Pestie Profiles

In this episode, we continue our conversation with the legendary figure in the pest industry, Ion Staunton. This time, we delve deeper into his experiences as a "flickman" in the past, the early methods of fumigation, the transformations that have occurred in the industry over the years, his work on the book "Colonies in Collision," his recent projects, including the controversial Termi-trap, and how he's enjoying retirement. With 66 years in the pest industry, Ion has a wealth of stories to share, making it a nostalgic journey for all of us.

Some people may recognize Ion's name, but most in the pest management industry may not be aware of the significant achievements he has made during his 66 years in the field. Ion is, of course, the co-author of our industry's "bible," 'Urban Pest Management in Australia,' but he has also co-authored several other important publications. In our conversation, we delve into how Ion initially entered the industry, what it was like to work as a pest controller in those earlier times, the formation of AEPMA, his involvement in co-authoring the first formal TAFE course, and the establishment of the very first one-stop pest supply shop. This two-part series serves as a tribute to a genuine legend in our industry.

In this episode, we chat with the husband and wife team, Ryan and Rachel Smith, from LessPest More Control, based on the Gold Coast. Ryan and Rachel are the classic example of how most small pest control companies start. The husband becomes frustrated working for the bigger "juggernauts," and the wife finally convinces him to go out on his own with the help of her management skills! We discuss their first year in business on their own and how they kick-started and built their client base. We even delve into that age-old dilemma that keeps every owner-operator up at night: How and when to hire that first employee? This episode is perfect for those who are procrastinating over taking that plunge and going out on their own.

In this Pesties Profiles episode we chat to Mark and Tanya Glancy from D-Tec Pest Solutions based in South Brisbane. D-Tec is possibly the most awarded pest control business in Brisbane. So not only do we chat about what makes them so successful but also a unique aspect of their business, contract shooting. Contract shooting is an aspect of pest management that many of us would love to get involved in but don't know how or know how to get the opportunity. Mark gives us insight into what is required and what is involved in contract shooting particularly for pigeons. We also chat about Mark and Tanya's massive community work particularly their son Sam's charity foundation Kids4kids. This is definitely the podcast for anybody who loves shooting and wants to incorporate shooting contracts into their business.

In this episode, we chat with Lee Maddocks from Richards Pest Control, based on the Gold Coast in Queensland. This episode is a bit different from our usual profiles. While Lee may lack experience, he makes up for it with his drive. His hunger to learn and improve is the attitude we wish all pest control company owners had. We discuss his biggest challenges when entering the industry and the best ways he has found to learn and improve himself and his business. Lee lives by the motto, "The only dumb questions are the questions not asked!" This podcast is perfect for anyone looking to buy or who has already bought an established business with little to no pest control experience but has the drive to make it work!

This episode, we chat with Amanda Robin from Competitive Services. Not only is Amanda the Queensland General Manager for CPS, but she was also recently awarded the Office Employee of the Year at this year's WIPM Recognition Awards. With over 20 years under her belt in the pest industry, it's not hard to see why! Although Amanda's main role and passion is sales, she is also a qualified technician and loves getting on the tools. Amanda shares her secrets to sales, particularly "cold calling," and how to not only grow your database but also how to recruit and retain staff. Despite Jay recounting some of his goriest carcass removals and Nicky recounting the story of Jay doing the Full Monty, this podcast was actually a lot of fun! Nothing better than a bit of banter with our cousins from across the "dutch"!

In this episode, we chat with Stephanie Paddick from Jim's Termite and Pest Control. Stephanie was recently awarded the Leadership Award at this year's WIPM Recognition Awards, and it soon becomes apparent why!. We discuss how Stephanie and her husband, Lynton, started in the industry and then became the regional franchisors, not only for South Australia but also for Sydney and country New South Wales. Stephanie then shares with us Lynton's battle with cancer and how she has soldiered on, not only as a mum but also as a mentor to her 35 franchisees. We also delve into the details of the Jim's group model and why it has been so successful. This podcast is truly inspirational and is a perfect representation of what Pestie Profiles is all about. We dedicate this episode to Lynton Paddick RIP buddy!

