Route optimization isn’t just about saving miles. It’s about empowering technicians and improving operational cohesion. Markus Konietzka (https://www.linkedin.com/in/markuskonietzka/), Director of Integrations at AXN Growth Partners (https://axngrowthpartners.com/), joins the show to share how his experience in logistics and as a technician shaped his people-first approach to route management. From reducing gas consumption by 20% to slashing technician windshield time, Markus explains how implementing rigid scheduling, auditing practices, and route data analysis paid off big for his team. Join us as we discuss:  [5:10] Why empathy for technicians is a routing manager’s greatest soft skill [8:17] How routing efficiencies helped slash overall fuel consumption by 20% [14:18] The benefits of quarterly vs. monthly service agreements Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: ACTION Termite & Pest Control (https://www.actiontermitecontrol.com/) Best Practices from Peers: Optimizing Your Business with FieldRoutes (https://www.fieldroutes.com/webinar/best-practices-from-peers) 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.

Mindset in pest control plays a crucial role in navigating the challenges of daily operations and long-term growth. In this special compilation episode of Pest in Class, we revisit three powerful conversations with industry leaders who’ve tackled discomfort, burnout, and bold career moves. Hear inspirational highlights from:  Kyle Selbach (https://www.linkedin.com/in/kyleselbach/), Director of Operations at All U Need Pest Control Sam Taggart (https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-taggart-27256962/), Founder and CEO of D2D Experts And Rachel Mendes (https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-mendes-ace-i-18b2b91b9/?originalSubdomain=ca), Owner of Last Call Pest Control This is your mid-season reminder to keep pushing, keep growing, and keep your mindset sharp. Join us as we discuss:  [1:02] Why getting uncomfortable is key to success [4:36] How to help a struggling team member rediscover their “why” [7:06] The value of building a supportive entrepreneurial community 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.

What happens when tradespeople go beyond the job and become pillars of their communities? Jen Roberts (https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-roberts-67ba0a16/), Senior Director of Integrated Marketing at ServiceTitan (https://www.servicetitan.com/), joins us to discuss Power the Nation, a movement dedicated to amplifying the incredible ways trades professionals give back. From friendly rivalries and food drives to local scholarships and surprise community makeovers, Jen shares how these unsung heroes power more than just homes and businesses. Join us as we discuss:  [5:08] The mission of sharing tradespeople’s community impact [8:38] How competitors unite to feed a community [12:18] Why celebrating philanthropy in the trades matters Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: Power the Nation (https://www.servicetitan.com/power-the-nation) 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.

When Jeff Simmons (https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffsimmonsrealtor/) first stepped into pest control, he was just a college student looking for a summer sales job. Now, as the Owner of Malang Pest Control (https://malangpestcontrol.com/), he has built a thriving business from scratch — even launching during the Great Recession in 2009. Jeff shares how he bootstrapped his business with no loans, leveraged door-to-door sales, and navigated industry shifts to create a sustainable and successful pest control company. He also reveals how COVID unexpectedly boosted his business and why embracing technology, like FieldRoutes software, is crucial for growth.  Tune in to learn Jeff’s grassroots strategies for scaling a pest control business the smart way. Join us as we discuss: [2:34] Building a business from scratch during tough times [9:13] How technology has helped Jeff scale his business [12:53] Training a thriving door-to-door sales team through partnerships Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: D2D Millionaire (https://www.d2dmillionaire.com/) The D2D Experts (https://thed2dexperts.com/) Eat What You Kill by Sam Taggart (https://thesamtaggart.com/eatwhatyoukill/) 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.

Scaling a pest control business is no small feat, but RIDD Home Services (https://www.ridd.com/) has done it with remarkable efficiency. In this episode, we sit down with Dan Farah (https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-farah-96a475a1/), Chief Administrative Officer at RIDD, to discuss how the company has grown exponentially since its founding in 2020 — landing a coveted spot on the PCT Top 100 list. Dan shares how his background in corporate finance and software development equipped him with the skills to streamline operations, optimize FieldRoutes, and create a scalable staffing strategy. From automating tasks to refining scheduling, his insights offer valuable takeaways for any pest control business looking to improve efficiency. Join us as we discuss: [4:47] Key contributors to RIDD’s exponential scaling since 2020 [10:22] Software tools to help streamline operations and marketing [17:01] How the pest control community provides support for growth Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: Pest Control Technology Top 100 (https://www.pctonline.com/page/top-100-companies/) FieldRoutes Pathfinder Network (https://www.fieldroutes.com/lp/pathfinder-network) 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.

