A weekly home inspection podcast hosted by the founders of Inspector Toolbelt - the premier home inspection software. Get tips, insights, strategies, and more from our hosts and guests to help give your home inspection business a boost. Ian and Beon are property inspection and tech industry veterans with over 20 years of experience each. Sometimes they even stay on point :)
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Welcome to The Gauge, brought to you by HomeGauge Inspection Software! We cover valuable insights and expert tips for the Home & RV Inspection Industry, including how to build your business online and out in the real world. Our mission is to help you learn and grow in this exciting field while building a thriving business that provides exceptional value to your clients. Whether you're a certified home inspector, a curious entrepreneur, or simply interested in inspections, join us on THE GAUG ...
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World-class software development requires far more than language/platform expertise and steady sprints. Join us as we describe time-tested, industry-proven software best practices at the team, organization, and leadership levels, sharing examples from recent engagements with software teams of all sizes. Construx is led by industry leader Steve McConnell, author of Code Complete and More Effective Agile. Software experts first and software trainers and consultants second, our team has seen wh ...
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This podcast is dedicated in helping businesses with their fleet maintenance and management. Get tips, insights, and best practices from experienced professionals across various industries.
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Ever wondered if you’re charging what you’re truly worth? Discover how one home inspector managed to gross $6,390 in just four days by raising prices and adding value, even in a non-booming market. You’ll learn the secret strategies behind this success story, and how not being afraid to lose some clients can actually lead to a better work-life bala…
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Episode 20: Staying Organized, Must Have Tools, and Social Media
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Join me for an engaging and informative episode where I dive deep into the home inspection world with James and Stephanie Underwood from Over and Underwood Inspections. In this episode, we cover a range of topics including:🛠️ Key tools and tech that make inspections more efficient.⭐ Strategies for managing client expectations and earning 5-star rev…
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Ever wondered what keeps even the most accomplished professionals up at night? Imposter syndrome is the silent saboteur that undermines confidence and stunts business growth, especially in specialized fields like home inspection. Join us as we unpack this pervasive issue, diving into personal anecdotes and industry examples that shed light on the c…
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Mastering the Driveway Speech - With George Karampoulis
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43:29
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How can one simple conversation transform your home inspection business? George Karampoulos, a Certified Master Inspector and owner of Owl's Eye Home Inspections in Georgia, joins us to explore the power of the "driveway speech." This initial interaction with clients sets the stage for clear expectations before, during, and after a home inspection.…
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Can unprofessional communication really deter potential clients in the home inspection industry? Unearth the secrets to mastering first impressions as Kristine Gerber from Inspector Toolbelt joins us for an eye-opening discussion. Kristine sheds light on how something as simple as a full voicemail box or an unprofessional message can turn potential…
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Strategic Goal-Setting for Home Inspection Success
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Can goal-setting be the difference between business success and failure? Join us on this enlightening episode of Inspector Toolbelt Talk as we uncover the vital importance of having clear objectives in the home inspection industry. Reflecting on my own journey to achieving planned successes, we'll explore the stark difference between accidental vic…
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Good Business is Good Business - With Randy Lima
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43:53
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Can good customer service turn a mundane home inspection into an unforgettable experience? Join us on this episode of Inspector Toolbelt Talk as we host the always insightful Randy Lima. Randy draws compelling parallels between the stellar customer service at Chick-fil-A and what home inspectors can achieve with just a touch of politeness, genuine …
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Ever wondered how a home inspector could become a TikTok sensation? Meet Austin Jenkins, or Inspector AJ, the world’s most famous home inspector. From aviation videos to viral roof inspections, AJ recounts his journey to social media stardom and shares strategies that keep his audience hooked. Listen to AJ's insights on posting frequency, handling …
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Are Mandatory Home Inspections a Good Thing?
