How to Build a Pest Control Team That Actually Lasts

Want to scale your pest control business beyond a couple trucks without burning out or blowing up your margins?In this episode of the Pest Empire Builder Podcast, Chad Luke from Prodigy Pest Solutions breaks down how he went from zero relationships in a new city to $9–10M in 7 years and 40 techs on the road.If you own or lead a pest control company and you’re serious about growth, this conversation is your playbook.

What You’ll Learn / Highlights

• How Chad moved to a city where he knew no one and built a pest control empire from scratch

• The exact role door-to-door sales played in getting from 0 to 50 trucks (and why it’s different today)

• Why timing, luck, and market selection matter—and how to put yourself in the “right place, right time” more often

• The turning point from “good salesman” to actual business owner (technical ops, office, and financials)

• How to use technicians in the field to grow routes with simple neighbor/“cloverleaf” tactics

• The mindset shift from “I have to do it all” to delegating and hiring smarter people than you

• How Chad uses supercars as sales incentives and why culture is a huge lever for recruiting and retention

• The hidden cost of a bad hire and why keeping good people beats trying to replace them

• Why networking with competitors and masterminds will grow your business faster than hoarding secrets

Keywords sprinkled: scale your pest control business, door to door pest control sales, pest control marketing, pest control recruiting, grow your pest control company, home service business.

Want to learn more about PEB? Check out the links below.

Email: support@pestempirebuilder.com

Website: www.pestempirebuilder.com

What does it really take to go from ground zero to a thriving multi-truck pest control business in just three years? In this episode of the Pest Empire Builder podcast, Matt Williams sits down with Scott Sandberg, co-founder of Ruva Pest Control, to unpack the grit, mindset, and strategic decisions behind one of the fastest-growing pest companies in the Northeast.

Scott didn’t just start a pest control business, he and his two co-founders launched Ruva in a new city where they knew no one. From humble beginnings to managing a fleet of 10 trucks, Scott shares the real story behind their explosive growth, including the unexpected lessons, brutal mistakes, and mindset shifts that changed everything.

You’ll hear how Ruva broke industry norms with a unique name, why they restructured employee compensation to attract A-players, and how they’ve cultivated a high-performance culture that’s primed for multi-location expansion. It’s not just about exterminating pests, it’s about building a scalable, values-driven business that changes lives.

Takeaways:

Why aligning pay structure with company values attracts top talent

The importance of mentorship and learning from others’ mistakes

How investing back into your business is the best growth strategy

Why boundaries and personal discipline are crucial for entrepreneurs

The power of casting vision and building a leadership pipeline

"It's not the knowledge that matters, it's being able to execute on it."

If you found value in Scott’s journey, share this episode with a fellow business owner or aspiring entrepreneur. And don’t forget to subscribe to the Pest Empire Builder podcast so you never miss an episode that could change your business!

Want to learn more about PEB? Check out the links below.

Email: support@pestempirebuilder.com

Website: www.pestempirebuilder.com

What if you moved across the country to a city where you knew no one, and built a thriving, multi-million dollar business from scratch? That’s exactly what Kyle Weaver did. In this episode of Pest Empire Builder, we uncover the mindset, marketing strategies, and deeply personal motivations that helped Kyle turn bold risk into massive reward.

Kyle shares the rollercoaster story of starting his pest control company in San Antonio, Texas, after throwing a dart at the map post-2008 recession. With zero local connections, no safety net, and just a gritty determination fueled by his door-to-door sales background, Kyle overcame massive hurdles, licensing challenges, financial scarcity, and business plateaus, on his path to success.

You’ll hear how he leveraged emerging digital marketing tools long before they were mainstream, how AI and automation are supercharging his current operations, and why personal growth and family priorities now drive every business decision he makes. It’s a conversation that’s equal parts strategy, heart, and real-life wisdom.

Takeaways:

Start Where You Are: Kyle built his business in a new city with no network, just grit, hustle, and creative problem-solving.

Tech-Savvy Scaling: From PPC to AI phone scheduling, Kyle explains how leveraging technology helped him outpace the competition.