What truly sets a pest control business apart? According to Denise Trad-Wartan (https://www.linkedin.com/in/denisewartan/), it’s all about company culture and leveraging the right technology to streamline operations. The CEO of Trad’s Pest Control (https://www.tradspestcontrol.com/) in Jacksonville, FL, shares how she transitioned into the industry, the critical changes she made to improve safety and efficiency, and why FieldRoutes became a game-changer for her company. She also unpacks why strong leadership and team empowerment are the secret ingredients to standing out in a competitive market. Tune in for an insightful discussion on how culture and technology drive pest control success. Join us as we discuss: [6:55] How an intuitive CRM can accelerate business growth [12:07] The benefits of customizable tools and digital automation [17:50] Why company culture is your biggest competitive advantage Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: FieldRoutes (https://www.fieldroutes.com/) Accountability: The Key to Driving a High-Performance Culture (https://www.amazon.com/Accountability-Key-Driving-High-Performance-Culture/dp/0071831371) by Greg Bustin 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.

Many pest control companies rely on outdated digital marketing tactics — often handing the job to a family member who “knows Instagram.” But there’s a smarter way to market, one that drives real growth and measurable results. In this episode, Amanda talks with Kirby Oscar (https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirby-oscar-45263583/), SVP and General Manager at Scorpion (https://www.scorpion.co/home-services/pest-control/). Kirby shares practical digital marketing strategies that help pest control businesses scale, attract more customers, and maximize ROI. From social ads and email campaigns to leveraging your customer data, this conversation is packed with tools to help you market like a pro. Join us as we discuss:  [5:18] Why trusting experts matters (and what not to do) [12:04] Social media marketing — posting versus paid strategy [18:55] Leads, lifetime value, and metrics that matter Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: FieldRoutes (https://www.fieldroutes.com/) Marketing Pro (https://www.servicetitan.com/features/pro/marketing) 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.

Running a family business isn’t always easy, but Tom Myers (https://www.allritepest.com/tom-myers), President, and Kristin Fore (https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristin-fore-b5ba417/), CEO, of All-Rite Pest Control (https://www.allritepest.com/), have spent decades turning challenges into triumphs. The father-daughter duo shares how trust, innovation, and problem-solving have fueled All-Rite’s success for over 50 years in Lexington, KY. Tom discusses his passion for entomology and empowering his team, while Kristin highlights her journey into the family business and her focus on modernizing operations. From building a legacy to navigating family dynamics, this episode is packed with insights for pest control professionals looking to scale their small businesses. Join us as we discuss: [12:09] Navigating family dynamics and empowering your team [18:16] Key growth strategies that have helped All-Rite thrive [26:05] The importance of a healthy work-life balance as an owner [32:36] Advice for aspiring pest control business owners Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: FieldRoutes (https://www.fieldroutes.com/) 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.

Kendra Snyder (https://www.linkedin.com/in/kendralsnyder/), co-owner of Quest Termite & Pest Control (https://questpest.com/) in Hellertown, PA, returns to the show to share insights on leadership and growth in the pest control industry. Kendra draws on her unique background in fitness and her years of business ownership to discuss the importance of proactive leadership, fostering a strong company culture, and balancing family dynamics in a professional setting. She also highlights how her approach to mentoring and role-playing helps empower employees to excel in their roles. Tune in for actionable advice from one of the industry’s most inspiring leaders on taking the initiative in team management. Join us as we discuss: [6:09] Starting a business with a spouse and setting clear boundaries [11:50] How a leader’s positive attitude influences company culture [20:21] Proactive leadership and finding your employees’ superpowers [28:47] Evolving your business model and the importance of transparency Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: FieldRoutes (https://www.fieldroutes.com/) Register now for Ignite 2025 in Anaheim, CA here (https://web.cvent.com/event/525700f3-6108-4a7f-b302-84430639712a/summary)!  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.

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 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.