Founded in 1980, Viking recently celebrated its 26th year. It is the largest family owned and operated pest control firm in New Jersey with 10 service locations located in New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania. The firm has more than 150 employees. It is headquartered in Bound Brook, N.J.
Bradbury has held numerous positions in both state association as well as the National Pest Management Association.
He has been married to his wife, Eileen, for 35 years and has three children, Paige, Ryan, and Daniel. Bradbury works with his two sons, while daughter Paige resides in Hawaii with her husband.
NJPMA recently conducted a question and answer session with Bradbury.
Why has the pest control industry been out of the news in recent years? “I think the industry has done a better job of policing ourselves over the passed decade because we have paid more attention to good business practices.”
What is the key to customer satisfaction other than just controlling pests? “We’ve learned that you can solve a complaint far easier by responding more quickly.”
To what do you attribute Viking’s success? “Our company has done a better job of attracting qualified personnel. We’ve raised the base pay. Our technicians can promote themselves through study courses. In addition, we have increased our benefits package.”
Is termite control easier or harder these days since the ban on Chlordane? “When I started, we had some good products, but some were taken off the market. The public blamed us when Chlordane was taken off the market. After that, we encountered call-backs because we needed viable termiticides. However, over the passed seven-eight years, some terrific new products have been introduced. They don’t repel termites as Chlordane did (because it worked as a barrier to a treated structure). Instead, they kill the nest and all of its termites.”