04/22/2025

Building Confidence & Community: PWIPM April Meeting Recap

PWIPM

April 18, 2025

Quick Recap

The PWIPM group came together to discuss recent industry developments, hiring strategies, the importance of storytelling in pest control, and upcoming events. Topics included engaging new employees, supporting women in the industry, media outreach, and planning for PWIPM at the Park and other community events.

Key Discussion Points

Industry Roles & Introductions

Participants shared their roles and years of experience in the pest control industry. An icebreaker on confidence-boosting songs led to reflections on personal motivation and workplace support.

Hiring & Retention Strategies

Discussion focused on attracting and supporting neurodivergent and female technicians, especially during the critical first six months of employment. The group emphasized the importance of mentorship and tailored resources.

Engaging New Talent

Ideas were shared for supporting newer employees and creating a welcoming, inclusive environment. Suggestions included mentorship opportunities and group-based involvement.

Storytelling & Media Outreach

A guest speaker provided a brief overview of the power of storytelling in building confidence and gaining visibility in the industry. Attendees were encouraged to share personal experiences and develop media-friendly narratives.

Using Social Media & Press Releases

The group discussed best practices for leveraging social media, writing press releases, and engaging with local media. Suggestions included developing a class on media writing and using visuals to enhance engagement.

PWIPM & Women’s Forum Plans

Plans were shared to promote attendance at the Women’s Forum and offer registration sponsorship as part of the new PWIPM Award. Virtual speaker invitations and meeting structure improvements were also discussed to attract broader participation.

PWIPM at the Park & Event Planning

Details were shared about the upcoming PWIPM at the Park event, including food and drink offerings, venue perks, and last-call registration strategies. Additional networking opportunities, like a football game event, were also discussed.

Community Engagement & Fundraising

Due to low turnout, the "Starve the Mosquitoes" event was canceled. A June 7 fundraiser will support the Safe House Project.

Wellness & Stress Management

Attendees shared personal stress-relief practices and emphasized the need for self-care during the busy season. A future meeting will include a presentation on stress management.

Next Steps

• Email promotion for PWIPM at the Park highlighting food and beverage.
• Outreach to fill remaining seats, possibly through networking groups.
• Ticket distribution and registration finalization for upcoming events.
• Include soft skills series overview in follow-up email.
• Speaker list development for soft skills series.
• Upcoming May presentation on stress management.
• Encourage continued storytelling and media engagement.

Next Meeting

PWIPM May Meeting
Date: May 20, 2025
Time: 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM
Location: Virtual (add to calendar and join meeting here)

Join us for an inspiring and insightful PWIPM meeting this May featuring Jessica Townsend of American Pest & Crawl. Jessica will share personal stories and practical strategies for managing stress during high-pressure times—both in and out of the field. She’ll also highlight initiatives their company has implemented to help employees stay focused and feel supported as the busy season ramps up.

We’ll also take time to recap the NPMA Women’s Forum, discuss nominations for the PWIPM Woman of the Year Award, and collaborate on ideas for our 2026 PWIPM meeting calendar.

This is a great opportunity to connect, reflect, and look ahead—don’t miss it!