Air Force as a Weapons Specialist. While serving 6 years in the military, I attended my undergraduate studies in Hotel Management in Madison while finishing in Orlando through the University of Central Florida and the Walt Disney Company. From there I had the opportunity to learn more about corporate structure and management while working for the Target Corp. and Marriott International.
I had a deep desire to want to get back to my passion as a kid in building things so I started my Graduate Program at the University of Florida School of Architecture of which led me into exploring ways to work on my own, helping people better understand the built world. This is where I decided to become licensed in the inspection industry. I am extremely passionate about everything I do, to include spending quality time with my wife and two Jack Russell Terriers. As my wife says, I always go, go, go...
-
Javier Cangiano *
Commercial & Residential Building ConsultantIL Home Inspection License #450.011481closeJavier Cangiano *
Commercial & Residential Building ConsultantIL Home Inspection License #450.011481Providing quality home inspections has become a devoted passion of mine since working with The BrickKicker. My professional background started in the landscape industry; I started and ran a landscape company for 10 years which I sold as my true passion was the home industry. I was a carpenter framing houses and then moved into the interior as a trim carpenter. I soon became a supervising contractor, getting foreclosed homes back on the market for the banks. This experience and my curiosity is what taught me a lot of what makes homes work and jump started my home inspection career. My favorite part of the home inspection process is leaving a client more educated than when the inspection began and. I feel that having insight on your future home, best prepares you for anything as a homebuyer. In my spare time, I enjoy traveling, mountain biking, skiing and fishing.
-
Rob Colecchi
Residential Building ConsultantIL Home Inspector License #450.002613closeRob Colecchi
Residential Building ConsultantIL Home Inspector License #450.002613After 12 years of inspecting with The BrickKicker I have learned that during your home buying purchase, it is not uncommon for my clients to feel nervous and excited at the same time. Most clients have complimented me on my thoroughness of my inspections, but what I enjoy the most during the process is teaching my clients about the scale of the deficiencies, giving them a realistic perception, and discussing the corrective course of action. My early life was spent in the construction industry, but after receiving my degree I spent several years as a trainer and project manager in corporate America, all the while remodeling homes on the side. I grew to love the housing industry more, and found myself being a “Jack of all Trades Master of None” which fit perfectly into the Home Inspection Industry. No single house or client is the same which is what keeps me excited about what I get to do every day. It is my hope to give the most transparent picture of your future home.
-
Rob Claus *
Commercial & Residential Building ConsultantIL Home Inspector License #450.000001closeRob Claus *
Commercial & Residential Building ConsultantIL Home Inspector License #450.000001I earned a Bachelor’s of Science in Industrial Technology Construction Sequence from Illinois State University. Upon graduation I spent two years working for a Civil Engineering consulting firm. It was during this time I felt the need to activate my education and began embarking on my home inspection career. In April of 1991, I performed my first home inspection for The BrickKicker. Being not only new to the emerging industry but young in age, I had to master the art of client interaction. This interaction eventually became the standard for which every The BrickKicker would model moving forward.
In 2014, I assumed the role of Director of Technical Resources with the responsibility to maintain and drive the high standards for the company and the software used to create the reports. In addition, I am also the primary technical resource for all The BrickKicker’s from coast-to-coast in the role of General Manager of Franchise Services. All of this all while performing inspections for the local The BrickKicker Chicagoland operation which afforded me the achievement of performing my 10,000th inspection in 2017.
I have a passion for all types of homes, especially special projects like rehabs or historical homes. My wife and I have been married for over 25 years and have two wonderful college children. Our oldest is studying to become a pilot while the youngest is focused on music education. We spend much of our free time traveling to visit both of them to attend as many of their events as possible. -
Tom Concialdi
Residential Building ConsultantIL Home Inspector License #450.011458closeTom Concialdi
Residential Building ConsultantIL Home Inspector License #450.011458After being a general contractor and practicing as a real estate broker for several years, I knew I wanted to become a licensed home inspector. It is truly the best of both worlds for me as I know what pressures come with buying a home. I take great pride in my work and believe that being extremely thorough on every part of the home is critical to creating a clear understanding for the homeowner. I enjoy inspecting a recent rehab project where the contractor took the time to oversee the project correctly. Working with clients that are not –so- handy is a pleasure because they appreciate the insight we are able to provide them. It is always a pleasure to pass knowledge along. When I am not providing clients with a quality home inspection I enjoy spending time with my family, kayaking and old movies.
