Meet the Finalists of PCT's Technician of the Year Awards

PCT received dozens of worthy candidates in all three categories in this year’s Technician of the Year Awards program. Here are notable accomplishments and little-known-facts of the finalists.

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Tommy Burch
Cook’s Pest Control, Shelbyville, Tenn.

This 36-year veteran has spent his entire career with Cook’s, starting in 1971. A member of the American Legion, Burch also served four years in the U.S. Air Force. He began as residential technician, and now services Cook’s second-largest free-standing commercial account.

“Although he has been with out company for more than 30 years, he acts like a new technician with his energy and personality,” said Steven Gates, director of Technical Services. “He is eager to learn and do new things, and unlike many who have been in the industry for a long time, he is open minded to new technology and innovation.”

Kerry Cox
Cumberland Service Exterminators, Somerset, Ky.

Cox brings a high level of dedication to Cumberland, having served both in the U.S. Army and National Guard, including the first Gulf War, before logging 22 years with the company. He is a reliable, hard-working employee who never misses a day, and helps train and manage his fellow technicians.

Joseph Celeste
Orkin, Riverside, Calif.

Celeste brings a bachelor’s degree in business administration to his duties at Orkin, as well as 12 years in the pest management industry. He has earned a place in Orkin’s One-Percent Club, and also is very active in his church, serving as the head of ushering and a leader of the men’s ministry.

“For the first time in 13 years, we received a 100 percent passing grade on our pest control program from all flour inspections. This is entirely due to Joe’s diligence in doing the job right.,” said Eric Walker, plant manager at Mira Loma, Calif.-based Ronpak, one of Celestes’ accounts. The company works with Yum Brand restaurants, McDonalds and the American Institute of Baking.

Jake Driedger
Orkin PCO Canada, E. Saskatoon, Sask., Canada

With 33 years of industry experience, Driedger is no stranger to the pest control business. He has been a manager four times for his present employer, and trained hundreds of employees. And, in 1980, he left Orkin PCO to start his own company, only to have it purchased by the same company four years later.

“When we purchased a fairly large company in Manitoga, all senior managers and executives agreed that we would not proceed with the purchase unless Jake agreed to take on the task of managing this important acquisition for us,” said Bill Melville, quality assurance director.

Driedger also is a member of Orkin’s President’s Club, the Saskatoon Optimist Club, and a founding member of the Saskatchewan Pesticide Applicators Association.

Douglas Dyer
Schendel Pest Services, Wichita, Kan.

Dyer is charged with servicing Schendel’s fastest-growing route during the last two years. The former over-the-road truck driver has worked in the industry for five years, and keeps a tight schedule works in his large area, one that has grown mostly through his own quality service and referrals. Dyer was named the company’s commercial technician of the year in 2006.

Shawn McCallor
Massey Services, Maitland, Fla.

This 18-year industry veteran has spent the last 11 years working with Massey. He has qualified to win the company’s technician of the year award several times, but each time asked that he not be recognized for his achievements. In addition to his work on the commercial side, McCallor also manages a $14,000 residential route and receives many compliments from his customers that he is knowledgeable and makes them feel comfortable.

Jack McCoy
Presto-X, Kansas City, Mo.

McCoy takes the initiative with his $20,000-a-month route, setting up tours through his clients’ facilities with their in-house inspectors to show them what he’s looking for during an inspection. In the last six months, three of those clients have scored near-perfect scores on their American Institute of Baking audits.

The nine-year industry veteran has helped bring in extra business to his branch, including fumigation work, and often works odd hours seven days a week. In addition to his pest control duties, he also is a volunteer chaplain at his church and teaches Sunday school classes.

Rex Richards
Cook’s Pest Control, Knoxville, Tenn.

With more than three decades of service in the industry, all with Cook’s, it’s no wonder Richards has won four longevity awards from the company—one each for 15, 20, 25 and 30 years. In that time, he has worked as a technician, supervisor and as a member of Cookie the Cops, a community group that educates the community about insects and pest control.

