Advertise on podcast: Pest in Class: Expert Voices in Pest Management

Director of Technical Operations Zachariah Boardman returns to share HomeShield Pest Control's strategy for achieving total customer alignment across their teams. Zach shares how he identified a crucial gap between sales, service, and support efforts after reviewing his company’s online feedback. He introduces his "Three S's" framework to bridge this divide, emphasizing that selling should feel like an extension of support and education, not a transaction. Zach dives into best practices for follow-through (not just follow-up), the importance of active listening and mirroring the customer's communication style, and how intentional micro-trainings can sharpen staff skills, ultimately improving retention and reputation. Join us as we discuss:  [3:37] The customer service and sales gap in dealing with online reviews [12:19] The critical difference between customer “follow up” and “follow through” [17:46] Best practices for handling a public negative customer review You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Pest in Class on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here.  Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Pest in Class in your favorite podcast player. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

J.D. Jaramillo, owner of and general manager at Friendly Pest Solutions in Tampa, FL, joins the podcast to share his journey from starting small to scaling to over 2,200 customers. J.D. explains the critical importance of creating a solid business foundation by developing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for everything from treatment processes to sales proposals. He advises new owners on how to translate knowledge into documented procedures and emphasizes involving team members in the process. J.D. also discusses how FieldRoutes technology brought structure, automation, and critical transparency to his operations, highlighting the essential role of technology in supporting a growing team and maintaining high-quality customer service. Join us as we discuss:  [5:28] Why an early focus on SOPs and training is essential to early growth [11:10] The importance of Google reviews and an excellent online presence [16:48] How FieldRoutes’ Route Summary Report boosts tech engagement Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: FieldRoutes You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Pest in Class on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here.  Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Pest in Class in your favorite podcast player. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Taylor Olson, CEO and co-founder of Applause, shares how his personal and professional journey into the service industry led him to create a powerful technician performance management tool — Applause. Taylor explains how they help pest control businesses drive customer satisfaction and employee engagement through automated recognition and instant rewards. He also discusses core features like automated Google reviews, NPS scoring, and how tipping directly impacts customer retention and technician motivation. Discover how their new Scorecards feature integrates data from FieldRoutes and telematics to give managers and technicians real-time transparency, leading to measurable gains in retention and significant cost savings by reducing issues like accidents and reservices. Join us as we discuss:  [2:53] Important lessons learned from early door-to-door sales experience [10:53] Boosting performance management and customer engagement through an intuitive mobile app [19:02] Giving owner-operators direct control over their techs’ goals and rewards Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: FieldRoutes Applause You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Pest in Class on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here.  Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Pest in Class in your favorite podcast player. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

What if your next big business breakthrough isn’t in a spreadsheet but in a conversation? In this episode, Thomas Harris, CEO at Uinta Pest Solutions, joins us to talk about how networking and conferences changed everything for his business. He shares how connecting with other owners helped him grow from a one-person operation to a thriving company built on relationships and referrals. Thomas breaks down his simple three-part strategy for every event, explains how he’s turned local meetups and Facebook groups into consistent lead sources, and talks about why getting out of your routine is just as important as refining it. Join us as we discuss:  [5:51] How networking supports both business growth and mental health [13:17] How networking had directly shaped Thomas’s business growth [19:48] Where to find your local business community Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: Baton  You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Pest in Class on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here.  Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Pest in Class in your favorite podcast player. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

What does it take to build a call center where people actually want to show up? In this episode, Steve Short, VP of Sales and Marketing at Fox Pest Control, shares how his team creates a culture rooted in motivation, mentorship, and accountability. Rather than focusing on numbers alone, Steve explains why Fox’s call center thrives on leadership development and shared values. He dives into the company’s philosophy of calling managers mentors, the power of leading from the front, and how growth-minded hiring creates stronger teams. From putting “numbers in timeout” to teaching new reps that every call matters, Steve reveals the mindset that turns a grind into a mission. Join us as we discuss:  [4:45] What a healthy call center really looks like [18:48] How to turn around a call center with bad vibes [28:32] Why authenticity beats a perfect script every time You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Pest in Class on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here.  Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Pest in Class in your favorite podcast player. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

