When Alan Framer started his pest control company 16 years ago, he faced the same uncertainty and challenges every new business owner experiences. But he had something many don’t, a seasoned guide. Ray Johnson, former owner of Johnson Pest Control and past President of the NPMA, agreed to mentor him. Alan traveled to Tennessee to work alongside Ray for two full days, soaking in decades of hard-earned wisdom. The insights he gained helped him sidestep costly mistakes, make smarter decisions, and lay the foundation for a thriving business.

In this episode, Allan Draper sits down with Alan to unpack how mentorship shaped his journey, the specific lessons that still guide him today, and the pitfalls he was able to avoid thanks to wise counsel. They also discuss why mentorship isn’t just valuable for newcomers, it’s a powerful tool at every stage of business growth. Now, with years of experience under his belt, Alan shares how he’s paying it forward by mentoring other pest control operators, helping them navigate the startup phase and build lasting success.

Whether you’re just launching or looking to break through to the next level, this conversation will inspire you to seek out the right guidance and maybe even become that guide for someone else.