[PCT Leadership Winner] Phil Augustine

In the heart of America’s heartland – in places like Kansas and Missouri – people are known for their strong family ties and loyalties.
It’s no surprise that Overland Park, Kan.-based Augustine Exterminators, a second generation family-owned business, has flourished in this type of environment. At the core of the company’s business philosophy is a commitment to building long-lasting relationships by treating Augustine Exterminator employees and customers as if they were family members.
In many ways the company is a direct reflection of its president, Phil Augustine, who guides Augustine Exterminators with good natured-humor and an infectious enthusiasm for the pest control industry.
These same traits have served Augustine well in his role as an industry ambassador, which includes leadership positions in state and national pest control associations.

IN HIS BLOOD
For Phil Augustine, the pest control business was in his blood. Phil’s father, Jim Augustine, began his pest control career at Lystad’s Exterminating (which was later acquired by Ecolab) in Wichita, Kan.
As a child Phil would often shadow his father on his pest control route – an experience that left quite an impression on him.
“I was just fascinated by all the stuff he did,” Phil recalls. “He would go to a home that had an insect, rodent or ant problem and people were actually glad to see him. They’d say things like ‘Great job’ and ‘We appreciate what you did for us.’”
Jim moved the family in 1963 to the Kansas City area, where he worked for Mission Exterminating the next three yeas. During this time Jim further honed his pest control skills…and also began formulating a business plan. Specifically, Jim believed that if the Augustine name could become established as a quality pest control service provider that this would open the door for opportunities to provide other services. It’s a model that serves Augustine Exterminators well to this day. Currently, Augustine Exterminators offers general pest and termite control, as well carpet and air-duct cleaning and home improvements.
In the summer of 1966 Jim Augustine ventured out on his own, opening the first Augustine Exterminators office in his family’s garage in Prairie Village, Kan. At the time, Jim handled sales, provided pest control services and just about anything else that came his way.
At age 15, Phil joined the company, working initially as a janitor. A few years later, he became a “termite helper,” then soon after got his own residential termite route. Phil later worked on a commercial route and then as a termite sales inspector in order to hone his skills filling out real estate reports and also to learn the administrative side of the business.
“My dad started me at the ground level and made me work my way up, which gave me a real comprehensive perspective of all that was involved (in running a pest control company),” Augustine says.
Perhaps of equal or greater significance was the opportunity for Phil to observe his father’s management practices, many of which Phil has carried over to this day. For example, Augustine always has been willing to participate in EUP testing of products for manufacturers. “This has allowed us to find out if the newest products are a good fit for our company and how they could best be used by our company, so that when we talk to customers we can explain why or why not we are using a particular product,” Phil said.
Phil also observed how his father adapted various business models. As customer demands changed, so did the Augustine business model. For example, Augustine was the first in its area to offer quarterly services when others were on monthly programs. Today, a popular service offering among customers is the Augustine Advantage Program – a once-a-year pest control program.

EVOLVING ROLE
As Phil moved through various positions at Augustine Exterminators he developed the necessary technical know-how and business savvy needed to lead the company. In 1996, Phil took over most of the daily management aspects and growth planning at Augustine Exterminators. Jim, however, is still active in the company and serves as CEO.
Phil has worked hard to keep Augustine Exterminators not only a well-respected service provider but a highly regarded employer. To do so, Augustine Exterminators has placed tremendous value on training.
For example, Augustine has contracted with consultant Forrest St. Aubin to assist with regulatory issues, certification/recertification and to serve as staff entomologist. St. Aubin first became acquainted with Augustine Exterminators when he was working for a pesticide formulator and selected Augustine to participate in Experimental Use Permit (EUP) testing. He later owned Summa Pest Management, a friendly competitor of Augustine Exterminators.
“I think that Jim is a quiet player in the industry, whereas Phil is a little more outgoing,” St. Aubin said. “If Phil sees something wrong in the pest control industry he’ll ‘pick up a shovel’ and do his best to make it right. They are both leaders in their own right. I hold the two generations in extremely high regard.”
Phil also has committed the resources necessary to provide competitive wages and benefits, doing whatever it takes to create a family atmosphere.
Carl Lingo has been with Augustine for 29 years, beginning as a termite technician, progressing to termite supervisor and now in his current position as termite sales representative. Lingo said he respects that both Jim and Phil stay on top of cutting-edge technology and keep the lines of communication open with bi-weekly meetings.
“I’ve found the Augustines to be very fair people who value their employees,” Lingo said. “They are very highly respected in our community. If you live in the Kansas City area and you want to be in pest control industry, most want to work for Augustine.”