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What if skipping a home inspection could be a thing of the past? Join us on Inspector Toolbelt Talk as we sit down with Preston Sandlin from Home Inspection Carolina, a pioneer who has been in the home inspection industry since the mid-90s. In a thought-provoking discussion, we dive deep into the legislative efforts spearheaded by Massachusetts, Ne…
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Episode 19: Florida Licensing, Inspection Associations, and Branding
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Join us for an insightful episode as we explore the journey of becoming a licensed home inspector in Florida and starting your own business in the field. Our guest, Natalie Jenkins, shares her experience from exam preparation to overcoming startup challenges and growing a client base. She discusses the impact of FABI (Florida Association of Buildin…
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Relationship Marketing for Home Inspectors
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Join Ian and David on Inspector Toolbelt Talk as they dissect the art of relationship building in the home inspection industry. Drawing from their own experiences and a touch of humor, they unravel the complexities of parasocial and intersocial relationships—one-sided interactions versus direct, two-way connections—and how mastering both can lead t…
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What do we do when we are faced with "The New"? When something is new to us, it's harder to estimate, harder to plan, and harder to execute. Some development projects involve much more that is new than others. How do we identify the new and deal with it in a constructive way? In this episode of Inspect & Adapt, Construx's Mark Griffin, Steve Tockey…
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Group Psychosis in the Home Inspection Industry
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Could shared delusions be affecting your business practices? Join us as we unravel the fascinating concept of group psychosis, or "folie à deux," and its unexpected relevance to the home inspection industry. Discover how collective misconceptions, much like widely misquoted movie lines, can shape the beliefs and behaviors of inspectors. We dive int…
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Vets & Public Servants as Home Inspectors
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Imagine transitioning from a career of service to a role where your hard-earned skills can shine in new, unexpected ways. We had the pleasure of sitting down with home inspection expert and former soldier Mike, who shared his journey and why veterans and first responders are making waves in the home inspection industry. Mike's story is a testament …
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Why can't I know—with high precision—the final cost, scope, and time frame of my work effort? One of the biggest reasons you can't know all three at once is illustrated by Steve McConnell's Cone of Uncertainty. In this episode of Inspect & Adapt, Construx's Mark Griffin, Steve Tockey, and Earl Beede talk about what the Cone is, how it impacts your …
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Preston Kincaid himself joins us to dissect the often-misguided pursuit of vanity metrics in the home inspection industry. Ever wonder why some inspectors boast about the number of inspections they perform or the number of inspectors they hire rather than what really matters? Through Preston's seasoned eyes, we examine how these inflated numbers ca…
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Drinking With Jay - Dealing With "People Burnout"
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Ever felt like you're teetering on the edge of burnout, with each home inspection client feeling like it chips away a bit more of your sanity? Jay and Ian have a candid conversation that uncovers the raw emotional cost of our industry. We're not just inspectors; we're human beings trying to balance work, life, and the occasional odd comment about o…
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The Q2 - 2024 Home Inspection Market Outlook
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Listen in as we discuss the Q2 market outlook for home inspectors in 2024. The landscape is changing: a thinning in the ranks of home inspectors and real estate agents has leveled the playing field, offering insights into a market that's slowly rebounding. We'll dissect the complexities of a subtle yet significant transformation—where buyers are op…
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Mastering Growth and Profit in Home Inspection: A Talk with Nick Gromicko
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Unlock the secrets to scaling your home inspection business with self-made magnate Nick Gromicko as he sheds light on the path from solo entrepreneur to the leader of 14 thriving enterprises. Despite forgoing formal business education, Nick's hands-on, practical growth strategies highlight the importance of balancing profit with personal fulfillmen…
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If hindsight is 20/20—and it's good practice to look back to find ways you could do better—then why do retrospectives seem like such a waste of time? Shouldn't they be a goldmine that we're excited about rather than just another obligatory meeting? Inspect & Adapt host Mark Griffin gathers fellow Construx staff, Steve Tockey, Jenny Stuart, and Earl…
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Dealing With Difficult People in Home Inspections
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Do you ever feel like you're navigating a minefield when dealing with difficult people? That's exactly what David and Ian tackle head-on, sharing our toolkit for managing those hair-pulling interactions that can make or break your day. From the nuances of home inspections to everyday run-ins, we reveal the power of clear communication and the art o…
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What The NAR Settlement Means For Home Inspectors
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Discover the seismic shifts shaking the foundations of real estate and home inspection industries as Beon and Ian analyze the National Association of Realtors' latest settlement. No longer will sellers shoulder the financial burden of buyer's agent commissions—a change that could rewrite the rules of real estate transactions. We navigate through th…