Redefining Success: True wealth isn’t always measured in dollars, it’s the freedom to never miss your kid’s soccer game.

The Power of Mentorship: Surrounding yourself with others who are further down the path can accelerate your growth and protect your joy.

Build the Human First: Your company won’t grow past the person leading it, Kyle unpacks how personal development fuels business breakthroughs.

“My business is only going to grow to the human I am.”

Loved this episode? Share it with a fellow entrepreneur, subscribe to the podcast, and take 5 minutes today to define your own version of success, then reverse engineer your business around it.

Want to learn more about PEB? Check out the links below.

Email: support@pestempirebuilder.com
Website

Are you holding yourself back without even knowing it? In this episode of the Pest Empire Builder Podcast, host Matt Williams tackles a tough but vital truth: the only thing between you and your next big business breakthrough might be… you. Joined by 20-year pest control veteran Jeff Davis, this raw, real conversation explores how shifting from a victim mentality to full ownership can radically transform your business, and your life.

Jeff shares his personal journey from hardship and limiting beliefs to purpose and empowerment, revealing how internal mindset shifts helped him reignite his passion for business. Together, Matt and Jeff dive into the power of vision, building a winning culture, and empowering your team to take the wheel. so you can finally start working on the business instead of just in it.

Whether you're in a season where the wind is at your back or you're trudging through resistance, this episode will meet you where you're at, and call you higher.

Takeaways:

Victim mentality kills momentum, stop blaming and start owning your outcomes.

You attract who you are, want better people? Be a better leader.

Culture begins at the top, your company will reflect your personal growth.

Freedom is found in discipline, clear vision and values bring direction, not restriction.

Empower your team, when people own the mission, they outperform.

“I’m not going to attract what I want. I can only attract what I am.” -Jeff Davis

Ready to level up your leadership? Subscribe to the show, share this episode with a fellow business owner, and take 10 minutes today to journal your personal mission, vision, and values. Your future team will thank you.

Want to learn more about PEB? Check out the links below.

Email: support@pestempirebuilder.com
Website: www.pestempirebuilder.com

What if your next big business breakthrough isn’t about better software or slicker ads, but about being more human?

In this episode of Pest Empire Builder, we sit down with Donnie Bentley, a seasoned home inspector and pest control pro who’s been serving East Tennessee for nearly three decades. Known for his striking Santa Claus resemblance and servant-hearted leadership, Donnie shares how he’s built, and sold, multiple pest control companies, all while keeping one core value at the center: people over process.

This conversation isn’t about chasing the latest trend. It’s about sustainable growth through integrity, strategic partnerships, and a relentless commitment to taking care of others. From launching a radon mitigation business to stringing Christmas lights under the “Santa’s Twinkle” brand, Donnie’s entrepreneurial journey is as unconventional as it is inspiring.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

How Donnie turned a legal nightmare into a profitable pest control business

Why home inspection and pest control companies make powerful business allies

The key differences between seasonal, residential, and commercial pest control revenue streams

How old-school customer service still wins in a high-tech world

Why being in the “people business” is more than a catchy phrase—it’s a strategy

“I’m in the taking-care-of-people business. I just happen to do pest control as a means to do that.” – Donnie Bentley

Whether you're building your first pest control company or looking to expand into new markets, Donnie’s wisdom will give you fresh perspective—and maybe even a few laughs.

Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with a fellow empire builder.

Want to learn more about PEB? Check out the links below.

Email: support@pestempirebuilder.com
Website

What does it take to grow a pest control business from a one-man operation in a small Ohio town to a multi-state franchise? In this powerful episode, we dive into the grit, resilience, and vision required to scale beyond borders, and why your “setback” might just be your greatest setup.

This week on the Pest Empire Builder Podcast, host Matt Williams sits down with Anthony from Complete Pest Solutions, a pest control powerhouse born in Youngstown, Ohio. Anthony shares his raw and inspiring journey, from managing a large team, surviving a devastating fire that wiped out his equipment and vehicles, to rebooting his business with a clear, hard-earned blueprint. But the real gem? How he turned adversity into opportunity by launching a franchise model that now empowers others to build their own pest empires, without repeating the same mistakes.

