Explore every episode of the podcast Bug Bux Podcast

Are you just another pest control company, or are you building a brand that stands out? In this episode, Allan Draper sits down with Andrew Peluso, founder of Pesty Marketing, to talk about what really separates high-growth PCOs from the rest. From targeting the right audience to dialing in your messaging and actually backing it up, this conversation is packed with practical advice for PCOs ready to grow past the $1M mark and dominate their market.

They cover:

• Why most PCOs blend in (and how to avoid it)
  
  
  
• Real-world ways to differentiate your brand (hint: it’s not your logo)
  
  
  
• Why niching down doesn’t mean losing customers
  
  
  
• How your marketing impacts every part of your business, from ops to hiring
  
  
  

Whether you're at $500K or $5M, this episode will challenge how you think about growth, marketing, and what it takes to lead a pest control company that truly stands out.

Tune in and take notes, this one’s a blueprint for next-level scaling.

In this special solo episode, Allan Draper brings a timely dose of motivation, strategy, and tough love for pest control business owners. Recorded on the 4th of July from rainy Idaho, Allan reflects on three key topics every PCO should hear:

1. A Lesson in Clarity: Allan clears up a recent podcast comment on organic products and shares a crucial lesson about sticking to your service model and avoiding costly client misunderstandings.
2. Mid-Year Mindset Check: Are you sacrificing what matters most while scaling your business? Allan gets personal about burnout, imposter syndrome, and why growing your company starts with growing you.
3. Know Your Numbers: From merchant fees to tech wages to net profit targets, Allan breaks down the exact P&L benchmarks your pest control business should be tracking right now, plus what the PCT Top 100 can teach you.

Whether you’re in growth mode or fighting burnout, this episode is packed with real-world insights to help you finish the season strong and build smarter for the long haul.

💪 Listen in, level up, and let’s keep building.

Don't miss the part where Allan admits: "I didn’t think I’d be crying during this episode."

It’s raw, it’s inspiring, and it’s... Nice.
In this heartfelt and high-energy episode, host Allan Draper sits down with Travis Bottoms — 13-year industry vet and co-founder of Nice Pest Company — to explore how authenticity, humor, and heart are transforming what it means to run a pest control business.
Travis shares how Nice uses organic social media (with zero ad spend) to drive real customer engagement, foster loyalty, and boost company culture — all while staying true to who they are. With over 140,000 views in just 30 days, Travis explains why their secret isn’t just funny content — it’s content that feels real.
But this episode goes deeper. The guys talk about mental health in the trades, overcoming industry judgment, staying focused on your own "race car," and what growth actually means beyond the numbers.
Whether you're a new owner, a scaling operator, or a seasoned vet — this is one of those conversations that might just change how you see the industry… and yourself.

 Real talk on branding, culture, and connection
 Behind-the-scenes of viral reels and organic growth
 Leadership, legacy, and building a company that matters

In this powerhouse episode of the Bug Bucks Podcast, Allan sits down with Lee Barrett, President of NISUS Corporation and former CFL running back, to talk about what really makes a company thrive; ts people. From building strong internal culture to empowering team members with creativity and autonomy, Lee shares the leadership philosophies that have made NISUS one of the most respected names in the industry.
But that’s not all; Lee drops an exclusive never-before-heard announcement about NISUS entering the insulation game, and how it could change the game for pest control companies nationwide. If you're a PCO looking to build a stronger team, a better culture, and new streams of revenue, you won’t want to miss this one.

In this info-packed episode of the Bug Bux Podcast, Allan sits down with Toni Simei of Arkion to dig into the world of natural pest control. From what really makes a product “organic” to how Arkion is changing the game with their unique formulations, Toni shares what pest control pros need to know about mosquito and tick control in 2025. They also dive into the language that could get you fined by the Department of Agriculture and how to market smarter without crossing the line. If you're offering natural services or thinking about it, this one’s a must-listen.

