[Back Talk]

A final thank you
I just couldn’t close the folder on the Syngenta/PCT Crown Leadership  Awards without a final thank you for PCT Assistant Editor Chuck Bowen’s wonderful story. All my family has commented about how well the piece was written and the members of GPCA agree. Chuck has a gift for connecting bits and pieces to make a well-paced story. I was fortunate to have him as my interviewer!

I hope we have the opportunity to work together again. It has been a real pleasure.
 
Valera Jessee
Executive Director
Georgia Pest Control Association
Norcross, Ga.

A class act
First of all, I just want to thank you for the wonderful event of the Crown Leadership Awards. It was a very class act and PCT Publisher Dan Moreland made it especially so by his ability to weave a heartfelt story that made the human aspects of our lives seem super-human and incredibly important (which they are). And, the people chosen that represent all the various segments of our industry and all the past quality individuals in the room made the event special, and makes me want to work harder to live up to the high standard of character in the room. Thank you!

Jack Marlowe
President
Eden Advanced Pest Technologies
Olympia, Wash.

Many blessings
Wow! What an evening and what an honor to be added to the Class of 2008 Syngenta Crown Leadership Awards. As I look through the list of individuals from the Class to 1989 to 2008, I am humbled to be added to this special group who represent the pest control industry. I remember how thrilled Bob was when he was chosen in 1989. When Bobby was chosen for the class of 1997, we were both so very proud. In 1999 our entire family rejoiced with Raleigh. I will always treasure the portrait PCT and Syngenta gave me of Bob. I was so very pleased and proud when Dennis was chosen this year. And then to find that I also was included was more than I could have imagined and I was thrilled. Thank you! Dan Moreland’s wonderful words at the presentation and the PCT article were both generous and insightful. As I prepared for Thanksgiving and gave thanks for my many blessings: my family, friends, faith, this nation, the pest control industry, I also gave thanks to you for all you have done for the pest control industry and especially for my family and me.

Sandy Jenkins
Double Eagle Deer Farm and Game Ranch
Marble Falls, Texas

A bittersweet convention
Thank you for presenting such a wonderful tribute to John Sr. at the PCT/Syngenta Leadership Awards. Not only did Publisher Dan Moreland mention his work ethic, you proclaimed his integrity and faith in Jesus Christ. Our family is very grateful for the recognition and all the articles and positive public relations through the years.

Sabrina Barkley and Mary Medlen did a superb job of promoting Employee Number 2 and sold quite a few copies. I’m glad they were able to enjoy some sightseeing time, too. Thank you, again, for PCT’s partnership in the book’s promotion.

I will continue to keep you updated on John Sr.’s condition. We appreciate your prayers; it is a great comfort to know friends are remembering us in prayer. May God continue to bless you, your family and your magazine.

Lyn Cook
Secretary-Treasurer
Cook’s Pest Control
Decatur, Ala.

A rejuvenating podcast on customer service
Thank you very much for the opportunity to listen to Phil Cooper’s podcast on phone and customer etiquette.

His thoughts are right on the mark; my company is successful but small: six employees, two pest routes and two inspectors.

We are very busy with inspections and pest control clients, and sometimes forget to revert back to the basics of making sure the customer is happy.
Listening to Phil has rejuvenated my thoughts and I am going to make sure we are getting feedback from my clients and making sure my employees are recognized for a job well done.

Thank you again.
 
Mike Lawson
President/CEO
La Jolla Termite & Pest Control
La Jolla, Calif.

Congrats to the good doctor
I read the article about Doc Nichols (November 2008, PCT Online, “Industry Colleagues Honor ‘Doc’ Nichols at Luncheon”) and I was very happy to see that he was acknowledged. He has assisted me in the past, and is an extremely humble man. Congrats to Dr. Phil! He deserves it.

Linda Prentice
Technical Director
Bug Out Service
Jacksonville, Fla.