Voice for the Industry Podcast

Brian Starnes, founder and CEO of Context Overlay, joins us to discuss how businesses can transform employee training through real-time, hands-on learning. Drawing on his experience with Pest SOS, Brian shares what inspired him to build a software SOP platform that provides visual, click-by-click guidance directly within the tools employees already use. He explores why context is critical as AI ev...

Pest control entrepreneur and industry veteran Jeff Davenport takes us behind the scenes of building, scaling, and ultimately selling one of California’s larger independent pest control companies. From founding Official Pest Prevention in 2000 to navigating its acquisition by Anticimex in 2021, Jeff shares the lessons that shaped his approach to growth, sales, and business strategy. Jeff dives int...

What does it take to grow a second-generation family business from $500K to more than $5M in revenue? In this episode of Voice for the Industry, Jennifer Miller, co-owner of Miller Pest Solutions, shares her journey from in-person inspection sales to executive leadership and ownership. Jennifer discusses the challenges and opportunities of growing a family-owned pest control company, expanding int...

Most pest control companies are still relying on outdated or cookie-cutter marketing strategies—and it’s costing them real growth. In this episode, Andrew Peluso, founder of Pesty Marketing, shares his journey from knocking on doors in the field to building a specialized marketing agency focused on the pest control industry. He breaks down why generic marketing fails in this space, what most owner...

Many pest control companies focus heavily on growth—but building a people-first culture and lasting community impact is what truly sets great leaders apart. In this episode, Rusty Prewett, owner of Prewett Pest Control, shares his journey from the insurance world into the pest control industry and the lessons he’s learned while growing a customer-focused business. Rusty dives into what leadership...

Most pest control and service companies are missing a massive opportunity to use AI and video to improve technician performance, build customer trust, and reduce churn. In this episode, Raymond sits down with Jared Nygren of Approve to explore how AI-powered verify calls, proof-of-service videos, and real-time performance tracking are transforming field operations—cutting cancellations by up to 27...

Most people don’t realize how much consumer perception shapes the pest control industry—and how organizations like The National Pest Management Association, the Alliance are working behind the scenes to change it. In this episode, Jim breaks down what the Alliance is, how it educates consumers on the value of hiring professionals, and what’s coming in 2026. He also shares how the Alliance is lever...

Many pest control companies want rapid growth, but few understand the leadership, culture, and long-term strategy required to sustain it. In this episode, Paul DiLorenzo shares the leadership principles and business strategies that have helped him grow within the pest management industry for more than 20 years. From scaling operations and maintaining strong company culture to successfully bringing...

Specially trained detection dogs can locate pests and rodents with over 95% accuracy—far beyond what human inspectors can achieve. In this fascinating episode, Alex Hernandez, a canine scent detection expert with 15 years of experience, reveals the science behind these elite teams and why single-purpose, rigorously trained dogs consistently outperform generalist pups. From third-party certificatio...

Industry expert Jeff Davis, CEO of Coalmarch, takes us behind the scenes of leading a marketing and technology powerhouse in the home services industry. From his early career in SaaS and operations to guiding Coalmarch’s evolution, Jeff shares the lessons that shaped his leadership and the strategies that drive high-performing teams. Jeff dives into what modern leadership really looks like in grow...

Chris Anderson, VP of Sales and Co-founder of Applause, shares his expertise on scaling sales teams and driving growth in the home services industry. Drawing on his data-driven approach, Chris breaks down the newly released 2026 Benchmark Report and what the findings mean specifically for pest control operators. From why technicians are the real marketing team to how customer satisfaction motivate...

Unlock the blueprint for scalable, sustainable growth in the pest control industry with Bhavini Kamdar, founder and CEO of Infinity Business Services. In this episode, Bhavini breaks down how rock-solid processes, clean data, and strategically deployed remote teams turn chaotic growth into smooth, profitable operations—without burning out your in-house staff. She shares real-world examples of what...