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Sean Garvey, the mastermind behind Dwellinspect, steps in and shows us the power of good branding and being "boutique". He joins us to unravel the secrets of crafting a powerful brand identity, and we dig into his personal narrative of building a business that not only grows but thrives through strategic branding. Together, we dissect the pitfalls …
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There is a lot of talk and ideas about how to scale agile up from the one-team, one-product base so that multiple teams can support a product (I am looking at you SAFe). But what about the case where one team must support multiple products? That is reverse agile scaling. Join Construx’s Mark Griffin, Jenny Stuart, and Earl Beede as they share strat…
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Unlock the latest news in the home inspection industry shake-up as Beon and Ian dissect the biggest things going on. Carson Dunlop being bought, Spectora being partially bought, the market changing, and much more. We're witnessing a pivotal moment with insurance companies betting big on home inspection firms, which could redefine how we handle data…
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Ever hit that frustrating plateau where your home inspection business just won't budge? You're not alone. In my latest chat, we take a deep dive into overcoming the dreaded 'stall' that so many of us face. By sharing insights from my own journey, I'll guide you through the steps of incrementally getting through a plateau. It's about getting comfort…
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Unlock the secrets to crafting winning bids in the commercial inspections world with the wisdom of industry expert, Lance Coffman from Focus Building Inspections. Our conversation peels back the layers of what it takes to not only survive but thrive in this niche. Lance generously spills the beans on his proven strategies, from gathering essential …
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Learn where the inspection industry is headed and what needs to change with our guest, Nathan Thornberry. From his teenage house-flipping ventures to navigating the choppy waters of today's industry, Nathan's wealth of experience offers a treasure trove of insights for anyone with a stake in property. As the real estate seas grow turbulent with ris…
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How To Become a Successful Commercial Inspector
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Learn more about the lucrative landscape of commercial inspections with Rob Claus, the brilliant Director of Education for CCPIA. Our latest episode of Inspector Toolbelt Talk is a treasure chest of insights for seasoned home inspectors contemplating an expansion into the commercial realm, or for novices eager to carve out a niche in this dynamic i…
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Ever wondered how to turn your solo home inspection venture into a thriving team operation? Mike Ortiz joins us to reveal the blueprint for scaling your inspection business by recruiting the right talent and fostering a culture that values growth and quality. Listen closely as we offer an insider's look at the strategic timing of expansion, the imp…
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What does "value" mean on your product? How do you know you are working on the most valuable thing? Construx's Earl Beede, Jenny Stuart, and Mark Griffin discuss how to clearly identify and articulate value on development projects. Knowing the targeted value is critical for prioritization and scope control and for knowing when to stop. It is also t…
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Show Notes: Join us for our discussion with Daniel King from Inspector Media as we uncover the social media trends of 2024 for home inspectors. In this episode, Daniel shares his journey through the evolving digital landscape, drawing on his experiences since 2007. Don't miss our deep dive into the power of social media videos in 2024, including th…
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Randy Lima of Integrity Home Inspections USA is on the show this week - tune in as he recounts the benefits of running a lean, quality-driven business—where the fusion of expert work-life balance meets the mastery of a one-man operation. It's an episode that redefines success, illustrating the profound impact of focusing on personal satisfaction ra…
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Breaking Into Commercial Inspections - With Dillon Winiecki
44:24
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Join us as we talk about commercial inspections with Dillon Winiecki, the mastermind behind Arizona Commercial Property Inspections. This episode is a treasure trove of insights for anyone itching to crack the code of commercial inspections—a niche that is as lucrative as it is demanding. With Dillon's expertise, you'll learn the ropes of establish…
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Emerge from the storm with newfound insight as we navigate the choppy waters of the home inspection industry together. Season 4 of Inspector Toolbelt Talk kicks off with a heartfelt look back at the challenges we've faced and an energizing perspective on the resilience that defines our community. We're not just recapping the past; we're charting a …
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#44 Bringing it All Together – the Successful Leadership of Hardware/Software Teams
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46:20
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How do you lead product development teams when a company that has always been hardware focused now owes its success to both hardware and software? Construx's Mark Griffin and Earl Beede recently spoke with Inogen's Norbert Leinfellner and Horst Pichler, who have decades of experience leading this transition. We kick off 2024 with an Inspect & Adapt…
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Just imagine if you could steer your client's focus from price to value in your home inspection business. What if there was a clear strategy for crafting a marketing message that shows what sets you apart? Join us in a chat with Ian Robertson and co-host David Nyman and explore this and more. We delve into the concept of a 'marketing fraction,' to …