In this episode, Allan Draper, entrepreneur and founder of Bug Bux, shares the origin story of Bug Bux and what’s on the horizon. He dives into the dynamics of partnerships in the home services space, discussing the challenges, opportunities, and keys to building strong, mutually beneficial business relationships.

What do you get when you combine a firefighter, a small-town mayor, and a first-time pest control business owner? You get Matt Alexander—a man who's literally putting out fires on and off the job.
In this high-energy episode of the Bug Bucks Podcast, Eric and Jake sit down with Matt to talk about his whirlwind first year as the founder of Aero Pest Management. From walking away from an embezzlement-ridden partnership to launching his own company with just $26K and a ton of grit, Matt has built a thriving pest control business while juggling politics, public safety, and parenthood.
You’ll hear:

• How Matt grew to 322 customers in 12 months
• Why he puts customer callbacks above new sales
• His “cult following” on Facebook and the power of local reputation
• The moment he put out a fire using his pest control backpack
• How he trains his team for customer retention from day one
• And why caring about people—really caring—pays off in business and in life

Whether you’re in year one or scaling past seven figures, this episode will remind you what passion, community, and a ridiculous work ethic can really do.

In this wildly entertaining and surprisingly heartfelt episode of the Bug Bucks Podcast, Eric and Jake sit down with the “mad scientist of Syngenta” herself, Lisa Eppler. From studying parasitic wasps in Germany to field-testing herbicides for the Swiss EPA (no, she’s not actually a spy… or is she?), Lisa takes us through her unique journey into the world of pest control.
She dishes on:

• What it's like to freeze cockroaches (for science)
• Why under applying product can create insecticide-resistant superbugs
• How a new active ingredient—Plenazoline Technology—could shake up the industry
• And how she raised Atlas moths from eggs during COVID (in case you thought you were productive during lockdown)

Lisa also gets real about being a lifelong “bug girl,” her mission to demystify pest control, and why the U.S. industry’s respect and openness toward the field makes it unlike anywhere else in the world.
This one’s part entomology masterclass, part global adventure, and 100% unforgettable. Whether you're a technician, business owner, or just a fan of creepy crawlies, you’ll walk away smarter—and maybe even a little bug-obsessed.

In this high-energy episode of the Bug Bucks Podcast, Eric and Jake sit down with Matt Rogers, COO of Lizard, to break down how artificial intelligence is flipping the script on digital marketing. From old-school Yellow Pages nostalgia to the latest in AI-driven SEO, Matt walks us through the new marketing KPIs pest control owners should be tracking—and why "impressions" and "click-through rates" are quickly losing their value.

In this jam-packed episode of the Bug Bux podcast, Eric and Jake sit down with the legendary Dr. Jim Fredericks—board-certified entomologist and Senior VP of Public Affairs at the NPMA. From tick awareness and pest control PR to the difference between NPMA and PPMA, they dig into the resources that can help pest pros thrive. Jim shares insider info on NPMA Pro certification, PPMA Mainframe, and what to expect from PestWorld 2025 in Orlando. If you’re ready to grow your business and your industry smarts, this is one you don’t want to miss.

In this episode of the Bug Bux Podcast, hosts Eric Bassett and Jake Claus dive into the art (and science) of door-to-door sales—sparked by a real-world question from Dan Christensen in the Facebook group. They unpack why some deals fall apart before the initial service, what it means to sell the right way, and how to train a sales team that closes with integrity. From retention rates to Jake’s proven QBBEC sales flow, this episode is packed with practical insights for owners and reps alike. If you’re building your pest control business through door-to-door, you can’t afford to miss this one!

In this episode of the Bug Bux Podcast, Eric Bassett and Jake Claus sit down with Natura Pest Control's GM and intrapreneur extraordinaire, Aaron Davis. From unexpected beginnings to leading a powerhouse team, Aaron shares the real-world strategies behind building unity, developing leadership, and running tight, high-performing pest control operations. Plus, a hilarious discussion about Jack Black movies, how to lead with love, and why accountability is the ultimate game-changer. If you're ready to transform technicians into leaders and scale smarter, don't miss this one!

