Marvin Dalton, PCT’s 2023 Termite Technician of the Year from Accel Pest & Termite Control, Virginia Beach, Va., never underestimates the power of a first impression, especially when arriving at a termite job.
“You’re there to provide a service for somebody’s home — the place that holds their greatest memories and most valued possessions,” Dalton said. “You’re there so that home can stand the test of time and continue to serve as their place of peace.”
That’s a big responsibility, so the first thing on Dalton’s to-do list is to put the customer at ease.
“Communication between the customer and their technician is invaluable. Good communication and honesty naturally create trust,” said Dalton. “They’re not just putting their trust in a company to provide a service, they are putting their trust in you, the technician.”
As a termite technician, Dalton’s goal is to create a professional relationship that spans generations. He aims to provide service that reminds customers of the elusive good old days.
Once he’s sure the trust is there and the customer is confident in the diagnosis he’s providing, Dalton gets to work.
A FORMER MASON. Dalton brings a unique perspective to the job. Years ago, he was building a career as a mason. Dalton learned how structures are assembled while working at a masonry company with his cousin, Dan Dalton. But in 2008, the housing market plummeted, sending the economy into a recession. They were both let go.
A seemingly insignificant connection, however, led the cousins down a new path. A service technician from a pest control company that serviced Dan’s house mentioned they were hiring. Dan signed on, and when another position opened, Dalton joined him. Dalton didn’t realize it then, but his passion for helping people paired with his construction acumen were perfect for termite work.
Dalton learned the ropes from his area manager, Shon Vodila, and his service manager, John Reid. Just as he does with his customers, Dalton left quite a first impression on Reid.
“I hired him as a termite technician, which in our market includes not only termite treatments, but ancillary work such as crawlspace work, vapor barriers, custom crawl doors and vents,” said Reid. “I remember then, as I do now, being impressed with his versatility and the skills that he possessed, having come from a construction background.”
CHANCE ENCOUNTER. For seven years, Dalton worked for that same company that serviced his cousin Dan’s house. During that time, Vodila and Reid started their own pest control company, Accel Pest & Termite Control. In 2017, a chance encounter with Vodila — they were stopped at the same stoplight, which led to grabbing lunch — presented Dalton with an opportunity to join the Accel team.
It didn’t hurt that Dalton’s cousin, Dan, had already been working for Accel for a few months. Dalton jumped at the chance to work alongside his cousin again. Plus, Dan only had good things to say about the up-and-coming company.
“He was impressed with the vision both Shon and John had for Accel — a company that focused on core values and principles,” Dalton recalled. “They had a vision that a company could focus on family, quality work over quantity, and above all, making customer service its No. 1 priority. I too shared their vision.”
Since joining Accel, Dalton’s career has taken off. “I have not only watched him grow, I have literally watched him age, and mature, both personally and professionally,” Reid said.
He watched Dalton as he met his wife Michelle; the couple now have children. He’s also watched Dalton enter the industry for a job and make it a career.
Dalton’s talents have helped propel Accel. “He is consistent, somewhat of a perfectionist, and is very dedicated to ensuring each of our customer’s satisfaction,” said Reid. “This type of leadership by example has only helped to strengthen and solidify our termite department.”
SIGNATURE SERVICE. As a top technician at Accel, what does a termite call look like for Dalton?
Before he even arrives, he reviews any notes from the sales adviser and a graph of the home. Then he introduces himself and starts a thorough inspection.
“I’m looking for the water cut off, plumbing, clean outs, moisture problems, any ground electrical or sprinkler systems. I’m looking to see if the house has a crawlspace. The property could also be a townhouse with an adjacent wall butting against another structure,” said Dalton.
He’s looking for moisture damage around fascia boards and windows. He also wants to be sure there’s nothing that could cause problems when providing a termite treatment or could cause damage to the property.
Once he’s done, Dalton starts his interior inspection. It’s no surprise that what he’s looking for always ties back to his construction background.
“I like to start at the door and work my way around the exterior foundation walls. I then move on to inspect the interior and end with the crawlspace inspection,” said Dalton. “You should pay close attention to dirt filled porches, the garage and fireplace. As you’re inspecting the crawlspace, look for moisture issues, like leaking pipes, condensation underneath the moisture barrier, or moisture collecting on the ductwork. These could cause major problems later on.”
He also pays close attention to any imperfections along the walls, baseboards or window seals. “A good flashlight is a must,” he said.
Armed with that good flashlight, Dalton has been able to tackle even the most challenging jobs. He’ll never forget the crawlspace clean out and termite treatment he did at one specific abandoned home. With grass as high as his hips, it was obvious the house had been sitting empty for some time.
“Once my team and I removed everything from the crawlspace, the extent of the damage was unlike anything I had ever seen,” he said. “Eighty percent of the crawlspace was infested with termite activity or damage. There were multiple termite tubes the size of my palm. One was so bad, it ran to a main sewer line. Another actually formed an indention on the cast-iron pipe from the termites traveling up and down for so long.”
But he carefully treated the structure, and at his 90-day follow up, there wasn’t one new active termite shelter.
“This work requires a simple willingness to roll up your sleeves and do whatever it takes to get the job done,” said Dalton. “Termite work warrants an unwavering work ethic and taking satisfaction watching a job transform from its beginning stages to the final product you’re providing the customer.”
For Dalton, treating a termite infestation is just as rewarding as it was when he first started out in the industry, but now he also has the opportunity to pass along his skills.
“Whether it’s molding new up-and-coming termite technicians, performing hands-on training or taking phone calls from colleagues asking for guidance, I thrive when I’m part of a team, working toward a common goal and vision,” Dalton said. “That is what Accel has given me, and that is what I hope to continue to give Accel.”
Explore the December 2023 Issue
Check out more from this issue and find your next story to read.