Prewett Pest Podcast - An Entrepreneur's Journey Navigating Pest Control & Business: Recent Episodes
Rusty Prewett
The Prewett Pest Podcast follows an entrepreneur's journey navigating all things pest control and business. Join Rusty Prewett as he takes his business, sales, and marketing background and breaks into a new industry by starting a pest control company. Gain valuable insights as he interviews notable experts from both within and outside the pest control industry! Topics include marketing, branding, sales, operations, developing a team and company culture. Rusty will share real-life experiences and updates as he documents this journey.
🎙️In this episode, join Rusty as he's interviewed by Kristen Reeder on the podcast, 'Leading Locally: A Podcast by Leadership Lee County'. Rusty is an alumni of the Leadership Lee County program and was a guest on LLC's newly launched podcast, which offers listeners insightful discussions on leadership, community impact, and local initiatives.
Leading Locally: A Podcast by Leadership Lee County (ep 4) From Insurance to Insects: Rusty Prewett on Embracing Challenges
Rusty Prewett knows what it means to pivot with purpose. After nearly 15 years in the insurance world, he recognized the industry was shifting and so was he. In this episode, Rusty shares how he transitioned from insurance to launching Prewett Pest Control, a business built on adaptability and people-first values. From building trust in a new industry to hiring the right team and developing leaders across locations, Rusty brings practical insights and honest reflections on what it takes to grow a business that’s both resilient and rooted in impact. Whether you’re leading a team or dreaming of your next big move, this conversation will challenge you to think bigger and lead better.
Connect with Leadership Lee County Instagram: @leadershipleecounty Website: www.leadershipleecounty.org Leadership Lee County’s nine-month, immersive program identifies and develops a select group of leaders who live or work in Lee County and have the potential to provide the leadership needed to solve problems of community and statewide significance. 🎙️ Connect with Rusty & Learn MoreVisit The Journey Podcast online or follow on social media for more insights and inspiration.
📲 Follow The Journey Podcast
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- 🍎 Apple Podcasts: Prewett Pest Journey on Apple Podcasts
- 🎧 Spotify: Prewett Pest Journey on Spotify
In this conversation, Rusty interviews Raymond Kidwell from Voice for Pest, discussing the evolution of phone systems in the pest control industry, the integration of AI and intelligent call routing, and the importance of data-driven decision-making. They explore how technology can enhance customer service, the role of bots in handling calls, and the need for specialization in call handling to improve efficiency. The discussion emphasizes the critical nature of communication in pest control and how leveraging technology can lead to better customer experiences and business outcomes. In this conversation, Raymond and Rusty discuss the critical role of data and AI in optimizing workforce management and enhancing customer engagement. They explore how effective communication channels can improve customer retention and the importance of adapting to customer preferences. The discussion highlights the potential of technology solutions to drive business efficiency and the need for businesses to leverage data for informed decision-making.
Takeaways
- Voice for Pest started as a phone system and networking business in 1993.
- The company evolved to focus on the pest control industry about 15 years ago.
- Integrations with CRMs are a key differentiator for Voice for Pest.
- AI enhances customer interactions by understanding industry-specific terminology.
- Intelligent call routing improves efficiency in handling customer calls.
- Bots can handle mundane tasks, freeing up human agents for more complex issues.
- Data collection is crucial for making informed business decisions.
- Specialization in roles leads to better customer service outcomes.
- Technology should be actively managed to maximize its benefits.
- The future of customer service will increasingly rely on AI and data analytics.
- Data analysis is crucial for understanding workforce performance.
- Effective communication channels enhance customer engagement.
- AI can identify customer retention risks before cancellations occur.
- Businesses should focus on adapting to customer communication preferences.
- Data-driven decisions can significantly improve business efficiency.
- Understanding peak call times helps in scheduling and resource allocation.
- Automated logging of customer interactions saves time and improves accuracy.
- Retention strategies should be based on actual customer feedback and data.
- Companies often overlook the importance of customer retention in growth strategies.
- Technology can provide insights that were previously unattainable.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Voice for Pest and Background 03:06 Evolution of Phone Systems in Pest Control 06:05 AI and Intelligent Call Routing 08:46 The Role of Bots in Customer Interaction 12:00 Optimizing Customer Experience with Technology 14:52 Data-Driven Decision Making in Pest Control 18:13 The Importance of Specialization in Call Handling 21:02 Leveraging Technology for Efficiency 23:50 Managing Customer Communication Effectively 26:51 The Future of AI in Customer Service 31:27 The Importance of Data in Workforce Management 36:22 Optimizing Communication Channels for Customer Engagement 40:24 Leveraging AI for Customer Retention 47:04 Enhancing Business Efficiency through Data Analysis 52:14 Adapting to Customer Preferences in Communication
Check out Voice For Pest at www.voiceforpest.com
🎙️ Connect with Rusty & Learn More
Email: rprewett@prewettpestcontrol.com Visit The Journey Podcast online or follow on social media for more insights and inspiration.
📲 Follow The Journey Podcast
- 📘 Facebook: facebook.com/prewettpestjourney
- 📺 YouTube: youtube.com/@theprewettpestjourney
- 📸 Instagram: instagram.com/prewettpestjourney
- 🍎 Apple Podcasts: Prewett Pest Journey on Apple Podcasts
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EP 56: The ACOR Principle – A Simple Framework to Attract, Convert, Optimize, and Retain Customers for Business Growth
Watch the full video, with illustrations, on Youtube: https://youtu.be/DaqbCyHT_oc
Welcome back to The Journey! In this episode, Rusty dives into a powerful business principle he learned during his insurance career—the ACOR Principle (Attract, Convert, Optimize, Retain). Rusty breaks down this simple yet transformative framework that applies to any business, from pest control to restaurants, and shows how it can drive sustainable growth. Using real-world examples and a hand-drawn visual (check out the YouTube video!), Rusty explains how to attract prospects with marketing, convert them into customers with effective sales, optimize their lifetime value through cross-selling and referrals, and retain them with intentional customer service. Packed with actionable insights, this episode is a must-listen for business owners looking to streamline processes, boost ROI, and build a loyal customer base.
Key Topics Covered:
✅ The ACOR Principle Explained– A universal framework for growing any business.
✅ Attracting Customers – How marketing and lead generation start the journey.
✅ Converting Leads – Why the right sales process can make or break your growth.
✅ Optimizing Relationships – Cross-selling, referrals, and maximizing lifetime value.
✅ Retaining Customers – The power of intentional customer service and win-back strategies.
✅ Systems for Scale – Using automation and follow-up to multiply your marketing ROI.
