Meet Jim Ruppert – Founder
Jim Ruppert, now retired, is the founder of Safe Harbor Inspections Inc., a successful and growing real estate inspection services company incorporated in 2003.
Jim holds a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science from Stony Brook University, as well as two associate degrees—in Social Science and Automotive Engineering. With over 30 years of experience in residential and commercial real estate property management, Jim was responsible for many aspects of construction, maintenance, and improvement. He is highly skilled at quickly identifying defects in properties and recommending the best solutions to repair or enhance them.
Jim served as the Chairman of the annual continuing education seminar for the Long Island and Metro New York inspection industry and remained very active in various inspection associations. He developed an innovative approach to delivering clear and meaningful communication to clients regarding inspection findings. Training inspectors to achieve excellence has been a passion and natural extension of his expertise.
Although retired since 2020, Jim continues to lend his expertise as an expert witness in legal matters and as an instructor for the Metropolitan Association of Home Inspectors (MAHI). He currently lives in Babylon, NY with his wife.
NY State Inspector License #16000018050;
NY State Mold License CERT# 24-6O1FV-SHMO
CCPIA – 004904
Certified Residential Thermographer
Meet Collin Ruppert – President
Collin Ruppert is the President and Owner of Safe Harbor Inspections Inc., a company specializing in residential and commercial building inspections, mold assessments, asbestos surveys, leak detection, waterproofing services, and all phases of residential construction and maintenance.
Collin is a New York State Licensed Property Inspector, Mold Inspector, a Certified Commercial Property Inspector, and a Licensed Home Improvement Contractor. Collin has also passed the National Home Inspector Examination (NHIE) and is a member of NYSAHI (New York State Association of Home Inspectors.) He holds two bachelor’s degrees — one in Aeronautical Science (2004) and another in Geology (2010). Before founding Safe Harbor Inspections in 2004, Collin gained valuable experience working across various construction trades, building a solid foundation in residential and commercial construction methods and materials.
Over the past 20 years, Collin has successfully completed a wide range of residential construction projects, from small-scale renovations such as bathroom and kitchen remodels, window and door replacements, and basement and crawlspace waterproofing, to large-scale undertakings including house lifting and new home construction. He specializes in luxury properties, bringing a keen eye for detail and craftsmanship honed through years of inspections and construction work. This unique expertise allows him to manage projects of all sizes with precision and care.
Collin is also the past president of the local chapter of the Metropolitan Association of Home Inspectors, demonstrating his leadership and commitment to the industry. He currently resides in Babylon, NY with his wife and children.
Director of Operations
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Meet Laura Slater – Director of Operations
Laura Slater joined Safe Harbor Inspections in 2017 and has become an indispensable member of the team. With over 30 years of experience in administration and a degree in Organizational Leadership and Management, Laura brings a wealth of knowledge in optimizing business operations and fostering strong team collaboration.
Since joining Safe Harbor, Laura has streamlined daily workflows, implemented efficient processes, and enhanced client communication protocols, all contributing to smoother operations and improved customer satisfaction. Her proactive approach and attention to detail ensure that every project runs seamlessly from start to finish.
As the welcoming voice of Safe Harbor, Laura takes pride in providing a warm and professional first impression, helping clients feel confident and supported throughout their inspection journey. She excels at problem-solving and team leadership, consistently motivating staff to deliver their best work.
Outside of work, Laura enjoys spending time with her husband and their beloved Alaskan Malamute, Russie, in Medford, NY. She is passionate about community involvement and values building lasting relationships with both colleagues and clients.
NY State Inspector License #16000073564
NY State Mold License CERT# 25-6LCB6-SHMO
NY State Asbestos License CERT# 25-63NZ4-SHAB
Meet Nicholas Calabro – Chief Inspector
Nicholas “Nick” Calabro brings over 28 years of hands-on construction experience to his role as Chief Inspector at Safe Harbor Inspections. He began his career working for his brother’s construction company in 1995 while attending college at CW Post on Long Island. Over the years, Nick has developed deep expertise in home building, rehabilitation, and renovation.
In 2004, Nick fulfilled a lifelong dream by joining the New York City Fire Department, following in his father’s footsteps. Stationed in Flushing, he proudly served the community until his recent retirement.
In 2015, Nick leveraged his extensive construction and firefighting background to become a licensed property inspector, dedicated to helping homebuyers and commercial clients make informed decisions. He conducts both commercial and residential inspections and specializes in luxury properties, offering clients expert guidance on high-end real estate.
In addition to his Inspector license, Nick holds certifications as a New York State Licensed Mold Inspector and New York State Licensed Asbestos Inspector.
Nick currently resides in Freeport, NY, with his wife Trish and their two children. When he’s not inspecting properties, he enjoys boating, fishing, and coaching his son’s baseball team.
NY State Inspector License #16000077788
Meet Mark Forca – Senior Inspector
Mark Forca is a New York State Licensed Property Inspector who joined the Safe Harbor Inspections team in 2020. Mark’s 25 years of experience in the home improvement industry is a valuable asset in his role as senior inspector. Mark has extensive knowledge and hands-on expertise in sales, installation, and servicing of roofing, siding, windows, doors, and all types of flooring.
His deep industry experience is matched by a strong personal work ethic rooted in his service background. Mark served in the United States Air Force in the early 1980s and later worked for American Airlines in the 1990s. These roles instilled in him a lasting commitment to discipline, teamwork, and accountability—qualities that now define his work as a home inspector.
Known for his attention to detail, professionalism, and strong belief in integrity, Mark lives by the motto: “Do the right thing, even when nobody is looking.” He takes pride in delivering inspections that go above and beyond client expectations and is committed to building strong, trustworthy relationships.
