In Memoriam: Steve Arnold

SNELLVILLE, Ga. – The pest control industry mourns the loss of Steve Arnold, founder and longtime president of Peachtree Pest Control, Norcross, Ga. Arnold passed away on Dec. 22, at 75.

 

A U.S. Army veteran (serving in the 3rd Battalion, 37th Armor Tank Division in Germany), Arnold’s career in pest control started in the early 1970s working for Atlanta-based Green Pest Control. Arnold’s involvement at Green laid the foundation for Peachtree Pest Control, a company Arnold launched in 1976 in the Greater Atlanta area.

 

As recounted in his 2004 PCT/Syngenta Crown Leadership article. Arnold built a successful business by cultivating a family atmosphere and by developing and promoting leaders from within the company. Arnold retired from Peachtree in 2007.

 

Along the way, Arnold became an industry leader, particularly as an active member, (including as former president) of the Georgia Pest Control Association and the Greater Atlanta Pest Control Association. One example included his efforts at GPCA to have the pest control industry’s voice heard with concerns over the use of EIFS (Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems) building material.

 

Arnold was president of GPCA when Valera Jessee came on board as the association’s executive director in 1986. Jessee, who came to GPCA from outside the pest control industry, recalled that her new boss “was cheerful, and electrifying. Well, perhaps a little more like fireworks going off in every compass direction. This was Steve Arnold. He was tireless, a crusader and a determined businessman. He wanted EVERY Georgia pest control company to thrive and get the respect of government and consumers.”

 

Jessee said Arnold could be overwhelming but never intimidating. “I quit my job twice during that first year. But he said, 'You can do this.' He told the pest control companies they could be better too. He raised the standard of performance.”

 

Arnold is survived Nell, his wife of 37 years, and children Craig, Mike, Corey and daughter Pepper (preceded in death), as well as stepchildren Donnie, Lynda and Wendy and their spouses.

 

Memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.eternalhillsfuneralhome.com for the Arnold family.