When you’re building a business and a family at the same time, every system you put in place matters. Noelle and Rian Goins, owners of Get Goins Pest Control in Los Angeles, return to Pest in Class with their newest team member: baby Grace. In this heartfelt conversation, the Goins share how they “baby-proofed” their business: from paying down debt and moving into their first home, to charging for inspections and adjusting their pricing to keep pace with inflation. They talk candidly about the challenges of postpartum, the surprises of slower summers, and how they redefined success around being present as a family. Join us as we discuss:  [10:39] Why Get Goins started charging for inspections [15:17] The most important system: revisiting pricing with confidence [25:57] Advice for entrepreneurs expecting their first child Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: PestWorld You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Pest in Class on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here.  Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Pest in Class in your favorite podcast player. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Your trucks might run on gas, but your business runs on people, and payroll mistakes can grind everything to a halt. This episode, we’re joined by Inova leaders Mary Leveridge, Executive VP, and Kathey Palmer, Chief Growth Officer. They unpack the seven most common payroll and HR traps that field service companies face. From worker misclassification and time-tracking pitfalls to prevailing wage compliance and the risks of manual payroll entry, they show how to avoid costly mistakes and build a business that is stronger, more resilient, and more profitable. Join us as we discuss:  [8:04] Employee vs. contractor: misclassification explained [23:06] Why onboarding defines employee retention [31:49] Manual data entry: small errors, big consequences Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: ServiceTitan You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Pest in Class on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here.  Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Pest in Class in your favorite podcast player. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

FieldRoutes’ Senior Product Marketing Manager Anders Fredericksen returns to Pest in Class to unpack the 2025 Pest Industry Report. Anders discusses the key findings from the survey of over a thousand US pest control companies, revealing cautious optimism balanced with growing concerns over recession and rising material costs. He highlights opportunities to counter margin pressures through technology adoption, despite existing gaps in areas like scheduling and routing software. Discover impactful areas for automation, learn why a digital-first approach is crucial, and explore the current state and future impact of AI in the pest control industry. Join us as we discuss:  [3:39] The 4 major takeaways from the 2025 Pest Industry Report [10:49] Gaps in technology adoption, including scheduling and routing tools [15:52] The AI outlook and comparing this year’s insights to the 2024 report Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: 2025 Pest Industry Report You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Pest in Class on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here.  Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Pest in Class in your favorite podcast player. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Training a bed bug detection dog isn’t just about teaching it to sniff out pests. It’s a massive commitment of time, money, and mindset. In this episode, we sit down with Diego Rodriguez, Tech Specialist and K-9 Team Supervisor at Preventive Pest Control in Las Vegas, to explore what it really takes to build and maintain a top-tier canine detection team. From the biology of bed bugs to the psychology of a good handler, Diego pulls back the curtain on the reality of this niche pest control approach. He shares what makes a great canine-handler duo, how to know if a detection dog fits your business model, and why training the human is just as important as training the dog. Join us as we discuss:  [6:37] How to determine if a detection dog is right for your company  [13:30] What to look for in a pest detection dog and a handler [20:24] The biggest challenges and rewards of working with detection dogs You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Pest in Class on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here.  Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Pest in Class in your favorite podcast player. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In this episode, we talk with Kevin McKee, President and CEO ofRoss Pest & Lawn in Aledo, Texas, about how empathy, transparency, and strong communication have fueled both employee satisfaction and impressive business growth. Kevin shares how simple habits like answering the phone and showing up on time drive customer trust, but more importantly, how investing in employees as people builds long-term loyalty. From open-book financials and profit-sharing to teaching strategic thinking and soft skills, Kevin explains how he’s intentionally built a culture where employees feel true ownership in the business. Join us as we discuss:  [5:16] The simple habits behind Ross Pest & Lawn’s 30+% growth [14:44] Why sharing P&L with the entire team builds trust [20:51] How to talk to your team about soft skills without micromanaging You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Pest in Class on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here.  Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Pest in Class in your favorite podcast player. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Ignite 2025 isn’t your average FieldRoutes’ user conference, and that’s exactly the point. In this episode, Ray Honey, Director of Customer Success at FieldRoutes, gives us a behind-the-scenes look at what attendees can expect in Anaheim this September. From hands-on product training to community panels, peer-led sessions, and networking events like the “Birds of a Feather” luncheon, Ignite is designed to help pest and lawn pros grow their businesses in real, actionable ways. Ray also shares what’s new this year, including updates on Pro products and more. If you’re heading to Ignite or still deciding, this episode will help you make the most of it. Join us as we discuss:  [5:27] What sets Ignite 2025 apart from other tech conferences [9:03] Special events like the Community Garden and Birds of a Feather luncheon [17:04] How first-time Ignite visitors can make the most out of their experience Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: Register for Ignite 2025 in Anaheim, CA (September 15 - 17th, 2025) You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Pest in Class on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here.  Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Pest in Class in your favorite podcast player. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Route optimization isn’t just about saving miles. It’s about empowering technicians and improving operational cohesion. Markus Konietzka, Director of Integrations at AXN Growth Partners, joins the show to share how his experience in logistics and as a technician shaped his people-first approach to route management. From reducing gas consumption by 20% to slashing technician windshield time, Markus explains how implementing rigid scheduling, auditing practices, and route data analysis paid off big for his team. Join us as we discuss:  [5:10] Why empathy for technicians is a routing manager’s greatest soft skill [8:17] How routing efficiencies helped slash overall fuel consumption by 20% [14:18] The benefits of quarterly vs. monthly service agreements Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: ACTION Termite & Pest Control Best Practices from Peers: Optimizing Your Business with FieldRoutes You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Pest in Class on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here.  Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Pest in Class in your favorite podcast player. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Mindset in pest control plays a crucial role in navigating the challenges of daily operations and long-term growth. In this special compilation episode of Pest in Class, we revisit three powerful conversations with industry leaders who’ve tackled discomfort, burnout, and bold career moves. Hear inspirational highlights from:  Kyle Selbach, Director of Operations at All U Need Pest Control Sam Taggart, Founder and CEO of D2D Experts And Rachel Mendes, Owner of Last Call Pest Control This is your mid-season reminder to keep pushing, keep growing, and keep your mindset sharp. Join us as we discuss:  [1:02] Why getting uncomfortable is key to success [4:36] How to help a struggling team member rediscover their “why” [7:06] The value of building a supportive entrepreneurial community You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Pest in Class on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here.  Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Pest in Class in your favorite podcast player. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