Rusty also shares lessons from his insurance days, practical pest control examples, and tips for turning lost customers into “win-backs.” Whether you’re a solopreneur or scaling a multi-million-dollar business, this episode delivers a blueprint you can sketch on a napkin and implement today!
Timestamps:
0:00 – Welcome Back to The Journey: Introducing the ACOR Principle
0:31 – Rusty’s Background: Learning ACOR from the Quantum Club
1:14 – What is the ACOR Principle? A Simple Framework for Any Business
2:09 – Why Watch on YouTube: Visualizing ACOR with Rusty’s Hand-Drawn Diagram
2:58 – A: Attract – How Marketing and Lead Gen Bring Prospects In
4:47 – C: Convert – Turning Prospects into Customers with Sales
6:30 – The Cost of Bad Conversion: A Dry Cleaning Story Gone Wrong
8:49 – Training for Conversion Success: From 20% to 80% Close Rates
10:03 – O: Optimize – Cross-Selling and Referrals to Maximize Value
13:04 – The Referral Loop: Sending Customers Back to Attract
14:55 – Handling “No’s”: Putting Non-Converters Back in the Funnel
17:27 – Persistence Pays Off: Following Up for Years to Win Business
19:28 – R: Retain – Intentional Customer Service to Keep Customers Loyal
21:34 – Retention Tactics: Welcome Gifts, Newsletters, and Community Events
24:45 – Analyzing Lost Customers: Turning 90% Retention into 92%
28:02 – Winning Back “Lost Souls”: Strategies to Reclaim Past Customers
31:11 – Applying ACOR Anywhere: From Pest Control to Restaurants
34:06 – Scaling with Systems: Automating Follow-Ups for Free Marketing
34:48 – Final Thoughts: Take ACOR to Your Team and Get Started
🎙️ Connect with Rusty & Learn More
Email: rprewett@prewettpestcontrol.com Visit The Journey Podcast online or follow on social media for more insights and inspiration.
📲 Follow The Journey Podcast
- 📘 Facebook: facebook.com/prewettpestjourney
- 📺 YouTube: youtube.com/@theprewettpestjourney
- 📸 Instagram: instagram.com/prewettpestjourney
- 🍎 Apple Podcasts: Prewett Pest Journey on Apple Podcasts
- 🎧 Spotify: Prewett Pest Journey on Spotify
EP 55: PEACO Fest 2025 – A Sneak Peak of Prewett Pest's Annual Company Kickoff
Welcome back to The Journey! In this episode, Rusty and the PPC team recap PEACO Fest 2025, their annual company-wide event designed to energize, educate, and engage their entire team.
Rusty, Brittney (Director of HR), Mike (East Alabama Service Center Leader), and Danny (Service Team Leader) share highlights, insights, and practical advice from this impactful event. From detailed logistics and planning tips to competitive team-building activities, guest speakers, and celebrating employee achievements, this episode is filled with practical strategies to foster deeper connections, enhance company culture, and drive growth.
Key Topics Covered:
✅ Event Planning Essentials – How they organized a two day event. ✅ Team-Building Activities – Insights into competitive and engaging team events. ✅ Leveraging Educational Sessions – Making the most of guest speakers and vendor partnerships. ✅ Employee Recognition & Motivation – The importance of awards and peer recognition. ✅ Protecting Your Brand – Strategies for maintaining a positive company image both internally and externally.
Rusty and the team also explore employee motivation strategies, the importance of maintaining a strong company culture, and practical insights for businesses of all sizes looking to host meaningful team events.
⏱ Timestamps:
0:00 – Welcome & Introduction to PEACO Fest 2025 0:30 – Purpose of Annual Company Retreat 1:10 – Timing & Significance of the Event 2:07 – Event Format & Sales Bootcamp 3:34 – Brittany Fannin's Introduction & HR Insights 4:08 – Brittany’s Experience & First Impressions 6:00 – Employee Connections & Event Highlights 8:40 – Team Competitions & PEACO Games Explained 9:11 – Team Organization & Core Values 10:11 – Competitive Spirit & Event Highlights 12:17 – Event Logistics & Planning Insights 14:14 – Employee Engagement & HR Perspective 15:49 – Final HR Thoughts & Advice 18:00 – Mike Fowler's Perspective & Event History 20:46 – Sales Bootcamp Details & Impact 22:31 – Event Day Activities & Awards Overview 25:06 – Operational Impact of Company Retreat 27:22 – Employee Recognition Program & MVP Awards 30:37 – Event Energy & Company Morale 31:11 – Team Competitions & Camaraderie 32:33 – Timing & Celebrating Team Achievements 34:32 – Encouragement for Hosting Company Events 35:47 – Vendor Partnerships & Value of Training 37:04 – Speaker Engagement & Employee Interest 39:15 – Danny Dunson's Introduction & Journey 41:02 – Danny's Four Rs of PEACO Fest 45:18 – Protecting the Brand: Employee Responsibilities 49:39 – Company Culture & Energy Reflections 53:55 – Employee Motivation & Personal Leadership 56:30 – Encouragement for Company Events 57:22 – Final Thoughts & Wrap Up
🔗 Connect with Prewett Pest Control:
📍 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/prewettpestcontrol 📍 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/prewettpestcontrol/ 📍 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@prewettpestcontrol642
🔗 Connect with The Journey Podcast:
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🎧 Listen now and get inspired to elevate your company culture!
EP 54: From Side Hustle to Scaling – How Magic City Pest Control Built a Multi-Million Dollar Business
Welcome back to The Journey! In this episode, Rusty Prewett sits down with Kenzie Prosch, owner of Magic City Pest Control, to discuss his unexpected path into the pest control industry and how he built a thriving business from the ground up.
Kenzie shares how a broken-down car led him into pest control, his experience bootstrapping the company with just $100, and the strategic moves that helped him scale to $2.5M in revenue. From door-to-door sales to leveraging Facebook marketing and acquisitions, Kenzie’s journey is packed with real-world lessons on growth, leadership, and business strategy.
Key Topics Covered:
✅ An Accidental Entrepreneur – How Kenzie fell into pest control and never looked back. ✅ Bootstrapping to $2.5M – Starting with just $100 and growing a profitable business. ✅ The Power of Networking – Why building relationships with competitors can fuel success. ✅ Acquisitions & Expansion – Lessons from buying businesses and entering new markets. ✅ Marketing that Works – How Magic City Pest Control scaled using Facebook ads and referrals. ✅ Avoiding Costly Mistakes – What Kenzie wishes he knew about marketing and lead nurturing.
Kenzie also dives into the importance of tracking KPIs, how to keep costs down while growing, and why revenue per mile is one of the most critical numbers in his business. If you’re in pest control or looking to scale a service business, this episode is packed with actionable insights you won’t want to miss!
