ROMEOVILLE, Ill. – Gary Shere, general manager of Entomological Technologies, Romeoville, Ill., has won the PCT Online Sweepstakes, sponsored by Environmental Delivery Systems (EDS). Shere was chosen at random from a compilation of online entries, and will receive an Actisol Compact Unit, which uses insecticides to eliminate insects in deep harborage environments.

Shere started Entomological Technologies as a one-man business 12 years ago, and ran the company on his own until he added two employees about five years ago. With 99 percent commercial business, Entomological Technologies specializes in servicing hospitals in the Chicago area, handling problems such as small ants, cockroaches and identifying and eradicating unusual insect problems.

After earning his master’s degree, Shere moved to Illinois and worked for a family-owned pest control firm called the Pesticide Company. He decided to start his own business to enjoy the freedom and income that comes with being an entrepreneur.

Shere has enjoyed a stable and consistent business climate in the Chicago area, with no client turnover. “We get to spend the time with the client, get to know the client, and the client knows who’s coming into his business,” Shere said.

With two units in need of repairs or replacement, Shere spotted the PCT Sweepstakes and decided to try his luck. “It made my day extremely bright,” Shere said of his notification that he won. “I don’t think I win things very often.”