Bug Bux Podcast

In today's episode, Allan and Eric discuss the importance of pricing in the pest control industry. They highlight how pricing can serve as a marketing tactic, communicating the quality and type of services a company offers.  Topics include: Introduction (0:00) Pricing question from the Bug Bux Facebook group (2:13) How pricing affects long-term goals (6:40) Price increases are necessary for b...

In today's episode, Allan and Eric discuss the significance of having signed service agreements for pest control companies.  Having signed agreements ensures clarity and understanding between parties, and also provides protection from liability.  Topics include: Introduction (0:00)  Essential clauses for pest control service agreements (4:05) Importance of clear service agreements (5:14)  Bui...

From humble beginnings during the Great Depression to becoming a multi-million dollar enterprise, Sprague Pest Solutions has overcome numerous challenges and embraced change. In today's episode, Allan and Eric welcome AJ Treleven. AJ is the Director of Operations at Sprague Pest Solutions and he shares the remarkable story of his family's generational growth in their family business. Top...

Creating measurable marketing accountability is crucial for PCCs to track the performance of their marketing efforts and ensure that they are achieving their goals. In today's episode, Eric provides a step-by-step guide on how to create a high-level, high-accountability relationship with your marketing team. Topics include: Create measurable, accountable marketing relationships (1:54) Qualifi...

The pest control industry offers a range of opportunities for individuals to build successful careers. In today's episode, Allan and Eric discuss their gratitude for the pest control industry and the opportunities it provides. They also highlight the various career paths and growth opportunities that the industry offers, even for individuals without extensive education or experience. Topics i...

What are your biggest hurdles for business growth? In today's episode, Allan discusses things that pest control companies should be focusing on during this time of year when business tends to slow down. Prioritizing important, non-urgent tasks such as training, employee reviews, and system reviews is crucial for success. Topics include: Make a list of things to be done (3:19) Cleaning and mai...

In today's episode, Allan and Eric discuss a question posted in the Bug Bux Facebook group regarding subscription-based billing. There are many pros and cons to help you decide if this is a route that will work for your pest control company. Topics include: Subscription-based services and customer retention (3:10) Long-term vision and strategy (8:19) Implementing changes in your PCC (16:11) S...

In today's episode, hosts Allan Draper and Eric Bassett discuss the importance of maintaining and nurturing relationships in the pest control industry. They emphasize the need to keep in touch with contacts made at events like PestWorld, whether they are vendors, presenters, or fellow pest control owners. Topics include: PestWorld recap (2:11) A relaxed and enjoyable PestWorld (6:11) Networki...

Consistency in service protocols is crucial to maintaining a positive customer experience. In today’s part 2 episode, Eric continues to discuss the topic of retention, discussing tips 6 through 10. Topics Include: Communication with customers (4:51) Providing value to customers through technician execution (7:43) Setting expectations and obtaining reviews (10:12) Customer loyalty letters, and revi...

In today’s episode, Eric welcomes Chris Anderson. Chris is the Co-founder and VP of sales at Applause. Eric and Chris discuss the concept of using feedback to improve service quality, and how to motivate technicians to perform better. Topics Include: Providing quality service and feedback (0:29) Employee engagement(3:28) engagement drives performance and growth (6:02) Tracking Google Reviews (11:5...

Whether customers reach out through phone calls, emails, or social media, a prompt response is essential. In today’s episode, Eric dives into the topic of retention. He gives a sneak peek of an upcoming Bug Bux+ course that will provide a comprehensive guide on how to save customers. Eric discusses the course outline and shares his thoughts on the importance of retention in the pest control indust...

Are you prioritizing what matters most in your life and business? In today’s episode, Allan and Eric discuss how to build deeper connections and set higher goals to achieve a higher level of fulfillment in both your relationships and in your pest control company. Topics include: Focus on your “why” (4:43) Evaluate goals for greater success (9:44) Setting goals and reviewing them regularly (10:53)...