In this Pestie Profiles episode, we have the pleasure of chatting with Justin Herbert, owner of Pestige Solutions based in Sydney, New South Wales. Pest control runs deep in Justin's blood, with his own son proudly representing the Herbert legacy as the fourth generation to to pick up the spray wand. The Herbert family is synonymous with the Pest Management Industry including Justin's dad, Ted Herbert who invented the Taipan Public Area Rodent Bait Station as well as several other pest management tools that some of us use and wouldn't even know. But there's more to discover! We delve into the inner workings of Pestige Solutions, a company with a big strata portfolio and currently deeply committed to Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) and workplace safety. Justin's recent goals of raising safety standards within Pestige Solutions to a whole new level is both commendable and inspiring. This is most likely an insight into what is to come within our industry and will likely favour those that act promptly. As our conversation unfolds, we also venture into the world of industry conferences. We navigate through the exciting stories of networking, knowledge sharing, and the camaraderie that makes these events so rewarding. And of course we start making plans for the upcoming Pestworld Conference in Hawaii next month. This episode has it all, education, inspiration and of course good old fashioned humour!

In this exciting episode, we take you behind the scenes of the inaugural conference, capturing the energy and excitement of the event. Brace yourself for our most epic podcast yet, featuring a whopping 13 guests who share their insights and experiences. Join us as we engage in captivating conversations with industry experts such as Matt Houlders from Little Critters Pest Control, Damian Herrington from Integrity Pest Control, Lee Maddocks from Richards Pest Control, Dean Turner from Great Northern Pest Control, Tim Spencer from Termites@Cooloola, Brad Burnett from Pest-Nett Pest Services, Sue-ann Tysoe from Checkmate Pest Control, Mike Brewer from The Termite Guys, Nathaly Haeren from Pestie Girls Pest Management, Associate Professor Theo Evans from the University of Western Australia, Tanya Beck from Spikes Pest Control, Stephanie Paddick from Jims Termite and Pest Control. And, of course, the cherry on top is our exclusive interview with the organiser of the event, Phil Ridley from Professional Pest Manager who spills the beans on what you might expect at next year's conference. If you couldn't attend the conference, fret not, because this podcast is your golden ticket to catch up on all the action. Don't miss out on this extraordinary episode!

In this episode, we have the pleasure of speaking with Michael Brewer, the founder of Termite Guys Brisbane. With a family background in termite management, it's no surprise that Mike has followed in their footsteps and built a thriving business solely focused on termites. His passion for the industry is evident in his work, and he's even developed a keen interest in thermal imaging cameras. In this episode, we delve into the world of thermal cameras and discuss the ins and outs of termite management. Whether you're a seasoned termite expert or simply considering investing in a thermal imaging camera, this episode is sure to pique your interest.

This episode we chat to Dr Dini Miller from Virginia Tech. Dini is not only an Associate Professor of Entomology at Virginia Tech but is also the Urban Pest Management Specialist for the state of Virginia. Thanks to Nicky this is another of Jay's bucket list guests ticked off. Dr Miller is an internationally recognized expert in the areas of urban pest management particularly in bedbug and German cockroach management in low income housing. We chat about her world famous cockroach bait taco, assessment based pest management vs integrated pest management, and of course just some of the other research work Dini has been involved in. It doesn't take long before Dini's infectious enthusiasm and quirky personality has you not only loving her but also these semi-social insects that even us as pesties typically cringe at. This is the podcast for those that want an upper hand in German cockroach and bedbug work and also just want to listen to a natural story teller!

This episode we chat to Daniel D Dye II (aka triple D) from Florida United States. Although supposedly now retired, Daniel has over 45 years of experience in the Pest Management Industry. Daniel is a bug ID guru of urban pest management, and is idolised and worshipped by so many in the industry and in particular Jay. And it doesn't take long to see why, not only is Daniel a wealth of knowledge and drive but he is also a genuine nice guy! We chat about Daniels long list of achievements, his current projects, his early childhood, ID tips and of course Jay and Daniel can't help but talk reptiles! This podcast is what Pestie Profiles is truly about "profiling the best in the pest business" and acknowledging their massive contribution to our industry. 

