HOUSTON, Texas — McGrath Pest Control, Houston, Texas, celebrates 40 years in business in 2014.
In 1974, Doug McGrath, an ex-high school teacher, decided he wanted to change careers and start a business where he could help people in Houston. He bought a one-gallon hand tank, put it in the back of his Oldsmobile, and started McGrath Pest Control. He never wanted to be the biggest or most well known company, but he did want to carve out a reputation of hard work and caring that could be unmatched. For 36 years he did this, becoming one of the most well respected small business owners in the pest control industry throughout the city of Houston.
In 2010 Doug retired and turned the reins over to son Scott McGrath, the company’s current owner. Scott McGrath has added some fresh, new ideas and the company has flourished, growing by about 40% (in sales) every year. “In 2015, I expect sales in this little family-owned, no headache business to be over $1 million,” he said. “We have continued to soar to new heights while still keeping our small family style of customer service. I am very proud of what I have learned from my dad and look forward to passing on the same knowledge and work ethic to my family.”