Suzy Rayner, owner of Valkyrie Pest Solutions, Manitoba, Canada, shared how her homelessness experience has shaped her into the pest control owner and operator she is today, using a trauma-informed approach when working with customers in low-income housing.

Mike Thome and Jen Sweeney-Ingram of UPMTC chat with Mark "Shep" Sheperdigian, Rose Pest Solutions, Troy, Mich. Sheperdigian shares how he got started in pest control, favorite pest encounters, the importance of the "people side" of pest control and what all is involved in his current role as chief science officer.

After nearly 50 years working in the business, Gary Blankenship of Lexington, Ky.-based Guarantee Pest Control recently sold his second generation family business to Scherzinger Pest Control in Cincinnati, Ohio. PCT interviewed Blankenship at the UK Short Course to reflect on his pest control journey, the benefits of attending state and regional meetings for continued growth in the industry and his plans for retirement.

Sydney Crawley, principal vector scientist with Rentokil Terminix, shares how pest activity continues and, in some cases, increases during the winter months, challenging the common belief that pests slow down in cold weather.

Horner, vice president of government affairs & industry stewardship, Arrow Exterminators, was recognized by PCT and Syngenta during the Crown Leadership Awards ceremony at PestWorld, in Orlando.