In this episode of the Bug Bux Podcast, Eric Basset and Jake Claus discuss powerful strategies every pest control company owner needs to know. From the roots of attrition to retention team strategies and subscription billing hacks, they unpack what keeps customers loyal and what sends them running. Whether you're a startup or scaling a large operation, you'll get actionable tips on improving service quality, maximizing recurring revenue, and building a loyal customer base. Tune in and learn how to keep more customers, grow your business faster, and stay ahead in the industry!

In this episode of the Bug Bux Podcast, Eric and Jake dive into the nitty-gritty of how weather impacts pest control—from rainy-day treatments in the Pacific Northwest to snow-driven rodent and vole activity. They share real-world strategies, smart technician tips, and creative product solutions for servicing in tough conditions, all while keeping it entertaining (yes, hot hail makes an appearance). Whether you’re in sunny Arizona or snowy Idaho, this episode will help you weatherproof your service protocols.

In this powerful episode of the Bug Bux Podcast, hosts Eric Bassett and Jake Claus sit down with Jess Reagan, co-founder and Chief Revenue Officer at Paiv, to explore how cutting-edge AI technology is reshaping the world of field sales. From real-time coaching and gamification to territory management and CRM integration, Jess shares how Paiv empowers pest control companies to scale faster without growing headcount. This episode is packed with actionable insights, forward-thinking strategy, and a whole lot of laughs. Don’t miss it!

In this episode of the Bug Bux Podcast, hosts Eric Bassett and Jake Claus dive into the highlights of our very first Bug Bux Con! From a packed event with just six weeks of planning, to scorpion hunting after hours, the conference was a huge success. They share behind-the-scenes stories, unforgettable moments, and key insights from speakers like Lenny Grey, Brad Mortensen, Travis Bottoms and more. Don’t miss out—subscribe to Bug Bux Plus for all the exclusive conference footage!

In this episode of the Bug Bux Podcast, Eric Bassett and Jake Claus sit down with Natura Pest Control's GM and intrapreneur extraordinaire, Aaron Davis. From unexpected beginnings to leading a powerhouse team, Aaron shares the real-world strategies behind building unity, developing leadership, and running tight, high-performing pest control operations. Plus, a hilarious discussion about Jack Black movies, how to lead with love, and why accountability is the ultimate game-changer. If you're ready to transform technicians into leaders and scale smarter, don't miss this one!

In this insightful episode of the Bug Bux Podcast, hosts Eric Bassett and Jake Claus sit down with Nick Grisafe, a longtime industry expert from Syngenta, to discuss the industry’s biggest challenges and innovations. They dive into Integrated Pest Management (IPM), best practices for application, and why many professionals struggle to implement IPM effectively.

Nick also shares exclusive insights into Plinazolin, Syngenta’s groundbreaking new active ingredient—the first new chemistry in nearly 20 years! Plus, he offers practical advice on optimizing Demand CS applications, staying compliant with new regulations, and how top-performing pest control companies set themselves apart.

Tune in for expert knowledge, industry humor, and even a side of Nick’s famous homemade grape jelly!

In this episode of the Bug Bux Podcast, hosts Eric Bassett and Jake Claus sit down with Jared Ingalls, Vice President of Sales at Pest Management Supply. Jared shares insights from his 30+ years in the pest control industry, discussing everything from effective vendor relationships and product forecasting to the growing demand for rodent control and best practices for inventory management. Whether you’re a solo operator or running a multi-technician operation, this episode is packed with expert advice on optimizing your product strategy and making the most of industry discounts and sales. Tune in to learn how to strengthen your distributor partnerships and ensure your business stays ahead in a competitive market!

On todays episode of The Bug Bux Podcast, hosts Eric Bassett and Jake Claus sit down with industry legend Eve Pappas, VP of Business Development & Growth at Hoffman’s Exterminating. With over 40 years in the pest control industry, Eve shares her journey from being one of the few women in the field to leading multimillion-dollar growth initiatives. From her passion for empowering women in pest management to her community-driven leadership and insights on mergers & acquisitions, this episode is packed with wisdom, humor, and motivation. Tune in to hear how Eve’s impact goes beyond business—helping people, building relationships, and giving back to the community.

