Bug Bux Podcast

In today’s episode, Allan and Eric welcome Jake Claus. Jake is the Founder, President, and Co-owner of Natura Pest Control based in Vancouver, Wa. Jake is an Associate Certified Entomologist, Structural Pest Inspector, and holds licenses in several pest-related categories. Allan, Eric, and Jake discuss how the pathway to success is found in having a strong work ethic and winning mindset. In additi...

In today's episode, Allan and Eric welcome Andrew Beck. Andrew is the CEO of Aruza Pest Control. Andrew holds multiple certifications in process improvement, business analysis, and project management. Allan, Eric, and Andrew discuss the importance of creating a culture where employees and managers feel they are doing meaningful work. In addition, having an ongoing review process or After Acti...

In today’s episode, Allan and Eric welcome Tom Miche. Tom is the President of Miche Pest Control, which he started in 2019. Miche Pest Control is one of the top-rated, family-owned, and operated pest control companies serving the Washington DC and Baltimore metropolitan areas. Tom answers questions about effectively generating leads with Thumbtack and Angi and how to get the best results. He also...

In today’s episode, Allan and Eric discuss why building strong business relationships with vendors and suppliers are crucial to the success of your pest control company. Not only will good vendor relationships bring you better business now, but it also opens the door for more in the future. Bottom line, treat your vendors as you’d like your customers to treat you.

In today’s episode, Allan and Eric discuss how a pest control owner can build value and increase sales by responding quickly. In the world of sales, a quick response time, selecting the right Key Performance Indicators, and properly staffing during the busy season will improve customer service, closing rate, and overall team performance.

In today’s episode, Allan and Eric answer a few questions posted in the Bug Bux Facebook Group. They talk about the process of hiring the first employee or technician and the costs associated with it. There are always going to be unexpected costs and many factors to consider.  In addition, they discuss when is the right time to hire a branch manager.  The timing of hiring a first employee or branc...

In today’s episode, Allan and Eric discuss the difference between hiring a 1099 contractor and a W-2 employee. First, a 1099 contractor is a considered self-employed independent contractor. While a W-2 employee receives a wage or salary, and benefits. When deciding whether to structure new hires as W-2 employee or 1099 contractor, a pest control owner should be aware of the legal implications of b...

In today’s episode, Allan and Eric discuss the two different ways a pest control owner can increase their prices. With the cost of labor and fuel prices on the rise, it’s important to be proactive and reactive with your price increases. If your vision is to provide the best quality products and services, you owe it to your customers to communicate and make an agreement with them about your price-i...

In today’s episode, Allan and Eric welcome back Mat Rogers, COO of Lizard SEM. They discuss why investing time and money towards a marketing plan is an important commitment to the future of your company. When sales and marketing departments are in alignment, you will close more sales, generate more revenue, and create faster growth for your business. Let’s Chat: https://bit.ly/3yMEciT

In today's episode, Allan and Eric Welcome Jake Ingledue, the founder and owner of 417 Pest Solutions. Allan, Eric, and Jake discuss how effectively leveraging your resources by developing employees, delegating tasks, and creating systems, and processes will save time and energy, and help you build a culture of problem solvers.

In today’s episode, Allan and Eric answer the question “When is the customer wrong?” Sometimes customers are wrong and employees need to know how to handle them accordingly. In the pest control industry, having a “customer is always right” attitude can have a negative impact on your customer service team. In addition, it is important to set boundaries with your customer while still respecting thei...

In today’s episode, Allan and Eric welcome Todd Leyse. Todd the President of Adams Pest Control and has an incredible background in pest control. Todd discusses how he got into the pest control industry by coming into the business his dad started in 1971. When Todd stepped in, he immediately went into the Vice President role and added structure and leadership. He implemented a learning culture for...

