Pest in Class: Expert Voices in Pest Management

In this special holiday episode of Pest in Class, host Amanda Salvatore highlights extraordinary acts of compassion and community support within the pest management industry.Discover how Suzy Rayner of Valkyrie Pest Solutions transforms customer experiences with her trauma-informed care approach, reshaping treatment processes with empathy. Hear about Eric and Kurt Scherzinger’s inspiring efforts at Scherzinger Pest Control to foster employee well-being and adapt company culture during the challenges of COVID-19. Finally, learn about the impactful work of Ryan and Noel Goins of Get Goins Pest Control in providing crucial aid to families facing severe infestations.These powerful stories underline the profound role of empathy, community outreach, and creative solutions in elevating pest control beyond its traditional scope.Join us as we discuss: [00:52] A trauma-informed approach to customer service[8:32] Shouting your employee appreciation from the rooftops[16:34] Helping struggling families with their pest control needsCheck out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:The Keep It Goins FoundationYou can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Pest in Class on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here. Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Pest in Class in your favorite podcast player.Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Ashley Morrison, President at City Wide Exterminating Inc. in Charlotte, NC, is a proud champion of her family business’ family-first culture.By implementing new routing efficiencies and other leadership lessons, she’s helping ensure that her frontline staff can get home sooner and spend time with their loved ones.Tune in to hear how Ashley is leaning on FieldRoutes and her industry contacts to empower her team and support a healthy work-life balance in their organization.Join us as we discuss:[9:17] Setting healthy boundaries in a family-run business[16:57] Transitioning from index cards to a company-wide CRM[20:37] The importance of efficiencies in a family-first cultureCheck out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:National Pest Management Association (NPMA) Executive Leadership ProgramYou can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Pest in Class on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here. Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Pest in Class in your favorite podcast player.Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Aaron Curtis, CXO of Alta Pest Control, has helped propel the company to remarkable growth by centering on customer experience (CX) and fostering a strong, unified company culture. Aaron discusses Alta’s mission to create a “better experience by becoming better people” and explains how customer retention is directly influenced by employee engagement. Whether you're looking to improve customer service or inspire company-wide accountability, Aaron shares actionable steps to make CX a driving force in your business.Join us as we discuss:[8:00] Creating value by elevating the customer experience[15:08] Why customer satisfaction is everyone’s job[20:53] The symbiotic relationship between customer and employee retention[31:21] Relieving customer friction through notification updatesCheck out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:Top 6 Automation Hacks to Get Your Time BackYou can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Pest in Class on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here. Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Pest in Class in your favorite podcast player.Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In this episode, we chat with Daniel Shropshire, Director of Operations at Official Pest Prevention.We explore how technology is driving innovation, from FieldRoutes' automation solutions to the use of SMART technology in schools, and how these advancements are reshaping the way pest control companies operate.Daniel shares valuable insights on maintaining a personal, small-business feel while scaling operations, the advantages of bundling services, and the power of transparency and honesty in building lasting customer relationships.Join us as we discuss: [15:22] Maintaining a small business feel during expansion[22:12] Automation and the human touch in customer service[32:03] Implementing SMART technology in schools[37:01] Advice for leadership during organizational changeCheck out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:SMART - Digital Pest ControlYou can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Pest in Class on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here. Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Pest in Class in your favorite podcast player.Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In this episode, Ryan Miklus, General Manager of Budget Brothers Termite and Pest in Phoenix, Arizona, opens up about his baseball-inspired leadership style and the vital role of a thriving work environment in a family business.Ryan takes us on his unexpected journey into the world of pest control, revealing the pivotal moment when his father chose to sell the family business to a local permanent capital firm — passing on private equity for a more values-driven path.Ryan delivers powerful insights on how he fosters success within his team, emphasizing the unstoppable force of teamwork. This episode is packed with inspiration and leadership wisdom you won’t want to miss.Join us as we discuss: [07:44] Weighing a post-high school career versus college[17:39] A team leadership philosophy and key success factors[21:17] How to create wins for employees and customersYou can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Pest in Class on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here. Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Pest in Class in your favorite podcast player.Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In this episode, we sit down with Rachel Mendez, the fascinating owner and operator of Last Call Pest Control in Ontario, Canada.Rachel shares how her distinctive journey shaped her compassionate approach to pest management. We also dive into how her bold personal aesthetic infuses her business branding, making her business as unique as she is.As a new mother, Rachel opens up about the delicate balancing act between parenting and entrepreneurship, the power of community support, and her inspiring mission to uplift other women in the industry.Join us as we discuss: [09:23] A compassionate pest control approach[20:45] Rachel’s unique branding success[37:32] How to delegate and build trust in your team[45:52] Advice for new business ownersYou can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Pest in Class on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here. Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Pest in Class in your favorite podcast player.Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Did you know the ServiceTitan Podcast network has other shows that can really help you not only grow your business but learn more about and use ServiceTitan even better?We've come out with additional shows to help folks all over your organization get the most out of your time working with us and our platforms.Today we have a guest episode from our sister show "Toolbox for the Trades", with a great concept to help keep your customers in your circle and coach your techs on the little things that matter most.Originally Aired 8/20/2024ServiceTitan is a powerful tool, but just like any major piece of equipment in your shop, you have to know how to use it to get the most out of it.Customer satisfaction is typically a top priority for inbound service calls, but what about after the technician has left the premises?Chelle Allen, the owner of iconnectu, joins us to discuss the concept of “happy calls” — customer experience follow-ups made after a service is performed. Chelle explains how these calls not only offer gratitude but also collect valuable feedback to improve services. Tune in to hear how happy calls help identify minor issues like technician behavior, create opportunities for additional sales, and strengthen customer loyalty. Join us as we discuss:[3:33] The importance of following up on the little things[10:50] Following miscommunication crumbs[19:17] Eliminating in-house bias by outsourcing calls[29:21] Using “happy calls” for cross-promotional salesCheck out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:ServiceTitan Thank You Report GuideYou can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Toolbox for the Trades on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here. Know a business that could use a bit of muscle from ServiceTitan? Refer them here!Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Toolbox for the Trades in your favorite podcast player.Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In this episode, we discuss cutting-edge reward systems that can boost your employees’ performance. Chris Anderson, co-founder and VP of Sales at Applause, and Kevin Burton, Business Development Representative Manager at Enzy, join us to discuss their approaches to employee engagement, incentivization, and gamification in the pest control industry. Chris shares how Applause has turned technician incentives into a performance-boosting powerhouse. Meanwhile, Kevin reveals how Enzy’s fun and competitive gamification tools light a fire under employees, sparking friendly competition and keeping motivation high.Join us as we discuss: [2:24] How Applause creates incentives for technicians, leading to better service [6:34] A real-life Applause success story [15:59] How Enzy gamifies the workplace and creates healthy competitionCheck out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:ApplauseEnzyYou can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Pest in Class on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here. Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Pest in Class in your favorite podcast player.Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In this episode, we sit down with two key leaders from Smarter Launch — Cody Smith, Director of Operations, and Bryson McCutcheon, Director of Customer Success.Cody and Bryson share insights into how Smarter Launch’s innovative proposal software is designed to address common challenges in the pest control industry.They discuss the software’s standout features, its impact on streamlining business processes, and the importance of building a strong community within the field.Join us as we discuss:[06:19] The appeal of the pest control industry[12:51] How Smarter Launch can help your business[18:57] A mindset of continuous product improvementCheck out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:Smarter LaunchField RoutesYou can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Pest in Class on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here. Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Pest in Class in your favorite podcast player.Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Many professional associations across the country provide resources and opportunities for companies to network, connect, learn, and ultimately help each other scale their businesses.These groups have opened the doors for underrepresented groups to join the pest control industry and to pursue a professional career where they feel supported and included.These incredible changes motivated Allie Allen to join the National Pest Management Association, where she focuses on memberships and certifications.She joins us at our Ignite 2024 booth to share the story of her professional journey, her passion for memberships, and why she thinks more women should enter the pest control industry.Join us as we discuss:[3:39] How networking makes the industry better[05:54] Why association memberships are important[09:48] Why more women need to enter the pest control industryCheck out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:National Pest Management AssociationPest WorldServiceProFieldRoutesYou can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Pest in Class on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here. Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Pest in Class in your favorite podcast player.Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In this episode, we chat with Brianna Neerland, Operations Manager at Kwik Kill Pest Control in Wisconsin. Brianna shares her journey from biotechnology to pest control, along with her passion for making operations run smoothly.Brianna highlights the importance of efficient routing, automation, and clear communication with clients to keep a pest control business running strong. She also tells some great, relatable stories, including a memorable DIY pest control mishap.Join us as we discuss: 04:43 Pivoting from biotech to pest control08:11 The importance of routing optimization for efficiency15:19 DIY pest control horror storiesYou can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Pest in Class on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here. Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Pest in Class in your favorite podcast player.Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Ryan Englin truly understands how challenging it can be to recruit qualified people. He knows that if business owners want someone to look at them as their next potential employer, they need to make sure that the company appeals to them and meets them where they’re at.They also need to understand what resonates with the different generations out there in the market who are actively looking for a career and adjust their approach and messaging accordingly.As the CEO of Core Matters, Ryan and his team are on a mission to help companies in the trades hire the right talent faster and in a way that’s mutually beneficial. He stops by to share his experiences with us, discuss what business owners should be mindful of when recruiting, and talk about how to appeal to candidates from different generations.Join us as we discuss:[04:19] The different generations of talent and what resonates with them[12:35] How to appeal to the younger generation[21:11] The importance of being seen and heard within the companyCheck out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:Core MattersTitans of the Trades PodcastFieldRoutesYou can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Pest in Class on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here. Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Pest in Class in your favorite podcast player.Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Scaling a small business is always challenging. Sometimes, “winging it” feels like the best tactic that a growing team can do. But what about when a party like private equity enters the picture?Those investors want to see more concrete processes that can be scaled and don’t rely on knowledge that only resides in various minds across the company.Laura Gergle, VP of Project Management at Pest & Termite Consultants in Raleigh, NC, tells us how effective project management and documentation of processes and initiatives isn’t just healthy for your business. Effective planning will make your company more attractive to outsiders looking to invest. Join us as we discuss: [10:14] Why project management makes a difference to private equity [23:50] How project management factors into culture [37:19] Areas that require a different project management approachCheck out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:Professional Women In Pest ManagementYou can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Pest in Class on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here. Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Pest in Class in your favorite podcast player.Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Anyone in sales will tell you that managing a large team spread across different locations and time zones is no small feat. You need to lead and guide them so that they meet and exceed quotas and improve continuously.With the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) and other technology, sales teams are now able to improve how they work in ways that were previously unthinkable.This positive disruption motivated Gavin Janis to make the transition from being a user to a trainer of high-performing sales teams at Siro.He joins us to share the incredible story of his professional journey and how Siro helps record and transcribe face-to-face conversations to unlock missing revenue for sales teams in the pest control industry.Join us as we discuss:[07:35] An introduction to Siro and the platform’s mission[11:12] How Siro is used to train sales teams and help them to improve[27:46] Success stories from companies that are using the platformCheck out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:SiroFieldRoutesYou can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Pest in Class on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here.Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Pest in Class in your favorite podcast player.Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Get ready for an electrifying episode as we bring you the best insights straight from the floor of Ignite 2024, the must-attend event for pest control professionals in Orlando, Florida. We’re diving deep into the future of business operations with cutting-edge AI integrations, game-changing software strategies, and powerful automation techniques that can elevate any pest control business. Whether you’re looking to optimize your team’s efficiency, leverage AI for smarter decision-making, or streamline your daily operations, this episode is packed with actionable tips. Don’t miss out on these rapid-fire interviews that will ignite your passion and spark innovation in your pest control operations!Join us as we discuss:[00:27] Fun feedback from a first-time Ignite visitor[9:58] Exciting AI-powered phone system solutions[20:56] Practical advice from a 10-year FieldRoutes user[30:07] Best business practices from a FieldRoutes coachConnect with our guests:Kendra Snyder, General Manager at Quest Termite and Pest ControlRaymond Kidwell, Director Of Business Development at Voice for PestCliff Killingsworth, Owner of ENSEC Pest & LawnBill Goins, Customer Service Specialist & Operations Manager at Pest SOS Sales & Office SolutionsYou can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Pest in Class on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here. Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Pest in Class in your favorite podcast player.Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Eric Scherzinger and Kurt Scherzinger know that taking over a multigenerational business comes with its own set of challenges. They knew that in order to scale sustainably, it had to start with a shift in mindset and the way that the business operated. As members of the senior management of Scherzinger Pest Control, Eric and Kurt are on a mission to help homeowners get rid of their bug problems. They stop by to share their professional journey with us and highlight the challenges of working in a family business. They also provide advice for those planning to join a multigenerational business, how to create a good work culture, and how to ensure a smooth transition to another software. Join us as we discuss:[11:16] The challenges of taking over a family business[21:05] Key elements that contribute to a great work culture[28:26] Advice for those going into a multigenerational businessCheck out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:Scherzinger Pest ControlEOSFieldRoutesYou can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Pest in Class on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here. Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Pest in Class in your favorite podcast player.Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In a male-dominated industry like pest control, engagements with customers tend to be very impersonal and transactional.These circumstances motivated Suzy Rayner to lead with empathy when she interacts with customers so that she can meet them where they are.She joins us on this episode of Pest in Class to share her story of incredible resilience and how she turned the adversities she faced in her personal life into a strength. Suzy also talks about how she started her company, Valkyrie Pest Solutions, and why she uses a trauma-informed lens when engaging with customers.Join us as we discuss:[06:00] How Suzy improved the customer experience[21:57] Why it’s crucial to use a “trauma-informed lens” with customers[34:35] The importance of gender diversity in pest controlCheck out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:Valkyrie Pest SolutionsFieldRoutesYou can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Pest in Class on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here. Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Pest in Class in your favorite podcast player.Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

As an avid outdoorsman, Sam Taggart, Founder and CEO of D2D Experts, compares door-to-door sales to his love for snowboarding.That’s because Sam believes that while most people will certainly fail in the beginning, it’s those who overcome their fear of rejection and persevere who will become master salespeople.He highlights the importance of perseverance through adversity, a reasonable recruitment model, and robust training programs for sales success.Join us as we discuss:[8:02] Why you need to have faith in your product[16:49] Recruiting tips for door-to-door salespeople[28:30] How to help struggling employees[37:55] Healthy ways of dealing with successCheck out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:The D2D Podcast with Sam TaggartABC'$ of Closing: Experts' Secrets to Closing More Deals in Door-to-Door SalesYou can find this interview and many more by subscribing to FieldFamous on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here. Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for FieldFamous in your favorite podcast player.Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Meet Rian and Noelle Goins, the dynamic husband-and-wife team behind Los Angeles-based Get Goins Pest Control.Ryan and Noelle's passion extends beyond their business; they are actively involved in industry organizations and are the driving force behind the Keep It Goins Foundation, a nonprofit that provides essential pest care services to those in need. The Goins emphasize the importance of authenticity, creativity, and community-focused values in their business and social media presence, making pest control both approachable and engaging.Join us as we discuss:[06:49] Being a married couple in pest control[22:03] The importance of building trust with clients[27:49] Lessons from the first year[46:14] Giving back with The Keep It Goin FoundationCheck out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:Final Cut ProAdobeAmerican Black Film FestivalPCOCWomen in Pest ControlNPMAJAG - Jobs for America’s GraduatesMake A Wish FoundationKeep it Goins FoundationThe Out GoinsYou can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Pest in Class on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here.Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Pest in Class in your favorite podcast player.Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Michael Moorhouse, President of Mosquito Shield, has been helping start small businesses since 1991, when he and a partner opened an ice cream shop in a small Massachusetts town. Since joining Mosquito Shield in 2008, he’s facilitated 120 new franchisees operating in over 400 territories.Michael will be the first to tell you that the first leg of the journey wasn’t easy — he realized pretty early that he had a lot to learn about franchising. But today, he recommends it to any aspiring entrepreneur who’s considering entry into small business ownership.Michael joined us to talk about the importance of understanding customer demographics, identifying unique selling points, and maintaining clear communication when starting a franchise.Join us as we discuss:[7:11] Identifying and massaging the pros and cons of franchise ownership[16:48] Overcoming early franchisee challenges in a seasonal business[24:58] Dealing with exponential growth and reassessing expectations[37:12] Common franchising misconceptions and success storiesYou can find this interview and many more by subscribing to FieldFamous on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here. Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for FieldFamous in your favorite podcast player.Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.