“We really like [Isotech’s] vision for how commercial service should be handled,” John Myers, CEO of Rentokil North America, told PCT. “They very much focus on high dependency commercial accounts, and they are very selective about the types of accounts they would sell. They want customers that really respect and understand the value of pest control.”
In 2009, Isotech’s visibility was raised when it became the subject of the reality television show “Verminators.” This media involvement helped spur growth, and in 2010 and 2011 Isotech made Inc. Magazine’s list of 5000 Fastest Growing Privately Held Companies. More recently, Isotech recorded 11 percent revenue growth from 2014 to 2015.
Myers said Rentokil was attracted to the fact Isotech is very growth-oriented, noting, “The more growth-oriented people you can bring into an organization the more likely you are going to have that become the culture of your organization.”
In 2012, Rentokil acquired Western Exterminator, a $94 million pest control business based in Anaheim, Calif., and serving all of California, as well as Nevada and Arizona. Myers said that Rentokil has no immediate plans to roll Isotech into the Western business because Isotech is almost exclusively involved in the commercial market, whereas Western is heavily concentrated in the residential sector.
Myers said Masterson and Alden’s immediate plans are to remain with Isotech/Rentokil and have an ongoing role in the business, “which is what we want. Both of them have really great customer contacts. It would be a bad business decision not to continue that relationship.” — Brad Harbison
PCT’s Label Training Courses Earn CEU Approval in Four States
VALLEY VIEW, Ohio — The states of North Carolina, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania and Tennessee have given CEU approval to a collective 63 courses in PCT’s Distance Learning Center.
- North Carolina — 20 courses
- Oklahoma — 17 courses
- Pennsylvania — 20 courses
- Tennessee — 6 courses
More state CEU approvals are expected. With the necessary programming to meet various states’ continuing education (CEU) approval requirements now complete, PCT has begun submitting its courses to those states that recognize online training for CEU credits. Keep in mind your particular state may not currently recognize online training CEU credits but, in the future, may start doing so.
Learn more at https://training.pctonline.com.
Broome Recognized with VPMA Lifetime Award
FREDERICKSBURG, Va. — Jack Broome, president of PermaTreat, received the Virginia Pest Management Association Lifetime Industry Stewardship Award at the VPMA Annual Meeting and Banquet on Sept. 21.
The award is given to an individual who has made significant contributions to the pest control industry over the years. The winner is selected by former award winners. Broome joins this prestigious group of 18 professionals in Virginia’s pest management industry who have been recognized for their outstanding service and dedication as a steward to the association and the pest management industry in Virginia.
A 32-year veteran of the pest control industry (after working in retail), Broome was hired by PermaTreat CEO Joe Wilson in 1995. He previously worked for Orkin under the tutelage of John Wilson Sr., father of Orkin President John Wilson Jr. (In 2014, PermaTreat sold to Orkin parent company Rollins, so Broome’s career has come full circle). He helped grow PermaTreat into a PCT Top 100 company.
Broome joined the VPMA Board when he was elected as a director in 2004. He chaired the IT Committee, and in 2010 when he was elected treasurer, he chaired the finance committee. He was instrumental in developing VPMA’s first website, and chaired the committee long enough to be in charge of its first redesign. Broome served on the board of directors for 10 years.
Broome’s leadership at PermaTreat and on the VPMA board of directors has contributed to the growth of professionalism in the pest control industry, VPMA officials say. “Take care of both your internal and external customers,” Broome advised fellow PMPs. “That is take care of your employees and your customers. If you always do the right thing with them, you can’t go wrong.”
PCOC Announces 13th Annual Banner Contest Winners
LIBERTY, Mo. — Pest Control Operators of California (PCOC) announced the winners of the 13th annual Fumigation Banner Bonanza Contest, sponsored by Vikane fumigant. The contest recognizes California fumigators for promoting structural fumigation through signage at job sites. This year, there were a record 64 banner entries.
PestCal Exterminators of Van Nuys, Calif., won first place. The company serves the greater Los Angeles area. The judging panel commented the winning banner was simple and professional and projected trust. Judges also noted the company’s logo and found the insect outline over the state of California to be memorable.
“I designed our company logo and this banner myself,” says Kevin Campos, owner of PestCal Exterminators. “One day, before I started this company, I was driving around and pictured a roach with the state of California. I haven’t seen that done for a logo yet, and I thought it would catch people’s eyes. I drew it up, and that’s the logo that you see today on our banner.” Campos says he will use the contest prize money for an appreciation party for his employees.
In second place was Lloyd Pest Control of Southern California, with the firm’s mouse mascot, memorable website and phone number. Bug Defense Termite & Pest Control of Orange County, Calif., was awarded third place.
Participating fumigation companies submitted photos of their banners, which included their business name, logo and contact information. A panel of communications specialists judged the banners based upon readability from a distance, professionalism, visual impact and attractiveness. Pest control companies with winning banners were awarded prizes: first place, $1,250; second, $1,000 and third, $500.
“We were impressed with the record amount of entries we received this year,” says Heather Kern, global marketing leader for Douglas Products, manufacturer of Vikane. “The judges had the tough job of selecting their top banners based on the contest’s criteria. The contest allows our fumigator partners to take pride in their banners, engage in some friendly competition and promote the value of structural fumigation with Vikane.” For more information about performing fumigations with Vikane, visit termitetenting.com.
Wil-Kil Pest Control Unveils State-of-the-Art Training Center in Chippewa Falls
CHIPPEWA FALLS, Wis. — At a ribbon-cutting ceremony this summer, Wil-Kil Pest Control unveiled the opening of its new training center located at 4259 N Prairie View Road in Chippewa Falls, Wis. The facility will further pest control training and education for Wil-Kil’s technicians and staff.
The state-of-the-art training center features four full-size environmental “modules” designed to provide real-world experience before entering the field. The modules include the most common pest control sites: a kitchen, grocery store, hotel room and warehouse. The training facility also holds different types of pest control equipment to complete proper training and education.
“We are very excited to offer our technicians a facility that allows for proper pest management training in different scenarios. This leading facility is a great complement to our already extensive training program,” said Shane McCoy, director of quality and technical training for Wil-Kil Pest Control.
Wil-Kil’s technician training also includes classroom time, online learning through Wil-Kil University as well as on-the-job experience.
Geotech Supply Moves to New Building
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Geotech Supply, a Northern California-based distributor serving the professional pest management, lawn care, and turf and ornamental markets, moved to a larger facility in October. The 25,000-square-foot building, located at 9888 Horn Road, opened for business Oct. 3.
Geotech General Manager Steve Racioppe said he is dedicating an area of nearly 2,000 square feet for a state-of-the-art training center, with the mission to improve the quality of education for pest and turf professionals in Northern California. The room will hold more than 125 attendees comfortably, he added.
“With the move to the new facility, Geotech Supply will be well positioned to achieve our growth plans for the future and continue to deliver the high service levels our customers deserve,” Racioppe said.
Explore the November 2016 Issue
Check out more from this issue and find your next story to read.
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