In today's episode, Eric and Jake had the pleasure of welcoming back Colton Gonzalez and Eric Salgado with Firehouse Pest Control. These returning guests shared valuable insights into their journey from firefighting to pest control, emphasizing the importance of integrity and customer service in their business model. In addition, by establishing a system where technicians were incentivized for their sales performance and customer service, they motivated their team members to excel in their roles...
May 16, 2024•40 min•Ep. 135
Storytelling is a powerful tool that can be used to build connections and trust with customers, clients, and employees. In today's episode, Eric and Jake welcome Shane Mantz, the regional operations manager at Magna Pest Solutions. Shane discusses the importance of creating a strong brand identity based on core values. In addition, by understanding what is important to you as an individual or organization, you can develop a brand identity that reflects those values and resonates with your target...
May 09, 2024•33 min•Ep. 134
In today’s episode, Eric and Jake welcome Dennis Kuchta, founder and CEO of Wise House Environmental Services in South Florida. Dennis sheds light on the struggles many business owners encounter in attracting individuals with a strong work ethic and commitment to their roles. He also expresses his concerns about not wanting to sacrifice customer care for rapid growth, as he values his clients and wants to provide them with the best service possible. Topics include: Introduction (0:00) A PCO turn...
May 02, 2024•40 min•Ep. 133
In today's episode, Eric and Jake had the pleasure of speaking with the dynamic husband and wife duo, Rian and Noelle Goins, owners of Get Goins Pest Control in Los Angeles. They share their incredible journey from inheriting a small client list to building a thriving business through the power of social media and referrals. The Goins couple is not only making waves in the pest control industry but also leaving a significant impact on their community through their non-profit organization, Keep I...
Apr 25, 2024•45 min•Ep. 132
Building a pest control company should align with personal goals, not just financial gain. In today's episode, Eric and Jake welcome Casey Jones, owner of Hydra Pest Control. Casey emphasizes the importance of starting a business with the end goal in mind and focusing on creating a company that aligns with personal values and long-term goals. He shares the journey that led him from various industries to the pest control industry, driven by a desire to provide for his family and contribute positi...
Apr 18, 2024•37 min•Ep. 131
From door-to-door sales to owning a pest control company, this story is one of hard work and determination! In today's episode, Eric and Jake had the pleasure of chatting with Degen Perry, owner of Black Pearl Pest Control. Degen shares his journey from considering a career in dentistry to becoming a pest control owner during the uncertain times of 2020. Degen discusses the advantages of offering a variety of pest control services to become a "one-stop-shop" for customers. Topics include: Introd...
Apr 11, 2024•35 min•Ep. 130
Leadership, empathy, and inspiring team growth are essential elements in building a successful pest control company. In today's episode, Eric and Jake welcome Shad Teerlink, CEO of Evolve Pest Control. Shad shares his experience of establishing and expanding Evolve Pest Control, highlighting the necessity of ongoing evaluation and improvement in both leadership and operations. Topics include: Introduction (0:00) Origin story of Evolve Pest Control (5:15) Leadership and company culture (9:45) Bui...
Apr 04, 2024•39 min•Ep. 129
In today’s episode, Eric and Jake play a fun, thought-provoking game of "Would You Rather.” They debated various scenarios, such as: Focusing on customer retention vs. acquisition, saying out of debt vs. leveraging growth debt, hiring experienced technicians vs. training newbies and so much more! Topics Include: Introduction (0:00) Would You Rather Game: Pest Control Edition (3:41) Retention vs. Customer Acquisition (4:18) Hiring Experienced Technicians vs. Training Newbies (5:52) Expanding Serv...
Mar 28, 2024•35 min•Ep. 128
Eric and Jake kicked off today’s episode discussing the importance of having a customer agreement, which outlines the services provided, payment details, and other legal protections. They answer a question posted in the Bug Bux Facebook group by Jordan Wheeler. The question is “I've seen more D2D companies doing 18-24 month agreements. What is your general pest agreement length?” Topics include: Introduction (0:00) Topic Introduction: Pest Agreement Length (3:17) Importance of Customer Agreement...
Mar 21, 2024•30 min•Ep. 127
Pest control owners need to carefully allocate their marketing budgets to ensure they are maximizing their return on investment and driving revenue growth. In today's episode, Eric and Jake have pleasure of hosting Mat Rogers, the COO of Lizard SEM, for his seventh appearance on the show. Mat shares invaluable insights into the world of digital marketing for pest control companies, emphasizing the importance of a comprehensive strategy that goes beyond just one tool or platform. Topics include: ...
