Training salespeople in the pest control industry with honesty, integrity, and a high level of professionalism is essential for the success and reputation of your business. In today's episode, Eric and Jake discuss the importance of being proactive and well-informed about regulations in the pest control industry. In addition, they both share their personal experiences of training sales teams with a strong focus on honesty, integrity, and professionalism.

Topics Include:

Introduction (0:00)
New Facebook Group for Non-Owners (4:55)
Government Regulation in Pest Control (7:09)
W-2 vs. 1099 Employees (11:04)
Ethical Concerns in Door-to-Door Sales (14:14)
Importance of Honesty and Integrity (16:00) Importance of Sales Team Education (23:50)
Impact of Dishonest Sales Tactics (25:52)
Proactive Training for Sales Teams (31:13)

Communication, education and retention, are all key components of running a successful pest control company. In today's episode, Eric and Jake welcome Paul Townsend, the Operations Manager for Animal & Insect Pest Management Inc. Educating customers about the services being provided, the potential risks associated with pest infestations, and preventative measures they can take can help them make informed decisions and feel confident in the services they are receiving. By educating customers, pest control companies can also establish themselves as trusted experts in the field.

Topics include:

Introduction (0:00)
Guest Introduction: Paul Townsend (4:02)
AIPM Company Background (6:02)
Educating Customers on Pest Control (13:16)
Technician Roles and Customer Expectations (16:31)
Quality of Customers and Retention (18:34)
Educating Customers on Products (21:01)
Rodent Adaptation and Control Methods (27:58)
Historical Context of Rodent Control (30:07)
Challenges with Changing Regulations (36:55)

In today's episode, Eric and Jake welcome Noah Besheer, the fourth-generation president of Gunter Pest and Lawn. Noah demonstrates a strong commitment to incorporating green and sustainable practices into his pest control company. This dedication is evident through initiatives such as the use of electric vehicles and solar power in the company's operations. In addition, Gunter Pest and Lawn's emphasis on building relationships with their employees is another innovative aspect of their business.

Topics Include:

Introduction (0:00)
Podcast Milestone: 100,000 Downloads (4:47)
Guest Introduction: Noah Besheer (6:09) Remote Leadership Challenges (10:39)Setting Company Vision and Goals (14:45)
Personal Relationships with Employees (16:06) Quality vs. Quantity of Time with Employees (18:48)Systematizing Business Processes (23:43)
Transition to Modern and Green Practices (30:57)Solar-Powered Operations (34:10)Financial Impact of Green Initiatives (35:04)
Marketing Strategy and Differentiation (39:52) (

This episode comes with a sensitive content warning as it covers topics such as mental illness, family trauma, suicide, and the loss of a child. In today's episode, Eric along side with Jake and Jana navigate the aftermath of the tragic loss of their 14-year son, Jess Melvin Claus. Throughout the episode, they emphasize the importance of recognizing the small miracles and blessings that occurred amidst the tragedy. They also reflect on how this experience has reshaped their priorities in both their personal lives and our business.

Topic Include:

Introduction (0:00)
Dealing with loss and grief (3:44)
Family's response to emergency (14:46)
Gratitude amidst a crisis (25:08)
Handling difficult situations in business (37:21)
Jess's vibrant personality impact (40:14)
Trauma recovery in the workplace (49:08)
Gaining perspective amidst challenges (58:36)
Understanding grief and empathy (1:11:08)
Genuine caring in the industry (1:14:21)

Building relationships and actively participating in industry associations are key factors in creating opportunities for mergers and acquisitions in the pest control industry. In today's episode, Eric and Jake welcome Michael Bosco from Safe Haven Pest Control. Michael discusses the importance of building relationships, networking, and staying engaged in industry associations so PCOs can position themselves for growth, expansion, and successful acquisitions.

Topics Include:

Introduction (0:00)
Guest Introduction: Michael Bosco (4:41)
Michael Bosco's Background (6:26)
Transition from Technician to Business Owner(9:57)
Growth and Business Model Evolution (10:48)
Texas Pest Control Association and Industry Trends (15:48)
Labor and Hiring Challenges (26:01)
Building to Sell: Business Models in Pest Control (32:07)
Michael's Experience with Mergers and Acquisitions (32:32)
Challenges in Acquisitions and Mergers (37:56)
Advice for PCOs Interested in Acquisitions (40:05)

Building a strong team with aligned core values is crucial for the success and growth of your pest control company. In today's episode, Eric and Jake welcome Josh Fleener, President of Pest Pros Pest Solutions. Josh shares insights into scaling his business, developing a strong team culture, and the core values that have driven his company's growth. By focusing on core values such as commitment to personal growth and genuine connection, Josh was able to create a positive and supportive work environment where team members feel valued and motivated.

Topics include:

Introduction (0:00)
Managing technicians in extreme heat (6:00)
Property management and marketing strategies (10:28)
Pursuing commercial multifamily accounts (16:35)
Leadership and team alignment (19:38)
Organizational structure and growth (23:02)
Visionary challenges in business (26:39)
Core values development process (29:05)
Work-life balance importance (31:30)
Industry core values and collaboration (38:32)

As a PCO, it's okay to have opinions and engage in political discussions, but it's crucial to be intentional about what you say publicly. In today's episode, Eric and Jake discuss why business owners should be cautious about making public statements that could be polarizing. The goal is to ensure that your business remains focused on what truly matters—providing excellent pest control services and maintaining good relationships with both employees and customers.

Topics Include:

Introduction (0:00)
How to navigate polarizing conversations (4:27)
Blue-collar industry and political leanings (9:16)
Social media impact on business (15:21)
Surprising encounters while door-knocking (18:52)
Political opinions in business (22:50)
Bud Light controversy and backlash (25:17)
The impact of political comments (30:57)
It's okay to have opinions (31:53)

In today's episode, Eric and Jake dive into the world of digital marketing with special guest, Mat Rogers, COO of Lizard SEM. Mat discusses the latest features in Google's digital marketing landscape and how they impact pest control companies. If you want to stay ahead of your competitors and drive engagement, don’t miss this information packed episode.

Topics Include:

Introduction (0:00)
Guest Segment: Mat Rogers (5:43)
Current Trends in Digital Marketing (6:24) Importance of Local SEO (8:45)
SEO vs. Local SEO Explained (10:06)Keywords and Content Creation (12:57)
Enhancing Google Business Profiles (18:15)
Creating Keyword-Specific Content (19:07)
Challenges for Small Business Owners (24:00) Investing in Marketing for Growth (28:09)
Optimizing Historical Data (24:44)AI and Speech Tools in Marketing (35:20)
Understanding User Intent in Marketing (37:00)