If you’ve ever wondered whether franchising could be your next big move, or how to grow while staying rooted in family and community, this episode is for you.

Takeaways:

Why a catastrophic fire became the unexpected turning point in Anthony’s business journey

The power of referrals and grassroots marketing in early-stage business growth

How franchising creates opportunity while preserving family and community values

The real costs, and rewards, of building a franchise from scratch

Why being coachable and having grit matter more than financial know-how

"You either bow down to it, or you go into the storm and say, ‘We’re going to come out stronger.’”

If this episode sparked something in you, subscribe now and share it with a fellow entrepreneur. Then take 10 minutes to journal: What storm in your business might actually be the setup for your next season of growth?

Want to learn more about PEB? Check out the links below.

Email: support@pestempirebuilder.com

Website: www.pestempirebuilder.com

Are you throwing money at marketing and seeing nothing in return?In this episode of the Pest Empire Builder Podcast, we tackle a problem every pest control business owner faces: marketing that drains your wallet but doesn’t deliver. Host Matt Williams sits down with Aaron Shishilla from WolfPack Advising to talk straight about what it really takes to grow your business through marketing that actually works.

Aaron brings years of experience in digital marketing for pest control and home inspection companies, and he’s not afraid to call out the hard truths. Together, Matt and Aaron unpack why cookie-cutter marketing fails, why most agencies get it wrong, and how you can finally build a customized, holistic strategy that scales your business.

Whether you’re a solopreneur juggling calls or an established company ready for growth, this episode will help you stop guessing and start winning.

Key Takeaways:

You must build your marketing strategy on your business’s actual strengths, not what’s trending.

No one marketing tool (like SEO or PPC) is a silver bullet, you need a tailored, full-picture approach.

Communication between you and your marketing team is non-negotiable for success.

Social media requires consistency and authenticity, don’t aim for perfection, just be real.

Tracking, feedback, and optimizing based on actual data is the key to ROI.

“There’s no magic pill. There’s no ad agency that will save your business without you doing the work too.” - Aaron Shishilla

Next step?Take a hard look at your current marketing. Are you guessing? Or building with purpose? Share this episode with a fellow entrepreneur, then journal your top 3 marketing strengths, and weaknesses. Oh, and don’t forget to follow or subscribe so you never miss an episode that helps you grow your pest control empire.

Want to learn more about PEB? Check out the links below.

Email: support@pestempirebuilder.com

In this episode of the Pest Empire Builder Podcast, host Matt welcomes SEO and digital marketing strategist Danny Leibrandt to break down how pest control businesses can dominate online. From building a powerful Google Business Profile to leveraging Local Service Ads (LSAs), Danny shares actionable steps that home service business owners; especially pest control pros; can take to stand out in a highly competitive market. Danny’s journey from freelance copywriter to industry expert in pest control SEO is both inspiring and practical. He pulls back the curtain on the digital strategies that are actually working today and why many companies are overpaying for mediocre results.

This conversation is loaded with wisdom for owners trying to get out of the technician mindset and grow into scalable entrepreneurs. Whether you’re just starting your pest control company or looking to expand, this episode walks through the foundation you need to build, how to avoid common scams, and what marketing investments really produce ROI. If you’ve ever wondered where to start with digital marketing; or if what you’re currently doing is worth it; this episode will give you clarity and direction.

Key Takeaways:

1. Start with Strategy – Define what success means to you before investing in marketing.
   

2. Google Business Profile Is Your Foundation – Optimize name, categories, location, and reviews.
   

3. Local Service Ads (LSAs) Are a Must – Easy to set up, high-quality leads, and only pay per qualified call.
   

4. Watch Out for Overpriced Agencies – Many businesses overpay for vague SEO services with no ROI.
   

5. Play the Long Game – Think in terms of lifetime customer value, not just initial acquisition cost.

"If you’re not ranking well and your business name doesn’t include keywords, that’s going to hurt your visibility; simple as that." – Danny Leibrandt

Want to learn more about PEB? Check out the links below.

Want to learn more about Matt Williams? Check out the links below.

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Email: matt@dciabq.com