Indiana Technician Wins PCT Book Giveaway

INDIANAPOLIS — Rick Smith likes to refer to himself as “The Bugman” and “Rickzilla,” and rightfully so. As a technician for Cambridge City Exterminating Co., Smith has been putting bugs in their place for the past three years. Smith also is the winner of PCT’s April book giveaway.

Smith now will add “Reconciling Relationships and Preserving the Family Business” by Ruth McClendon and Leslie B. Kadis, to his collection. The book is considered a must-read survival guide for those pursuing a family business.

Smith entered the online book giveaway drawing on PCT’s Web site.

After three years of work with Cambridge City Exterminating Co., Smith is still excited about his job and enjoys the level of involvement in his work.

 “I work as a technician for my friend who has had his pest control business for 30-plus years,” Smith said. “I meet with clientele and explain what services we can provide. I make it a point to be involved with interior and exterior applications.”

Although Smith enjoys the pest control industry, his main focus is his weekend job in the health care field. And although this may be his main priority, Smith explained how he was introduced to his role in the pest control industry.

“I work full time in the health care field with a weekend position,” Smith said. “About three years ago, a friend of mine asked me if I would be interested in helping him during the week with his pest control accounts—I had always enjoyed listening to him explain the business—so I gave it a try and the next thing I know, I am attending a seminar at Purdue University and getting licensed. In all honesty, I find it interesting, challenging and opportunistic.”

Smith said his favorite part of pest control industry is interacting with clients. Because of this, Smith said, he has walked away with many long-term friendships from his clients who keep coming back for more.

Not bad for the man who nicknames himself after a gigantic, threatening dinosaur.

The author is a Cleveland-based contributing writer for PCT Magazine.