In today’s episode, hosts Allan Draper and Eric Bassett discuss how early entrepreneurs can grow their pest control company by finding what truly motivates them. Allan shares his start-up story and where he was headed career-wise before he started in the pest control industry. He also talks about things that were difficult for him in the beginning stages of being a business owner. In addition, All...

In today’s episode, Allan and Eric discuss why and how you should build wealth with your pest control company. Wealth provides opportunities not only for you as an entrepreneur, but for your family and employees. Building wealth and having an abundance mentality, is one of the main responsibilities that come along with owning a pest control company. In addition, business owners must understand tha...

In today’s episode, Allan and Eric welcome Mat Rogers. Mat is the COO of Lizard SEM, a digital marketing startup, designed exclusively for pest control companies. Mat has a diverse background in marketing and helped build Killingsworth Environmental with his father. Mat was the marketing genius behind the team that scaled Killingsworth from $6 million in revenue in 2012 to over twenty million in 2...

In today’s episode, Allan and Eric welcome Aaron Gonzales and Tony Gonzales, inventors of a product called AVERZION. AVERZION creates a barrier that is too smooth and slick for scorpions to climb or attach. It is a tile-like glaze that dries clear and is glass-like. Aaron and Tony discuss the benefits of offering supplemental services to help pest control companies grow, by working together and im...

In today’s episode, Allan and Eric welcome Dave Braness. Dave is a third-generation pest management professional with over 20 years of experience. He has held leadership positions in multiple facets of the Life Sciences industry which provides a vast understanding of all aspects; service, sales, marketing, research, and management. Allan, Eric, and Dave discuss current growing trends in the pest c...

In today’s episode, Allan and Eric discuss why replacing yourself by hiring is crucial to scaling your pest control company. As your business grows, your workload does too. A good sign of a successful business is how it runs when the business owner is not there. If your business cannot operate without you there, you may have created a job for yourself more than you created a business.

In today’s episode, Allan and Eric welcome Preston Peterson. Preston is the President at Ardent Pest Control.  Allan, Eric, and Preston discuss the recruiting process for finding valuable partners and employees.  In addition, Preston discusses his leadership program and how he retains talent by providing his team with personal development opportunities outside of the business.

In today’s episode, Allan and Eric welcome Jana Claus. Allan, Eric, and Jana discuss their experiences with building strong partnerships with family members by focusing on identifying the strengths of each partner. In addition, creating an operating agreement is a simple, yet important way to make clear expectations and agreements. When you set clear agreements with each partner, you can avoid fut...

In today’s episode, Allan and Eric discuss technicians sales and online reviews. It is important to have technicians that can sell, because the additional money it puts directly in their pocket. In addition to having well trained technicians, having five star reviews are a simple way to grow and market your pest control company.

In today’s episode, Allan welcomes Eric Bassett back to the show. Eric is the Owner and Vice President at Natura Pest Control and has been in the pest control industry for over 14 years. Allan and Eric discuss the difficulties of preparing for the busy season.  These difficulties include additional staffing, training new technicians, and purchasing vehicles. Planning ahead and focusing on employee...

In today’s episode, Allan welcomes Adam Holt. Adam is a University Board Certified Entomologist, with a passion for training, software technology, insect identification, pest control and more. Adam discusses his passion for entomology and technology, and how he got started in the pest control industry. In addition, Allan and Adam discuss how technology is evolving in the pest control industry, wit...

In today’s episode, Solomon and Allan welcome Brinn Serbanic. Brinn is a CPA and Certified Financial Planner, serving as a director at BKD CPA and Advisors. BKD is one of the largest US Accounting firms and advisory firms that recently created a department catered towards the pest control service industry. Brinn answers commonly asked questions regarding accounting and depreciating capabilities fo...

In today’s episode, Solomon and Allan welcome David Gilmer. David is the COO of proof. Pest Control and has been in the industry for 18 years. Sol, Allan, and David talk about where technology is going in the pest control industry. In addition to discussing some of the changes in the pest control industry, David talks about his management skills, setting realistic goals, and simple changes to boos...