⏱ Timestamps:
0:00 – Welcome Back to The Journey: Introducing Kenzie Prosch 0:27 – Magic City Pest Control: Kenzie’s Background & Business Origins 3:08 – First Steps into Pest Control: From Elementary Education to Entrepreneurship 5:18 – Early Challenges: Juggling Five Jobs While Starting Out 8:45 – Breaking into the Industry: From Technician to Branch Manager 12:16 – Scaling Up: Recruiting Sales Teams & Growing to 1,000 Customers 15:10 – Making the Leap: Why Kenzie Left His Corporate Job to Go All-In 18:08 – Bootstrapping the Business: Starting with Just $100 21:32 – The Power of Referrals: How One Customer Sparked Growth 25:40 – Facebook Marketing Success: Driving Leads for Just $25 per Sale 30:12 – Acquisitions & Expansion: Growing into Birmingham & Huntsville 35:16 – The Importance of Networking with Competitors for Business Growth 40:28 – Scaling Challenges: Managing Growth & Expanding into New Markets 45:10 – Key KPIs That Matter: Why Revenue Per Mile is a Game-Changer 50:42 – Lessons from the Journey: What Kenzie Would Do Differently 55:12 – Long-Term Vision: Goals for Magic City Pest Control in the Next 5 Years 1:00:01 – Final Thoughts & Where to Connect with Kenzie
🔗 Connect with Kenzie & Learn More: Visit Magic City Pest Control online or follow them on social media to stay updated.
📍 Follow The Journey: 📍 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/prewettpestjourney 📍 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theprewettpestjourney
🔊 Listen now and get inspired to take your business to the next level!
EP 53: Visit With EOS Implementer, David King, After PPC's 2 Day Annual Planning
Welcome back to The Journey! In this episode, Rusty Prewett sits down with David King, an EOS Implementer, to break down the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) and how it has transformed Rusty’s business over the past three years. From quarterly planning to accountability charts, they discuss what it takes to implement EOS effectively and how it helps businesses scale while maintaining clarity, accountability, and simplicity.
If you've been considering EOS or need a refresher on how to get back on track, this episode is packed with real-world insights, including how Rusty’s company rebooted its EOS approach after hitting a plateau.
Key Topics Covered:
- What EOS Is & Why It Works – The six core components of EOS and how they keep companies aligned.
- Lessons from the Pandemic – How businesses running on EOS thrived through uncertainty.
- The Importance of Accountability – Why every role in a company needs ownership and clear measurables.
- Keeping It Simple – How overcomplicating systems can slow down growth and what to do instead.
- Building a Winning Team – How EOS helps get the right people in the right seats.
- The Power of Scorecards – Tracking key measurables to ensure business success.
Rusty and David also share game-changing leadership lessons, including why "inspect what you expect" is a crucial mindset for any business owner. Whether you're self-implementing EOS or just exploring better ways to streamline your operations, this episode is full of practical takeaways to help you grow.
🔗 Learn More About EOS & Connect with David King:
Visit eosworldwide.com and search for David King to find expert guidance on implementing EOS for your business.
⏱ Timestamps
0:00 – Welcome Back to The Journey: Introducing David King 0:21 – Revisiting EOS: Why Rusty Brought David Back After 3 Years 1:15 – What Does an EOS Implementer Do? 3:00 – How EOS Helped Businesses Thrive During the Pandemic 5:18 – Rusty’s EOS Journey: From Startup to Scaling 7:03 – The Power of a Reboot: Getting Back to EOS Basics 9:22 – The Six Core Components of EOS & How They Work 12:16 – How EOS Protects a Business from a Visionary’s Chaos 14:41 – Accountability Charts: Why Every Role Needs Ownership 17:00 – Simplifying for Success: The Key to Long-Term Growth 19:26 – The Role of Scorecards & KPIs in Business Performance 22:03 – Key Leadership Lessons: “Inspect What You Expect” 25:00 – Building a Strong, Trust-Based Company Culture 28:42 – Final Thoughts & How to Get Started with EOS
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🔊 Listen now and take your business to the next level!
EP 52: Reflections and Resilience: Lessons from 2024 (Part 2)
Welcome back to The Journey! In this episode, Rusty Prewett continues his deep dive into 2024, sharing both the hard-fought wins and the unexpected challenges that shaped his company’s trajectory. If you missed part one, go back and catch up on the goals and benchmarks set for the year. Now, in part two, Rusty takes you behind the scenes of what it really took to grow a pest control business—from hiring key players to overcoming financial roadblocks.
Key topics covered:
- Celebrating Wins: The first-ever PEACO Awards trip, hiring pivotal leadership, and expanding into Huntsville.
- Building a Stronger Team: The impact of hiring a Director of Sales, an HR Director, and top-tier talent.
- Financial Challenges & Lessons Learned: The challenges of forecasting, cash flow planning, and finding the right bookkeeping partner.
- A Hard Hit from Google: Losing 1,500+ five-star reviews overnight and the determined comeback.
- Scaling for 2025: The importance of SOPs, fire prevention (not just firefighting), and strategic planning for growth.
Rusty also shares his mindset going into 2025, including an upcoming trip to the Scale event by Pest Daily. Whether you're in the pest control industry or simply navigating the ups and downs of entrepreneurship, this episode is packed with hard-earned wisdom and practical insights.
⏱ Timestamps
0:00 – Welcome Back to The Journey: Recapping Part One 0:35 – Why Reflecting on 2024 is Crucial for Growth 1:26 – Celebrating Wins: The First-Ever PEACO Awards Trip 3:07 – Hiring a Director of Sales & Their Shift to Operations 4:06 – PEACO Fest: The Annual Team Event & Special Guest Speaker 5:38 – Key Leadership Hires: Bringing in an HR Director & Recruiter 7:03 – The Game-Changer: How Our HR Director Made an Immediate Impact 9:03 – The Challenge of Financial Forecasting & Cash Flow Management 10:56 – Transitioning to FRAXN for Bookkeeping & The Learning Curve 11:43 – Expanding Into Huntsville: Acquiring a Mosquito Business 12:49 – Joining the Alabama Pest Control Association Board 13:26 – Challenges Faced in 2024: From Google Woes to Scaling Struggles 14:31 – Losing 1,500+ Google Reviews Overnight & Fighting Back 16:00 – Turning a Setback Into a Comeback: Rebuilding Our Reviews 17:00 – The Need for Scalable Processes & SOPs for Growth 18:25 – Fire Prevention vs. Firefighting: A Key Leadership Lesson 19:44 – Preparing for 2025: Why Strategic Planning is Essential 20:26 – Looking Ahead: Attending the Scale Event by Pest Daily 22:00 – Closing Thoughts: Lessons Learned & A Mindset for Success 23:08 – Call to Action: Leave a Review & Stay Connected
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EP 51: Reflections and Resilience: Lessons from 2024 (Part 1)
Welcome back to The Journey: Navigating Pest Control and Business! In this exciting episode, Rusty Prewett reflects on a whirlwind 2024 and kicks off 2025 with fresh goals and lessons learned. Join Rusty as he shares insights from a year full of challenges and triumphs, including:
- Achieving $1.8 million in new sales and lessons from ambitious targets.
