ORLANDO, Fla. — New to PestWorld 2014 was the presentation of the ACE Professional Award, which occurred prior to the Thursday morning general session. Last year, NPMA partnered with the Entomological Society of America to promote the Associated Certified Entomologist program. One of the initiatives was to recognize the superior contributions of an Associate Certified Entomologist (ACE) in the field of structural pest management.
Chris Stelzig, director of Certification for the Entomological Society of America, presented the first ACE Award to Robert Caine, president of Pest Control Specialists, Miami, Fla.
After leaving the U.S. Air Force following a 4-plus year enlistment, Caine went into chemical and equipment sales, calling on golf courses and pest control companies. He sold everything from insecticides to fertilizers and equipment. After two years of living out of a suitcase and a different hotel room every night, Caine needed a change. He answered an ad for a national pest control company in Miami and was fortunate to be hired as a sales rep. After six months, he enjoyed it so much that he decided to learn as much as he could about the business and the industry. He enrolled in the pest control degree program at Broward College and passed the state exams after graduating. He then started his own business in 1979. Shortly thereafter, he joined the Florida Pest Control Association and in 1993 was elected its president. In 2009 he became an ACE and to this day continues to promote the program to others.