PCT/BASF Announce 2025 Technicians of the Year

CLEVELAND – PCT and sponsor BASF are proud to announce the 2025 Technicians of the Year: Thomas Detwyler (Massey Services, Augusta, Ga.), Samuel Dominguez Valle (Rottler Pest Solutions, St. Peters, Mo.) and Dennis Kounnas (Green Pest Solutions, West Chester, Pa.). This is the 30th consecutive year that PCT and BASF have recognized standout service professionals in the residential, commercial and termite categories.

Joseph Schuh, head of technical service, BASF Professional & Specialty Solutions, said, “At BASF, we believe our innovations are only as strong as the professionals who put them to work. The exceptional achievements of Thomas, Samuel and Dennis inspire us to continue developing solutions, trainings and resources that empower pest management professionals everywhere to build lasting legacies of their own.”

Each winner is featured in the December issue of PCT. “Congratulations to Thomas, Samuel and Dennis,” said PCT Editor Brad Harbison. “We hope PCT readers enjoy learning about their journeys — from their past careers, to how they discovered a place in pest control and within their companies, to what sets them apart as outstanding service technicians. They truly stand as strong examples for others in the industry.”

Thomas Detwyler, PCT’s Residential Technician of the Year, has to give his seal of approval before new technicians can provide services on their own. Customers seek out Detwyler’s services because of his meticulous approach to the job. He’s also known for taking time to thoroughly explain to customers his processes and being quick to help people in emergency situations. When a Georgia Hospice center reached out to multiple pest control companies to help two elderly patients who were being stung by fire ants, Detwyler and Massey Services were the only ones to immediately help — and at no cost.

Samuel Dominguez Valle, PCT’s Commercial Technician of the Year, has been in the pest control industry for his entire adult life. Born and raised in Puerto Rico, Valle worked at a pest control company after high school and later established his own business on the island. After Hurricane Maria hit Puerto Rico in 2017, leaving the island devastated, Valle and his family moved to Missouri. As a commercial technician, Valle is known for helping customers beyond providing pest control. He does the job to make their lives better and to be a shoulder to lean on — even if just for 45 minutes during a service visit.

PCT Termite Technician of the Year Dennis Kounnas has always been dedicated to learning new things and stepping outside of his comfort zone. He has earned Tier 4 status in Green Pest Solutions’ internal Technician Advancement Program, meaning Kounnas holds multiple state pesticide categories, leads team trainings and trains new hires. The status also represents having completed National Pest Management Association classes and having earned ESA’s Associate Certified Entomologist designation. Kounnas’ colleagues praise how he applies his knowledge to the field and his continuous desire to learn on the job.