- Growing the company to $3.7 million in revenue and expanding operations.
- Hiring and onboarding a stellar team while fine-tuning processes.
- Successfully entering a new market with a new acquisition.
From the sunny beaches of Destin, Florida, Rusty offers an honest, behind-the-scenes look at the ups and downs of growing a pest control business, proving that every setback is a setup for growth. Whether you’re an entrepreneur or simply curious about the pest control industry, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways.
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0:00 Welcome to 2025: Reflections from Destin, Florida
1:02 Podcast Goals for 2025: Consistency and Growth
1:51 The Purpose of the Podcast: Documenting the Pest Control Journey
2:33 Recap of 2024 Goals: Wins, Challenges, and Lessons Learned
3:52 Starting from Scratch: Launching During the Pandemic
4:44 Scaling Up: Aiming for $3 Million in Revenue in 3 Years
5:37 2024 Goals Overview: Sales, Hiring, Training, and Expansion
9:52 Sales Goals: Targeting $2.7 Million in New Sales for 2024
13:22 Lessons from Falling Short: The Importance of Ramp-Up Time
15:09 Hiring Goals: Adding 7 Salespeople and Achieving 4 Hires
16:19 Building a Team: Onboarding and Training Successes
17:23 Revenue Growth: Ending 2024 with $3.7 Million
18:06 Focus on Retention: Processes for Termite, Pest, and Mosquito Services
18:46 Market Expansion: Entering Huntsville with a Mosquito Business Acquisition
19:10 Takeaways and Next Steps: Wins, Losses, and Lessons to Share
20:03 Looking Ahead: Plans for Consistency and a Fresh Production Team
20:22 Stay Connected: Follow Us on Facebook
In this special episode, we feature Rusty's keynote speech at the 2024 West Alabama SHRM Conference, where he highlights the journey of Prewett Pest Control in building a clear vision and strong workplace culture. In this episode, listen and discover powerful strategies for cultivating a strong organizational vision and driving a positive workplace culture. Whether you're a business leader, HR professional, or simply passionate about effective leadership, this episode offers valuable insights into creating a vision-driven, culture-focused environment that leads to lasting success.
"Culture eats strategy for breakfast."
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Watch the PEACO Fest 2023 YouTube video that Rusty shares with the group👇🎥
https://youtu.be/aAfZSOJ6wXQ?si=gwx2yt7fN2dPhO19
The Journey Podcast is alive! It's been 5 months since our last episode so Rusty checks in with a quick update. Rusty and the team have been busy at Prewett Pest in 2024 as they've brought on new team members including a Marketing & PR Coordinator, HR Director, Director of Sales, 4 new Sales Professionals, and 4 new Service Professionals. Additionaly, PPC has expanded into a new market with a company aquisition in North Alabama.
Join Rusty in Part 2 of the 'Recap of 2023' as he reviews the previous year and talks about the kickoff of 2024. 2023 was defined as year of growth and CHANGE! After 14 years of owning and operating an Allstate Insurance agency, Rusty shares the details of selling the business, which was bittersweet, but allowed him to focus on growing the pest business. He also touches on developing new leaders in the organization, utilizing the company's Development Program. Is the program perfect? No. However, it helped to provide a framework for some key people who had a desire to grow professionally within the organization. There was also a big focus on taking the inside sales model to the next level by making it a focus to get better. Additionally, Rusty touches on collection improvements, lead management, specialization in sales verses service roles, and engaging the outside sales team with bi-weekly book club calls and training.
Book Club: Book 1 https://www.ultimatesalesmachine.com/book-1a
Book 2 https://www.amazon.com/Magic-Thinking-Big-David-Schwartz/dp/1785040472
5 STEP SALES PROCESS: "Price is only an issue in the absence of value" "Be the orange!" BASPA 1. Build Rapport 2. Ask Questions 3. Sell Value 4. Propose a Plan 5. Assumptively Close!
Join Rusty in EP 47: Part 1 as he shares another journal entry update and recaps 2023. Prewett Pest started in July 2020 and 3 years later the company crossed over the $3MM mark but not without wins, losses, speed bumps and road blocks. Rusty shares the company's 2023 goals and gives an update on the final results. The good, the bad, and the ugly! Reverse engineering goals has proven a strategic way to break down big goals and allows the team to focus on the daily, weekly and monthly things that help move the company to its 10 year target of being a $25Mm company.
Sit in on PPC's bi-weekly book club call where our team discusses chapters 3&4 of 'The Magic of Thinking Big' by David Schwartz. In previous episodes you may have heard Rusty talking about the PPC Book Club he started in the beginning of 2023 with his sales team. The response and feedback was so good it led us to open up the book club to the entire company for anyone that wanted to participate. We break down each call by chapters and every session someone new leads the call. This week we discuss chapter 3 (Build Confidence & Destroy Fear) and chapter 4 (How to Think Big).
Book Club is optional for anyone in the company that wants to participate and books selected vary on different topics. This particular book, 'The Magic of Thinking Big', is a book that Rusty read over 20 years and made a huge impact on his way of thinking and dreaming big things. We hope you enjoy!
Please follow us on facebook at www.facebook.com/prewettpestjourney
https://www.amazon.com/Magic-Thinking-Big-David-Schwartz/dp/0671646788
This week Rusty brings you along to be a part of Prewett Pest's bi-weekly sales huddle. Rusty started hosting these sales zoom huddles at the beginning of 2023 and every 2 weeks the PPC sales pros get to engage with their peers, share best practices and check in on what's working and what's not.
This week Rusty has friend and mentor, Justin Slocum, on as a guest to share his story and how he's performed at a high level as an entrepreneur and sales minded business owner. Prior to selling his Allstate insurance agencies, Justin was one of the largest Allstate agency owners in the country with $40M in annual premiums and consistently performed in the top 1% of agents countrywide.
Join us on this episode and learn about Justin's journey and how it can be applicable to growing a sales organization.
