[News]

Scotts Miracle-Gro Signs Definitive Agreement to Acquire Action Pest Control

MARYSVILLE, Ohio — The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company, a marketer of branded consumer lawn and garden products, in October announced that its subsidiary EG Systems, doing business as Scotts LawnService, signed a definitive agreement to acquire the assets of Action Pest Control, Evansville, Ind., which ranked 56th on the 2014 PCT Top 100 list, with annual revenues of $11.6 million.

The transaction, which is expected to close by January 2015, would mark the company’s first acquisition of a structural pest control business. For more than a year, Scotts LawnService has been operating a pest business in Florida using the company’s Ortho brand. The firm says the effort has provided a successful proving ground for a business model that offers consumers the benefit of a lawn and pest service from the same provider.

“Just as the Scotts brand has resonated with our lawn service business, the Ortho brand shows great long-term promise for home pest control,” said Jim Hagedorn, chairman and chief executive officer. “The demographics and economics of the service industry are strong strategic fits for our business. We are excited to complete the acquisition of Action Pest and see it as an important step forward in executing our long-term growth strategy.”

Scotts LawnService, with anticipated sales of approximately $260 million in fiscal 2014, is currently the second largest lawn service provider in the industry. The company says given the fragmented nature of the $7 billion home pest control category, it can complement organic growth in lawn service by consistently expanding its pest control platform.

Scotts has been exploring the structural pest control market for several years. During a February conference call to review the first fiscal quarter, Barry Sanders, Scotts’ president and chief operating officer, told analysts the company was planning to acquire at least one regional pest control service company in 2014. “We currently are exploring acquisition opportunities in (the pest-service) space, and I wouldn’t be surprised...if we don’t make our first test acquisition in 2014,” Sanders said.

Action Pest Control was founded in 1946 as R.O. Williams Company in Evansville, Ind. In 1986, Kevin Pass, who at the time was the company’s license holder and trainer, purchased the business. Pass has grown the business in the last 27+ years, both organically and via acquisition, including the 1996 acqusition of A+ Pest Control, which doubled the company’s size and presence in Kentucky. Today, Action Pest provides a comprehensive range of residential and commercial pest control services to homeowners and businesses throughout Indiana, Kentucky and Illinois. Scotts says it expects the Action business to add annual sales approaching $15 million and for the transaction to be earnings accretive in fiscal 2015.

Terms of the deal were not disclosed. — Brad Harbison

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Bernard Stegman, Founder of Arrow Exterminating (N.Y.), Dies

Lynbrook, N.Y. — Bernard Stegman, founder and longtime owner of Arrow Exterminating, Lynbrook, N.Y., died in October.

Stegman started Arrow Exterminating in 1947 with just $3.50. The 28-year-old had returned from serving as an Army aircraft officer in World War II to complete a mechanical engineering degree at New York City College. But a career in mechanical engineering no longer seemed appealing, so instead he joined a friend’s exterminating company, hoping the business would be “Depression-proof.” This work experience convinced Stegman that he could launch his own business. Soon thereafter, with a set of business cards that cost just $3.50, Stegman set out on his own.

As Long Island grew after the war, Arrow thrived. Stegman imbued the company with his own personal ethos — to do whatever necessary to take care of customers, to always be available, to do the best work. He learned as much as possible, seeking out knowledge wherever he could, and he was always willing to pass that knowledge on to others who needed it.

In 1952, Stegman helped found the Long Island Pest Control Association, and created the association’s education program, leading one industry expert to call him “the father of the industry on Long Island.” The company has grown to employ more than 100 people, and to be one of the largest pest control firms in the New York area. Clients have included the Long Island Rail Road, the state Department of Transportation and the U.S. Postal Service. In 1990, Stegman was recognized by PCT and Syngenta as a Crown Leadership Award winner.

Stegman’s two daughters, Debby Tappan and Jackie Grabin, currently own and operate Arrow Exterminating.
 

NPMA Foundation Announces Norman Goldenberg Research Fund

FAIRFAX, Va. — In its continuing efforts to provide financial support for industry research and to recognize Norman Goldenberg’s enduring industry legacy, the NPMA Pest Management Foundation created the Norman Goldenberg Research Fund. Members of the steering committee, which first met at NPMA’s Legislative Day, have pledged more than $500,000 in contributions, making this the industry’s most successful research initiative, NPMA says.

