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/) 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/) 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) 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/) 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 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.

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 8/20/2024 ServiceTitan 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 (https://www.linkedin.com/in/chelleallen/), the owner of iconnectu (https://iconnectu.info/), 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 sales Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: ServiceTitan Thank You Report Guide (https://help.servicetitan.com/how-to/thank-you) You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Toolbox for the Trades on Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/toolbox-for-the-trades/id1503078938), on Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/76wMZ1SJV4OAql9HzbnQ87?si=85dc59f7c6e244b2), or here (https://www.servicetitan.com/podcast).  Know a business that could use a bit of muscle from ServiceTitan? Refer them here! (https://www.servicetitan.com/referrals) 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 (https://www.linkedin.com/in/christodanderson/), co-founder and VP of Sales at Applause (https://applausehq.com/), and Kevin Burton (https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinhburton/), Business Development Representative Manager at Enzy (https://www.enzy.co/), 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 competition Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: Applause (https://applausehq.com/) Enzy (https://www.enzy.co/) 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 two key leaders from Smarter Launch (https://www.smarterlaunch.com/) — Cody Smith (https://www.linkedin.com/in/pestcontrolaz/), Director of Operations, and Bryson McCutcheon (https://www.linkedin.com/in/brysonmccutcheon), 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 improvement Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: Smarter Launch (https://www.smarterlaunch.com/) Field Routes (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.

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 (https://www.linkedin.com/in/allisontaiseyallen/) to join the National Pest Management Association (https://www.npmapestworld.org/), 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 industry Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: National Pest Management Association (https://www.npmapestworld.org/) Pest World (https://www.npmapestworld.org/attend/industry-events-calendar/pestworld-2024/) ServicePro (https://www.servicepro.solutions/) 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.