Rusty shares some exciting updates on a project he's been working on since the first of the year, the PPC Playbook! What started off as a "Rock" earlier in the year has evolved into a full blown, ongoing, training and culture building tool. Have you ever created or been trained with an operations manual that documents company procedures? Have you ever forgotten everything you read a few days/weeks/month's after because it was already outdated?? A playbook is a concept created to document the CORE things that Rusty feels EVERYONE in the company should be trained, coached and constantly refreshed on. Simple, yet super effective. You'll definitly want to check out the youtube video where Rusty shows the actual playbook and walks our listeners through each page. Check out the link below!
Watch it live: https://www.youtube.com/@theprewettpestjourney/featured
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www.prewettpestjourney.com
Dominique Stumpf’s journey to becoming CEO of the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) is characterized by seizing opportunities, embracing challenges, and constantly learning and growing along the way. Stumpf joined the NPCA, now known as NPMA, in 1997, and within just two months she found herself sitting at the management table and actively involved in shaping the association's direction. This early involvement marked the beginning of her path within the organization. 25 years later, Stumpf and NPMA have continued to make a significant impact on the pest control industry, and we’re excited to share her journey with you today. Additional topics include workforce development, programming & educational content offered through NPMA, the future of pest control, and MORE!
NPMA, a non-profit with more than 7,000 members, was established in 1933 to support the pest management industry’s commitment to the protection of public health, food and property, reflected in the continuing education of industry professionals and the dissemination of information to homeowners and businesses. Visit www.npmapestworld.org for more information.
Whether you're a sales leader or a sales professional, this episode is for you! In today’s PART TWO episode Preston Peterson gives us an inside scope on Alta’s inside sales program and how it has taken their sales game to the next level. People are at the heart of every sales program and Preston shares valuable insights on recruiting, training, and retaining top talent. He also uncovers key components to a successful partnership and how internal processes play a pivotal role in maintaining synergy. Rusty also revisits his cliffhanger from the last episode, and Preston shares his experience operating a nutrition company from $0 to $10M. Additional topics include profit share programs, online influence, budgeting, marketing, and MORE!
Preston’s career started out selling pest control door-to-door and it wasn’t long after when his entrepreneurial spirit kicked in. He quickly realized he had a passion for helping others and wanted to bring people alongside his journey to success. Fast forward a decade later, Preston owns and operates several businesses that are growing at a rapid rate. With starting a business comes growing pains, and in today’s episode Preston shares the many challenges he has faced and overcome over the years. He also discusses the importance of synergy and how it has helped Ardent’s most recent merger with Alta seamlessly play out. As business booms, Ardent has continuously ranked on Inc. 5000’s “Fastest- Growing Companies in America” for 5 years in a row. Preston and his story are a testament to trials also being blessings, and we’re excited to share his journey with y’all! Stay tuned for part 2 COMING SOON
Ryan Tate has been in the pest control industry for 18 years and currently serves as Business Partner at Limevisor, LLC, a bookkeeping, accounting, and financial services provider exclusively for pest control companies. Prior to his role at Limevisor, Ryan served as Vice President of Operations at Wayne’s. If there is one word to describe Ryan Tate it would be PASSIONATE. Ryan has become well versed in several aspects of the pest control industry and in today’s episode he shares his personal journey and experiences through various leadership roles. Rusty and Ryan also discuss the importance of keeping your team engaged, getting them out of their comfort zone, and setting higher standards. The two also share tips picked up from mentors over the years. Additional topics include, pricing, operations, culture, and MORE. If you’re a forward thinker looking to improve your business or develop personally, this episode is for you!
Resources from today's episode:
Youtube
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=21jqP3w8_FM&t=176s
https://www.facebook.com/prewettpestjourney
https://www.instagram.com/prewettpestjourney/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/prewett-pest-journey/?viewAsMember=true
Contact Information:
Rusty Prewett
rprewett@prewettpestcontrol.com
If you’re new to the podcast, Rusty has been documenting his entrepreneurial journey navigating pest control and business through journal entry updates. It has been 3 months since his last update and a lot has happened since then! In today’s journal entry update, Rusty reflects on his Q1 goals and rocks, recaps PPC’s 3rd Annual Team Retreat (PEACOFest 2023), and talks about the book club his leadership team recently developed for service & sales professionals. He also recognizes a few team members who have exemplified PPC’s core values over the past few months and gives a shout out to this year’s MVP award winner. Additional topics include, retreat planning, goal setting, and more!
RESOURCES FROM TODAY’S EPISODE:
PEACOfest 2023
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aAfZSOJ6wXQ
The Ultimate Sales Machine
https://www.amazon.com/Ultimate-Sales-Machine-Turbocharge-Relentless/dp/B0C3D4WHZS/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1683651195&sr=8-1
https://www.facebook.com/prewettpestjourney
https://www.linkedin.com/company/prewett-pest-journey/?viewAsMember=true
Youtube
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8JEAKMoRpV2fbd9faRH7dA
CONTACT:
Rusty Prewett
rprewett@prewettpestcontrol.com
If you missed PART ONE of our Tommy Mello series, be sure to check out episode 37- you won’t want to miss it! In PART TWO, Rusty and Tommy talk about coaching, developing people, how to put a plan in place for EVERYONE on your team, and dreaming a little bigger. Tommy also introduces a term he uses known as a “dream manager” and how having this key person is pivotal for the growth of your BEST leaders. If your #1 goal is to build a company that is meant to last, this episode is for you! Additional topics include coaching, special teams, and more!
Resources from today’s episode:
https://homeserviceexpert.com/
https://a1garage.com/
https://www.amazon.com/Home-Service-Millionaire-Million-Business/dp/1732452105
https://www.amazon.com/Elevate-Build-Business-Where-Everybody/dp/B0BWSNBQZV
https://www.facebook.com/prewettpestjourney
From books, to podcasts, to $150+ million in revenue - Tommy Mello has done it all, and he has done it well. Tommy Mello is the founder of A1 Garage, a home service business with over 700 employees across 22 states. Mello is also the host of The Home Service Expert Podcast, and author of Home Service Millionaire, and Elevate: Build a Business Where Everybody Wins. Listen in as Mello shares his journey from start to scale, and how his knowledge and experience has helped up-and-coming entrepreneurs grow their businesses. Additional topics include networking, having an abundance mindset, integrators, marketing, and MORE!
Resources from today’s episode:
https://homeserviceexpert.com/
https://a1garage.com/
https://www.amazon.com/Home-Service-Millionaire-Million-Business/dp/1732452105
https://www.amazon.com/Elevate-Build-Business-Where-Everybody/dp/B0BWSNBQZV
https://www.facebook.com/prewettpestjourney
David Gianetto currently serves as CEO of WorkWave, a cloud-based field management software service that has provided marketing, sales, and customer solutions for nearly 40 years. Earlier in his career, Gianetto was a hands-on operational leader for Airborne Express and an Officer in the US Army. He has nearly 20 years of experience leading and managing international organizations focused on the deployment and usage of enterprise-level technology in a wide range of service-oriented industries. In today’s episode, Rusty and David discuss how David’s experience working in several different environments has helped him understand customers, employers, and industry needs for several different industries. The two also discuss efficiency in pest control operations, customer experience, the Amazon experience, and the future of pest control. Additional topics include sales, profitable growth, social media, and more.