Mar 14, 2024•33 min•Ep. 126
AI technology in pest control has the potential to revolutionize the industry by enhancing efficiency and improving customer interactions. In today's episode, Eric and Jake welcome Aaron Cooper, the co-founder and CEO of SameDay. SameDay's Artificial Intelligence will answer the phone and book appointments, just like your best sales person. Aaron discusses how AI can efficiently handle customer inquiries and scheduling with precision and consistency. Topics Include: Introduction (0:00) Meet Aaro...
Mar 07, 2024•38 min•Ep. 125
Networking and connecting with industry professionals can be a game-changer for your pest control company. This week, Eric and Jake had the pleasure of chatting with Kevin Reif, an inspiring entrepreneur who shares his journey from door-to-door sales to launching his own pest control company, Reif Environmental. Kevin also shares insights into how he developed a brand that conveys trust and professionalism, attracting quality customers and fostering long-lasting relationships. Topics include: In...
Feb 29, 2024•34 min•Ep. 124
In today’s episode, Eric and Jake welcome Jonas Olson the CEO of Turf Badger and host of the Pest Control Millionaire Podcast. Jonas shares his candid story of starting out in lawn care, transitioning to pest control, and the lessons learned along the way. He emphasized the importance of focusing on one service, mastering it, and then scaling up before adding more services. Topics include: Introduction (0:00) Introducing Jonas Olson (2:33) Jonas’s Background in Pest Control (5:25) Transitioning ...
Feb 22, 2024•35 min•Ep. 123
In today's episode, Eric and Jake welcome Jerry Wickwire and Josh Tonn, co-owners of Freedom Force Pest Control. Before starting their own company in 2021, both co-owners gained valuable experience in the pest control industry. Hear their incredible journey, marketing tactics, and how they built a strong brand. Topics include: Introduction (0:00) Background of Freedom Force Pest Control (2:22) Transitioning to Business Ownership (3:15) Origin of the Name Freedom Force Pest Control (5:55) Brandin...
Feb 15, 2024•29 min•Ep. 122
Which key considerations should you keep in mind when it comes to choosing your service vehicle? This decision isn't easy and will greatly impact your operation. In today’s episode Eric and Jake Discuss their experience with different vehicles, and they share their top considerations when selecting a service vehicle. Topics include: Introduction (0.00) Question posted by Kris Holden in the Bug Bux Facebook group (2:57) History of Natura’s fleet vehicles (3:51) Considerations for choosing service...
Feb 08, 2024•26 min•Ep. 121
In today's episode, Eric and Jake discuss the importance of hiring your replacement in order to free up your time and focus on the aspects of your pest control business that you truly enjoy. Tune in to learn how to scale and grow your pest control company while overcoming unexpected challenges. Topics include: Introduction (0:00) Question from Matthew Mariscal in the Bug Bux Facebook Group (3:04) Advice for Technicians with High Aspirations (4:44) Encouraging Intrapreneurship (5:57) Delegating t...
Feb 01, 2024•32 min•Ep. 120
Incorporating KPIs into your pest control company is crucial for strategically achieving goals and objectives. In today’s episode, Eric and Jake answer a question posted by Jake Ingledue in the Bug Bux Facebook group. The question is, “If you could only pick 3 KPIs for technicians, what do you feel are the most important?” Eric and Jake dive deep into this topic and they each discuss their top three answers. Topics Include: Introduction (0:00) KPIs for technician performance (3:53) Evaluating se...
Jan 25, 2024•33 min•Ep. 119
Confidence is king and success comes from being confident with your business decisions and customer expectations. In today’s episode, Eric and Jake answer several questions posted in the Bug Bux Facebook group. Topics include: Introduction (0:00) Pest control logistics and customer expectations (3:50) Pest control marketing strategies and customer communication (8:00) Price lock guarantees and their potential drawbacks (13:50) Challenges of offering free inspections (19:00) Sales strategies and ...
Jan 18, 2024•33 min•Ep. 118
In today's episode, host Eric Bassett introduces his new co-host, Jake Claus, who brings 19 years of experience in the pest control industry. Jake is not only Eric's brother-in-law but also the founder and co-owner of Natura Pest Control. Together, they discuss various aspects of the pest control business, including door-to-door sales, technical expertise, operational management, and leadership development. Topics include: Introduction (0:00) Jake's experience and perspective (2:10) Golden handc...
Jan 11, 2024•33 min•Ep. 117
The Bug Bux podcast has a few exciting enhancements for 2024! In today's episode, Allan and Eric discuss how the podcast has evolved and improved over time, with better content, more relevant topics, and high-quality guests. Topics include: Introduction (0:00) How the Bug Bux podcast has evolved (2:27) Allan's journey with the podcast (3:23) Sharing ideas and questions in the Bug Bux Facebook Group (9:38) Value comes from helping others (18:15) Allan's experience and expertise is valuable (19:52...
