Orkin Named to Training Magazine's Top 125 for Seventh Straight Year

ATLANTA — Training magazine recognized Atlanta-based Orkin, Inc. as a Top 125 company at its annual awards banquet on Feb. 9.  Orkin ranked No. 83 in 2009, up from No. 92 in 2008.  This is the seventh consecutive year the pest control company received a Top 125 ranking.  Training selects this prestigious list of companies based on programs tied to business objectives, best training practices and outstanding training initiatives, among other criteria. 

Training also recognized Orkin with an Outstanding Training Initiative award for the company’s PowerTrack training program.  PowerTrack is a unique, handheld computer technology developed by Orkin, which enables Orkin’s commercial technicians to track pest activity and potential pest problems at the time of service. 

A key factor in Orkin’s continued training success is the company’s use of advanced technology and systems to communicate internally, including leveraging podcast technology. Podcasts are a cost-effective, yet engaging, tool for the company to provide ongoing learning directly to more than 350 commercial sales professionals throughout the United States. Podcast episodes are formatted similar to talk radio programs and provide critical information about Orkin and the pest management industry, plus tips for honing sales skills. New episodes are posted monthly, each featuring a sales professional as a guest call-in expert. 

“In the past, it has been a challenge to provide effective training to Orkin’s commercial sales professionals, who are dispersed all over the country,” said David Lamb, Orkin’s vice president of learning and media services.  “With the help of podcast technology, we are now able to equip our sales force with the information and tools they need to excel, and the response to the program has been very positive.”

Orkin also trains its employees through Orkin TV, a satellite television network launched in 2006.  The communications network creates a live “virtual classroom” for employees to interact with expert instructors on new techniques and important public health information.  The network includes interactive video-on-demand (IVOD), an integrated satellite receiver and site controller, and direct-to-monitor broadcasting.  To date, Orkin TV reaches more than 400 field locations, offering access to employees in every region the company serves. 

For on-site learning, Orkin’s training department, called Orkin University, boasts the pest control industry’s premier hands-on training center.  The multi-million dollar Atlanta facility includes a restaurant, commercial kitchen, hospital room, hotel room, supermarket, warehouse space and a full-sized, fully functional house for applied learning of pest and termite control techniques.  Cut-away walls and examples of common building techniques provide commercial and residential technician trainees with first-hand knowledge of what to expect when servicing customers across the country. 

“At Orkin, customer service is at the heart of everything we do,” said Lamb.  “We are committed to implementing innovative training programs and solutions to effectively engage, equip and advance our employees so that they can, in turn, provide the best possible service.”