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ABOUT US

Hello! The Gator Family is here to help– Serving Southwest Arkansas, Northeast Texas, and Southeast Oklahoma!

Since 2008, our family-owned and operated business has been dedicated to providing thorough and reliable inspections. With a touch of Southern hospitality, we treat every client like family, ensuring their peace of mind in every step of the process. Whether it’s a home, commercial property, or investment, trust Inspection Gator to safeguard your interests.

Meet our top-notch team!

Our Team

DEREK R. BALLARD – Owner / Founder

License: Texas TREC 10108, Arkansas HI1529
Termite Applicator License: CA Lic# 0875411

Born and raised in the Texarkana area, Derek has had the honor of many friendships and acquaintances over the years. In 2008, looking for a new career path, he decided he wanted to serve the community by doing something meaningful to enhance the housing quality in the area. He attended the American Home Inspectors Training at the University of Texas at Arlington and obtained licenses from both Texas and Arkansas. Later that year, he started Inspection Gator LLC. Clients began spreading the word about his style of inspection and he was humbled to see how rapidly the company grew. With Jessica as a constant support and part of the background success of the company, they feel they have found their calling: To be an ally to buyers and sellers, giving that home-town service and quality information to make good decisions regarding all real estate investments.

JESSICA BALLARD – Co-Owner / Office Manager

Bachelor of Applied Arts and Science | Emphasis: Business Leadership

Jessica is co-owner, wife of Derek and Office Manager at Inspection Gator. She loves providing the best possible customer experience, being a support system to the inspectors, and building friendships along the way. She received her Bachelor of Science degree from Texas A&M in Business Management. Her career focus areas have been in accounting, management, and education. She is also licensed by TREC to teach continuing education classes. She grew up in west Texas and was transplanted across the state to east Texas when she met Derek over 18 years ago. She says that her and Derek are the perfect complement to each other in their style of managing and serving the community. Her hobbies include, travel and a tremendous love of the oceans, crafting, sewing, and party planning.

TONY CROUCH – Professional Home Inspector

License: Texas Trec 23663 & Oklahoma 70002854
XTG Commercial Technician License: 0832839

Tony is a licensed professional real estate inspector. He received his training through American Home Inspectors training in Dallas, Texas. Tony’s 30 years of carpenter and home building experience made for a natural transition to home inspection. Tony’s honesty, kind disposition, and love of helping others is why we chose him to be a part of the Inspection Gator team.

KEITH GREEN – Professional Home Inspector

IG Licenses: Texas Trec 22723 Oklahoma 70002339
XTG Commercial Technician License: 0832842

Keith received his training through American Home Inspector Training in Arlington Tx. He is a licensed Professional Home Inspector in Texas. He loves inspecting and helping people. He and his family live in the Clarksville area but he spends much of his time traveling to east Texas to meet the inspection needs of clients. Keith has a background of appraisal and construction, so he understands many aspects of the value and structure of properties. His warm smile and compassion for people is evident in all he does. He brings an honest, genuine dedication to his work. We are proud to have Keith a part of our team.

BRIAN CENTER- Professional Home Inspector & Mold Assessment Technician

License: TREC 24795, AR 2219 & MAT1330

Home-based in Texarkana, Brian often travels the Texas / Arkansas area to meet our client’s needs. As a Military Seabee Veteran and Private Contractor, he possesses over 30 years of knowledge and experience. While stationed overseas, he successfully implemented a Journeyman Apprenticeship Program between the locals and Navy personnel.

Brian has an in-depth knowledge in all things building-related and an admirable work ethic. His integrity, impeccable work skills, genuine love of people, and willingness to help makes him the perfect addition to our Gator team.

BRYCE BRITTON - Professional Home Inspector

License: Texas TREC 25310 XTG Commercial Technician License: 0893416

Bryce received his training through American Home Inspector Training, and is a licensed Professional Home Inspector in Texas. He attended Tyler Junior College, where he received his degree. He and his family live in Gilmer, Texas and he is excited to be serving the Gilmer and Longview areas. In their free time, Bryce and his family enjoy spending time together at the lake. Bryce’s intellect, attention to detail, eagerness to learn, dedication, and excellent communication skills make him an invaluable asset to our team.

ERIC HARRISON - Professional Home Inspector

License: Texas TREC 25690 XTG Commercial Technician License: 0909041

Eric is a licensed professional Home Inspector in the state of Texas. He lives in Tatum with his wife and 2 daughters. He and his wife are both Veterans and he also has an associates degree in drafting and design. Eric has an excellent work ethic and attention to detail. He thrives on teamwork, helping people, and learning new things. He is an excellent asset to our Gator family.

MEAGAN BLANKENSHIP – Lead Client Care Coordinator

Meagan brings with her ample experience in customer service. She is passionate about helping others achieve their goals and takes great pride in providing exceptional service to every customer. Meagan has a keen attention to detail and is a quick problem solver, and a team player.
She and her family call Texarkana home and in their spare time, you can find them at the ball field either practicing or watching her 2 sons play.

We are thrilled to have Meagan on our team and know that she will continue to contribute to our success!

KIM OLARAN – Client Care Coordinator

Kim is an experienced Client Care Coordinator and Scheduler. She has a passion for providing exceptional service to clients and is dedicated to ensuring that each client receives the highest level of care possible. Her attention to detail and technical knowledge contribute to her success. She takes pride in her work and is constantly looking for ways to improve the client experience. When she's not working, Kim enjoys spending time with her family, reading, and taking trips to the beach.

HEATHER VANSICKLE – Digital Marketing | Graphic Design

Marketing was a natural career choice for Heather, as she has always loved art, writing, and anything creative. She delights in visiting clients and creating new friendships. She is a problem-solver by nature and loves a challenge. Organization and systems bring her joy, as does creating eye-catching and meaningful marketing materials to help our clients.

She and her family call Texarkana home and enjoy all things outdoors together– but especially fishing and being at the lake.

Heather’s determination, attention to detail, and work ethic make her an ideal employee, but her genuine love of people and strong sense of dedication make her the perfect fit for our Gator Family.

Blake Willett – Client Success Specialist

Blake joined us with extensive business experience from all aspects. She and her husband have owned their own business, she has marketed in multiple fields, and remained driven by her client's success in each endeavor. She received a Bachelor of Science in Human Sciences from Texas Tech and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from UT Tyler. Her incredible organization and attention to detail have attributed to her success in all she does.

She, her husband, and son live in Lindale where you can usually find them at the ball field. When she's not enjoying watching her son play ball, she enjoys working out, coaching cheer, going to the lake, traveling, and making sourdough bread. Above all, she loves spending time with her family no matter what they're doing. We are delighted to have her in our Gator family.

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Serving NE Texas, SW Arkansas, & SE Oklahoma

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