In recognition of Goldenberg’s 53 years of service to the industry, during which he worked to promote the interests of pest professionals, the fund is intended to support industry research. “I can’t think of a more fitting way to recognize and honor Norman’s half-century of contributions to the industry than the creation of a research fund that will provide leadership for the next half century,” said NPMA CEO Bob Rosenberg.

Pledges to the Norman Goldenberg Research Fund include:

• Terminix International, Memphis, Tenn., $100,000
• Copesan Services, Menomonee Falls, Wis., $50,000
• Rollins, Atlanta, Ga., $50,000
• National Pest Management Association, Fairfax, Va., $50,000
• Arrow Exterminators, Atlanta, Ga., $25,000
• Chuck Steinmetz, Orlando, Fla., $25,000
• Arrow Environmental, Sarasota, Fla., $25,000
• Massey Services, Orlando, Fla., $25,000
• Terminix Services, Columbia, S.C., $25,000
• Rose Pest Solutions, Troy Mich., $25,000
• Clark Pest Control, Lodi, Calif., $25,000
• Rentokil North America, Reading, Pa., $25,000
• Allgood Pest Solutions, Duluth, Ga., $15,000
• Larry Trelevan, Tacoma, Wash., $10,000
• McCall Service, Jacksonville, Fla., $10,000
• Pest Management Systems, Greensboro, N.C., $6,000
• Action Pest Control, Evansville, Ind., $5,000
• Norman Goldenberg, Miami, Fla., $5,000
• Thomas Diederich, Woodstock, Ga., $1,000
• Hulett Environmental Services, W. Palm Beach, Fla., $1,000
   

The fund will be administered as the primary research grant fund within the Pest Management Foundation, a charitable organization affiliated with the NPMA. To contribute, visit http://npmapestworld.org/support/foundation.cfm.
 

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Killroy Wins 11th Annual Fumigation Company Banner Contest

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — Killroy Pest Control of Campbell, Calif., won first place in the Pest Control Operators of California (PCOC) 11th annual Fumigation Banner Bonanza Contest, sponsored by Dow AgroSciences, manufacturer of Vikane gas fumigant. The contest recognizes California fumigators for promoting fumigation through signage at fumigation sites. The judging panel chose Killroy’s banner because it was professional, easy to read and showed a photo of satisfied customers.

Killroy Vice President and Co-Owner Richard Schmidt said the company was inspired to update its branding and banner because of this contest. Its banner was designed by Steve Marsh of Be Competition Free, a local marketing company, that worked with Killroy owners Richard and Lynn Schmidt to help update the company’s brand. “I think that the tent on a home sometimes scares people, so this banner looks approachable. It makes fumigation look a little friendlier,” Schmidt said.

In second place was Brezden Pest Control of San Luis Obispo, with a colorful banner boasting the company’s name and phone number. Taking third was Craig & Sons Termite & Pest Control of Ontario. The banner shows a termite holding an American flag and the Vikane gas fumigant logo. Fourth place was awarded to Ecola of Mission Hills, which boasts, “The Ecola way is the better way!”

Participating fumigation companies submitted photos of their banners, which included their business name, logo and contact information. A panel of communications specialists judged the banners based upon readability from a distance, professionalism, visual impact and attractiveness. Prize amounts were first place, $1,250; second, $1,000; third, $500; and fourth, $250.

“Dow AgroSciences has sponsored the PCOC banner contest for over a decade,” said Heather Kern, Dow AgroSciences product manager for Vikane gas fumigant. “The contest allows our fumigator partners to take pride in their banners, engage in some friendly competition and promote the value of structural fumigation with Vikane gas fumigant.” For more information about fumigation with Vikane, visit www.termitetenting.com.
 

Univar launches ProTraining at NPMA PestWorld

AUSTIN, Texas — Univar Environmental Sciences evolved its educational offering with the introduction of ProTraining at PestWorld 2014 in Orlando, Fla.

As part of their commitment to raising the industry through education, Univar updated and enhanced its online learning program, Master Technician, with new, interactive and engaging courses under the ProTraining name, the firm says.

In addition to the new online courses, ProTraining combines Univar’s vast range of educational resources, experienced sales professionals and in-person seminars and classes to create a complete learning experience for pest management professionals.

To date, ProTraining offers 58 online courses that are available 24/7 and are approved for CEU credits in 37 states and two Canadian provinces. Of these courses, five have updated content from Univar’s on-staff, board certified entomologist and have been completely recreated to include videos, animation, narration, audio and interactive section reviews, creating an engaging learning experience, Univar says.