Most pest control professionals underestimate how quickly AI is transforming industry training—and ignoring it could mean falling behind. In this episode, Foster Bruska, industry veteran, full-time content creator, and founder of Pest Posse, breaks down how AI is moving beyond buzzwords to become a real competitive advantage in pest management. Drawing from his multimillion-dollar sales career and...

In this episode of the Voice for the Industry Podcast, Brian Quispe, co-founder of OcuTrap, discusses the innovative technology behind their smart trapping systems. The conversation covers the journey from concept to creation, the challenges faced, and the solutions provided by Aki Trap to make pest control more humane and efficient. Brian shares insights into the company's future development...

In this episode, the founder of Pest AI, a platform revolutionizing the pest control industry through advanced CRM solutions and AI integration. They discuss Anthony's journey from pest control consultant to tech entrepreneur, the evolution of CRM usage in pest control, and the importance of AI in enhancing customer service and operational efficiency. The conversation also touches on consumer...

In this episode of the Voice for the Industry podcast, Raymond Kidwell interviews Margaret Garcia, founder of Grit PPO, the first female-owned outsourced contact center for the pest control industry. They discuss Margaret's journey in the pest control industry, the challenges faced by companies, and how Grit PPO provides solutions through outsourcing and AI. The conversation also touches on t...

In this episode, David Petti, founder of Turf Pride Lawn Care, shares his journey from a solo operator to leading a successful family-owned business. He discusses the importance of exceptional customer service, core values, and the challenges of hiring and training employees. David emphasizes the significance of maintaining a personal touch in customer interactions, especially in an industry where...

In this episode of The Voice for the Industry  Podcast, host Raymond Kidwell sits down with Gerwin Marca, a service manager whose unconventional career path brings a fresh perspective to the pest control industry. Gerwin shares his journey from nursing to the Marine Corps—and several stops in between—before finding his place in pest control, highlighting how each experience shaped his leadership s...

In this episode, Aleena Valentine and Kayla Carroll share their extensive experiences in the pest control industry. Aleena discusses her journey from a CSR to a customer service manager, while Kayla talks about her transition from customer service to launching a customer success division. They explore the impact of AI on customer service and the benefits of using a dialer system, all while sharing...

In this episode, host Raymond Kidwell sits down with Dominique Sauvage, a seasoned expert in pest control and food safety. With over 42 years of global experience, Dominique shares his journey from South Africa to the U.S., highlighting his passion for protecting people, brands, and supply chains. Discover insights into the intersection of pest control and food safety, the role of AI in the indust...

Join Karissa Wilson as she steps into the host's seat for a special episode of the Voice for the Industry Podcast, featuring Susan Hare, a seasoned Program Director at Thrasher Termite and Pest Control. Dive into Susan's journey from a high-tech background to becoming a passionate advocate for pest management. Discover her insights on educational marketing, the importance of communicatio...

In this episode, we speak with our special guests, Grant and Kemp, who dive into the intricacies of the pest control industry's business side. Exploring the importance of company culture, employee retention, and strategic growth. They discuss the value of maintaining clean financial records and the impact of regular price increases on business valuation. With insights into private equity and...

In this episode, we delve into the art of building a robust referral network within the pest control industry. Discover strategies to connect with local businesses, leverage customer relationships, and create partnerships that drive growth. Whether you're a seasoned professional or new to the field, learn how to expand your reach and enhance your business through effective networking. Tune in...

In this episode of the Voice for the Industry Podcast, Leah Hazelwood explores the evolving role of women in the pest control industry and the unique opportunities it presents. Join us for an insightful conversation on balancing family life with business responsibilities and the values that drive success.

In this episode of the Voice for the Industry Podcast, host Raymond Kidwell sits down with Kevin Lemasters, a seasoned expert in pest management. Kevin shares his journey from a pest control technician to a leader in the industry, discussing the importance of leadership, company culture, and the power of community connections. Tune in to hear about Kevin's experiences, insights on developing...