Richards also coaches Little League t-ball, and is a youth teacher and Sunday school superintendent at his church. 

Donna Thomas
Terminix, Kennersville, N.C.

In her 12 years with in the industry, Thomas has worked in all facets of pest management: office manager, sales and as a master technician. She was named Terminix’s employee of the year for commercial branches and selected to be a commercial branch mentor.

Thomas also works as an AIDS care service volunteer and is a ministry leader at her church.

“Employees heed Donna’s words around the office, and perhaps the most remarkable aspect of Donna’s character comes in her leadership at our dynamic branch. At one time or another each member of our team (including me, the manager) has come to Dona seeking guidance on a particularly challenging situation,” wrote Kyle Franklin, branch manager.

RESIDENTIAL

Gordon Pierce
Orkin, Mesa, Ariz.

Orkin brought in this 8-year veteran to turn around a “troubled” route in Phoenix, and the company’s plan worked. Pierce was named the branch’s top technician in 2006 and is leading the pack so far this year for the same award. His branch manager, Jim Krueger, said he constantly earns praise from his customers and brings in many referrals.

“I receive more compliments for Gordon than any other technician,” Krueger wrote in his nominating letter. “Of his many strengths, Gordon’s customer services kills are his greatest asset to Orkin.”

Pierce also is active in his church, where he serves as secretary/treasurer and plays guitar. He also volunteers at the Sunshine Children’s Home in Mesa, Ariz.

John Crowther
Massey Services, Maitland, Fla.

This Purdue University graduate has won Massey’s technician of the year award six times. He has spent 21 years in the industry, 17 of them with Massey. In his current position, he is integral in training new technicians, brings in many new customers and retain old ones with his professionalism and customer service.

Tom Hobbs
Schendel Pest Services, Topeka, Kan.

Hobbs has spent 28 years in the pest control industry, all with Schendel, and has been nominated for that company’s residential technician of the year three times. He is active with church, and is in constant demand by Schendel’s growing customer base.

“Tom cannot service the amount of customers that request him, so we rely on Tom to help mentor and lead the other technicians in the Topeka office,” said Brent Boles, Schendel’s owner.

Tom Hurst
Middleton Lawn & Pest Control, Cocoa, Fla.

Hurst can count four straight Top Frog awards — giving to the company’s top technicians — for four years running during his 7 years with Middleton. Jimmy Rizek, branch manager, said Hurst comes in on his days off and squeezes in same-day service to impress new customers. He also is an active volunteer with the American Cancer Society.

“Tom leads and assists other technicians with a great attitude,” Rizek said. “Not only odes he dive into new product information and service protocols head-first, he also uses his personal time at home to study products and pest control information online.”

Owen James
PermaTreat Pest Control, Fredericksburg, Va.

James, a veteran of the U.S. Army, has spent 7 years in the pest management industry. He is a volunteer with area AIDS and cancer support groups, as well as the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and his church.

“His customers will take the time to call me with compliments on his demeanor, patience and deep concern for not only their pest issues, but their well being as well,” said PermaTreat General Manager Skip LeMaster.

Molly Laurendine
Bugmaster, Mobile, Ala.

Laurendine created and designed a patch program for the local Girl Scout council called Insect Aware. The 13-year industry veteran meets with the scouts to help girls earn their patches and complete the educational program. She also created a presentation that she gives to elementary school students that teaches the importance of insect safety.

“Each opportunity she is given she always strives to education and improve her knowledge about any and all phases of pest management,” said BugMaster President Frank Alardo.

Chris Roberts
Cook’s Pest Control, Florence, Ala.

In his nearly 19 years with Cook’s, Roberts has developed strong customer relationships and is sought out by his colleagues for pest control advice. In addition, he serves as the choir director at his church.

“His character is impeccable, and not only is he a strong technician, he is a great person,” said Orv Perry, Cook’s district manager. “He is dependable and he goes above the norm to learn and grow.”