In this episode of the Bug Bux Podcast, hosts Eric Bassett and Jake Claus tackle a hot question from the Facebook group: How do you price and manage pest control services for a large property management company? They break down strategies for setting fair pricing, structuring service agreements, handling warranties, and ensuring profitability—while avoiding common pitfalls. If you’re looking to land and scale large accounts without losing your margins, this is a must listen!

In this episode of the Bug Bux Podcast, hosts Eric Bassett and Jake Claus dive into the fascinating journey of Aaron Shishilla, CEO and founder of Wolfpack Advising. Aaron shares his unexpected career path—from working at Publix, to getting “Claused” by a coworker, to building a nationally recognized digital marketing agency specializing in pest control and home inspection businesses. Discover key marketing strategies, common pitfalls, and how Wolfpack Advising is helping companies scale with measurable ROI. Whether you’re a small startup or an established business looking to optimize your marketing, this episode is packed with actionable insights you won’t want to miss!

In this episode of the Bug Bux Podcast, hosts Eric Bassett and Jake Claus shake things up with a unique “This or That” debate—pest control style! With a little help from AI, they tackle industry questions like residential vs. commercial services, DIY pest control vs. professional treatment, contracts vs. one-time services, and more. They also dive into digital vs. local marketing, in-house technicians vs. subcontracting, and even share some hilarious industry insights. Whether you’re a pest control pro looking to scale your business or just curious about the industry, this episode is packed with valuable insights, expert tips, and a whole lot of fun. Tune in now!

In this episode of the Bug Bux Podcast, hosts Eric Bassett and Jake Claus sit down with Josh Zuniga to discuss Vult, his game-changing inside sales solution for pest control companies. From selling 1,500 door-to-door accounts in a single season to launching a scalable, high-performance sales engine, Josh shares his vision for helping pest control businesses grow faster and more efficiently, without the high costs and challenges of door-to-door marketing. Learn how Vult leverages elite sales talent, maximizes lead conversion, and removes growth bottlenecks for pest control operators ready to scale. If you’re looking for a cost-effective alternative to door-to-door sales with commission-based pricing and multi-year agreements, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in to discover how Volt can help you scale smarter, close more deals, and take your business to the next level.

In this episode of the Bug Bux Podcast, hosts Eric Bassett and Jake Claus sit down with industry leader Josh Shifman, owner of Sage Pest Control, to uncover his journey from selling alarms to dominating the pest control space. Josh shares insights on strategic market expansion, the power of community engagement, the role of AI and VR in the future of pest control, and how investing in people is the key to long-term success. This episode is packed with golden nuggets on building and scaling a thriving pest control business. Tune in now!

In this episode of the Bug Bux Podcast, Eric Bassett and Jake Claus tackle one of the most challenging aspects of running a pest control business: raising prices without losing customers. From maintaining profitability to navigating conversations with long-time clients, they share actionable strategies for communicating price adjustments, managing customer expectations, and dealing with unique cases. Packed with expert insights and pro tips, this discussion is a must-listen for pest control business owners looking to scale successfully while keeping their customers happy. Don’t miss their advice on implementing standalone services for increased efficiency and profitability!

Join hosts Eric Bassett and Jake Claus in this inspiring episode of the Bug Bux Podcast. Tune in as they sit down with Ben Riches, a 23-year-old high school dropout turned successful pest control entrepreneur. Discover how Ben built his business from scratch, growing it to $250,000 in revenue with nearly 300 recurring customers in just one year. From hustling door-to-door with a minivan full of pest control gear to mastering sales strategies and handling major commercial contracts, Ben’s journey is a masterclass in resilience, creative problem-solving, and relentless determination. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur or a seasoned business owner, this episode is packed with insights and motivation to take your business to the next level. Tune in and get inspired to chase your own success!

