Building a strong team with aligned core values is crucial for the success and growth of your pest control company. In today's episode, Eric and Jake welcome Josh Fleener, President of Pest Pros Pest Solutions. Josh shares insights into scaling his business, developing a strong team culture, and the core values that have driven his company's growth. By focusing on core values such as commitment to personal growth and genuine connection, Josh was able to create a positive and supportive work environment where team members feel valued and motivated.

Topics include:

Introduction (0:00)
Managing technicians in extreme heat (6:00)
Property management and marketing strategies (10:28)
Pursuing commercial multifamily accounts (16:35)
Leadership and team alignment (19:38)
Organizational structure and growth (23:02)
Visionary challenges in business (26:39)
Core values development process (29:05)
Work-life balance importance (31:30)
Industry core values and collaboration (38:32)

As a PCO, it's okay to have opinions and engage in political discussions, but it's crucial to be intentional about what you say publicly. In today's episode, Eric and Jake discuss why business owners should be cautious about making public statements that could be polarizing. The goal is to ensure that your business remains focused on what truly matters—providing excellent pest control services and maintaining good relationships with both employees and customers.

Topics Include:

Introduction (0:00)
How to navigate polarizing conversations (4:27)
Blue-collar industry and political leanings (9:16)
Social media impact on business (15:21)
Surprising encounters while door-knocking (18:52)
Political opinions in business (22:50)
Bud Light controversy and backlash (25:17)
The impact of political comments (30:57)
It's okay to have opinions (31:53)

In today's episode, Eric and Jake dive into the world of digital marketing with special guest, Mat Rogers, COO of Lizard SEM. Mat discusses the latest features in Google's digital marketing landscape and how they impact pest control companies. If you want to stay ahead of your competitors and drive engagement, don’t miss this information packed episode.

Topics Include:

Introduction (0:00)
Guest Segment: Mat Rogers (5:43)
Current Trends in Digital Marketing (6:24) Importance of Local SEO (8:45)
SEO vs. Local SEO Explained (10:06)Keywords and Content Creation (12:57)
Enhancing Google Business Profiles (18:15)
Creating Keyword-Specific Content (19:07)
Challenges for Small Business Owners (24:00) Investing in Marketing for Growth (28:09)
Optimizing Historical Data (24:44)AI and Speech Tools in Marketing (35:20)
Understanding User Intent in Marketing (37:00)

Whether it's through digital marketing, community involvement, or direct engagement, there are numerous ways to grow your pest control company. In today's episode, Eric and Jake address a question posted from Dominion Pest Control in the Bug Bux+ Facebook Group. Dominion Pest Control is a new company looking for advice on how to get customers. Eric and Jake share their top 20 tips for acquiring new customers.

Topics include:

Introduction (0:00)
Shoutout to Dominion Pest Control (3:45)
Getting Customers: No Easy Way (6:11)
Leveraging Friends & Family for Initial Customers (7:29)
Creating a Google My Business Profile and Social Media Presence (8:35)
Importance of Attractive Branding (10:02)
Using Local Social Media Influencers (14:55)
Sponsoring Local School Sports Teams (16:50)
Join Local Facebook Neighborhood Groups (23:30)
Trade Shows and Community Events (27:42)
Leveraging Neighbors for Business (36:25)
Pounding the Ground and Knocking Doors (42:30)

In today's episode, Eric and Jake had the pleasure of hosting Jim Fredericks, the Senior Vice President of Public Affairs at the National Pest Management Association (NPMA)/Executive Director of the Professional Pest Management Alliance (PPMA). Jim shared a wealth of knowledge about the resources and opportunities available through NPMA and PPMA, which are designed to help PCOs grow and succeed.

Topics Include:

Introduction (0:00)
Introduction to Guest: Jim Fredericks (3:33)
PPMA and Its Mission (6:38)
Consumer Outreach and Impact (10:30)
PPMA's Social Media and Video Projects (11:08)
Mainframe Content for PCOs (15:00)
NPMA Resources and Benefits (21:55)
Networking and Collaboration in Pest Control (31:19)
Overview of Quality Pro (38:30)

Light the candles and get ready to sing, because it's America's birthday! In today's episode, Eric and Jake discuss the significance of America as the land of opportunity and the impact of immigrant heritage on their entrepreneurial journey. They explore the value of hard work, the freedom to pursue happiness, and the unique opportunities available in America.

Topics include:
Introduction (0:00)
Immigrant Heritage: The Drive to Build a Better Life in America (5:15)
The Fourth of July: A Symbol of Opportunity and Freedom in America (15:46)
Opportunities as Business Owners (17:50)
Book Recommendation: “The Go-Giver” (23:38)
Value Your Time and Worth (29:33)

In today’s episode, Eric and Jake welcome Erik Anderson, owner of Utah Pest and Lawn. Erik shares his experience in sales, management, and entrepreneurship, highlighting the importance of integrity in sales, the power of networking and starting his own pest control company.

Topics include:
Introduction (0:00)
The Journey of Erik Anderson: From Sales to Entrepreneurship (2:52)
Integrity in Sales: Building Trust and Long-Term Relationships (8:05)
Knowing the Science of Products (19:04)
Networking: The Influence of Supportive Relationships (22:43)
Challenges of Studying for ACE Certification (25:07)
Growth and Future Plans (27:00)

In today’s episode, Eric and Jake discuss the challenges and strategies of managing a pest control company during the peak season. They cover topics such as customer expectations, triaging reservices, staffing, and the use of social media for education and brand building.

Topics include:
Introduction (0:00)
Creating the Right Expectations From the Start (5:13)
Communication Process with Customers (11:09)
Managing Customer Expectations and Reservices (13:54)
Social Media and Educational Content (21:57)
Strategies for Staffing and Forecasting During the Busy Season (29:01)
Navigating the Peak Season to Avoid Burnout (35:30)

Building a strong team dynamic based on trust and support is essential for the success of your pest control company. Today Eric and Jake welcome Billy and Taylor Wright, owners of Zona Pest Solutions. Billy and Taylor highlight the importance of early hiring to drive growth for their business. By bringing on a new employee, they were able to focus on growing the business, acquiring new accounts, and expanding their reach in the market. 

Topics Include:
Introduction (0:00)
Guest Introduction (1:50)
Starting in Door-to-Door (7:37)
Discussing Different Markets (12:32)
Transitioning to Owning a Business (15:30)
Hiring the Right Team (20:20)
Building a Close-Knit Team (25:23)
Husband and Wife Team (29:26)
Expanding to Specialty Services (35:40)

In today's episode, Eric and Jake have the pleasure of interviewing Scarlett Nolan, the president of Truly Nolan of America. Scarlett discusses the significance of intentional culture in companies, emphasizing the need for proactive discussions and actions to shape a positive work environment. Scarlett also talks about the challenges and benefits of working in a family business, highlighting the importance of defining success, and the evolving priorities of different generations in the workforce.

Topics include:
Introduction (0:00)
Importance of Culture in Pest Control Companies (5:30)
Family Systems (7:32)
Family business dynamics (17:33)
Tips for Successful Family-Run Businesses (22:30)
Defining Success and Business Partnerships (29:33)
Evolution of Workforce Generations and Culture (32:30)