J&J Exterminating’s History Chronicled in New Book

Bobby John, co-founder and chairman of the board, J&J Exterminating, has published “From the Heart” – a history of the successful Louisiana pest control firm.



LAFAYETTE, La. – In 2019, J&J Exterminating, Lafayette, La., celebrates 60 years in business and to help the company commemorate its legacy, Bobby John, co-founder and chairman of the board, J&J Exterminating, has published “From the Heart.”

The book was “written in an effort to record the history of our company and to share our corporate culture and values with present and future employees,” Bobby John wrote in the introduction,

The 100+-page book reviews how J&J was formed; when and how it grew to become the largest independently owned pest control firm in Louisiana; and how the company’s culture plays an integral role in its success. Chapters include:
• How J&J came to be
• Family history, family values
• Gearing up for battle with ‘white ants’
• Formosan termites invade Lake Charles 
• We got by with a little help from special friends
• Strong growth began in 1984
• Our culture. Working from the heart
• Building blocks of success
• We’re a faith-based company – and proud of it
• The importance of selling
• Opportunity and growth
• Little feet and big shoes

 

As Bobby John explained in the introduction, the book was titled “From the Heart” because it reflects the company’s approach to its employees and customers. “From the time we began in 1959 until now, our growth and development have been a direct result of this heartfelt culture and the sincerity of our people.”

Founded in Crowley, La., in 1959 by Bobby John and his brother Harry, an entomologist, J&J Exterminating has grown from two brothers knocking on doors for business to a $29 million business with 13 offices and more than 250 employees. The company remains family-owned under the leadership of Bobby John, his son Robert John and his grandson (Robert John’s son) Robert Lewis John.