In this episode of the Bug Bux Podcast, Jake and Jana Claus dive into an inspiring journey with David Morgan, the founder of Biggest Bird Pest Control, as he shares how he transitioned from managing a bank to starting his own pest control company—all while honoring a heartfelt legacy. Hear his insights on balancing a full-time job, the challenges of starting a business, and how authenticity and resilience drive success. A must-listen for aspiring entrepreneurs looking for motivation and practical advice!

In this episode of the Bug Bux Podcast, Eric Bassett and Jake Claus discuss the intricacies of rodent control, offering practical advice for pest control professionals. From investigating rodent activity and pricing strategies to the science behind bait stations and the importance of PPE, this episode covers everything you need to know to create effective rodent management program. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, this conversation is packed with actionable insights to elevate your pest control business.

In this episode of the Bug Bux Podcast, Eric Bassett and Jake Claus dive deep into the intricacies of purchasing a pest control company. From real-life acquisition stories to tips for minimizing risk, they cover everything you need to know. Whether you’re scaling your pest control company or just exploring growth strategies, this episode offers actionable insights and practical advice you won’t want to miss.

Dive into this episode of the Bug Bux Podcast, where hosts Eric Bassett and Jake Claus tackle the nuances of door-to-door sales. From the pros and cons of building an internal sales team to partnering with door-to-door marketing teams, they provide actionable insights and real-world examples. Learn about recruiting, managing, and compensating sales teams, as well as strategies for scaling your business while maintaining a strong brand. This episode is perfect for pest control professionals looking to elevate their growth strategies in the door-to-door realm!

In this episode of the Bug Bux Podcast, Eric Bassett and Jake Claus sit down with Sam Taggart, the CEO of The D2D Experts and founder of D2DCon, as he shares invaluable insights on transforming door-to-door sales teams, achieving Golden Door success, and the future of pest control growth strategies. Learn how the top sales performers hit 1,000+ accounts, why hustle and mindset trump everything, and how systems like certification programs and industry leaderboards are pushing the industry to new heights. Plus, discover what makes D2DCon the must-attend event of 2025 for owners, managers, and sales reps alike. Whether you’re scaling your business or inspiring your sales team, this episode delivers actionable advice to supercharge your pest control company. Don’t miss out!

Topics Covered:

• Door-to-door sales mastery
• Creating high-performing sales teams
• Innovations in pest control training
• Leveraging industry collaboration for growth.
• Door-to-Door Con: What to expect and how it drives success

From genetically altered pests to researching worldwide solutions, Dr. Cassie Krejci now researches it all. Can she find the solutions that are not only effective and efficient but also safe for the planet and ecosystem? In this episode, we take a deep dive with Dr. Cassie the head of science and innovation at Rentokil.

Stay a step ahead with Syngenta! In today’s episode, Eric and Jake get all of the insights from Marshall Gaster, Head of Marketing for Pest Control, about Syngenta’s Pest Partners Program, as well as past, present, and future innovation. Tune in to get all of the details, and hear their take on changes in the industry over the years.

The dynamics of business partnerships often mirror the complexities of personal relationships, particularly marriages. In today's episode, Eric and Jake dive deep into the complexities of business partnerships and how to navigate them effectively. Tune in for insights on partnership dynamics and a touch of holiday nostalgia!

Topics Include:

Introduction (0:00)
Business partnership challenges (6:03)
Business partnerships as marriages (8:38)
Financial pitfalls in partnerships (12:28)
Financial communication in partnerships (14:11)
Contribution levels in partnerships (19:25)
Partnership imbalance and flexibility (21:34)
Partnership imbalance and contributions (24:18)
Positive dissolution of partnerships (30:21)
Conflict in partnerships and communication (31:17)
Unresolved conflicts in partnerships (34:51)

Always empower and encourage your managers, even when they make mistakes. Let them know that it's okay to fail and that you're there to support them. In today's episode, Eric and Jake dive into the critical differences between the mindsets of business owners and employees. Eric highlights the importance of leadership, vision, creativity, and risk-taking for owners. Tune in to learn how to cultivate a successful mindset as you build and scale your pest control company.

