Hello! The GATOR Family is here to help.
We offer a unique blend of professionalism and southern hospitality with every inspection we perform.
About Us
Our Team
DEREK R. BALLARD – Owner / Founder
License: Texas TREC 10108 Arkansas HI1529
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.
KEITH GREEN – Professional Home Inspector
License: Texas Trec 22723
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.
TONY CROUCH – Professional Home Inspector
License: Texas Trec 23663
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.
DONAVON WILLIAMSON – Professional Home Inspector
Arkansas HI2138
Donavon received his Professional Home Inspection license for Arkansas from AHIT in Little Rock. He is a De Queen native and he and his wife still call it home today. Donavon graduated from Southern Arkansas University with a Bachelor’s in Agri Science and a Master’s of Science in Education. He then opened his own remodeling business that has grown and thrived over the past few years. He is now eager to serve our clients in southwest Arkansas.
Donavon’s hard work, determination to be his best, and his eagerness to learn make him a perfect fit for our Gator Family.
HEATHER MARSH – Professional Home Inspector
Arkansas HI2145
Heather received her professional Home Inspection license for Arkansas from AHIT in Little Rock. She is originally from Dallas and started her construction career in 2010. She has experience in masonry/concrete, landscaping, and home renovation. She moved to the Texarkana area in 2018 and accredits her success in the industry to the incredible people she has met throughout her career. She looks forward to expanding her knowledge and network while enjoying a small town family feel.
In her free time, she enjoys doing anything outside- camping, hiking, kayaking, golfing, tennis, and biking.
Heather’s perseverance in all things, ability to learn quickly and adapt to any situation, and her genuine love of her work and people make her a perfect fit for our Gator Family.
BRIAN CENTER- Mold Assessment Technician
License: Texas 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.
HEATHER HAWKINS – Marketing | Graphics | Client Care
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 son call Texarkana home and enjoy all things outdoors together– but especially fishing and nature walks. You can often find them on the weekends building and creating together.
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.
LAUREN JONES – Administrative Assistant | Client Care
Lauren is daughter to Owners, Derek and Jessica. She works remotely, part-time, completing administrative duties. She credits her work ethic, love of people, and values to her parents, 4 older brothers, and one older sister. Lauren’s love of people influenced her career choice as a registered nurse.
Growing up spending summers at her grandparent’s lake house instilled a love of water, early on. Today she enjoys scuba diving, wakeboarding, and swimming with the stingrays at StingRay City, Grand Cayman.
She and her husband now live in San Antonio, where they recently welcomed their son. She feels blessed as a wife, mother, and in her career choices. She says working with the incredible family and team of Inspection Gator has given her so much joy and she hopes to continue to bless all of those she encounters.