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While much has changed at Horizon in the 36-plus years, the company has remained successful by sticking to its service commitment to "Let our family take care of your family."
In addition to his 36-year involvement in the pest control industry, Holst’s background includes serving as a lieutenant in the U.S. Army and graduating from Montclair State University.
Holst served as president of NJPMA (The New Jersey Pest Management Association) from 1990-1991 and has held several key positions at NJPMA as well as NPMA. He was NPMA’s Regional Vice President of the Year (1995-1996) and NJPMA’s Pest Control Operator of the Year in 1996.
In an exclusive interview with PCT, Holst discussed the fulfillment of running a family-owned and -operated business and his plans for his term as NPMA president. (Editor's note: Click here to listen to a podcast with Bernie Holst Jr.)
Q: What makes pest control a good profession?
A: I have seen many professions in my 37 years as a pest control professional. I have witnessed many types of businesses and been on many job sites. These have given me insight into what these jobs and professions entail. I must say that I still find pest control one of the most rewarding and interesting professions. As pest control professionals we protect people’s health and property. But our job impacts more than that. We also protect people’s businesses and livelihoods. We help make possible the quality of life that we have come to enjoy from a health and comfort standpoint. We provide security and peace of mind for all who need our services, whether it is a home-owner, a business, a school or a health care facility. Being a pest control professional also provides interesting diversity and challenges. In a day’s work our range of services can span from a large manufacturing facility to a small store on Main Street, to a mega mansion or a mobile home. I could go on and on here because this industry is so exciting. I must add that the people in this industry make it such a great profession. I have met and worked with so many wonderful people who are interested in serving and protecting people and are truly caring.
Q: How is your family involved in the business?
A: I am very fortunate to have a very supportive family. My wife, Joyce, who started the business with me, has always been very patient. Joyce was very actively involved in the office for the first 25 years. As our office has grown she now supports us in many other ways from outside the office.
Our son, Bernard Holst III, has a key role in Horizon’s future. What is very rewarding for me is that he has such a passion for Horizon. He has a deep respect for all of Horizon’s employees and clientele.
Our daughter, Jennifer, is still somewhat active, but is busy raising three children. We have always placed a high importance on family, and as her children grow Jennifer may once again become more involved.
Our youngest daughter, Kristen, lives in Denver, Colorado. Maybe a Horizon West branch? Just kidding!
Q: Why do so many pest control companies remain family-owned when that isn’t necessarily the case in other professions?
A: As I said before, when you look at the people in our industry, we tend to be people who what to help and protect other people. Growing up in that environment sets an example that is then realized by our children as they enter the business.
Q: Why did you decide to pursue the NPMA Presidency?
A: I am not sure that I pursued the presidency. I was always very active in the New Jersey Pest Management Association. I believe that a person owes a debt to the industry or profession from which he earns his livelihood. I think we have a responsibility to make our profession better, whatever that profession may be. My association with the industry on a state and national level has evolved as I have accepted different roles and proceeded from there. My hope is that I have already, and can in the future, make a positive impact on this industry.
Q: Please describe your leadership style.
A: I think that my leadership style is consultative. By that I mean that when I have an idea or process I want to implement, I sit down and explain my thoughts to the people involved or those who would be affected, listen to input and other viewpoints, then come to a conclusion and complete the plan.
Q: In your opinion, what is the most important role of NPMA President?
A: I believe the most important role of the President is guiding the direction of the association with the input from and consideration for the Executive Committee, Board of Directors and staff. The President unites the ideas from all sources and the people who execute those ideas, while maintaining continuity going into the future.
Q: How will your experience with Horizon, and at the state, local and national levels benefit you as NPMA President?
A: I would answer with regard to my life experience, because my experience encompasses far more than that of my company or other pest control associations.
I was a lieutenant in the U.S. Army, I was a high school teacher, and I currently serve as a councilman in my town and am president of The Lions Club. Each of these experiences has taught me something.
Though I could go on at great length, let me just say that I have learned to work in and with many people and in many types of work environments. In these relationships, I have learned to identify the critical areas on which to focus attention and designate the proper people to address those issues. Another important result of my experience is to be able to foresee future situations that may arise and anticipate the resources that may be required to resolve them.
Q: Specific to your term, what do you view as challenges and opportunities within the pest control industry?
A: Many of the challenges will be with regards to regulations and difficult public issues. However, we are ready for these challenges more than ever before. With NPMA and PPMA (The Professional Pest Management Alliance) resources, we have effectively been able to represent our industry in a positive way and have successfully been able to deal with the regulatory issues. I think our biggest challenge is creating a public awareness of the importance of professional pest control in our society. The PPMA has achieved amazing results in this area and continues to make great strides. With that awareness comes the recognition of need for our service. This is the key that will allow our clients and, more importantly, our prospective clients, to want our services. Many pest control professionals may feel that the greatest challenge today is bed bugs or some other type of pest. Some may feel that hiring the best people or general business management are their greatest challenges. Each of these issues are opportunities in disguise.
The real challenge will be how to deal with all of the opportunities we have to advance our industry. We have formed strength in global alliances as well as new alliances in the U.S.
There are several new opportunities for our members as well to participate in. One is QualityPro. What an opportunity for companies to move forward with confidence. The cost to the company is minimal in comparison with their return on investment. I could write five pages on this alone!
Another opportunity is the Pest Management Research Foundation. We have begun to do our own research for our industry. This is exciting! This is information that will benefit our membership directly. Information based on studies and research that we have commissioned and results that we can trust. I would encourage every company to make a donation to the Foundation.
Q: How would you like to see NPMA improve itself internally during your term?
A: NPMA has grown significantly over the years. This is due to the aggressive stance the past leadership has taken and NPMA’s staff has supported and pursued. Growth has been due to the commitment from the NPMA staff and (Executive Vice President) Rob Lederer’s vision and drive. Now we have to focus on developing a closer relationship with our partners who are our members in the U.S., as well as other stakeholders. Everyone realizes how important this is and the timing is right. This effort will require alignment of some NPMA internal resources and that is currently under review.
Q: What else would you like to add?
A: As I have said, we have grown in our professionalism substantially. Some growth has been through our own design — some has been forced upon us. Our past leadership has set this course through the good times and the bad. The staff at NPMA has implemented the planned course and dealt with hard times. I feel compelled to recognize these facts and share my gratitude for where my industry is today and what it means to our tomorrow.