INDUSTRY INVOLVEMENT
With 33 years of pest control experience, Phil Augustine has seen both the challenges and opportunities facing the pest control industry. This background also has made him a valuable member of associations at both the state and national levels.
At the state level, Phil is a past president of the Kansas Pest Control Association and also is a member of the Missouri Pest Control Association. He first became seriously involved in the leadership of the National Pest Management Association in 1995, and has served as director of region nine, secretary, treasurer, and president elect for NPMA before becoming president in 2004.
Phil’s involvement in a family-owned business made him a good fit as president, said friend and colleague Donnie Blake, president, Okolona Pest Control, Louisville, Ky. “Phil’s in charge of a company similar in size and scope to the vast majority of the companies in this industry and he understands the issues that we deal with on a day-to-day basis – the things we need to grow our business,” Blake said. “For example, how can (the National Pest Management Association) assist members who are looking to involve the next generation of their families in the business.”
Blake said Augustine’s real gift as a leader is as a facilitator.
“He’s not a guy who’ll slam his fist on the table and say, ‘We need to do things this way,’” Blake said. “He’ll channel all of the information, facilitate a discussion and help the group come up with a decision that is right for everyone involved.”
During Augustine’s presidency NPMA successfully sold its headquarters building and purchased land to build a new building. His leadership was essential to making this a reality, according to NPMA Executive Vice President Rob Lederer.
“Phil was a very supportive and enthusiastic leader. He was a huge supporter of the staff/volunteer leadership balance that is needed to run an association with a professional staff and over 5,000 members located throughout the world,” Lederer said. “Phil always found a way to put a friendly face and smile to even the most challenging circumstances. His optimism was infectious.“
At about the same time Phil became involved in the leadership of NPMA he met and married wife Pat (the couple met in 1996 and were married in 2001). Phil says her sacrifice and support have been critical to his success. “I think all of the time commitments were a bit of a shock to her – I’ve had to miss birthdays and other important dates in our lives,” Phil says. “She’s been terrific through it all. I couldn’t have done it without her.”
In addition to sons Adam, 31, Danny, 29, and Clint, 27, Phil’s family now includes stepson Adam, 25, and stepdaughter Jennifer, 24.

WHAT LIES AHEAD?
Today, Augustine Exterminators operates out of Overland Park, Kan. It is a $4 million company with 39 employees that services a 50-square mile area.
And while the company has grown, it still remains very much a family business. Phil’s brother Chris currently serves as vice president, while son Adam is director of Augustine’s Termite Division and stepdaughter Jennifer is a customer service representative.
Whether it’s utilizing the most technologically advanced products and techniques or communicating with customers, Augustine Exterminators has built an impressive brand loyalty among its customers by delivering quality, consistent service. For this reason, Augustine Exterminators is well positioned for what lies ahead.
“It’s an exciting time because I think the industry is getting ready to make another move – to the public health care mode,” Augustine says. “Controlling mosquitoes, ticks, rodents and cockroaches…we’ve been doing that all along. This next big step is getting the buying public to take a new and different look at us.”
As Augustine Exterminators and the industry continue to change, one constant will be Phil Augustine, a leader who sets the tone with his steady guidance and professionalism.