-
Will Augustine
Residential Building ConsultantIL Home Inspector License #450.001460closeWill Augustine
Residential Building ConsultantIL Home Inspector License #450.001460For over 15 years, I have been providing quality home and commercial inspections with The BrickKicker. My extensive background in construction is what drew me to the home inspection industry. I have always been fond of the components of an older home, as they typically carry more depth, but there is one role I value even more. Educating the buyer is the most important role I have. My primary goal is to ensure that each inspection ends with a clear client understanding of how their future home works. My free time consists of being the ultimate family man, all while enjoying the beach and playing dolls with the youngest of my seven children.
-
Ed Kuhrt
Residential Building ConsultantIL Home Inspector License #450.011576closeEd Kuhrt
Residential Building ConsultantIL Home Inspector License #450.011576Being a member of The BrickKicker family has always been ironic to me as I spent the majority of my life immersed in the construction industry. I have had the pleasure of building homes, apartment complexes and schools. I am also a master electrician and a retiree of The Naperville Fire Department. I pride myself on quality work and that carries over into my inspections. I always encourage, my clients to shadow me and ask any question that comes to mind. I also ask them questions about their future home. Knowing what drew them to the property in the first place allows me to provide the best service possible. The best job I have had in my life is being a grandpa to three wonderful little girls. I also enjoy fussing over my truck so that it looks show ready when I chauffeur my grandkids around.
-
Bill Holmes
Residential Building ConsultantIL Home Inspector License #450.011978closeBill Holmes
Residential Building ConsultantIL Home Inspector License #450.011978After graduating from the University of Denver, Bill went right to work for the next 30 years in the hospitality industry, managing multi-unit operations throughout the Midwest. His time was spent leading and managing quality assurance, customer relations and guest experiences. This journey also allowed him to oversee major hotel renovations, facility management and major equipment maintenance, which has been a education Bill applies in his inspections.
Bill enjoys spending time traveling, bike riding, boating and all things outdoors with his wife and two college aged children.
-
Brad Graber
Residential Building ConsultantIL Home Inspector License #450.011941closeBrad Graber
Residential Building ConsultantIL Home Inspector License #450.011941I was born in Congo, Africa to missionary parents and later spent my teenage years growing up in Kansas. My career has afforded me the opportunity to live in different parts of the United States. Having bought and sold homes in the past has given me insight into inspections, understanding angst that buyers and sellers sometimes have. Being a home inspector is an extension of what I enjoy doing.
Home ownership, remodeling, small project renovations and additions have been a part of my life experience. Early in my career, I spent 10 plus years in residential construction with a focus on framing and later in lumber sales.
I have always enjoyed woodworking as a hobby. I often make furniture for my wife's creative decorating eye to become a reality. In my spare time, I make periodic trips to the Democratic Republic of Congo, working on several community development projects.
-
Chris Roller*
Commercial & Residential Building ConsultantIL Home Inspector License #450.011234closeChris Roller*
Commercial & Residential Building ConsultantIL Home Inspector License #450.011234I am a BrickKicker with a 30 year background in construction, from building decks in high school to overseeing production of homes for a large local builder. I remember being fascinated as a young boy helping my Dad build an addition on our home, and watching him repair and maintain it over the years. I honestly find myself repeating much of that same advice to my clients every day! After many years building and remodeling homes, I reluctantly had my first inspection done on an old (1889) house we were considering buying and rehabbing. What an eye opener! I was very impressed with the inspector’s knowledge and detective-like approach. That’s how the seed of the idea of Home Inspector as a career was planted.
