[Viewpoint] Loss Of Mel Edelstein Leaves Industry With Void

It takes all types of personalities to maintain a strong and forward-thinking industry and, sadly, the pest management industry recently lost one of its most vocal and visible figures: Mel Edelstein (see story, page 30).

Mel felt the small operator in Florida needed a voice, so in 1994 he, along with others, helped establish the Certified Pest Control Operators Association of Florida (CPCO). In addition to being instrumental in the organization’s rapid growth the last nine years, Mel worked tirelessly to influence policies impacting pest management professionals in Florida.

I’ve often heard Mel compared to the late Walter Schroeder, former executive director of the Long Island Pest Control Association. Like Mel, Walter felt PCOs in his area needed more representation and took it upon himself to fight for applicators’ rights. I never had the opportunity to meet Walter, but one of my favorite stories is how he earned his nickname. Walter was affectionately known as "Uncle Walter" because his passionate lobbying would wear down the opposition until they would yell "Uncle."

Like Walter, Mel was a passionate, strong-minded and charismatic lobbyist. These same traits often put Mel at odds with many people in the pest control industry. If Mel felt that a proposed program and/or policy was not for the benefit of pest management professionals, he would not hesitate to take action and make his voice heard.

I also think Mel upset many because he was an advocate of change. He constantly sought ways to take CPCO of Florida in different directions and increase member involvement. People tend to resist change because it forces them out of their comfort zone. I can give you a firsthand account of how this happens. One of my first travel assignments with PCT was the CPCO of Florida Annual Convention in Ft. Lauderdale. During the convention, I was circulating the exhibit floor when I was paged to report to the PCT booth. I arrived to find Mel surrounded by a number of PCOs. Mel asked me to give a presentation about PCT’s Web site, www.pctonline.com. Having only been with PCT for a few short months, I was woefully unprepared for such a presentation. Still, I gave it my best shot and I think I gave a fairly thorough review. I’ll admit, I was not real happy with Mel for putting me on the spot and taking me out of my comfort zone. Reflecting back, though, I think this meeting was positive. It gave me a chance to meet important contacts and it also made me realize that I should familiarize myself with PCTOnline because it is an important and valuable industry tool. Similarly, during the last four years I received a number of "out of the blue" three-way phone calls from Mel, so I gradually gained a better understanding of how he operated and the passion with which he fought for the industry.

I thank Mel for challenging me to step out of my comfort zone and improve my professionalism and I know pest management professionals in Florida thank Mel for all his work on their behalf.

The author is Internet editor of PCTOnline.com and can be reached at bharbison@pctonline.com.