BRUNSWICK, Maine —  Elaine Gammon, marketing manager for Modern Pest Services, Brunswick, Maine, was the winner of a recent PCT book giveaway. Gammon won a series of business-related books that were cited in recent PCT magazine features.

Like many in the pest control industry, Gammon happened upon the industry by chance. She previously worked in the marketing communications department of a large corporation that supported the veterinary industry. “When I made the decision to step out of corporate life, I interviewed with Modern Pest Services and thought working for a smaller, family-run business would be a nice change for me, and here I am,” said Gammon, who has been with Modern for more than one year.

As marketing manager for Modern, Gammon helps define marketing strategy, which involves developing a marketing plan and budget. Additionally, she is responsible for implementing and managing the numerous marketing projects including print and online Yellow Pages advertising, website development, Internet marketing initiatives, media, print and public relations.

Gammon said Modern has been seeing good results with its Internet marketing and advertising initiatives as well as public relations efforts, but that word-of-mouth referrals still drive the company. “By providing excellent service, their referrals speak for themselves,” she said.

Gammon has enjoyed her brief time in the industry. “I like the people I work with and I actually find pests and pest control an intriguing and fun topic,” she said. “Who knew bed bugs and carpenter ants could be so interesting?”