Left to right: Rick Miller (Iowa City), Kevin Clark (Founder & CEO), Kevin Kaclik (Pittsburgh), Danielle Flowers (Cleveland), Tom Brungardt (Kansas City), Robin Wilkes (Indy), Dr. George Rambo (Virginia), Vanetta Truan (Detroit), Gene Jezek (St. Louis) and Brad Reiter (Chicago).

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. — Critter Control employees and franchisees assembled in Chicago this year for the company’s annual meeting and 30-year anniversary celebration. Ten franchisees celebrated 25 year anniversaries with the company.

It all started in 1982 when Detroit based chimney sweep Kevin Clark received a call to remove a raccoon from a chimney.   Seeing an opportunity, Clarks’ Critter Control was born and in 1987 the company began franchising the concept.

Today, Critter Control is North America’s largest wildlife pest control firm, with over 100 offices coast-to-coast. It is the 17th largest pest control company in the United States, according to Pest Control Technology magazine, which annually ranks the Top 100 companies in the industry.

Clark shares the credit with his franchisees, who’ve helped  grow the business. “We have dedicated people, who are passionate about protecting people, property and wildlife,” he said.  “Franchising was the perfect way to grow the concept and share the dream,” and adds that, “it’s been extremely satisfying to help pioneer an industry, and in the process create over 400 jobs.”