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Acquisitions don’t have to mean massive deals, private equity, or losing your company’s identity. In this episode of the Bug Bux Podcast, Allan Draper sits down with Byron Barnes, second-generation pest control owner of Barnes Exterminating in Tennessee, to break down a smarter, more approachable way to grow: micro-acquisitions. Byron shares how he took over his family business at just 22 years old after his father’s passing and modernized a decades-old operation rooted in paper files, account cards, and typewriters. From implementing new technology to building a recognizable regional brand, Byron walks through how those early changes laid the groundwork for successful acquisitions later on. The conversation dives deep into how Byron identifies and acquires small pest control companies (typically three trucks or fewer), why timing outreach during the slow season matters, and how personal relationships, branding, and trust play a massive role in deal success. Allan and Byron also unpack what effective customer communication looks like during a transition, how to retain clients when owners retire, and why structured, performance-based payouts protect both buyer and seller.

Marketing a pest control company isn’t as simple as posting on social media or turning on Google Ads and for many owners, that’s exactly where frustration sets in. In this episode of the Bug Bux Podcast, host Allan Draper welcomes back Paul Alley, owner of Pestmaster Services of the Hudson Valley, for a candid, boots-on-the-ground conversation about what it really takes to market and grow a pest control business today. Paul shares the challenges he faced trying to hire an in-house marketer, why most applicants missed the mark, and how that journey ultimately led him to bring on a fractional CMO. Together, Allan and Paul break down why pest control doesn’t naturally lend itself to organic social media, what types of content actually get attention, and why branding goes far beyond ads; it shows up in trucks, uniforms, technician behavior, and customer experience.

What does it really take to get out of the truck and build a pest control company that can grow without you? In this episode of the Bug Bux Podcast, Allan Draper sits down with John Stopka, co-founder of Liberty Pest Control, to break down how John scaled his company past $1M in under two years, starting at just 25 years old, by focusing on leadership, systems, and intentional hiring from day one. John shares his mindset shift from technician to business owner, why he never wanted to “create another job” for himself, and how buying back his time early allowed Liberty Pest Control to grow faster and healthier. They walk through the real, behind-the-scenes progression of replacing yourself in your business, from technician, to CSR, to salesperson, to manager, and how to know when it’s time to make each hire.  This conversation goes beyond tactics and digs into the emotional side of leadership:  • Letting go of control  • Hiring people who are better than you  • Training employees even when they might leave  • Handling fear, stress, and responsibility as an owner  • Building systems so the business doesn’t rely on you Allan and John also talk candidly about cash flow, owner pay cuts, documenting processes, building culture, and why mistakes are a necessary part of growth. If you’re feeling stuck in the day-to-day, unsure when to hire, or wondering how to scale without burning out, this episode will give you clarity, confidence, and a roadmap forward. Whether you’re just getting started or pushing past your first million, this is a must-listen for any pest control owner who wants to work on their business, not be trapped in it.

As the industry heads into a new year, strong leadership and people development matter more than ever. In this episode of the Bug Bux Podcast, Allan Draper sits down with Alan Feuer, Associate Certified Entomologist with over 36 years in the pest control industry, Marine Corps veteran, and former Technical Director at Preventive Pest Control. Together, they dive deep into what it really takes to hire, train, and retain great technicians and why most companies struggle to do it well. Alan shares proven insights from decades of experience building teams, developing leaders, and implementing structured training systems, including the importance of the first 90 days, why interviews rarely tell the full story, and how character and integrity matter more than technical skill. They explore Preventive’s team lead model, leadership pipelines, and how both small and large pest control companies can create accountability, trust, and consistency without losing their culture. This episode also tackles: Why early attrition isn’t always a bad thingHow to train leaders instead of promoting by defaultThe difference between mistakes and character failuresApplying military leadership principles to pest controlWhy owners must take full ownership of results; good and badWhether you’re a one-truck operator or leading a growing organization, this conversation will challenge how you think about leadership, training, and responsibility and give you practical ideas to start building a stronger team in 2026 and beyond. A must-listen for pest control owners who want better people, better leaders, and better long-term results.

In this insightful episode, Allan Draper sits down with Scott Sandberg, co-founder of RUVA Pest Control, to explore how building the right culture is the key to sustainable growth in the pest control industry. Scott shares the inside story of how RUVA scaled to nearly $3 million in recurring revenue and earned thousands of five-star Google reviews in just a few years, without compromising on company values or employee satisfaction. They dive deep into RUVA’s approach to hiring, emphasizing mindset and attitude over prior experience, and how training the right people can turn them into top-performing technicians and future leaders. Scott also opens up about real-world challenges they faced, including team turnover, onboarding, and developing internal talent, showing why short-term fixes and “warm body” hires can create long-term headaches. Throughout the conversation, listeners will gain actionable strategies for: Attracting and retaining high-quality employees who align with your company cultureTurning your team into a growth engine while maintaining high standards of serviceDeveloping internal leaders to scale operations without losing control or cultureLeveraging employee excellence to drive customer satisfaction and 5-star reviews Whether you’re a pest control business owner looking to scale, improve retention, or build a high-performing team, this episode is packed with practical insights and lessons learned from the frontlines of a fast-growing, culture-driven company.

