Mergers and acquisitions (M&A) have become a hot topic in the pest control industry. But how can owners navigate this complex process? Dan Gordon (https://www.linkedin.com/in/dangordoncpa/), Founder and Managing Director at PCO Bookkeepers (https://pcobookkeepers.com/) and co-host of the PMP Industry Insiders podcast, shares a practical guide for business owners looking to buy or sell a pest control company. Dan walks through the essential steps, from identifying potential buyers to conducting due diligence and negotiating a successful deal. He also highlights the emotional challenges that come with selling a business and offers insights into current M&A trends in the industry. Whether you're preparing for an exit or looking to expand, this episode is packed with valuable advice from one of the industry's top financial experts. Join us as we discuss: [8:06] What to look for when considering a pest control company purchase [20:24] Dealing with emotions during the M&A process [29:00] Common acquisition mistakes and gauging company culture Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: PMP Industry Insiders (https://www.pmpindustryinsider.com/) with Dan Gordon and Donnie Shelton Save $150 On Your “Early Bird” Ignite Admission (https://cvent.me/xA2482?RefId=Pest-in-Class) You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Pest in Class on Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/field-famous/id1672665453), on Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/0xgfGTzqcCflFqwa3e1F0T?si=3727553614b145fd), or here (https://www.fieldroutes.com/resources/podcast).  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.

Ellen Rohr (https://www.linkedin.com/in/ellen-rohr-5052101/), Brand and Industry Marketing Lead at ServiceTitan (https://www.servicetitan.com/), shares her inspiring journey from financial struggles to business success. Ellen discusses the five key steps to becoming a first-class financial manager, offering actionable insights tailored for pest control professionals. She emphasizes the importance of confidence, stewardship, and financial literacy in building a thriving business. Whether you're just starting out or looking to scale, this episode will leave you motivated to master your finances and grow your enterprise. Join us as we discuss: [5:04] The dangers of burnout and financial stress [13:14] Overcoming the reluctance to face money problems head-on  [23:46] The 5 steps to mastering financial literacy in your business Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: Where Did the Money Go? (https://ellenrohr.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/BBB_gd_WDTMG_110612.pdf) By Ellen Rohr How Much Should I Charge? (https://ellenrohr.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/BBB_gd_HMSIC_110322.pdf) By Ellen Rohr The Business of Contracting (https://www.shubee.com/product/frank-blaus-business-of-contracting-ebook/?srsltid=AfmBOoooydV71DZoDUZIlTL5tTh8TxKqS2TnxG5-CxS_OgTpf3F1WvoH) By Frank Blau The Great Game of Business (https://ggob.myshopify.com/) By Jack Stack Tricks of the Trade to Success: The Magic of Creating Your Ta-daaah! In Business and in Life (https://www.amazon.com/Tricks-Trade-Success-Creating-Ta-daaah/dp/0578314940/) By Paul Kelly Save $150 On Your “Early Bird” Ignite Admission (https://cvent.me/xA2482?RefId=Pest-in-Class) You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Pest in Class on Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/field-famous/id1672665453), on Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/0xgfGTzqcCflFqwa3e1F0T?si=3727553614b145fd), or here (https://www.fieldroutes.com/resources/podcast).  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.

The 2024 State of the Pest Industry Report is here — and it’s packed with insights to help pest control business owners strategize for growth. Anders Fredericksen (https://www.linkedin.com/in/andersfsen/), Senior Product Marketing Manager at FieldRoutes (https://www.fieldroutes.com/), joins us to break down the key findings, from revenue growth strategies and marketing automation investments to technology adoption challenges. We dive into how companies are optimizing cash flow, balancing headcount with automation, and navigating barriers to software adoption. Plus, Anders highlights emerging trends like AI, property intelligence, and the growing demand for end-to-end management platforms. Discover how the pest control industry is planning for a more efficient, customer-focused, and tech-driven future. Join us as we discuss: [3:44] General highlights from the 2024 State of the Pest Industry Report   [9:49] Marketing automation, AI tools, and other tech trends [21:07] Top goals, priorities, and concerns heading into 2025 [29:56] The biggest surprise takeaways from the annual report Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: 2024 State of the Pest Industry Report (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1vRnNdGUu4aWJFssXdyTTQJ0knlwzx_AG/view?usp=sharing) Thrive Analytics (https://thriveanalytics.com/) State of the Pest Control Industry Heading into 2025 Webinar with Anders Fredericksen and Eddie Wooten (https://www.fieldroutes.com/webinar/state-of-pest-report) Save $150 On Your “Early Bird” Ignite Admission (https://cvent.me/xA2482?RefId=Pest-in-Class) You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Pest in Class on Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/field-famous/id1672665453), on Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/0xgfGTzqcCflFqwa3e1F0T?si=3727553614b145fd), or here (https://www.fieldroutes.com/resources/podcast).  