Online Extra: More About Technician of the Year Finalists

Richard Baker, Massey Services, Maitland Fla. Prior to joining Massey Services, Richard Baker served as a sergeant in the United States Army. He’s continually advanced through the company and has successfully passed the QualityPro qualification exam. Baker was the recipient of Massey Services' prestigious Commercial Technician of the Year award in 1998. He received the Team Member of the Year award in 1999, and was honored with the company's highest award, the President's Award, selected by CEO and President, Harvey Massey in 1999.

Jerome Bastien, Orkin Pest Control, New Bern, N.C. A former combat engineer in the United States Marine Corps who served during Operation Desert Storm, Jerome Bastien has transitioned into a standout termite technician. An Orkin customer had this to say about Bastien after observing him perform a termite inspection. “His expertise and professionalism gave me a good sense of security about the way he handles himself. I’m sure he is a great asset to your company.” Customers regularly praise Bastien for his thoroughness and communication skills.

Gary Doran, Cook’s Pest Control, Huntsville, Ala. A finalist in the residential category for the PCT/Syngenta Technician of the Year Award in 2003, Gary Doran has maintained his high level of service. In addition to having the largest residential route in the company, Doran is one of the company’s largest producers of leads and he sells his own contracts for his route. “Gary is very quick with any problem call he receives,” notes manager Gerald Priest. “When he gets a call he uses his personal cell phone to call the customer and makes an appointment to get to the customer’s house. In his free time, Doran enjoys teaching Sunday school at his church.

Michael Farrington, Terminix, Oklahoma City. Michael Farrington is one of Terminix’s mentors, helping nurture new hires so they can become long term employees and get started on the right foot. Farrington often gives classes to the other techs from the Terminix Tech Speak program. Farrington is very active in his church and teaches an adult bible study on week nights and has done missionary work in the Phillippines. “When we have a new hire we put them with a tried and trusted technician after aspire school so they get a chance to see the knowledge they were given used in a practical way,” said manager Al Van Sickle. “Michael has been a mentor for several years and has mentored many successful technicians.”

Carl Hess, Orkin Pest Control, Queensbury, N.Y. According to Steve Martindale, service manager of Orkin’s Queensbury, N.Y., office, Carl Hess is widely praised for his willingness to take on anything encounters, whether it be a problem situation or a large commercial account. “Carl runs his route smoothly and is routinely praised by his customers for his professionalism.” Hess also has been researching hand-held equipment and is pursuing becoming a certified entomologist.

Robert Milburn, Terminix International, Sherman, Texas. Robert Milburn has become a respected technician instrumental in selling termite baiting systems to existing accounts. Milburn not only volunteers as a little league football and baseball coach, but he also volunteers his time in the office as a chemical room manager/service manager. Although he has a large spread-out commercial route, it is not unusual for Robert to help other technicians with toublesome accounts.

Jeff Nelson, Presto-X-Company, Omaha, Neb. A 26-year industry veteran, Jeff Nelson helped Creighton University develop a very early program of integrated pest management before it was ever popular or mandated by law. In addition, Nelson’s work has consistently been rated at or near perfect by AIB inspectors. One of Nelson’s customers respects him for his use of humor to convey his knowledge of the pest industry. “He makes the whole communication as comfortable as possible when talking to people about bugs.”