Rob Stapf
Ameri Care Services, Murfreesboro, Tenn.

Stapf earned a bachelor’s degree in environmental science, and uses this training to focus on the science behind the pest management industry. He’s spent 14 years as a PCO; volunteers with the Boys and Girls of Rutherford County and Special Kids, Murfreesboro, Tenn; and served four years with the U.S. Navy.

“He never prescribes cookie cutter formulas. Each customer and each issue is treated separately and thoroughly. He always stays and gets the job done right the first time,” said Tom Swett, owner of AmeriCare. “He never sacrifices quality for quantity.”

Danny Stevens
Cook’s Pest Control, Knoxville, Tenn.

Stevens earned an associate’s degree in chemistry and has spent his six years in the industry with Cook’s. He has developed solid customer relationships and is a strong communicator; his customers often ask him to pray for them.

“He listens to his customers so he knows exactly what they need, and in turn he explains the resolution clearly and carefully so people can understand,” said George Craddock, Pest Control Department manager.

Stevens also works as an assistant Sunday school teacher and is active in his church.

Joseph Wieckoski
Massey Services, Maitland, Fla.

Wieckoski has spent 20 years in the pest management industry, and earned a bachelor’s degree in education. He won Massey’s distinguished pest technical service award, and volunteers in his community as a crime watch member and on Friday nights at the high school football stadium.

TERMITE

Vaughn Blaumenstetter
Schendel Pest Services, Springfield, Mo.

After nearly 20 years in the industry, Blaumenstetter has been nominated three times for Schendel’s termite technician of the year aware; he won in 2006. He served in the U.S. Air Force as a pilot and built his own airplane.

Blaumenstetter also volunteers for his church, where he helps the elderly and sponsors children’s programs.

Clarence Baisley
Home Paramount, Richmond, Va.

Baisley has spent the last 23 years of his career with Home Paramount, where he specializes in structural fumigation and is an in-house trainer of new technicians. He also works with the Richmond office of the Department of Housing and Urban Development as a laborer.

“He is extremely dependable and has a broad base of knowledge of operation pest management,” said Manager Robbie Pope. “He has impeccable customer service skills that are helpful not only in customer retention but also in the growth of our commercial accounts.” Manager Robbie Pope.

Dalton Perry
Terminix, Madison, Tenn.

In 7 years with Teminix, Perty has won the company’s technician of the month and the Gold Quality Star award winner five times each. He also volunteers as a Scout Master, Little League coach, middle and high school basketball coach, and is active in his church.

Jeff Schulton
Middleton Lawn & Pest Control, Ocala, Fla.

Schulton has spent a decade in the industry, and works as Middleton’s farm and agriculture specialist. He helps area farmers deal with general pest control, termite and other specialized services in the Ocala area. He has been named the branch’s top producer and often travels to other Middleton offices to pitch in.

David Samons
Ameri Care Services, Murfreesboro, Tenn.

Samons has spent 23 years in the pest management industry, the last three with AmeriCare. He volunteers as an assistant Little League coach, and is lauded by his colleagues as a diligent and conscientious worker.

“He is my favorite termite technician,” said customer service rep Laura Phillips. “I know that every job David does will be done 100 percent to the customer’s satisfaction and that the customer will walk away with a really good feeling about David. He is probably the most polite technician I have ever known.”

JUDGES

A panel of well respected industry professionals had the difficult task of deciding the winners of this year's Technican of the Year Awards. PCT would like to thank our panel of judges:

• Dr. Robert Corrigan, RMC Pest Management Consulting, Richmond, Ind.;
• Dr. Austin Frishman, AMF Pest Management Services, Boca Raton, Fla.;
• Dr. Richard Kramer, Innovative Pest Management, Brookeville, Md.;
• and Dr. Fred Whitford, Purdue University Pesticide Programs, West Lafayette, Ind.