Complete Story
09/19/2024
PWIPM: Accidental Pest Professional
PWIPM
PWIPM: Accidental Pest Professional
Meeting Summary
Quick recap
Jessica shared her journey into the pest control industry, emphasizing the importance of continuous learning, understanding the environment, and attracting more women to the field. The conversation also touched on the challenges women face in the male-dominated pest control industry, the importance of mentorship, and the value of sharing personal stories and experiences.
Accidental Professionals and Upcoming Meetings
Jessica Townsend introduced herself and discussed how people often accidentally become professionals in the pest management industry. Billy mentioned the upcoming Rodent Academy Training in Vancouver, Washington and the fall meetings. Jen shared about her upcoming presentations in Denver and the Poconos, including visiting the Kalahari resort and Scranton, the setting of the TV show The Office.
Jessica's Journey into the Pest Management Industry
Jessica shared her journey into the pest control industry, which she initially entered by accident. She started working with her family's company, American Crawl Space and Pest Services, after a brief stint at Orkin and a career in mortgage brokering. Jessica's family business initially focused on construction, including crawl space and attic mold remediation, before adding pest control services. She initially had no interest in pest control but eventually took on a sales role in the field, which led to her becoming a senior inspector and sales manager. Jessica believes there are opportunities for more women to enter the pest control industry and is passionate about bridging the gap between field work and business operations.
Continuous Learning, Empathy, and Trust in Sales
Jessica emphasized the importance of continuous learning, recognizing one's limitations, and being open to asking questions. She shared her personal journey, highlighting the role of family and the value of learning from others. Jessica also discussed her experiences as a pest control specialist, focusing on the unique challenges posed by crawl spaces under homes and the importance of understanding the environment to effectively manage pest problems. She encouraged women to consider field work, even if it's just for a day, to dispel negative associations and foster interest. Jessica also highlighted the underrepresentation of women in various industries, including finance and pest control, and the advantage of being a woman in these spaces due to their unique communication skills. She concluded by emphasizing the importance of individuality, empathy, and trust-building in sales and pest control.
Attracting Women to Pest Control Industry
Jessica discussed the challenges women face in the male-dominated pest control industry. She mentioned a conversation with Dominique, the CEO of the National Pest Management Association, about attracting more women to the field. Jessica shared using the term "sexy" for pest control as a way to open doors for women. She emphasized the need for a shift in approach to attract more women and provide better jobs. Jessica highlighted that men often start their own pest control companies quickly, while women typically begin in office or customer service roles. She stressed the importance of fieldwork for women interested in entrepreneurship, as it provides hands-on knowledge and faster access to leadership roles. Jessica also discussed the growth and profitability of the pest control industry, noting its necessity during pandemics and potential for high margins, making it attractive to investment firms.
Overcoming Financial Struggles and Finding Success
Jessica shared her personal journey of overcoming financial struggles and personal challenges to find success in her career. She recounted her experiences of living on a tight budget, making her own household items, and struggling to provide for her family. Despite these hardships, Jessica persevered and eventually found success in her career, which she attributes to her determination and the support of her family. She emphasized the importance of gratitude and never forgetting the struggles she faced, using the metaphor of the "big shampoo story" to remind herself of the journey she has taken.
Personal Journey, Mentorship, and Industry Appeal
Jessica shared her personal journey in the pest control industry, emphasizing the importance of mentorship and making the industry more appealing to younger generations. She encouraged everyone to share their stories and experiences to help others overcome difficulties. Jessica also suggested involving children in the industry for skill development and career growth. Billy and Jen appreciated Jessica's vulnerability and the value of hearing others' stories. Jen highlighted the importance of learning from experiences, both successes and failures.
Next steps
- Jessica to share list of recommended inspirational books with attendees.
- Janene to explore strategies for recruiting more women to her pest control team.
- Billy to organize ride-alongs for office staff to gain field experience.
- Jessica to follow up with Dave Ross about taking his granddaughter on a crawl space tour.
- Professional Women in Pest Management group to continue providing mentorship and support for women in the industry.
- Jessica to share her contact information for individual follow-ups with attendees.
- Attendees to consider sharing their personal stories of entering and succeeding in pest control to inspire others.
