PCT Awards Gift Cards to Flea and Tick Market Survey Participants

CLEVELAND – Pest Control Technology (PCT) magazine announced the winners of $50 Visa gift cards for participating in PCT research conducted by third-party firm Readex Research. The following PMPs completed surveys for the State of the Flea Market and State of the Tick Market – both sponsored by Zoecon.

Winners were:

• Anthony Delisio, owner, Insector Inspector, Highland Heights, Ohio
• Phil Coulson, Custom Care Pest, Boise, Idaho
• Troy Albitz, general manager, Swanson’s Pest Management, Eugene, Ore.
• Phillip Saunders, lead technician, Dash Pest Control, Oxnard, Cali.

When Delisio was hired by Orlando Baking, Cleveland, Ohio, in 1997, his employers asked him to receive a state pesticide applicator license to become the bakery’s pest control technician. After that, Delisio’s godfather asked if he would perform pest control services for his real estate company. “I inquired with the state and learned I was able to do so,” he said. “From there, I was able to grow my business.”

Throughout the journey growing his business and time spent in the industry, Delisio’s favorite part has been “being able to help my customers solve their pest control issues and developing relationships out of that situation.”

Albitz has covered just about every part of the industry, which he joined when a good friend of his started working at Orkin and recruited him. “I love problem solving and figuring issues out, not being stuck in an office cubicle and the interaction with customers,” Albitz said. “Plus, I look cool cruising in a truck.” As the general manager, Albitz handles the company’s day-to-day operations, interacts with customers, plans marketing strategies, etc.

Similarly, Saunders became involved in the pest control industry through a family friend during the COVID-19 pandemic. Saunders trains technicians and handles inventory management and quality control, he said.

“What I like best about pest control is that I get to be out helping people without being overwhelmed by customers like most retail jobs,” Saunders said. “I get to be outside. The best part is that I get to use my brain because every job is different.”