PCT/BASF Announce 2022 Technicians of the Year

CLEVELAND - PCT and sponsor BASF are proud to announce the 2022 Technicians of the Year: Brian Sheppard (residential category); Ernie Esteve, Billiot Pest Control (termite category); and Hector Avila, Arrow Exterminators (commercial category). The annual awards recognize a a trio of service professionals who excel in the commercial, residential and termite categories.

"This is the 27th consecutive year that PCT has shone the spotlight on three worthy service professionals who represent what the pest control industry is all about," said PCT Lead News Editor Brad Harbison. "Day in and day out Brian, Ernie and Hector work diligently to protect food, health and property.”

Joseph Schuh, manager of technical service for BASF’s Professional & Specialty Business, said, "At BASF, we value the partnerships we’ve formed with PMPs, and we have a great appreciation for how service professionals like Hector, Brian and Ernie work every single day to build and nurture your customer relationships. It’s our great pleasure to salute them as the sponsor of the Technician of the Year Awards program."

PCT’s Residential Technician of the Year is Brian Sheppard of All-American Pest Control, Nashville, Tenn. Sheppard is admired for his standout communication skills that have helped him develop and nurture relationships. He's also committed to continuing education and is studying to become an A.C.E. (Associate Certified Entomologist, an accreditation from the Entomological Society of America). A respected mentor, Sheppard is lauded for being a champion of the All-American Pest Control culture.

Hector Avila, Arrow Exterminators, Grand Prairie, Texas, is PCT’s Commercial Technician of the Year.  During his 10 years at Arrow Exterminators, Avila has become a highly regarded technician who is praised for his commitment to using IPM practices to treat with minimal pesticide use and fastidious recordkeeping. He’s progressed professionally during his time at Arrow and now treats many of the company’s high-profile accounts including AT&T stadium.

Ernie Esteve, PCT’s Termite Technician of the Year, recently celebrated his 40th year in the pest control, all with Billiot Pest Control, New Orleans, La. Esteve has been on the frontlines against Formosan termites in his area since the 1980s, heading up experimental trials for various products in the late 1990s and early 2000s. He’s used the construction knowledge he gained in the fire department to better identify termite foraging trails in homes and to craft the perfect treatment tailored to the type of structure or foundation. Today, Esteve is known for training countless pest professionals, both at Billiot and at association meetings throughout Louisiana.

Read more about each winner in the December issue of PCT magazine. The 2023 program will launch in April. For more information about the program email bharbison@gie.net.