Missouri State Senator Mike Bernskoetter Began as a PCO

 

Jefferson City, Missouri native Mike Bernskoetter of Art’s Pest Control life has taken a drastic turn in the past 15 years.  We met back in 2004 in our company’s first year in business at the annual recertification conference in Columbia, Missouri.  Even back then, Mike worked the room with finesse and ease.  One could easily see how his comfort talking to other operators and owners could translate into a political career.  He and his wife Jeanette have owned Art’s for 32 years.  

 

His introduction into state politics could likely be influenced by the proximity of his company’s office to the state capitol, literally located across the highway, affording a daily view of the capitol’s dome.

 

Bernskoetter served as President of the Missouri Pest Management Association from 2007 to 2009.  He lobbied in pest management and agriculture legislation in his role with MPMA, leading to aspirations to run for political office.  

 

Mike appeared on the ballot for the first time in 2010 as a candidate for the Missouri State House of Representatives District 59.  He won that election and served two terms through 2018.  

 

Senator Mike Bernskoetter, a Republican, took the oath of office on Jan. 9, 2019, to serve the residents of the 6th Senatorial District. 

 

Senator Bernskoetter is a member of the following organizations: Knights of Columbus, Elks, Eagles, East Side Business Association, West Side Business Association, Jefferson City Chamber of Commerce, Wardsville Lions Club, Home Builders Association, Jefferson City Area Board of Realtors, National Federation of Independent Businesses, Farm Bureau, 2001 Jefferson City Chamber Leadership Class, Sons of the American Legion Post 5, American Legion Riders of Missouri and the YMCA. Senator Bernskoetter also served as president of the Missouri Pest Management Association and has received the John Veatch Award and Man of the Year Award for his work in the pest control industry.

 

He serves on multiple Senate committees:  

 

Bernskoetter is Chairman of the Agricultural committee.  Mike shares that his wife Jeanette and family operate Art’s Pest Control’s office and daily routes.  Does Mike miss pest control?  He states “I do, my wife runs everything there now, but there are some days that I wish I was just under a house in a crawl space.  You know, my wife and I started that business with a personal loan from our parents 32 years ago.  Now, if I want to turn it over to anybody else, it’s a big deal, getting attorneys and other official departments involved.”  Jeanette has been a licensed pest control operator for 20 years.  Mike’s son Kyle is instrumental in operations with the company also.  Art’s is a relatively small business focusing on personal service with its three other employees.