Black Diamond Reflects on its History While Charting its Future

JEFFERSONVILLE, Ind. — In 2004, Black Diamond Pest Control, Jeffersonville, Ind., made its first appearance on PCT’s Top 100 list (#98). The year 2004 also was important for Black Diamond as the company changed leadership from Keith Duncan, Sr., to Keith Duncan, Jr.

Black Diamond is in its third generation of owners, each of whom have led with their own vision. Although Black Diamond was formed in 1940, it remained a small operation until 1987 when Keith Duncan, Sr., purchased the company from a family member and built the foundation for future growth. Under the leadership of Keith Duncan, Jr., who just turned 40, Black Diamond continues its legacy of outstanding customer service, while at the same time growing both organically (e.g., improved operations) and inorganically (e.g., franchising). The company ranked #50 on this year’s PCT Top 100 list with 2017 revenues of $13.7 million.

Black Diamond currently services the Louisville, Ky., and Southern Indiana areas out of its Jeffersonville, Ind. headquarters; the company also has branch offices serving Lexington, Ky., and the Northern Kentucky area.

Black Diamond’s growth the last three years has been spurred by franchising, which Duncan introduced in 2015. Since Black Diamond was a longstanding brand in Southern Indiana and Louisville, Duncan believed franchising would be a good vehicle to plant roots in new communities and extend the brand. Franchise locations include Indianapolis, Ind.; Cincinnati, Ohio; Nashville, Tenn; Houston, Texas; Southern Kentucky; and most recently, Evansville, Ind. Black Diamond’s River Cities location will provide services in the Eastern Ky., Southern Ohio, and the Huntington, W.V., area.

Another important growth driver for Black Diamond was the 2010 implementation of the toll free 877-DEAD-BUG number which proved successful in “getting the phones ringing.”

While Black Diamond has grown significantly in recent years, Duncan has worked hard to ensure the company maintains its small, family-owned feel. One way the company connects with its customers and the community is through its “Black Diamond Gives Back” fund. Throughout the year, Black Diamond employees contribute to a fund for needs that arise among employees and those in the community. At the end of the year, employees decide as a group what do with any remaining money. In the past they have helped homeless veterans with jobs and accommodations and provided Christmas gifts and dinners for struggling families.

As for future plans, Black Diamond is intent on growing its existing branch offices, and growing through franchising. The company is on track to hit the $20 million revenue mark in the next 2-3 years. and the goal is for each branch and franchise location to pass the $1 million mark in the short-term future.