Topics Include:

Introduction (0:00)
Maintaining Influence with Managers (7:04)
Clear Expectations and Roles (9:19)
Employee vs. Owner Perspective (10:20)
Hiring to Replace Tasks (12:07)
Importance of KPIs (14:18)
Partnership Dynamics (16:06)
Transitioning from Manager to Owner (17:35)
Finding a Mentor (20:02)
Giving Room to Fail (22:07)
Parenting Analogy in Business (24:38)
Managing Free Time (26:05)
Empowering and Encouraging Managers (29:13)
Closing Remarks and Appreciation (31:38)

In today’s episode, Eric and Jake discuss the importance of customer engagement in the pest control industry. They emphasize that spending extra time with customers, understanding their needs, and celebrating wins can significantly enhance retention and create positive word-of-mouth. The conversation also highlights the inspection process as a valuable opportunity to introduce additional services to clients. This episode is packed with actionable tips to help you maximize productivity and engagement within your PCC.

Topics Include:

Introduction (0:00)
Productivity and Engagement (5:36)
Technician Productivity: Cloverleafing and Sales (6:15)
Technician Sales Training and Incentives (8:22)
Technician Retention and Add-On Services (10:03)
Technician Equipment Maintenance and Organization (13:09)
Office and Sales Productivity: Voicemails and Leads (18:03)
Collections and Autopay (20:53)
Win-Back Campaigns (32:01)
Training and Cross-Departmental Training (33:30)
Customer Feedback and Voicemail Follow-Up (40:43)

In today's episode, Eric and Jake record from Pest World in Denver, Colorado. They highlight the importance of networking opportunities at Pest World and reflect on the educational content available, including vendor education and new technology in the pest control industry. They emphasize the dual purpose of their presence at the event: engaging with pest control operators and enhancing their knowledge through high-quality classes. Tune in for insights and updates from this special industry gathering!

Topics Include:

Introduction (0:00)
Special offer for podcast listeners (3:51)
PCO community growth and engagement (8:02)
Vendor relationships and discounts (10:18)
Community connections and support (14:08)
Best networking event insights (22:06)
Promo code for membership discount (26:11)
Building a pest control community (28:59)

In any company, the implementation of new policies can often be met with resistance or misunderstanding. In today's episode, Eric and Jake dive deep into the complexities of implementing policy changes within a pest control company, using their recent experience with box elder bugs as a case study. They also emphasize the need for clear communication about the changes, why they are being made, and how they benefit everyone involved, from the company to the customer.

Topics Include:

Introduction (0:00)
Implementing Policy Changes (4:09)
Challenges of Policy Changes in Larger Companies (5:04)
Box Elder Bug Issue (6:11)
Market Variations and Pest Proliferation (8:02)
Office Staff and Policy Communication (10:12)
Policy Rollout and Staff Resistance (12:08)
Importance of Clear Communication (14:06)
Multifaceted Policy Change Challenges (16:36)
Educating Office Staff on Pest Issues (19:15)
Box Elder Bug Life Cycle Explanation (23:10)
Customer Education and Buy-In (26:15)
Timing and Preparation for Policy Changes (27:00)
Customer Communication Strategy (29:50)

In the pest control industry, it is essential to recognize when a customer may not be worth the trouble. In today’s episode, Eric and Jake address the challenging decision of when to fire a customer. Sometimes, despite the effort to gain and retain customers, certain clients can be more trouble than they're worth. This includes customers who are abusive, unreasonable, or cost the company more money than they bring in.