A mentor can help you discover the essential steps to establish a trustworthy and reputable brand, paving the way for exponential growth in your pest control company. In today’s episode, Allan and Eric welcome Colton Gonzales and Eric Salgado, the owners of Firehouse Pest Control. They discuss the importance of taking action and getting started, even if you don’t have all the knowledge or experien...

What’s new with Bug Bux+? In today’s episode, Eric welcomes back Hunter Annen, Co-Founder and President of Bug Bux+. Eric and Hunter discuss the courses offered by Bug Bux+ and reflect on the positive feedback they have received from PCOs. Topics Include: Pest control business growth and learning platform (1:57) Feedback from PCOs (6:38) Pest control courses and vendor partnerships (11:06) Buildin...

In this special 100th episode, Allan and Eric welcome back Mat Rogers, the COO of Lizard SEM. Mat touches on the importance of planning and setting your marketing goals for the following year by focusing on 5 key components. Topics include: Consistency is key to success (2:58) Optimize website for off-season (6:10) Track and monitor marketing data (10:31) Don't overlook digital marketing&apos...

How often are you doing performance reviews for employees? Which review format is best? Eric answers a question posted by Shane Mantz in the Bugbux Facebook group. "Has anyone implemented an end-of-season, after-action review?" Eric answers the what, how, and why, of performance reviews. Topics include: Where to start (1:50)  Technician performance examples (3:07)  Using a structured for...

Being intentional and proactive in your business is crucial as it allows you to anticipate challenges, explore opportunities, and steer your company toward growth and success. In today’s episode, Allan and Eric welcome Caleb Fabry. Caleb is the President of Town and Country Pest Solutions in Rochester NY. Caleb shares his experience of taking over the family business and the trust his parents had...

Where should a PCO start when it comes to lowering customer attrition? In today’s episode, Allan and Eric answer questions posted in the Bug Bux Facebook Group. Lowering customer attrition is essential for pest control companies to maintain a strong customer base and drive sustainable growth. In addition, a PCO should have a strong understanding of their gross profits and margins, to identify tren...

In today's episode, Eric welcomes Austin Burns. Austin is the director of operations at Burns Pest Elimination. What started as a father and son business in 1983 with 43 customers and one service truck has turned into a $25-million venture for the Burns family. Eric and Austin discuss the importance of finding a unique differentiator in the pest control industry and why building a strong team...

Creating consistent and genuine recognition can go a long way in motivating technicians. In today’s episode, Allan and Eric discuss ways to keep technicians motivated and committed to providing great service for your pest control company. When you and your technicians share a common objective, they are more likely to work together, collaborate, and support one another in achieving that goal. In ad...

In today’s episode, Eric discusses the process of building and maintaining a high-performance inside sales team. Eric provides answers to the 10 most common questions he receives about inside sales, covering topics such as when to create an inside sales department, finding the right candidates, the onboarding process, and compensation plans. If you are looking for a comprehensive how-to guide on c...

In today's episode, Allan and Eric discuss the importance of finding a niche for your pest control company. Is it important to research your market and find out where you can find the best ROI to serve your customers? By focusing on a specific niche, you can position your pest control company for long-term success in a competitive market. In addition, by specializing in a niche, you can posit...

How are you managing your profits? In today's episode, Allan and Eric discuss the key strategies and considerations a PCO should make when reinvesting profits in your pest control company. The importance of planning out how to spend your profits will be based on how aggressively you want to grow. Implementing a verified growth plan provides your pest control company with a strategic roadmap t...

Google reviews are important for your pest control company, they provide valuable feedback from customers about their experience with your company. In today’s episode, Allan and Eric discuss Google’s rules about prohibited and restricted content. PCOS needs to understand that reviews, photos, and videos must adhere to Google’s policies. These policies aim to ensure that the reviews are helpful, in...

Are you feeling stuck and in need of some guidance to kickstart or scale your pest control company? In today’s episode, Allan and Eric welcome Hunter Annen. Hunter is the President and Co-Founder of Bug Bux+. Allan, Eric, and Hunter discuss all the aspects of the Bug Bux+ platform. This high-quality, professional platform was designed to help PCOs learn from multiple industry experts. Check out ww...