Mark also gives back to the community as a volunteer with Habitat for Humanity, helping build homes for families in need.
A longtime resident of Smithtown, NY, Mark has lived there with his family since 1999. He enjoys spending time upstate at the family home and is a passionate sports fan—cheering on the Yankees, New York Giants, and New York Rangers.
NY State Inspector License #16000056384
Meet Jason Delnicki – Property Inspector
Jason Delnicki is a New York State Licensed Property Inspector and an active New York City Firefighter with over 17 years of service. Throughout his firefighting career, Jason has received extensive training in building construction, safety systems, and structural evaluation, giving him a unique and highly practical perspective on how buildings are built—and how they perform under stress.
In addition to his public service, Jason has over 25 years of hands-on experience in the construction trades, working as a general carpenter and handyman. He has taken specialized courses in electrical systems and other trades, making him well-versed in nearly all aspects of residential construction and repair.
Jason’s combined background in emergency services and construction allows him to perform inspections with a high level of technical knowledge, attention to detail, and a strong focus on safety. As a Brooklyn resident, Jason primarily serves Safe Harbor clients in Brooklyn, NYC, and the Bronx, bringing local insight and accessibility to every inspection.
He currently lives in Bensonhurst with his two children. In both his professional and personal life, Jason is committed to helping others and bringing peace of mind to those he serves.
NY State Inspector License #16000089766
NY State Mold License CERT# 25-6OUYK-SHMO
Meet Rob Doyle – Property & Mold Inspector
Rob Doyle is a New York State Licensed Property Inspector and New York State Licensed Mold Assessor with over 25 years of experience in the construction industry. Prior to joining Safe Harbor Inspections, Rob owned and operated his own successful home improvement company for 12 years, specializing in high-end carpentry and custom cabinetry.
In addition to his construction background, Rob is a retired New York City firefighter, where he received extensive training in building structure, hazardous materials, and life safety systems. His combined experience in both the trades and emergency services gives him a unique, real-world understanding of how buildings are constructed—and how they hold up under stress.
Although Rob sold his company, he remains active in construction and continues to sharpen his skills, staying current with building trends and inspection techniques. His attention to detail, depth of knowledge, and calm, professional demeanor make him a trusted inspector for clients navigating both residential and commercial real estate decisions.
Rob lives in Smithtown, NY with his wife and four children. Outside of work, he enjoys scuba diving, fishing, and traveling.
NY State Inspector License #16000088725
Meet Ryan Lynch – Property Inspector
Ryan Lynch is a New York State Licensed Property Inspector who has been a valuable member of the Safe Harbor Inspections team since 2018. With a strong understanding of building structures and systems, Ryan combines technical expertise with excellent communication and a calm, professional demeanor—making him a trusted resource for homebuyers and property sellers alike.
Before launching his career in property inspections, Ryan served with distinction as a Detective in the New York City Police Department. Over the course of his career, he worked in several specialized units, ultimately serving in the elite Fugitive Enforcement Division. Following a line-of-duty injury, Ryan retired early—but his dedication to serving others remained as strong as ever.
Now, Ryan brings that same commitment and work ethic to his role as a home inspector. Known for his attention to detail, reliability, and client-focused approach, Ryan helps clients make informed decisions with confidence.
He currently resides in Sayville, NY, with his daughter and is proud to serve his community through his work at Safe Harbor Inspections.
NY State Inspector License #16000121698
NY State Mold License CERT# 25-6IZ5F-SHMO
Meet Robert Santos – Property & Mold Inspector
Robert Santos is a New York State licensed Property Inspector and New York State licensed Mold Assessor, proudly serving clients as part of the Safe Harbor Inspections team since 2021. With over a decade of experience in HVAC systems, including plumbing, electrical, and mechanical operations, Robert brings a deep technical background to every inspection.
Prior to joining Safe Harbor, Robert played a key role in the operations and engineering of a complex, four-building facility—developing expertise in system performance, safety protocols, and building infrastructure. He holds numerous certifications in safety, including OSHA compliance, control systems, and environmental and mechanical regulations, with a strong working knowledge of EPA standards.
Known for his attention to detail, technical knowledge, and commitment to continuous learning, Robert is dedicated to providing thorough, high-quality inspections that help clients make confident decisions.
When he’s not inspecting homes, Robert enjoys building and working on race cars. He’s especially proud of his 1969 SS Chevy Camaro, which he cruises to car shows and events. Robert lives in Huntington, NY with his wife and son.
Marketing
Meet Kenneth Ruddick – Marketing
Kenneth “Kenny” Ruddick is currently on active duty serving our country and he is part of our Marketing Department at Safe Harbor Inspections, bringing a data-driven, results-oriented approach to brand strategy, lead generation, and company growth. A graduate of Stony Brook University, Kenny holds degrees in Business Management and Marketing, and has been working in the marketing and advertising space since 2015.
Kenny is an award-winning marketing professional with a proven track record of success, particularly in the home services industry. He specializes in building brand awareness and developing targeted strategies that drive measurable growth. He has served on the Board of Directors and Marketing Advisory Committee for the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI), where he helped shape industry best practices in contractor marketing.
Outside of his work in marketing, Kenny proudly serves his community and country. He is a member of the United States Air Force National Guard at the 106th Rescue Wing, and works for New York State as a Crash Fire Rescue firefighter at Gabreski Airport. He also volunteers as a firefighter with the Central Islip Fire Department.
Kenny lives an active lifestyle and enjoys traveling, hiking with his wife and their Australian Shepherd, Merlin, as well as snowboarding and coaching track and field athletes in his free time.
