[Viewpoint] To those who shape the industry, we salute you

On your next visit to the local newsstand or grocery store take a quick glance at the magazine rack. Undoubtedly, you will see the following: Time magazine’s Person of the Year; Sports Illustrated’s Sportsman of the Year; People’s Most Beautiful People (my vote goes to Angelina Jolie).

December is the time of year when many magazines reflect on the previous year by honoring an individual(s) who had a tremendous impact and/or was symbolic of the year’s most significant events. PCT magazine also uses its December issue for this purpose. Included in this month’s issue is a profile of Gordon Redd, Jr., PCT’s 23rd Professional of the Year (page 26) as well as the 2005 Crown Awards Technician of the Year supplement, sponsored by PCT and Syngenta Professional Products. These awards are PCT’s way of acknowledging those who have shaped the industry in 2005 and are setting the tone for a successful 2006.

Redd, the second generation owner/operator of Gulfport, Miss.-based Redd Pest Solutions, is in the process of recovering from unfathomable devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina. While many Katrina-impacted business owners simply are in "survival mode," Redd is rebuilding his business while at the same time assisting his employees any way possible and helping to rebuild his community. In many ways, Redd is symbolic of the many Gulf Coast PCOs who understand that other people’s livelihoods and well-being are dependent on their businesses.

The 2005 Technicians of the Year are: Norbert Brungardt, Orkin Pest Control — residential category; Steve Atchley, Cook’s Pest Control — commercial category; and Benny Bufford, Dixon Exterminating — termite category. A common link among this year’s honorees is a commitment to high quality job performance and their willingness to serve as mentors. Each year PCT receives dozens of nominations in each category from small-, medium- and large-sized pest control companies. What this illustrates is that there are many fine service technicians doing their part to raise their company’s profile (and thus the pest control industry’s profile) throughout their communities. Again, we believe that Norbert, Steve and Benny are symbolic of the hard work, dedication and professionalism exhibited by so many service technicians on a daily basis.

We hope you enjoy this month’s cover story as well as the Technician of the Year Awards supplement and encourage you to nominate deserving employees and coworkers when PCT launches future awards programs.

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Speaking of awards, PCT magazine and Syngenta Professional Products will recognize one of the industry’s leading technical directors with the inaugural 2006 Crown Technical Excellence Award (see nomination form, page 41). The winner will be selected based on his or her contributions to the field of urban entomology and honored during a special ceremony at the PCT Rodent Summit, scheduled for March 22-24 in St. Louis (visit www.pctrodentsummit.com).

The author is Internet editor and managing editor of PCT magazine.