My primary goal as an Inspector is to observe the condition and systems of the property and accurately convey that information to the client. Inspections can be a very stressful time for all parties involved; buyers, sellers and agents alike. Major decisions are made and actions taken depending on how I present information. I try to explain what I’m observing without adding additional stress to an understandably anxious audience.
In my spare time I like to travel. I have been to 49 of 50 states, most of that camping. My wife is from Dublin, and we’ve done a lot of camping and travelling through Europe as well. We have two little girls who love to ski, just like their Daddy! Also, I scream at the TV every Sunday in the fall while watching Da Bears. -
Michael Jonas
Residential Building ConsultantIL Home Inspector License #450.011749closeMichael Jonas
Residential Building ConsultantIL Home Inspector License #450.011749A BrickKicker at heart, I am a resident of Trevor, WI, where I share my home with my daughter Sabina and My son Dean. I got my start working with friends in the contracting business and remodeling several homes and commercial businesses. After 15yrs of owning and operating a successful restaurant business I decided that it was time for a change and knew the home inspection process was my future endeavor. My goal is to treat every client as if they are family and provide exceptional customer service while educating them about their future home. It gives me great pride in knowing that I'm part of one the most substantial purchases of their life. My free time consists of spending time with my children biking and hiking. Of course, I also don’t mind getting some wind therapy while taking long rides on my Harley.
-
Kurt Kofron
Residential Building ConsultantIL Home Inspector License #450.002601closeKurt Kofron
Residential Building ConsultantIL Home Inspector License #450.002601Coming from an engineering background, I have been with the BrickKicker since 2006. My goal when completing the inspection process is not only to inspect your future home but to educate you about that home. I firmly believe that the most confident buyer is an educated buyer. For this reason and several others, I really enjoy working with first –time home buyers. It allows me to not only prepare them for their future home, but provide insight on how to maintain that home should they ever find themselves on the selling side. Developing a relationship with my client extends beyond a few hours for me. In the span of my career, I am often noted to be very detailed, communicative and responsive well after conducting the home inspection. In my downtime, I enjoy watching various “Chicago” sports through great times but even the bad times.
-
Greg Domel *
Commercial & Residential Building ConsultantIL Home Inspector License #450.011375closeGreg Domel *
Commercial & Residential Building ConsultantIL Home Inspector License #450.011375A 20 year background in construction and the desire to help others is what drew me to The BrickKicker. I have a fiery passion for new construction and rehab work with an energy efficiency background. Speaking of fiery, I am also a Firefighter by day, serving the Chicago Fire Department for almost 30 years. I enjoy using my experience in both environments to care for people and the environment around them. Explaining how a house works or “homeowner 101” can be overwhelming, but I would like to think that my calm approach provides a peace of mind while also providing informative insight. A responsible homeowner is one who is well informed. I like to be thorough while also respecting my client’s time. I find this helps develop long lasting relationships with realtors. In my spare time I enjoy community service, cooking and kayaking.
-
Kevin Daly *
Commercial & Residential Building ConsultantIL Home Inspector License #450.011938closeKevin Daly *
Commercial & Residential Building ConsultantIL Home Inspector License #450.011938Bio Coming Soon!
-
Don Ryba
Residential Building ConsultantIL Home Inspector License #450.011709closeDon Ryba
Residential Building ConsultantIL Home Inspector License #450.011709I am elated to be a part of The BrickKicker, as my extensive background drew me to home inspections. I have spent a majority of my life immersed in the construction industry in various roles ranging from concrete finisher, to the engineer in charge of inspection and administration of high end construction projects. I have degrees in Construction Management and Civil Engineering and I’m a licensed Professional Engineer with the State of Illinois. Therefore I especially like looking at the structural components of the home: trusses, framing, decks, etc. I believe that I can take my background and use it to provide an excellent service to people looking to make what typically is the largest, most important purchase of their lives. My goal is for my client to have full confidence in me and my inspection report, thus making the home buying process as comfortable as possible. What little spare time I have is usually spent either working in my yard or planning warm, relaxing vacations in Florida on a beach or at Disney World (which is not very relaxing).