Resources from today’s episode:
https://www.workwave.com/
https://www.pestpac.com/
https://www.amazon.com/Big-Social-Mobile-Initiatives-Enterprise/dp/1137410396
https://www.facebook.com/prewettpestjourney
Do you remember life before podcasting? We went from live radio shows, to cassette tapes, to audiobooks, and everything in between. As a podcaster, it’s crazy to think about the evolution of how we receive information. As we maneuver through 2023, it’s safe to say that with the access we have to podcasts, there is NO excuse not to develop a skill you may have interest in. In today’s episode Rusty shares a few of his favorite podcasts, podcasts he has enjoyed listening to in the past, and what he has queued up currently. He gives recommendations for those of you who are in the pest control industry, for those of you who are interested in current events, and of course, for those of you who are looking to develop, both personally and professionally. If you have any favorite podcasts that you think are worth mentioning - shoot us a message, we would love to hear from our listeners!
Pest Control Podcasts: The Boardroom Buzz The Bug Bux Podcast PMP Industry Insiders Podcast Arthro-Pod The Pest Geek Podcast Pest Equity Podcast
Non-Industry Related : The Real Estate Guys Radio Show The GaryVee Audio Experience (Maria’s favorite) Business Wars American Scandal Business Movers The Insurance Guys Podcast
Leadership Podcasts: Andy Stanley Leadership Podcast Leadership Podcast - Craig Groeschel’s Podcast
In the Queue: The Pest Life Podcast - Danny-J & Jill Coleman Real AF The School of Greatness
We’re kicking off this year with a new name! Welcome to The Journey Podcast - Navigating Pest Control and Business. The purpose of this podcast is to document our journey from start to scale while sharing the good, the bad, and the ugly. In today’s episode Rusty and Maria talk about theme words, setting “rocks” for Q1, SMART goals, and more. There’s a lot of great things happening right now within the pest control industry, and we’re excited to share our first Journal Entry Update for 2023! Additional topics include sales, profitability, gross margin goals, pest daily, and marketing.
Resources from today's episode:
Theme Words: https://www.eloisedesignco.com/post/2023-theme-word
EOS: https://www.eosworldwide.com/
Pest Daily: https://growing.pestdaily.com/pages/home-screen-2
It was 3 years ago when Rusty shared with his family, over Thanksgiving, his vision of starting a pest control company. If you're new to the podcast, Rusty has been documenting his entrepreneurial journey navigating pest control and business since the launch of Prewett Pest Control (PPC) in 2020. As 2022 comes to an end, Rusty reflects on PPC's accomplishments and shortcomings while revisiting journal entries from his personal planner. Join in as Rusty takes a look back at where it all began, shares his goals for 2023, and gives his recommendations on tools & resources for yearly planning and goal strategizing.
Resources from today's episode:
https://fullfocus.co/planner/
https://www.facebook.com/prewettpestpodcast
Kevin Poland serves as President of American Pest, an Anticimex Company based in Maryland, with over 400 employees and $59 million in annual revenue. Poland graduated from Shepherd University in 2010 with a Sports Communication degree and began his journey with American Pest in 2010 as the event marketing specialist. During his time at American Pest, Kevin has found a way to “gamify” his company’s culture, while also maintaining multiple locations. His team has maintained their place on the PCT Top 100 list for a few years now, with hopes to meet $100 million in revenue by their 100 year anniversary in 2025. In today’s episode Rusty and Kevin discuss the importance of networking within your industry, finding leadership groups, customer retention, and more. Additional topics include NPMA’s Academy Program, coaching team members, and the future of home based services.
https://www.facebook.com/prewettpestpodcast
Shawn Hollis has been at Waynes Pest Control for a little over 12 years and entered the business in Huntsville as the service center leader. He now serves as President and has played a pivotal role in the growth of Waynes, one of the country’s top pest control & lawn care providers. In today’s episode Shawn and Rusty discuss maintaining culture, leadership, how to scale your business, and brand awareness. If you know Shawn, you know he has a heart for servant leadership. He dives deep into their SHERPA training, Project Everest, and discusses the future of Waynes and their 2025 goals. Learn how to become an impact player, how to effectively invest in your people, and MORE! Additional topics include team retreats, the future of pest control, and unlocking your potential.
Resources from today's episode:
https://www.facebook.com/prewettpestpodcast
Contact Information:
Shawn Hollis, President
shawn.hollis@callwaynes.com
Scott Bell is the CEO of High Level Marketing (HLM), a leading digital marketing company serving over 2,000 businesses across the country. HLM currently employs over 100 team members, with $20+ million in annual revenue. Bell graduated from Auburn University in 2007 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration and Entrepreneurship. His entrepreneurial journey started shortly after when he founded Bell Media LLC. in 2008, a full-spectrum digital marketing agency. HLM and Bell Media merged in 2021 and as his agency continues to grow, he has an annual revenue goal of $100 million over the next 10 years. Rusty and Bell discuss growth vs. profitability, how to plan & prepare for acquisitions, the future of digital marketing, and MORE! Ever heard of “multiples of 3”? Learn how Bell and Prewett have adopted this business model presented by Harvard Business Review and figure out how much your business is really worth to help reach your revenue goals.
Eric Bassett with Natura Pest Control and co-host of the Bug Bux Podcast is back again for another episode. If you’re wondering what the “it” factor is for success you’ve come to the right place. Eric has been in the pest control industry for 15 years and has a ton of experience under his belt when it comes to hiring, recruiting, and incentive/comp plans for his team. Listen in as Rusty and Eric discuss how to successfully align your long-term vision with your employees AND how to eliminate any chance of questioning internal processes within your organization.
Are you looking to hire your next top performer? In today's episode Rusty interviews Kevin Mlynarek, entrepreneur and co-owner of Ideal Traits to discuss the benefits of adding a personality assessment tool to your hiring process. Ideal Traits is a full recruiting software created for small to medium size businesses and is your one stop shop for creating job ads, personality assessments, applicant tracking, and more. Get a first hand look at the new modern features coming soon to Ideal Traits, and find out why Rusty has continued to use Ideal Traits for years to find the best candidates for his team. Additional topics include shadowing, zoom interviews, communicating with prospective hires, and MORE.
