|
|
“Building lasting relationships is the key to our success,” says Bob Mims, general manager of B&B. “Our industry is changing rapidly and constantly improving. Our ability to adapt and stay ahead of developments relies on trust and dependability.”
This was something that the company’s founder, Walter Brazil, believed when he began serving the public in the 1930’s and is the major factor in the company’s current growth. Brazil started the company as a one-man operation and saw it as an opportunity to work and support his family. Operations were run from a small room in the back of his family’s Riverside home. When growth made a new facility necessary, the business was moved to its current location just a few miles from where it all began.
The company now employs more than 50 people and focuses on “Full Service Pest Control.” It is located at 215 Osceola Street, Jacksonville, FL, 32204. B&B has never lost the personal touch associated with a family business. “The family atmosphere of our operation really makes an impression with our customers and creates a great work environment for the employees,” says President Al Miner, who is the nephew of founder Brazil and worked closely with him for several decades.
Miner has strived to expand the family enterprise by branching services into Georgia and South Carolina. His daughter, Jessica Miner-Killian, has dedicated 16 years to setting and achieving goals with the company. Her motto, “Hire good people and treat them like family,” has allowed them to find and keep dedicated employees. “Our people are responsible for our success and we like them to know it,” she adds. Included among these is Randy Thomas, a 30-year veteran whose father Lewis was B&B’s first employee. As a long-term employee, Lewis worked and retired with Brazil. “I am excited about our future and enjoy the changes we make as the company continues to grow,” says Crystal Silcox, office manager, who has been with the company for 10 years. Brazil’ s grandson Bret Burmeister, another seasoned veteran who has witnessed the company’s growth and transformation, states that, “My grandfather would be honored to know we provide a workplace, so that others may support their families as he once did”.
The 70 Year Anniversary is a testament to the family’s longstanding partnership with the First Coast and the other surrounding cities. The yearlong anniversary celebration will be highlighted in various media and will be formally celebrated by the company’s employees at a catered gala, which will be held in December 2006.
For more information visit www.bandbexterminating.com.