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Listen to Construx's Earl Beede, Jenny Stuart, and Mark Griffin as they assess the role and duties of project managers on software intensive projects. A special focus will be on groups using agile development processes. Earl and Jenny will share stories of what they have seen work and what hasn't with their clients.…
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Leveraging YouTube Shorts For Home Inspection Marketing
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What if YouTube Shorts, rather than TikTok, held the golden key to marketing success for home inspectors? That's the question we're unpacking in this episode of Inspector Toolbelt Talk. We put this theory to the test through a series of experiments, exploring YouTube Shorts' unique strengths in audience targeting, increased engagement rate, and pot…
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Fighting To Win - Don't Roll Over for Legal Issues
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38:31
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Ever thought about the harsh reality of lawsuits in the home inspection industry? Let's explore that together in a heart-to-heart session with our guest, Philippe Heller, a seasoned veteran in home inspections based in San Diego. Philippe pulls back the curtain on his experiences in court, dispelling the fear and stress associated with legal battle…
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Direct-to-Consumer Marketing for Home Inspectors
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Welcome to a riveting conversation where we unravel the secrets of direct-to-consumer (DTC) marketing with none other than Mike Ortiz. Get ready to explore the fascinating world of digital marketing as Mike shares his invaluable expertise in leveraging Google My Business and Local Service Ads to foster relationships and generate leads. With his ins…
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Episode 18: How to Set Your Business Up for Success During the Slower
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On this episode of The Gauge, Dan & Carla take some time to discuss how home inspectors can achieve success for their business even when inspections start to slow down in the fall and winter months.The slow season for home inspections is the best time to take a step back and look at the different things to do for the business such as making updates…
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Ready to explore a seismic shift in the real estate landscape and the ripple effects that are poised to transform the home inspection industry? Strap in as we unpack the recent $1.8 billion judgement that rocked the National Association of Realtors and the potential for this major shake-up to create untapped opportunities for home inspectors. The v…
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Construx's Earl Beede, Jenny Stuart, and Mark Griffin investigate ways to split user stories so they fit in a sprint. Some methods are far preferable—and even easier—than others. Sometimes it just means setting yourself up to make your user stories split-able. Earl and Jenny will share their stories from the trenches and explain how they assist tea…
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Inspection Reports - Mastering Efficiency and Effectiveness
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Get ready to bolster your inspection report writing skills with this enlightening episode featuring seasoned expert, Mike Crow! With a treasure trove of wisdom gained from teaching, reviewing thousands of reports, and collaborating with attorneys and national home inspectors - Mike Crow will guide you to the path of excellence in report writing. Wh…
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ReportHost vs Spectora. How Does It Impact Our Industry?
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Will the settlement between report hosts and Spectora shake the foundations of the inspection industry? Get ready to find out with Nick Gromicko and Nathan Thornberry. We explore Spectora’s decision to settle and what it means for the larger inspection industry. We also examine the powerful dynamics that led to this settlement, and question if this…
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Do you wish you could captivate your audience and deliver impactful presentations? Today on Inspector Toolbelt Talk, we're breaking down everything you need to know about public speaking for home inspectors. We explore the significance of understanding your audience and conducting thorough research, and we're also sharing some top-notch advice abou…
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Will Two National Lawsuits Get Rid of Buyer Agents Forever?
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37:39
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Are buyer agents going away? Some think so, and some not. In this episode, we navigate the intricate maze of the antitrust lawsuits filed against the National Association of Realtors. In this journey, we promise you'll come away with a comprehensive understanding of the complexities of these lawsuits and their potential ripple effects on the real e…
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Mastering the Art of Dealing with Know-It-Alls: A Guide for Home Inspectors
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28:24
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We all know them – the clients, or worse, their father-in-law, who think they've mastered the art of home inspection. Armed with a smartphone and a couple of YouTube tutorials, they're ready to school the pros! 😅 So listen in! What if you could effortlessly manage know-it-alls in your professional life, particularly during home inspections? Imagine…
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#41 Special Guest: John Belbute, Engineering Metrics
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What metrics make sense for a development team? How do you talk about productivity? Construx friend John Belbute joins Construx’s Steve Tockey, Earl Beede, and Mark Griffin to talk about engineering metrics. John has been a software leader at many companies, including Intuit, WebMD, eBay and Capita CCS and is now semi-retired with his own coaching …
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