-
Michael Hanson
Radon Measurement TechnicianIL Radon Technician License #RNIT2017217closeMichael Hanson
Radon Measurement TechnicianIL Radon Technician License #RNIT2017217I am fairly new to the home inspection industry. After 15+ years in Information Technology, I decided that sitting in front of a computer all day every day was not how I wanted to spend my working hours. Learning about the effects of Radon in a home only further piloted me towards the industry. I have always enjoyed going to open houses and observing structurally complex homes knowing every house has its own character. I enjoy providing a test that can potentially save a life, and discovering hidden crawl spaces homebuyers are unaware of.
In my spare time I enjoy “Gaming” (video, board gaming, cards), studying Italian longsword. -
Steven Harris
Bio Coming Soon!IL Radon Technician License #RNIT2020206closeSteven Harris
Bio Coming Soon!IL Radon Technician License #RNIT2020206Bio Comming Soon
-
Kathy Cook
Radon Measurement ProfessionalIL Radon Professional License#RN12005206closeKathy Cook
Radon Measurement ProfessionalIL Radon Professional License#RN12005206When I first heard of radon I had no idea what it was and why I should be concerned about it. But once I made the effort to learn, research, and wrap my thoughts around it, I found myself thankful. Thankful to understand that radon is a radioactive gas, a Class A Human Carcinogen, which has the potential to cause lung cancer.
Being licensed to test for this gas opens the doors to share this information with many others. It is my belief that once a person has a clear vision of why we test for this gas, it becomes clear to the importance for them to have their environments’ tested. At first, all of this is a bit scary for all of us. But the great news with the radon story is it is very fixable. For a reasonable cost, there are systems that can reduce the levels and by lowering the levels, it lowers the risk.
Radon has taken me down quite the road of learning.
Learning that radon comes from the breakdown of uranium and is found all over the world has been completely fascinating and interesting. After 14 years of testing homes, there has NOT been a home yet that did not have some level of radon gas. So the thought I leave you with is this: The only way to know what levels your home or environments’ test at is to have them tested. All homes/buildings can test high; new, old, big, small, on slabs, with or without basements, and any combination of these. Once you know the risk of radon it is simply hard to ignore it. -
Chris Collachia
Residential Building ConsultantIL Home Inspector License #450.011972closeChris Collachia
Residential Building ConsultantIL Home Inspector License #450.011972Temporary Leave of Absence
-
Vince Roman
Residential Building ConsultantIL Home Inspector License #450.011958closeVince Roman
Residential Building ConsultantIL Home Inspector License #450.011958My working career started as a bag boy for my family’s butcher shop at the age of twelve. Over the years I have gained experience in Building Construction, Residential Remodeling, Mechanics and most recently as a Firefighter. The thing I love most about my newest endeavor as a Home Inspector is that it never feels like a job at all and I am able to take my passion for helping people and use it daily here at The BrickKicker! In my free time, I spend time with my beautiful baby girl and wife playing games and working on remodeling our 100 year old home.
Management Team
-
Andrew Fox
PresidentcloseAndrew Fox
PresidentIL Home Inspector License #450.010911The old saying "Do what you love and never work a day in your life" holds very true to me. Every aspect of what I do on a daily basis for The BrickKicker truly is amazing and I can relate it all back to my upbringing. At an early age, I can remember moving around often from state to state as my parents were getting settled but most of my time was spent living in the Madison, Wisconsin area. Both of my parents served in the U.S. Air Force so I had a pretty structured upbringing but I was always allowed to explore and try new things. Building with Legos stemmed my interest in building things, often without instructions.
All throughout my schooling, I wrestled (nearly 18 years), which helped to prepare me for my time served in the U.S. Air Force as a Weapons Specialist. While serving 6 years in the military, I attended my undergraduate studies in Hotel Management in Madison while finishing in Orlando through the University of Central Florida and the Walt Disney Company. From there I had the opportunity to learn more about corporate structure and management while working for the Target Corp. and Marriott International.