Jan 04, 2024•26 min•Ep. 116
Starting a door-to-door program can be a valuable tool for growing your pest control company, but it also comes with some challenges. In today's episode, Allan and Eric discuss the pros, cons, and everything you need to know about launching a high-quality in-house door-to-door program and retaining a positive reputation. Topics include: Introduction (0:00) Launching an in-house door-to-door program is difficult (3:00) Don't do something you hate (4:33) Challenges and cost of door-to-door (7:55) ...
Dec 28, 2023•34 min•Ep. 115
In today's episode, Allan and Eric discuss the importance of pricing in the pest control industry. They highlight how pricing can serve as a marketing tactic, communicating the quality and type of services a company offers. Topics include: Introduction (0:00) Pricing question from the Bug Bux Facebook group (2:13) How pricing affects long-term goals (6:40) Price increases are necessary for business sustainability (11:35) Pricing is a marketing tactic (20:13)...
Dec 21, 2023•25 min•Ep. 114
In today's episode, Allan and Eric discuss the significance of having signed service agreements for pest control companies. Having signed agreements ensures clarity and understanding between parties, and also provides protection from liability. Topics include: Introduction (0:00) Essential clauses for pest control service agreements (4:05) Importance of clear service agreements (5:14) Building credibility (11:28) Agreements and contracts (17:05) Walk through the service agreement confidently (19...
Dec 14, 2023•23 min•Ep. 113
From humble beginnings during the Great Depression to becoming a multi-million dollar enterprise, Sprague Pest Solutions has overcome numerous challenges and embraced change. In today's episode, Allan and Eric welcome AJ Treleven. AJ is the Director of Operations at Sprague Pest Solutions and he shares the remarkable story of his family's generational growth in their family business. Topics Include: AJ’s extensive experience and expertise in the pest control industry (1:45) Generational growth i...
Dec 07, 2023•40 min•Ep. 112
Creating measurable marketing accountability is crucial for PCCs to track the performance of their marketing efforts and ensure that they are achieving their goals. In today's episode, Eric provides a step-by-step guide on how to create a high-level, high-accountability relationship with your marketing team. Topics include: Create measurable, accountable marketing relationships (1:54) Qualified lead ratio is important (5:31) Efficiency vs speed in marketing (10:44) Understand lead goals and phas...
Nov 30, 2023•32 min•Ep. 111
The pest control industry offers a range of opportunities for individuals to build successful careers. In today's episode, Allan and Eric discuss their gratitude for the pest control industry and the opportunities it provides. They also highlight the various career paths and growth opportunities that the industry offers, even for individuals without extensive education or experience. Topics include - Stable industry with growth opportunities (2:30) Pest control industry has low barrier to entry ...
Nov 22, 2023•25 min•Ep. 110
What are your biggest hurdles for business growth? In today's episode, Allan discusses things that pest control companies should be focusing on during this time of year when business tends to slow down. Prioritizing important, non-urgent tasks such as training, employee reviews, and system reviews is crucial for success. Topics include: Make a list of things to be done (3:19) Cleaning and maintenance (6:48) Focusing on business needs (11:48) Scaling a company (12:29) Knowing Your Numbers (16:07)...
Nov 16, 2023•24 min•Ep. 109
In today's episode, Allan and Eric discuss a question posted in the Bug Bux Facebook group regarding subscription-based billing. There are many pros and cons to help you decide if this is a route that will work for your pest control company. Topics include: Subscription-based services and customer retention (3:10) Long-term vision and strategy (8:19) Implementing changes in your PCC (16:11) Subscription-based billing and its benefits (20:30)
Nov 09, 2023•27 min•Ep. 108
In today's episode, hosts Allan Draper and Eric Bassett discuss the importance of maintaining and nurturing relationships in the pest control industry. They emphasize the need to keep in touch with contacts made at events like PestWorld, whether they are vendors, presenters, or fellow pest control owners. Topics include: PestWorld recap (2:11) A relaxed and enjoyable PestWorld (6:11) Networking benefits (8:41) Choose vendors wisely, prioritize relationships (13:20) Align with vendors who share v...
Nov 02, 2023•27 min•Ep. 107
Consistency in service protocols is crucial to maintaining a positive customer experience. In today’s part 2 episode, Eric continues to discuss the topic of retention, discussing tips 6 through 10. Topics Include: Communication with customers (4:51) Providing value to customers through technician execution (7:43) Setting expectations and obtaining reviews (10:12) Customer loyalty letters, and reviews platform (14:57) Improving customer service (23:55) Handling customer cancellations (26:59) Impr...
Oct 26, 2023•41 min•Ep. 106