“We’re never satisfied with our success. That’s why we will constantly take advantage of the latest technologies and update our educational offering and online courses to present the most current and relevant information to pest management professionals across the country. By helping our customers succeed, we raise the industry for us all,” said Karl J. Kisner, vice president marketing – Environmental Sciences & Agriculture.
 

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Cope Named Director of Technical and Regulatory Services at Terminix

Memphis, Tenn. — Dr. Stan Cope has been named director of technical and regulatory services at Terminix International.

In Cope’s new role, he’ll be responsible for providing expert technical information and support to Terminix operations including branch, region, division and business unit functions. He’ll also oversee the development and implementation of training materials and programs, including conducting training to local and expanding marketing groups.

Captain, U.S. Navy (Retired) Stan Cope, Ph.D., joined Terminix in September of 2012 as manager of technical services. Cope is a highly decorated, seasoned entomologist with more than 23 years of military experience in 18 countries. He has published more than 80 scientific, technical and non-technical publications. Before joining the company, Cope was the director of the Armed Forces Pest Management Board in Washington, D.C.
 

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Heron Lawn and Pest Control Brings on Clendenin as CEO

ALTAMONTE SPRINGS, Fla. — Twelve years ago, Heron Lawn and Pest Control was a start-up company run out of a home office in Altamonte Springs, Fla. Its three owners, Rodney Lackey, Steve Okros and Joseph Patti, answered phones, made customer appointments, treated lawns and handled all aspects of the business themselves. Today Heron has become one of the largest 50 pest control companies in the nation with eight branches throughout Central Florida.

To continue its growth, Heron recently added a new member to its executive corporate staff: CEO Greg Clendenin.

In a press release, the company said, “Not only is Greg one of the best executives in the history of the industry, but he also understands and embodies the hard-core, committed, resilient character and winning culture that Heron represents. We truly believe that he has what it takes to take Heron Lawn and Pest Control to the next level of excellence.”
 

Indiana PMPs Volunteer Services to Benefit Veterans

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — The Indiana Pest Management Association, under the leadership of Judy Logsdon (Rid-A-Pest Co.), gathered about 20 of its members to provide pest control services to benefit homeless veterans. On Sept. 19, the PMPs gathered at the Donald W. Moreau Sr. Veterans House in Indianapolis, Ind., to provide bed bug and German cockroach management services. The house is a three-story, 40-unit building that provides housing and reintegration services to homeless veterans and administers programs and services to prevent at-risk veterans from becoming homeless.

PMPs brought their own application and personal protection equipment. Insecticides were provided by Univar, Bayer, Zoecon and Syngenta — including Temprid, Gentrol and Gentrol Point Source, Advion and Tri-Die — and used in combination with non-chemical control measures provided by Facility Manager Jason Bates. Teams were appointed for each floor, and the operation was conducted over a three-hour period. — Gary Bennett, IPMA secretary

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Arrow Exterminators Celebrates ‘50 Years Young’

Atlanta — This year marks the 50th anniversary of Atlanta-based Arrow Exterminators, a milestone the company has been celebrating throughout the year, including at the 2014 Premier Club meeting, held this summer in Cancun, Mexico.

Started in the back room of a beauty parlor in 1964 by founders Imogene and Starkey Thomas, Arrow Exterminators has grown to become a $135 million company serving 11 states. The founders’ son, Joe Thomas, is now the chairman of the board and his daughter, Emily Thomas Kendrick, is the third generation president and CEO.

“We are so proud to be ‘50 years young,’” said Kendrick. “This anniversary marks not only a milestone, but it provides a foundation supporting our longevity, staying power and success for generations to come. Some folks may say that passing this on to the next generation and generations to follow is just not possible. Do you know what we say? ‘You wanna bet?’ By maintaining our culture and hiring the best people we feel this is just the beginning. We have in place the building blocks to continue to grow to $200 million and beyond for generations to come.”

Other highlights of this year’s celebrations included regional family picnics; a Golden Anniversary Gala; banners lining the main boulevard in Atlanta; service projects; and more.

“The opportunities are absolutely endless. We believe with our heart and soul that our very best days are ahead of us. There is nothing that the team in this room and our colleagues at home can’t do, absolutely nothing!” Kendrick said to the employees who attended the Premier Club meeting in Mexico. “If you think what we’ve done in the first 50 years is pretty cool, stick around because you ain’t seen nothing yet!”

Visit Online Extras on the PCT Online homepage to view a slideshow of photos from this summer’s Premier Club celebration in Cancun, Mexico.