Resources from today's episode:
https://idealtraits.com/
Marketing is an extension of the culture of your business. In today’s episode Rusty discusses all things marketing and gives his insight on content creation, branding, and the value of community engagement for your business. He also discusses the marketing model he has followed since 2009, and how he keeps up with the evolution of social media and advertising.
Resources from today's episode:
www.facebook.com/prewettpestpodcast
Contact Information:
Rusty Prewett: rprewett@prewettpestpodcast.com
Maria Lopez: mlopez@prewettpestcontrol.com
Join us for our first ever Q&A session with questions from our listeners. Part 1 covers how to find good employees in today’s labor market, how to recruit good inbound sales talent, how to manage multiple businesses at once, and MORE (including tips for recruiters & hiring managers, how to develop your people early, and finding the right person for the job). Stay tuned for part 2!
Resources from today’s episode:
www.prewettpestcareers.com
www.facebook.com/prewettpestpodcast
www.growing.pestdaily.com
Contact information:
Rusty Prewett: rprewett@prewettpestcontrol.com
Maria Lopez: mlopez@prewettpestcontrol.com
In next week's episode, Rusty will be answering questions from our listeners in our first ever Q&A session. We're excited because the floor is yours! Feel free to submit ANY questions that you have for Rusty. They can be about pest control, entrepreneurship, past episodes or guests - you name it. Submit your questions by messaging us on facebook or emailing Maria at mlopez@prewettpestcontrol.com. You will have until Wednesday, August 30th to submit your questions. We can't wait to hear from y'all!
https://www.facebook.com/prewettpestpodcast
Today we’re joined with our good friend and co-host Eloise Stewart to give you an update on our entrepreneurial journey from start to scale. The process of establishing Prewett Pest Control began in March of 2020 and at that time there were a lot of unknowns. The world shut down due to a worldwide pandemic and in the early months Rusty began to wonder, was this a good idea? Fast forward 2 years later, PPC has grown into 3 markets, has 22 team members, and 3,500 recurring customers. Listen in as the two discuss how with the right team, processes and resilience, you too can turn challenges into big wins. Topics include: customer experience, branding, onboarding, goal setting, etc.
Join Rusty and his leadership team as they reflect on their second annual team retreat known as PEACO Fest 2022. Retreats are a great way to have fun, strengthen company culture, and bond as a team. This past March Prewett Pest Control (PPC) had their second annual retreat in Auburn, Alabama - bringing over 20 team members together for a 2 day event. Our special guests share their experiences planning a retreat and give tips and advice on how to create a retreat that can benefit you and your team LONG-TERM. Check out the link below for a sneak peek into the world of PPC! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KLpc5mA5SaY&t=4s
Join us for PART 2 of our in-person interview with Mickey Thomas, Senior VP of Customer Care & Inside Sales at Arrow Exterminators. Having been in the pest control industry for over 12 years, Mickey has had a great deal of experience managing teams and customers. In today’s episode, Mickey and Rusty discuss the importance of customer service, mentorship, and creating value for your team. Mickey also shares advice on how to develop future leaders for the next generation, and how to see your people as an investment – no matter what industry you’re in. If you are in the “people” business, this episode is for you! #careerdevelopment #customerservice #leadership #mentorship
This week we are back with Mickey Thomas for part 2 of our in-person interview! Part 2 dives deep into the development program integrated by Arrow Exterminators, the importance of customer service, and as leaders creating value for your team. Arrow Exterminators brought in $300 million in revenue and was named a 2022 Top Places to Work in the U.S by Energage, a purpose-driven HR technology company, for the second year in a row. Mickey’s goal is to always grow, and today she shares advice on how to develop future leaders for the next generation. You won’t want to miss this! #customerservice #leadership #mentorship
Mickey Thomas serves as Senior VP of Customer Care & Inside Sales at Arrow Exterminators. Last year Arrow Exterminators employed 2,000 team members and brought in $300 million in revenue. Mickey has been a part of the Arrow Exterminators team for almost 15 years and when she started they had 42 service centers. They now have 155…talk about growth. Rusty met Mickey through the Executive Leadership Program for NPMA and today she made the trip to Auburn, Alabama to discuss all things pest control & business. The two discuss career development, culture, customer care, and so much more. Mickey definitely brings high energy in today’s episode, and is our first ever guest to have a 2 part series. You won’t want to miss this! Stay tuned for Part Two.
Today we are joined by Eric Bassett, owner and Vice President of Natura Pest Control to discuss all things pest control and business. Not only does Eric have over a decade of pest control experience, he is also an Associate Certified Entomologist (ACE) and was the former director of Sales & Marketing for Natura Pest Control, based in Vancouver, Washington. Eric and Rusty discuss the world of digital media, inside sales, lead generation, and most importantly trusting the process. When it comes to customer service, sales, and training, how are you systematically evaluating your day to day operations? Are you reactive when faced with the results? What can you do moving forward? Learn how implementing a communications process can increase productivity amongst your team and more!
Follow our journey here: https://www.facebook.com/prewettpestpodcast
Check out Natura Pest Control here: https://www.facebook.com/naturapest
Today we are joined by the man, the myth, the legend: Lee Thompson, director of operations for Prewett Pest Control. Having previously worked for 2 Fortune 500 companies, Lee has been exposed to several different leadership and training styles. In today’s episode Rusty and Lee discuss the challenges that come with scaling a pest control company, as well as the importance of relationship building and understanding your people. Additionally, the two discuss their revenue and staffing plan for the year, as well as how to be proactive vs. reactive when streamlining internal processes.
Let's just say a lot can happen in 18 months. Since implementing The Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS), Rusty has found himself in a new role. He discusses the difference between a visionary and an integrator, and the importance of being in the right seat. Learn more about EOS and how the process of reverse engineering long term goals can help YOU rapidly grow your pest control company!
Join Solomon Airhart and Allan Draper, experts in the pest control industry, as they interview Rusty on their podcast Bug Bux, a podcast designed to help pest control owners start and rapidly scale their company. The three discuss how to grow and scale your pest control company during the pandemic and other tough times. Other topics include hiring, training, and creating an unbelievable customer experience. You don't want to miss this!
What makes a truly great entrepreneurial business? Today we are joined by David King, Certified Implementer for EOS, an Entrepreneurial Operating System that provides a set of powerful tools to help entrepreneurs get what they want from their business. The two discuss the systems + processes offered by EOS that have helped hundreds of businesses improve administration, management, and strategy (Rusty's included). Learn how to effectively tackle issues, maximize your time, AND transform your business!
