Jerry Keown Retires from Presto-X

OMAHA, Neb. — Jerry Keown retired as vice president of Presto-X effective March 30, 2009.

During his nearly 50-year career with Presto-X, Keown has served in a variety of positions, starting as a technician servicing grain bins in western Nebraska. Leaving for a brief time in 1966, Keown returned to Presto-X in 1967 as sales
manager. In 1977, Jerry Keown and Ward A. Combs II purchased Presto-X from Ward Combs, Sr. Under their leadership, the company grew to one of the largest independently owned companies in the country with over 300 employees providing service in over 20 states.

On his career, Keown said, “My time in this industry and at Presto-X has been a most rewarding experience. Few people have had the opportunities to grow individually or professionally as I have with this company. If he was here today, I would want, most of all, to thank Ward Combs Sr. for having the faith in me and giving me these leadership opportunities.”

Over the years, Keown has been a constant figure in the industry, serving on numerous industry associations, including the Nebraska Pest Management Association and the Government Affairs Committed for the National Pest Management Association. In 2007, Keown received the FMC Legislative Day  Award which recognizes greatness in members of the pest management industry who have contributed to the advancement of the industry.

Presto-X is best known for its commercial pest control expertise, specializing in providing service to the highly regulated food processing and related industries. Founded in 1932, the company has grown to become one of the industry’s leading providers of commercial services, currently serving 22 states across the central and southern United States.