In this episode of the Bug Bux Podcast, Allan Draper is joined by Jared Ingalls, Vice President of Sales at Pest Management Supply, to unpack one of the most overlooked growth levers in pest control: your relationship with your distributor. With more than 30 years in the industry, Jared shares what most new (and even experienced) pest control owners get wrong about suppliers and why treating them as true partners can save you money, time, and costly mistakes. From helping new operators get licensed and set up correctly, to answering late-night calls, solving tough infestations, and connecting owners with manufacturers, this episode goes far beyond product pricing. Allan and Jared also dive into: How to choose the right supplier when starting a pest control company Why transactional relationships fail during real-world emergencies Smart, low-cost marketing strategies like private-labeled glue boards How distributors can help control product costs and improve technician performance The long-term value of face-to-face relationships in a regulated industry If you’ve ever treated your supplier as “just a place to buy chemicals,” this episode will change how you think about vendor relationships and how they impact your growth, retention, and reputation. A must-listen for owners who want to build smarter, not just bigger.

In this powerful and deeply personal episode of the Bug Bux Podcast, Allan Draper sits down with Jana Lloyd, owner of Antelope Hills Pest Control in Lincoln, California. What unfolds is not a typical growth or scaling story but a reminder of why many of us got into pest control in the first place. Jana shares how she and her late husband built a one-route pest control business rooted in honesty, hard work, and community. After tragedy forced her to step fully into the field, first as a technician, then as the sole operator, Jana carried on the business while raising three children, serving the same customers for decades, and becoming a pillar of her small town. This episode explores resilience, faith, family, and the often-overlooked beauty of staying small. From 30-year customer relationships to finding purpose through service during life’s hardest seasons, Jana’s story is a moving testament to what pest control can mean beyond trucks, routes, and revenue. If you’ve ever questioned why you do what you do or wondered if growth is the only measure of success this is an episode you don’t want to miss.

 In this unscripted, wide-ranging episode of the Bug Bux Podcast, Allan Draper sits down with longtime friend and pest control marketing expert Matt Rogers for a raw, honest conversation about planning for growth in 2026. Drawing from real-world experience growing Killingsworth from $8M to $28M and lessons learned from both wins and failures Matt breaks down why the most successful pest control companies win before the season ever starts. From building a realistic budget and setting measurable goals, to creating efficiency targets, aligning vendors, and benchmarking performance month by month, this episode is a masterclass in intentional growth. You’ll hear why hope alone isn’t enough, how to use your P&L as a planning tool, why uncomfortable accountability is essential, and how the right partners can help you pivot faster and grow smarter. If you’re serious about scaling your pest control business and don’t want to “shoot from the hip” anymore this episode will challenge the way you think about planning, leadership, and execution. Perfect for owners thinking about 2026 growth, marketing strategy, budgeting, and building a team that actually pulls in the same direction.

 In this episode of the BugBux Podcast, Allan sits down with industry veteran Harry Bryan, Director of Business Development at Nisus Corporation, who brings over 30 years of pest control and agricultural experience to the table. Together, they explore how the industry has evolved—from smarter customers and better-trained technicians to the rise of online communities and AI tools like ChatGPT. Harry shares practical insights on: How pest control has shifted from chemical-first to sustainability-focused strategiesThe rising value of networking, mentorship, and in-person events like PestWorldWhy new owners should build strong relationships with distributors and suppliersHow to craft your personal “story” when connecting with mentors and peersThe importance of community over competition in growing a successful companyThe episode also dives into Nisus’ major new product launch—the ProShield Pest Control Insulation—and how PMPs can use it to add a powerful, profitable revenue stream while providing more value to customers. Whether you're brand new to pest control or decades in, this conversation will give you actionable steps, fresh perspective, and ideas to take your company to the next level. Tune in and level up!

In this episode of The Bug Bux Podcast, host Allan Draper sits down with Reagan Nickl, Vice President of Customer Success at Ask Nicely, to talk about one of the most overlooked growth levers in the pest control industry: customer experience. While many PCOs are focused on marketing, advertising, and new customer acquisition, Reagan shares why the smartest companies are investing their energy in retention, reviews, and referrals. Drawing from her experience helping home service brands across the country, she explains how to build a repeatable “referral flywheel” that turns happy customers into loyal advocates. Allan and Reagan dive into the systems behind a world-class customer experience, how to collect feedback in real time, close the loop with unhappy customers, and empower technicians to create “wow” moments on every service visit. They also unpack how to use customer data to coach teams, boost morale, and make better business decisions. Reagan introduces Ask Nicely’s CARTG framework, breaking down the five pillars of CX success: Collect: Capture feedback consistently and automaticallyAct: Respond quickly and personally to customer inputRecognize: Celebrate your top-performing technicians and teamsTrain: Turn feedback into coaching and development opportunitiesGrow: Use positive feedback to fuel reviews and referralsWhether you’re a small operator looking to improve retention or a multi-location company aiming to scale customer experience, this conversation will help you shift your mindset from chasing new leads to building long-term loyalty.