I had a deep desire to want to get back to my passion as a kid in building things so I started my Graduate Program at the University of Florida School of Architecture of which led me into exploring ways to work on my own, helping people better understand the built world. This is where I decided to become licensed in the inspection industry. I am extremely passionate about everything I do, to include spending quality time with my wife and two Jack Russell Terriers. As my wife says, I always go, go, go...
-
Ron Ewald
Vice PresidentcloseRon Ewald
Vice PresidentGrowing up in the Illinois Valley (LaSalle-Peru), I was a product of small town values and a blue-collar work ethic. My Eastern Illinois University degrees (BA- Psychology, MBA-Marketing) provided the basis for understanding the ‘why’ and ‘how’ of business dynamics; especially valuable within the personal services sector, where customers, clients and employees are close at hand … I’ve joked in past, noting that I’ve applied more Psychology than Business in my daily activities, a product of the personal services business, I guess.
In 1989 I had the privilege to meet Len Franckowiak, who fortunately had the passion to perform the field work, allowing me to follow my interest in the Sales/Marketing function. We started out like any small business, a few hundred dollars each, a kitchen table office and a huge vision. As a team, we built a strong reputation of service quality throughout Chicagoland, and later a nationwide network of franchises. Today, we support nearly 50 franchise locations across 23 states, and our original Chicagoland operation consistently ranks in the upper 1% in volume of all home inspections companies in the U.S.
My Definition of Success: Forming the habit of doing the things the competition doesn’t like doing. -
Sarah Westerman
Director of AdministrationcloseSarah Westerman
Director of AdministrationBorn and raised here in Naperville, I now am raising my children, (son & daughter) here as well. Throughout my working years, I have dabbled in various industries; from a bridal shop to non-profits and have found that I enjoy providing service in an industry aimed at helping people the most. The BrickKicker provides that and more, being a key part of what can be a stressful/exciting time in most people's lives. Being able assist clients in such an important purchase is very rewarding. I always want to push myself to constantly learn something new and improve on the skill set I already have.
In my spare time, I enjoy going on vacations, especially visiting historical locations, spending time with my family or just relaxing in the local scene.
-
Rob Claus
Director of Commercial InspectionscloseRob Claus
Director of Commercial InspectionsIL Home Inspector License #450.000001I earned a Bachelor’s of Science in Industrial Technology Construction Sequence from Illinois State University. Upon graduation I spent two years working for a Civil Engineering consulting firm. It was during this time I felt the need to activate my education and began embarking on my home inspection career. In April of 1991, I performed my first home inspection for The BrickKicker. Being not only new to the emerging industry but young in age, I had to master the art of client interaction. This interaction eventually became the standard for which every The BrickKicker would model moving forward.
In 2014, I assumed the role of Director of Technical Resources with the responsibility to maintain and drive the high standards for the company and the software used to create the reports. In addition, I am also the primary technical resource for all The BrickKicker’s from coast-to-coast in the role of Director of Franchise Services. All of this all while performing inspections for the local The BrickKicker Chicagoland operation which afforded me the achievement of performing my 10,000th inspection in 2017.
I have a passion for all types of homes, especially special projects like rehabs or historical homes. My wife and I have been married for over 25 years and have two wonderful college children. Our oldest is studying to become a pilot while the youngest is focused on music education. We spend much of our free time traveling to visit both of them to attend as many of their events as possible. -
Bill Holmes
Director of Inspection OperationscloseBill Holmes
Director of Inspection OperationsBio Coming Soon!
-
Kathy Cook
Radon ManagercloseKathy Cook
Radon ManagerWhen I first heard of radon I had no idea what it was and why I should be concerned about it. But once I made the effort to learn, research, and wrap my thoughts around it, I found myself thankful. Thankful to understand that radon is a radioactive gas, a Class A Human Carcinogen, which has the potential to cause lung cancer.