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 Zach Boardman (https://www.linkedin.com/in/zachariah-boardman-435b83123/), Director of Technical Operations at HomeShield Pest Control (https://www.homeshieldpestcontrol.com/) in Orange County, California. Zach talks about the art of active listening and why understanding the customer’s perspective is key to exceptional service. He also reveals how FieldRoutes reporting tools have become a game-changer in streamlining business operations and driving growth. Zach also takes us behind the scenes of HomeShield's innovative apprenticeship program, sharing how it’s shaping the next generation of pest control professionals.  Join us as we discuss:  [9:41] Why the customer’s experience is always right [11:39] HomeShield's apprenticeship program [17:26] The impact of FieldRoutes on customer relationships Save $150 On Your “Early Bird” Ignite Admission (https://cvent.me/xA2482?RefId=Pest-in-Class) You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Pest in Class on Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/field-famous/id1672665453), on Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/0xgfGTzqcCflFqwa3e1F0T?si=3727553614b145fd), or here (https://www.fieldroutes.com/resources/podcast).  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 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 (https://www.valkyriepest.ca/) 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 (https://stopzbugs.com/) 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 (https://getgoinspestcontrol.com/) 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 needs Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: The Keep It Goins Foundation (https://keepitgoins.org/) Save $150 On Your “Early Bird” Ignite Admission (https://cvent.me/xA2482?RefId=Pest-in-Class) You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Pest in Class on Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/field-famous/id1672665453), on Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/0xgfGTzqcCflFqwa3e1F0T?si=3727553614b145fd), or here (https://www.fieldroutes.com/resources/podcast).  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 (https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashley-morrison907/), President at City Wide Exterminating Inc. (https://www.citywideexterm.com/) 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 culture Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: National Pest Management Association (NPMA) Executive Leadership Program (https://www.npmapestworld.org/engage/leadership-programs/executive-leadership-program/) Save $150 On Your “Early Bird” Ignite Admission (https://cvent.me/xA2482?RefId=Pest-in-Class) You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Pest in Class on Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/field-famous/id1672665453), on Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/0xgfGTzqcCflFqwa3e1F0T?si=3727553614b145fd), or here (https://www.fieldroutes.com/resources/podcast).  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 (https://www.linkedin.com/in/aacurtis/), CXO of Alta Pest Control (https://www.altapestcontrol.com/), 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 updates Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: Top 6 Automation Hacks to Get Your Time Back (https://www.fieldroutes.com/resources/tips-and-tools/top-6-automation-hacks-to-get-your-time-back) Save $150 On Your “Early Bird” Ignite Admission (https://cvent.me/xA2482?RefId=Pest-in-Class) You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Pest in Class on Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/field-famous/id1672665453), on Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/0xgfGTzqcCflFqwa3e1F0T?si=3727553614b145fd), or here (https://www.fieldroutes.com/resources/podcast).  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 (https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-shropshire-68082a62/), Director of Operations at Official Pest Prevention (https://www.officialpestprevention.com/). 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 change Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: SMART - Digital Pest Control (https://www.anticimex.com/digitally-enabled-pest-control/) Save $150 On Your “Early Bird” Ignite Admission (https://cvent.me/xA2482?RefId=Pest-in-Class) You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Pest in Class on Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/field-famous/id1672665453), on Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/0xgfGTzqcCflFqwa3e1F0T?si=3727553614b145fd), or here (https://www.fieldroutes.com/resources/podcast).  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 (https://www.linkedin.com/in/budgetbrothers/), General Manager of Budget Brothers Termite and Pest (https://budgetbrotherstermite.com/) 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 customers You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Pest in Class on Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/field-famous/id1672665453), on Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/0xgfGTzqcCflFqwa3e1F0T?si=3727553614b145fd), or here (https://www.fieldroutes.com/resources/podcast).  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 (https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-mendes-ace-i-18b2b91b9/?originalSubdomain=ca), the fascinating owner and operator of Last Call Pest Control (https://www.lastcallpestcontrol.com/) 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 owners Save $150 On Your “Early Bird” Ignite Admission (https://cvent.me/xA2482?RefId=Pest-in-Class) You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Pest in Class on Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/field-famous/id1672665453), on Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/0xgfGTzqcCflFqwa3e1F0T?si=3727553614b145fd), or here (https://www.fieldroutes.com/resources/podcast).  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.