In this special Thanksgiving episode of the Bug Bucks Podcast, Allan Draper opens up about gratitude, community, and the transformative power of clear goal-setting. Recorded ahead of the holiday but released on Thanksgiving weekend, Allan reflects on the origins of the Bug Bucks community, how it was born during one of the most turbulent times in the pest control industry, and why he’s more grateful than ever for every listener, member, and contributor. Then, Allan dives deep into his personal goal-setting process—shaped since childhood—and shares the exact steps, frameworks, and mindset shifts he uses to set and achieve meaningful goals in both life and business. You’ll hear: Why goal-setting unlocks opportunities you didn’t even know were around youThe 7 areas Allan uses to map out his yearly personal goalsHis seven most powerful hacks for setting and achieving business goalsThe importance of team buy-in, scoreboards, celebrating effort, and identity-based goalsHow to prepare your pest control company for its strongest year yet in 2026 This episode is packed with practical direction, personal stories, and strategic insights designed to help you create clarity, inspire your team, and confidently map out your next year. Whether you’re listening on Thanksgiving, Black Friday, or weeks later—this is your moment to recalibrate and level up. And don’t forget: Bug Bucks Plus memberships opened with a locked-in rate through the end of the year. If you’re serious about growth, now’s the time to take advantage.

In this episode of The Bug Bux Podcast, host Allan Draper sits down with Isabelle Lucero, Technical Sales and Compliance Manager at JT Eaton, to unpack one of the industry’s most pressing topics, the evolving landscape of pesticide and rodenticide regulations. Isabelle, who holds a master’s degree in entomology from the University of Kentucky, shares insights on how new EPA and state-level restrictions are shaping pest control practices across the U.S., what PCOs should be watching for, and how to stay compliant while maintaining effective control strategies. They also discuss the importance of innovation in pest management, from JT Eaton’s new Long Strong Pole to the Trojan Horse, an inventive IPM bait station designed for discretion and versatility. Whether you’re a technician in the field or an owner preparing for the next wave of regulation, this episode offers practical advice, fresh ideas, and a reminder that adaptability is key to long-term success in pest control. Poles here: https://jteatonpmp.com/accessories/dusters-poles/ Trojan Horse here: https://www.jteaton.com/trojan-horse/ Distributor locator: https://jteatonpmp.com/distributor-locator/ Regulatory Disclaimers Contact your pesticide distributor, the California Department of Pesticide Regulation (CDPR), or your County Agricultural Commissioner for any questions on RUP rodenticide storage, returns or disposal in the state of California.

In this solo episode, Allan Draper dives deep into one of the most misunderstood parts of entrepreneurship — sacrifice. Drawing from his own early experiences building Proof Pest Control and lessons from his upcoming book, Allan challenges the idea that sacrifice means loss. He explains why true sacrifice only happens when we trade something of greater value for something lesser, and how entrepreneurs can protect what matters most — faith, family, and personal growth — while still building thriving companies. Allan also shares a personal story about missing time with his young children in the early days of his business and the lessons that moment taught him about priorities, planning, and balance. This episode is a reminder that success doesn’t come from giving up what’s most important — it comes from staying disciplined, keeping your priorities in order, and viewing every challenge as an investment in future freedom. Whether you’re in the grind of startup life or scaling your business, this conversation will help you refocus on what truly matters and find motivation in the journey ahead.

In this episode, Allan Draper sits down with Davin, the 21-year-old owner of Redline Pest Control, a fast-growing, family-owned company out of Arizona. Davin shares how his early experiences in solar and carwash sales fueled his passion for entrepreneurship — and how he turned those lessons into a thriving pest control business. From running services out of the back of his Audi to building a trusted brand with his dad, Davin talks about the grind, the setbacks, and the rewards of building something from scratch. Allan and Davin dive into topics like door-to-door sales, working with family, and finding business partners who strengthen your weaknesses. Whether you’re just starting your entrepreneurial journey or looking for inspiration to push through the early challenges, this episode is packed with insight, grit, and real-world lessons.

Join your host, Allan Draper, and the guys on the final night in the Real Pest World house in Orlando. With the "The Real Pest World Orlando" officially wrapped, the crew is both tired and motivated as they share their closing thoughts, highlights, and the powerful connections they've solidified. This episode isn't just a recap; it's a look ahead. They dive deep into the philosophy of "The Real Pest World"—moving beyond competition to foster a community where "you can't compete with us, we want you to win." Learn about the three core pillars for the future: Freshman Focus: Continuing to welcome new, hungry PCOs into the fold.Charity & Give Back: Ensuring the event remains about more than just business.Learning & Collaboration: Creating structured opportunities for intimate peer-to-peer and vendor workshops.They also reveal the exciting destination for next year's event, Dallas, Texas, and outline the application process. Don't miss this one to hear how this unique brotherhood is setting the tone for the pest control industry and building a legacy that will truly last. Apply for The Real Pest World 2026 House Here:  https://therealpestworld.com/