Founded in 1956 by Campbell residents, Norma & Phil Olavarri, the company will turn 50 years old in the spring of 2006. Killroy was born in a time of a much simpler, sleepy orchard valley, which was only beginning to see entrepreneurs and growth. But before the real estate boom and before the high tech invasion, Killroy was a successful business grown up out of dedication and devotion to the families of the valley.
In the 1950s, Phil had returned from being a pilot in the European theater in World War II and was focusing his efforts on getting his business plan off the ground. Norma, his wife, worked behind the scenes, being proactive and providing business ideas and support (as well as raising a family with three children). Together this dynamic husband and wife team brought Killroy from a one-man, garage-born concept, to a very successful contemporary pest control leader that is well known and respected in the Bay Area today.
Starting a company was difficult. Killroy’s first technician actually passed away during the first two years of business, and so that became one of the first challenges, how to deal with a grieving family and get back on track again. The second challenge, as the business started to grow, was the need for more pest control trucks and where to park them. The neighbors began to complain with all the coming and going on their small residential street in Campbell. Dealing with these growing pains, Phil and Norma decided to open their first office on Bascom Ave. The company now had an official site to accommodate more trucks, more business, and create a corporate home. But by the mid-1960s, Killroy had already outgrown this office, and the company moved to a much bigger, brand new, industrial office on Dell Ave. in Campbell.
From the beginning, Killroy was founded on the basic concept of giving the best service available and treating customers with care while providing a positive and secure place for the employees to work. Technicians went over and above the call of duty, giving great attention to quality and detail. If it meant pruning a problem tree, removing children’s or pet toys from the yard before treatment, or enjoying a piece of home-made pie after the service, then that’s what they did!
Killroy has always been dedicated to the needs of its customers - with several of the first clients from 50 years ago remaining loyal customers today. (These customers were given back their original service fee ($5) on the company’s 40th anniversary.)
The Med-fly abatement program in the 70’s fueled Killroys’ growth, as they worked with the Dept of Agriculture to add their personal expertise in solving a problem that menaced the valley.
Also in the 1970’s, Killroy recognized a need for expansion and acquired Bugbane Pest Control in the Tri-Valley area. One of the technicians in Campbell moved to manage this branch, and from then on Killroy’s presence began to increase in the East Bay.
In 1987, Dennis Merrill, an entomologist, stepped up to the plate to help run the business. And in 1988, Phil made the decision that it was time for him and Norma to reap the fruits of their hard work and success and to retire to a more leisurely life of persuing their hobbies (which included lots of golf). Then in 1991, their youngest daughter, Lynn Olavarri-Schmidt, joined the corporation. Family has always been an integral part of Killroys’ mantra. The doors were seldom closed to family members (theirs or employees) who were willing to work hard in the business and share Phil and Norma’s vision. Killroy currently has four husband and wife teams, a father and son team, and an employee and her cousin working together! The company also takes great pride in its many long-term employees. One technician has worked for Killroy for 33 years, another 24 years, three over 15 years, eight over ten years, and 5 over 5 years.
Phil and Norma’s motto was: “The key to keeping our customers happy is keeping our employees happy.” One of the perks of being an employee of Killroy is the fun and unusual bi-annual events they have. The parties range from hockey game gatherings, gala events at horse and car races, football games with tailgates, city entertainment outings such as Beach Blanket Babylon or Tony and Tina's Wedding, even incentive trips and cruises.
The company has garnered several awards for their outstanding commitment to its employees and its customers, and was Campbell’s Business of the Year Honoree in 1999. Killroy has also been active with many community non-profit organizations, such as The Campbell Chamber of Commerce, Big Brothers and Big Sisters, The American Cancer Society, The Optimist Club, The Campbell Education Foundation, The Campbell Kiwanis, and The Pacific Autism Center.
Understanding the environment issues of the day, in 1995, Sensitive Solutions, a division of Killroy, was born. Sensitive Solutions was Killroy's answer to customers’ requests for non-chemical and low toxic pest control options. This division specializes in customers with sensitivities or health issues, or extreme concerns for children and pets, and has become one of the leading providers of non-chemical and low toxic pest control.
Today, Killroy services also include a Termite Department, which provides inspection as well as treatment. The need for quality termite control is keeping this division extremely busy year-round. Killroy’s seasonal services include weed control, oak and olive tree spraying, and dormant treatments for fruit trees and plants. As the leader in providing custom tailored pest management programs for both residential and commercial properties in the greater South Bay, Tri-Valley, Morgan Hill and Gilroy communities, Killroy can solve all pest problems with competent proficiency, friendly service and the most up-to-date materials
Killroy is licensed by the state of California and trained in the latest regulations, newest techniques and cutting edge solutions. Currently Killroy is partnering with the county Dept. of Agriculture to control the Glassy Winged Sharpshooter, a serious threat to ornamental plantings and the wine industry in our valley.
Long before Governor Schwarzenegger claimed the title, Killroy was the Terminator, eliminating our pests and making the valley a better place to live. That same proud army of red and white trucks that traveled the valley highways fifty years ago, travels them today, reassuring us that, “Killroy Was and Is Here!”