Topics Include:

Introduction (0:00)
Original meaning of Halloween (4:12)
When to fire a customer (6:49)
Business with future customers (10:24)
Customer cancellation motivations (14:16)
Customer compliance in pest control (17:15)
Toxic customer relationships (22:02)
Customer abuse of free services (25:25)
Karma in customer service (28:23)
Firing aggressive customers (30:45)
Standing up for your staff (34:26

Customer retention is essential for sustainable growth and profitability. In today's episode, Eric and Jake welcome Erik Maki with Service First Pest Management. Erik shares why companies often lose accounts not necessarily to competitors stealing them, but due to a failure to provide perceived value. When customers feel informed and valued, they are more likely to remain loyal, even in the face of competitive offers.

Topics Include:

Introduction (0:00)
Music genre choices (5:50)
World-class customer service challenges (9:15)
Customer service in pest control (12:00)
Starting a business journey (15:23)
Entrepreneurial support from spouses (20:27)
Door-to-door commercial sales strategy (22:38)
Getting past gatekeepers in sales (26:45)
Value delivery in pest control (36:38)
Selling preventative pest control (40:05)

Attending industry events, such as PestWorld, provides a unique opportunity to meet vendors and fellow pest control professionals. In today's episode, Eric and Jake welcome a very special guest, Allan Draper with .proof Pest Control. Allan shares his experience at PestWorld and encourages attendees to step outside their comfort zones, engage with others, and participate in social events. These interactions can lead to unexpected opportunities and valuable connections!

Topics include:

Introduction (0:00)
Bug Bux Podcast Evolution (5:39)
Pro tips for PestWorld (8:32)
Networking at PestWorld (11:21)
The origin story of Bug Bux (18:11)
Community support in pest control (23:47)
Abundance growth mindset (25:17)
Money management and personnel challenges (30:34)
Hiring to replace yourself (34:09)
Industry growth and company value (39:33)

One of the most pressing challenges faced by PCCs is managing incoming calls from potential customers who fall outside their service areas or require services they do not offer. In today's episode, Eric and Jake welcome Phil Kirkeiner, co-founder and CEO of Baton Leads. Phil shares his unique path from studying music to becoming an accountant, and eventually finding his way into the pest control industry through summer sales. His experiences led him to identify a significant gap in the market: the need for a better referral system for pest control leads.

Topics include:

Introduction (0:00)
Baton referral network innovation (5:05)
Building referral networks locally (6:44)
Customer service and lead generation (10:37)
Customer retention challenges in business (13:16)
Value proposition in business (20:55)
Pest control industry referrals (24:15)
Grit and self-doubt in entrepreneurship (27:41)
Supportive spouses in entrepreneurship (32:51)
Expanding referral platforms (36:20)

Positive interactions with customers can create a ripple effect within the community. When customers have a good experience, they are more likely to share that experience with others. In today's episode, Eric and Jake discuss several key strategies that PCOs can implement to maintain a positive impact on the industry. In addition, they share insights on how inside salespeople can effectively follow up and create a lasting positive impression, even if the initial call doesn't result in a sale.

Topics Include:

Introduction (0:00)
Positive impact on the industry (9:32)
Community-focused sales approach(10:22)
Positive interactions build reputation (15:31)
Customer “WINs” Wants, Interest and Needs (18:00)
Positive community involvement in pest control (20:20)
Refreshing pest control perceptions (24:06)
Trustworthiness in pest control (34:44)
Industry impact and perception (38:00)

Whether you're in sales, customer service, or a technician in the field, connecting with your customers personally can make all the difference. In today's episode, Eric and Jake share insights from their own experiences in sales and customer service training. They discuss how a well-crafted script can help your team connect with customers and ensure they feel valued. It's not just about the sale, it's about building relationships.

Topic include:

Introduction (0:00)
Maintaining Customer Experience (5:06)
Sales Training and Communication (8:07)
Creating and Using Sales Scripts (11:06)
Importance of Connecting with Customers (14:48)
Memorize, Internalize, Personalize (MIP) (18:29)
Value Perception and Customer Engagement (22:09)
Technicians' Role in Customer Experience (28:01)
Impact of Genuine Connection (34:04)
Proactive Customer Engagement (38:06)
Jim Carrey Quote on Impact (41:18)

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)