(Pictured, back row, left to right: Nate Housh, Zack Oakley, Chase Hopkins, Brad Fleck, Derek Roop, Jacob James, Mike Gerhardstein, Jared Miller, Adam Westgerdes. Front row, left to right: Helaina Groves, Austin Short, Derek Beaver, John Livingston, Brock Rolsten, Jake Aldrich, Stacy O’Reilly)
COLUMBUS, Ohio — Varment Guard, Columbus, Ohio, recently was named the Wildlife Company of the Year (macro category, 6-plus employees) by the National Wildlife Control Operators Association.
This is the second year NWCOA has recognized wildlife control businesses for their outstanding accomplishments in the industry and their community. In the micro-category (for companies with five or fewer employees) the award went to The Critter Trapper.
Varment Guard was chosen after its application was reviewed by the NWCOA Awards Committee.
The award capped of 2018, a year of substantial change at Varment Guard that included the company’s merger with Plunkett’s Pest Control of Minnesota. Leaders at both firms – Plunkett’s Pest Control’s Stacy O’Reilly, Varment Guard’s Jim Vaive and Sandy Vaive (former co-owners), John Livingston and Scott Steckel – were humbled by the award.
“We have so many things to be thankful for and this is one of the best awards to receive,” said Steckel, strategic development director, Plunkett's Pest Control. “This is a case of each person on the wildlife team doing their very best at providing exceptional service all while going through 50% annual growth and changing operational software and transitioning leadership to Plunkett’s ownership. We are so pleased with everyone’s commitment to results which afforded us this opportunity. “
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