[Crown Awards] 2005 Technician of the Year Finalists

Wendell Pierce / Cook’s Pest Control / Shelbyville, Tenn.

A 27-year employee with Cook’s Pest Control, Wendell Pierce also is a decorated war veteran. Pierce was a sergeant in the United States Marine Corps during the Vietnam War. He was wounded in combat twice, receiving Purple Hearts in August 1968 and December 1968. Pierce returned to combat after recovering on a hospital ship for two months. In 1980 he served as vice president of the Vietnam Veterans Chapter 262.

Stanley Gshinsky / Witt Pest Management / Pittsburgh, Pa.

Thomas Witt, owner of Pittsburgh-based Witt Pest Management, praises 28-year industry veteran commercial technician Stanley Gshinsky for his hard work and dedication, which have helped the company retain many accounts throughout the years. “(Gshinsky) is the type of technician that comes back to the office after a hard day’s work in the field with the knee section of his pants well worn-in as a result of diligent service that requires treating conspicuous areas on his hands and knees. He is always eager to take on challenging services or assist another technician or the office staff.”

Alan Lehman / Springer Pest Solutions / Des Moines, Iowa

During the past four years Springer Pest Solutions’ Alan Lehman has grown his residential route by 50 percent, which resulted in a new route and opportunity for a Springer peer. Springer President Jeff Springer said Lehman’s ability to gain referrals is a result of superior diagnostic, prescriptive, and applied service skills. “Alan Lehman not only strives to be a leader, but by his own nature and strong character, is a leader,” Springer said. “Springer’s most valuable assets are its people. Alan Lehman is a superior asset and human being for himself, his family, Springer, the pest management industry, and his community.”

Oliver Olibrice / Massey Services / Maitland, Fla.

During the past 10 years residential technician Oliver Olibrice has displayed the knowledge and strength to lead other Massey Services technicians by example. His creativity and positive attitude bring energy to Massey meetings and encourage participation. Other technicians tap into his experience as a resource to solve difficult pest problems. Olibrice’s community involvement includes supporting Junior Achievement’s annual Bowl-A-Thon, and participation in the American Cancer Society’s Breast Cancer Walk.

Joseph Mellon / The Pest Detective / Jacksonville, Fla.

Rocky McKindles, owner of The Pest Detective, says that 20-year veteran termite technician Joseph Mellon has been critical to the success of the small, but highly regarded Jacksonville company. “We sometimes depend on Joe to run the show when I need a vacation and he handles all phases without complaints or problems. He is a fully rounded and licensed technician whose expertise is commonly called upon on a daily basis. I can promise that we would not be growing in leaps and bounds without Joe’s unselfish, technical expertise. I wish I could find five more just like him!”

Jeff Copeland / Orkin Pest Control / Sidney, Ohio

A proven commercial technician with 15 years of experience at Orkin Pest Control, Jeff Copeland handles many of the Sidney, Ohio, branch’s most important commercial accounts. Says manager Shawn Rust, “Jeff is reliable; he never misses work, is always on time and above all has great follow-up with customers. He will put in the hours needed and often will work on Sundays to make sure customers are satisfied and our branch goals are met.”

Steel Baptiest / Terminix International / Carrollton, Texas

Thirteen-year industry veteran Steel Baptiest has earned a reputation as a “go to” technician for problematic termite accounts. Coworkers marvel at his ability to “sniff out” termites with ease and doing the job right the first time. They say watching him perform termite work is like watching “Picasso paint a portrait.” Baptiest’s contributions are a major reason for the success of Terminix’s Carrollton, Texas branch.

Rich Hendricks / McCloud Services / Hoffman Estates, Ill.

In 2005, Rich Hendricks celebrated his 32nd year with McCloud Services. During that time, Hendricks has held several positions within the company and has been a mentor to numerous McCloud technicians. “I can’t remember him missing any non-scheduled working days in my 16 years with McCloud,” said McCloud Manager Bill Daly. “His vast knowledge of pest control and customer service skills makes him an asset to his fellow employees, his clients and our company.”

Alan Brattin / Schendel Pest Services / Merriam, Kan.

Allan Brattin has become a top termite technician at Schendel Pest Services. His willingness to be a team player extends beyond his defined job duties. For example, Brattin served as an “actor” for one of Schendel’s latest television commercials. “He spent several hours one morning doing shoots and retakes and always kept a positive attitude,” said Brent Boles, general manager, Schendel Pest Services.

Arthur Brisco / Presto-X-Company / Oswego, Ill.

Presto-X-Company’s Arthur Brisco has been the lead technician at historic Wrigley Field for the last six years. Curt Radle, director of operations at the park’s Levy Restaurants, says Brisco’s performance exceeds expectations. “Arthur utilizes a personal approach in accomplishing his job in this historic venue. His relationship with me and the building client have created a bond and understanding about working together to maintain a clean, safe work environment. Arthur constantly educates and provides options to pest- and safety-related issues that never stop surfacing in a building this age.”

Scott Spangler
Eden Advanced Pest Technologies / Olympia, Wash.

One of Scott Spangler’s customers had this to say about the standout residential technician. “(Scott) has been professional, helpful and supportive of our situation since the first visit. In a day and age where customer service is only something people advertise, we have really come to appreciate an employee that is courteous, fair and dedicated to helping customers receive the services promised.”

Dave Schuerman/Terminix International / Fairfield, Ohio

A 20-year veteran at Terminix International, Dave Schuerman is highly regarded for his customer service skills and attention to detail. Schuerman carries extra tools in his truck to do small repairs for customers at no charge. For example, Schuerman has used concrete to seal a small masonry defect where mice were entering a home. In addition, Schuerman has been a great mentor to new technicians, who learn from his commitment to safety and customer service.

Click here to read about other 2005 Technician of the Year Awards Finalists.