What happens when tradespeople go beyond the job and become pillars of their communities? Jen Roberts, Senior Director of Integrated Marketing at ServiceTitan, joins us to discuss Power the Nation, a movement dedicated to amplifying the incredible ways trades professionals give back. From friendly rivalries and food drives to local scholarships and surprise community makeovers, Jen shares how these unsung heroes power more than just homes and businesses. Join us as we discuss:  [5:08] The mission of sharing tradespeople’s community impact [8:38] How competitors unite to feed a community [12:18] Why celebrating philanthropy in the trades matters Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: Power the Nation You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Pest in Class on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here.  Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Pest in Class in your favorite podcast player. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

When Jeff Simmons first stepped into pest control, he was just a college student looking for a summer sales job. Now, as the Owner of Malang Pest Control, he has built a thriving business from scratch — even launching during the Great Recession in 2009. Jeff shares how he bootstrapped his business with no loans, leveraged door-to-door sales, and navigated industry shifts to create a sustainable and successful pest control company. He also reveals how COVID unexpectedly boosted his business and why embracing technology, like FieldRoutes software, is crucial for growth.  Tune in to learn Jeff’s grassroots strategies for scaling a pest control business the smart way. Join us as we discuss: [2:34] Building a business from scratch during tough times [9:13] How technology has helped Jeff scale his business [12:53] Training a thriving door-to-door sales team through partnerships Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast: D2D Millionaire The D2D Experts Eat What You Kill by Sam Taggart You can find this interview and many more by subscribing to Pest in Class on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here.  Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Pest in Class in your favorite podcast player. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.