Being licensed to test for this gas opens the doors to share this information with many others. It is my belief that once a person has a clear vision of why we test for this gas, it becomes clear to the importance for them to have their environments’ tested. At first, all of this is a bit scary for all of us. But the great news with the radon story is it is very fixable. For a reasonable cost, there are systems that can reduce the levels and by lowering the levels, it lowers the risk.
Radon has taken me down quite the road of learning.
Learning that radon comes from the breakdown of uranium and is found all over the world has been completely fascinating and interesting. After 14 years of testing homes, there has NOT been a home yet that did not have some level of radon gas. So the thought I leave you with is this: The only way to know what levels your home or environments’ test at is to have them tested. All homes/buildings can test high; new, old, big, small, on slabs, with or without basements, and any combination of these. Once you know the risk of radon it is simply hard to ignore it.
Andrew Fox *
Commercial & Residential Building ConsultantJavier Cangiano *
Commercial & Residential Building ConsultantRob Colecchi
Residential Building ConsultantRob Claus *
Commercial & Residential Building ConsultantTom Concialdi
Residential Building ConsultantWill Augustine
Residential Building ConsultantEd Kuhrt
Residential Building ConsultantBill Holmes
Residential Building ConsultantBrad Graber
Residential Building ConsultantChris Roller*
Commercial & Residential Building ConsultantMichael Jonas
Residential Building ConsultantKurt Kofron
Residential Building ConsultantGreg Domel *
Commercial & Residential Building ConsultantKevin Daly *
Commercial & Residential Building ConsultantDon Ryba
Residential Building ConsultantMichael Hanson
Radon Measurement TechnicianSteven Harris
Bio Coming Soon!Kathy Cook
Radon Measurement ProfessionalChris Collachia
Residential Building ConsultantVince Roman
Residential Building ConsultantYour Trusted Home Inspector in DeKalb County
The Inspection Process
- Scheduling the inspection and/or radon test can be done via online, email, or phone.
- Upon booking an appointment, an electronic confirmation will be emailed with the option to sign the inspection agreement electronically and pay via a secure credit card link.
- Attending the inspection is highly encouraged as you will be allowed to get to know the property and ask your inspector/radon technician any questions that may come up.
- The inspection is performed in a methodical manner, generally starting on the exterior moving from top to bottom followed by the interior, also moving from the top to the bottom.
- A resource kit is provided at the end of the inspection to help answer any questions that make come up along the journey of owning a property.
- Once the inspection is complete, you will receive a comprehensive report via email with a descriptive overview (including pictures) of your home from the ground up.



Home & Building Consultant
The Inspection Process
- Scheduling the inspection and/or radon test can be done via online, email, or phone.
- Upon booking an appointment, an electronic confirmation will be emailed with the option to sign the inspection agreement electronically and pay via a secure credit card link.
- Attending the inspection is highly encouraged as you will be allowed to get to know the property and ask your inspector/radon technician any questions that may come up.
- The inspection is performed in a methodical manner, generally starting on the exterior moving from top to bottom followed by the interior, also moving from the top to the bottom.
- A resource kit is provided at the end of the inspection to help answer any questions that make come up along the journey of owning a property.
- Once the inspection is complete, you will receive a comprehensive report via email with a descriptive overview (including pictures) of your home from the ground up.
Our Services
How We Can Help You


Residential Inspections
Having a residential inspection has become a key step in today's real estate transaction. Whether a high-rise condo, adjoining town-home, multi-unit dwelling or a large estate; The BrickKicker has the tools and resources to educate our clients in making smart decisions.
Learn More


Commercial Inspections
Commercial inspections involve a visual examination or readily objective visual examination of readily accessible areas, physical structure and operating systems of the space. This process occurs in a timely and efficient manner, giving clients the peace of mind to continue on with business.
Learn More


Environmental Testing
In today's world, consumers are more educated about the potential of harmful elements found in and around the places we live and work. The BrickKicker offers a series of different testing services that can be ordered with your inspection.
Learn More