A Long Journey

Editor’s note: Albert Aparicio reached out to PCT because he wanted to share his story with the marketplace. What follows is his first-hand account of his journey from childhood to pest control entrepreneur.

Past memories of your childhood should be pleasant, fun-filled reflections of time spent with your parents; unfortunately I didn’t have that experience. However, I do credit my past experiences for making me the man, dad and business owner I have chosen to become.

My parents separated at a very young age and my dad, on more than one occasion, stole me from my mom. Since he was my other parent, there was very little that could be done back in those days. During the time that I was under my dad’s care, he was a drug-addicted alcoholic who was always looking for ways to get money for his next “fix.” We never had a steady place to call home. He jumped from house to house; I never knew what the next day had in store for me. In the time spent with my dad I was often left months on end with people I barely knew; at one point I ended up in a group home for three months until my dad finally came looking for me. There was no security. I was a scared little boy looking for comfort and security. Instead, I was abused by these people with whom my dad entrusted. I would go days without eating and, oftentimes, had to find my next meal in the trash left behind by others. However, one thing my dad imparted in me at a very young age was I had to work to make a living. I would often accompany him on his work ventures of washing cars. I was forced to learn the value of hard work and the value of a dollar at a very young age.

Growing up in such difficult circumstances, I realized I wanted more out of life. I didn’t want to become a replicate of my dad. I swore up and down I would never be like my father. I wanted to break the cycle, which oftentimes becomes so easy to become entrapped in. I eventually was released back into the care of my mother. That was difficult too because of the many lies my father instilled in me about my mom. I decided to go live with my aunt, who helped me turn my life around. I stayed with her and ended up graduating from high school. I went on to college to earn a business degree in sales and marketing. After college I went into home health care and became a medical liaison.

It wasn’t long before I faced another challenge, however, when the home health agency I was working for closed its doors. I desperately needed a new job to make ends meet. At that same time, the house we were living in had fleas from the neighbors’ cats coming into our yard. So, we called an exterminator and, from that very day, I was hooked. I was captivated by the exterminator’s solutions to our pest problems. After inquiring about what the job entailed, I got some information from the exterminator and went to apply at a local pest control company. I was originally supposed to go into sales and marketing for the company. They had me do a ride-along and see what a day’s work involved in order to determine if I’d still be interested. That day I learned that this is what I was meant to do. I had truly found my calling. I had fallen in love with pest control.

I had never truly healed from my past wounds so, as time passed, all I was seeking was to be cared for, wanted and unconditionally loved. I met my ex-wife and, in the beginning, there was bliss. However, the darkness soon reappeared. We started having problems and her true intentions were revealed: She never truly loved me. I was in a dark spot once again. I felt used. I was introduced to drugs and alcohol. It felt like an escape from all my past hurt and pain. Soon enough, the marriage was over and I was back on the streets.

In the streets, I was once again reliving my nightmarish past. I had nowhere to go. I ended up sleeping in city parks and using the local Wal-Mart to freshen up at the start of each day. I soon reconnected with an old friend. I explained my situation and he offered to let me sleep in his apartment for a fee. I took him up on his offer and slept in a corner of his apartment with nothing more than a blanket. I endured this living situation for 12 weeks.

Eventually, I decided enough was enough; I wasn’t a destitute little boy anymore. If I wanted change, I was going to have to set out and do it on my own. I had dreams and aspirations of becoming a business owner one day — to own my own pest control company. I saved up and gradually got back on my feet. I was eventually able to save enough money to rent an apartment. I felt a sense of accomplishment and I desired more. I decided to study to become a certified applicator and one day own a pest control business.

I studied late nights with my step dad who would eventually become the dad I had always desired. He inspired me to do better and always filled me with encouragement. Regretfully, he passed away before he could see me pass my exam. Nonetheless, I made the choice to honor his memory by taking the exam. I passed the exam and started putting together a plan to open and operate a business in South Texas.

Currently, I am a sole business owner and operator. I take much pride in my success and business, and I want to make sure that whoever comes on board has those same intentions. Each day I rise and thank God for giving me the opportunity to be able to overcome my past and successfully own and operate what has become Vengeance Pest Control. I give all honor and praise to my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

I truly love pest control and everything involved in it. I am thrilled to be the solution to a problem many families face. Families deal with pests for so long that by the time they call an exterminator, we are often their saving grace. My company offers services for everything ranging from fleas, ticks, silverfish, cockroaches, bees, ants, mice, rats and wildlife removal. If it’s pestering you, we will take vengeance! Vengeance Pest Control currently services a variety of commercial accounts too.

Owning my own pest control company has always been a dream of mine since that first day I was introduced to the industry. We currently service Corpus Christi and surrounding areas. My goal for Vengeance Pest Control is to eventually become a worldwide business. I would like to grow, starting with expansion into the San Antonio and Houston markets.

No matter what life throws at you, you are in control of your situation. My life from the start was rough, but I overcame every challenge. You choose to overcome and make life yours. Tomorrow is not guaranteed, so I always try to exhibit kindness, love and respect in my daily ventures, not only with my clients but with everyone. If you do anything, leave everyone a little better than how you found them. I value my clients as if they are my family. Working with my clients and building those relationships are the keys to success. There is a lot of competition out there but your customers will always remember how you treat them.

The author is the owner/operator of Vengeance Pest Control, Corpus Christi, Texas. He founded the company in April 2017.