What if pest control could be more than just extermination — what if it could be a path to education, empowerment, and pride in the trades? In this episode of The Trades Podcast, hosts Jeff Mudd and Danny Torres sit down with Cliff Brooks, Co-Owner of Pest In Class, to explore how quality service and professional education are changing the face of the pest management industry.

In this powerful episode of The Trades Podcast, hosts Jeff Mudd and Danny Torres sit down with Cliff Brooks, Co-Owner of Pest In Class®, a company redefining professional development in the pest control industry.

Cliff shares how Pest In Class is bridging the gap between education and real-world application—empowering technicians, company owners, and service leaders to reach new levels of excellence. From modernizing training programs to embracing digital learning platforms, Cliff explains how raising standards can attract better talent, improve retention, and boost long-term customer trust.

Listeners will walk away with inspiration and tangible insights about leadership, training culture, and how continuous education drives both individual growth and industry advancement.

Whether you’re in pest management, facility maintenance, or any skilled trade, this conversation will remind you that when you invest in people, you elevate the profession.

• The vision behind Pest In Class® and its mission to professionalize pest control training.
• How technology-driven learning can simplify onboarding and career advancement.
• Why investing in technician education increases retention and customer satisfaction.
• The importance of leadership in shaping culture and service standards.
• How digital tools make technical learning accessible, practical, and scalable.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Pesting Class Exterminating

02:43 Quality Over Competition in Pest Control

06:04 The Importance of Trades Education

10:38 Navigating the College vs. Trades Debate

14:08 The Current Job Market and Trade Opportunities

18:36 Pesting Class's Service Area and Customer Base

19:48 Understanding Common Pests

25:26 Integrated Pest Management Strategies

29:58 The Utility of Pest Control Services

33:55 Building Trust Through Quality Inspections

39:20 Innovative Pest Control Solutions

44:50 Personal Experiences in Pest Control

49:55 Customer-Centric Business Model

55:23 Engaging Customers with Pet Safety