For more information David can be reached at dking@bmss.com
Dan Moreland, publisher of PCT magazine and Quality Assurance & Food Safety magazine, is an award-winning journalist who has covered the professional pest management industry for 4 decades. He has served as editor of the last 3 editions of the Mallis Handbook of Pest Control, as well as Rodent Control. In 2015, Moreland received the Malcolm Stack Integrity Award from UPFDA and serves as Executive VP of GIE Media. Gain valuable insight on how to enhance your business, quality control, and team development.
Follow us on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/prewettpestpodcast
Join Rusty Prewett and Seth Garber to discuss all things pest control and business! Seth has been involved in the pest control industry since 2008 and discusses what he has learned through assisting dozens of pest control businesses through his e-learning platform Pest Daily. They discuss knowledge gained through prior business ventures, productivity, leadership coaching, marketing, AND what the future of pest control looks like + how it could impact the industry. https://www.facebook.com/prewettpestpodcast
Join Rusty and co-host Eloise Stewart as they unpack 5 months of updates into 1 episode. They discuss the challenges and opportunities that have come with his company's first acquisition & the growth his company has experienced with revenue, adding team members, and professional development. Ever heard of EOS? It’s the Entrepreneurial Operating System Rusty’s Leadership Team has adopted and he explains why it’s a game changer for scaling ANY business!
Follow us at www.facebook.com/prewettpestpodcast
The expansion of business is something all good entrepreneurs aspire to, and early success often fuels dreams of growth. However, entrepreneurs often overlook the benefit expansion can have on customers, employees, and their communities. We are joined by Allan Draper, founder of proof. pest control, and podcast host for The Business Growth Pod to discuss Allan’s long term vision for proof., how to enjoy both successes and failures, and various management styles seen over the years. With his 8th branch opening up, it’s safe to say Allan’s team has bought into his vision of creating a household name for proof.
Put your coffee down! We have Solomon Airhart on our show today, the National Pest Management Association's 2020 Young Entrepreneur of the Year, and part owner of Aruza Pest Control- one of the fastest growing pest control companies in the country! In just 4.5 years they've grown from zero to 6 million, and project $10 million by the end of 2021. We discuss goal setting, capturing talent, and how to build out a leadership team. Other topics include D2D sales, developing a career path, and how to provide smart financial wealth to employees.
What did 2020 teach you? In today's journal entry, Rusty is joined by one of Auburn's greatest, Eloise Stewart, Owner of Eloise Design Co. and Branding and Career Consultant for students, professionals, and small businesses. Eloise joins Rusty 5 months post-launch to reflect, stategize, and prepare for Q1. Find out why Rusty and Eloise agree - 2020 was a good year! Topics include sales, goals, marketing, leadership, development, and having the right mindset.
Today’s Live Leadership Call focuses on tracking goals, setting expectations, and being efficient with your time. We’ve all had one or two New Year’s Resolutions that we've forgotten about in the past, simply because we stopped tracking our progress. Long-term goals require planning and focus, especially when it comes to career goals! In today’s episode, we are joined by Ashley Pugh, Director of Operations for Prewett Insurance Group to discuss how to set year-long goals, both individually and with your team. Let's get after it, 2021! Watch it at www.facebook.com/prewettpestpodcast
In today's episode, Rusty interviews Donnie Shelton, owner of Triangle Pest Control & CEO of Coalmarch. Before starting his business, Donnie was a U.S. Air Force reserve pilot and software developer for a Fortune 500 company. Within a few years, Donnie grew Triangle Pest Control into a multi-million dollar company later publishing Grow! How to rapidly and profitably grow your service company online & Build: How to create a phenomenal team for your service company. Are you passionate to develop? Let's go!
In today's episode, we have the pleasure of interviewing Dan Gordon, Owner of PCO Bookkeepers, and Managing Partner for Turfbooks. Dan specializes in accounting and bookkeeping in the lawn care and pest control industry and brings over 20 years of experience managing high growth pest control companies. Get ready to gain valuable insight on what to look for in an accountant and how to manage your team and leads efficiently.
Have you ever asked yourself: was this a good idea? In today’s journal entry, Rusty opens up about the roadblocks and challenges he has faced in the early months of launching a pest control company. Watching a vision come to life can be exciting, but also scary when faced with adversity. Listen in as Rusty talks about unexpected turns within your entrepreneurial journey, and how to view small losses and big wins. Get ready- this episode is what we would refer to as a “writer downer".
Rusty is joined by Trent Ragar, owner of Natura Pest Control, to discuss his entrepreneurial journey and long term strategies on creating your brand, developing culture, and taking care of your people. Trent started his own business at 23, and despite pushback, held his head high to prove to the world and doubters that he could do it. If you're interested in lessons on starting a new business, specifically through times that make you tough, this episode is for you!
In today's episode, Rusty chats with Jerry Schappert, owner-operator of The Bug Doctor and founder of Pest Cemetry Pro to discuss his 30-year pest control journey that is still being written. Despite following ant trails along the Iowa River and catching stink bugs to play tricks on his siblings, Jerry had no idea he was setting himself up for the pest control career he knows and loves today. Listen in as Jerry shares stories from the past and present, proving that strong-willed individuals can trump anything! Topics include- training, culture, business operations, and management. For real-life training and videos with Jerry, visit www.pestcemetarypro.com
Today we turn the tables and interview our co-host, Eloise Stewart, owner and founder of Eloise Design Co. Whether you're interested in revamping your current business or looking to start a business from scratch, this episode is for you! We will discuss key insights on the process of branding and how Eloise has helped Rusty brand his own pest control company and culture. Check out Eloise's blog for more insight on personal branding here: https://www.eloisedesignco.com/theblog/categories/personalbranding
Starting a business from the ground up can create a whole new level of challenges, especially with what's going on in our world today. In Episode 3 we go behind the scenes with Rusty to discuss time management, work-life balance, and how to stay on track with your goals. Rusty will share his own experiences and will discuss the importance of setting milestones, developing an outline, and leaning on your mentors to help reach your goals.
In today's episode, Rusty opens up about his own mentorship experiences and shares advice on how time spent on relationships with experts in and out of the industry can affect your business and it's success. He is joined by Eloise Stewart, a long time marketing and branding expert. Key takeaways include; Creating your business today, with the vision of what it will look like 10 years from now. Book suggestions from today's episode: The E-Myth Revisited by Michael. E Gerber, available on Amazon.
Welcome to the first episode of the Prewett Pest Podcast! Today we are going to talk about the launch of Rusty Prewett’s podcast and his journey into a new industry. Although this is a new adventure for Rusty, he isn’t new to business or entrepreneurship. Not only does he have experience in multiple industries, he has traveled across the country to meet with industry leaders, consultants, and mentors. Today he will take us back to where it all started. Get ready to learn about branding, operations, developing a team and culture, and all things pest control.