This episode we chat to Damian Herrington from Integrity Pest Control based in Mackay Central Queensland. Ever wondered how to start up a pest control business without having worked previously in a pest control business? Damian shares with us how he has used his own personal values to build a business that is currently doubling it's revenue each year. Damian carries the Integrity name with him through everything he does including speaking openly and honestly throughout this podcast. We talk about his religious beliefs, juggling 7 kids and most of all how he got started. This an inspirational podcast not only for those starting from scratch but also for those that want a business that they can be proud of! Enough to even have your face all over your vehicle!!

This episode we chat to Dr Phil Ridley from Professional Pest Manager-Your Pest Control Knowledge Centre. Phil is probably best known as the producer of the Professional Pest Managers magazine, as well as it's online components, but Phil also operates a small niche marketing agency called Bug Doctor Media. We talk about Phil's early career, from his research on leaf cutting ants, a cat food palatability scientist, his time with Dupont, to all the different services he now offers under the Professional Pest Manager and Bug Doctor Media umbrellas. We also talk about the upcoming inaugural Termite Professional Conference. We get an exclusive insight into the amazing guest speaker line up as well as the motivation behind organising this conference. If you are tossing up whether to go or not go to this conference, this is a must listen to podcast.

We are back for 2023 stronger and better than ever! This episode we review our 2022 season, announce the favourite manufacturer, favourite sales rep, and favourite distributer. We chat about the highest ranking episodes for 2022 and some of our highlights. We also chat about our upcoming 2023 season, what we have planned, and what podcasts we have planned.

This episode is part of a series of podcasts where I turn some of my favourite written articles into podcasts Treating spiders is possibly the easiest pest we deal with as pest controllers, so it is often annoying when we get a call back for a spider treatment we have done. So this episode I go through my top twelve tips for treating spiders and hopefully eliminate that annoying service call with managing these everyday pests.

This episode Nicky and I catch our breath and do a recap on our recent travels to Fiji and Japan all in a space of just two weeks. Our first week was in Fiji hanging with the amazing Vinay and Asita Chand from Fastkil Pest Control where we got to experience the incredible work ethic and the exceptional hospitality of the whole Fastkil team especially Vinay and Asita. Then it was a quick couple of days turn around and then off to the FAOPMA Pest Summit in Kyoto Japan and back again. We chat about some of the amazing people we met, what we saw at the conference and most importantly what we learnt! This podcast is a great insight into the pest management cultures in both Fiji and Japan.

To celebrate our 50th episode we've called in the big guns! So this week we chat to Jerry Schappert from The Bug Doctor based in Florida, United States. But most would know Jerry as the founder and face behind the highly popular Pestcemetery.com facebook group. We chat about his early beginnings in the pest management industry, his own pest business, why and how he started pestcemetery.com, and all the other little projects Jerry is involved in, from being an author to our industries largest virtual training platform Pestcemetery Pro. And along the way we gain an insight into the pest management culture of the United States and how Australia is so different yet so similar. This is truly an inspirational podcast with such a humble man that has had such a positive impact on the pest management industry. What better way is there than to celebrate our 50th episode by putting the spotlight on truly one of the best in the pest business!  https://pestcemeterypro.com/

This episode we chat to Shaun Preston from Geelong Pest Control in Victoria. We talk about how Shaun has used all those disciplined attributes he learnt in his time in the military to create not only a very successful pest control business in Geelong but also in Perth and other industries. Healthy mind, body and soul is his ethos and it shows. This is definitely the podcast for those wanting a more recent pest control business to model off! To be honest this is the pest control business that we all wish we were!

This episode we chat to Gary Journeaux from Competitive Pest Services based in Sydney. We chat about Gary’s humble beginnings to now having over 140 staff Australia wide and in Burma. We talk why Burma and how? And we also talk about how Competitive Pest Services is the only private company offering hygiene services nationwide. This is definitely an inspirational podcast and a great example of how hard work and taking a few risks can pay off.