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PHILADELPHIA, Pa. – More than 300 pest management professionals, industry product suppliers and distinguished guests celebrated Residex’s 60th anniversary at an elegant gala held at the National Constitution Center in historic Philadelphia last week, an event which also recognized the contributions of Gary Marcucci, a well-known industry figure who is retiring at the end of the year.
Marcucci, who helped plan the event, was unaware he was going to be the guest of honor. “It was probably one of the best kept secrets in the industry, which is surprising given how quickly news spreads in this industry,” observed Chris Donaghy, owner and CEO of the Cranford, N.J.-based distributor. “We wanted to recognize Gary’s many contributions to Residex and the pest control industry. He’s had a remarkable career.”
Unlike many of his colleagues, Marcucci got a late start in the pest management industry, joining Delsea Sanitation in Camden, N.J. in 1975 at the age of 35. “I immediately fell in love with the job,” he said. His affection for the industry continued to grow under the watchful eye of Merle Gardner, owner Sherwood Chemical Co, who became his mentor after hiring Marcucci as a sales representative. “Every day I thank Merle for the role he played in introducing me to the industry.”
One of the most gregarious members of the industry, Marcucci spent most of his career at York Chemical Co. where he developed deep relationships with PCOs along the East Coast, becoming a ubiquitous figure at industry trade shows and educational events, and developing a reputation as a passionate advocate for his customers and the pest management industry. A cycling enthusiast, Marcucci gained national attention when he pedaled from the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia to Atlanta, Ga., site of the NPMA Convention & Trade Show, to raise money for the Phil Speer Foundation for Structural Pest Control. He raised the single largest donation at the time which was $20,000.
Marcucci joined Residex in 1992, serving as regional manager for the company, which was purchased by Donaghy in 2004. “Working with Chris Donaghy has been a blessing,” he said. “He’s been very good to me and my family. You couldn’t ask to work for someone with more class and integrity.”
The feeling is mutual, according to Donaghy, who described Marcucci as one of the industry’s “legendary figures,” a man who has worked tirelessly on behalf of his family, his employer and his customers. “We grew up in very similar neighborhoods,” Donaghy said. “Gary loves this city (Philadelphia), as I do, so it was the perfect place to hold this event.” Those neighborhood roots have contributed to Donaghy’s approach to business, which were on display at the 60th anniversary celebration. In describing Marcucci and the company’s values, Donaghy said, “Integrity is the most important value to me. Growing up in the neighborhood it was important to have friends you could trust and Gary is someone you can trust. Gary’s got my back. In fact, he’s got all of our backs.”
Marcucci attended the event with his wife of 39 years, Phyllis, along with his daughter Jennifer and her boyfriend John Piekarski. While Marcucci is retiring from a full-time position at Residex at the end of the year, he still plans to work for the company on a part-time basis “for as long as they’ll have me.” Donaghy said that won’t be a problem. “We plan to retain him as long as he likes.”
In addition to a multimedia tribute to Marcucci prepared by Marketing Communications Manager Bobby Kossowicz, Residex also treated attendees to a 17-minute movie titled, “Freedom Rising” chronicling how the U.S. Constitution came to life; an open bar featuring the night’s signature drink the “X-Tini”; a buffet dinner; and photos with a Ben Franklin impersonator.
“This city is where freedom began, which is why I felt it was appropriate we have our 60th anniversary celebration in Philadelphia,” Donaghy said. “Special interest groups are having a negative impact on our business and our industry. They’re threatening our livelihood. That’s why we need grassroots involvement from everyone in the industry. That’s what America is all about … involvement in the political process at the local, state and national level. The voice of the pest management industry needs to be heard,” he said, so it’s important for pest management professionals to “join the grassroots efforts of RISE, NPMA and state associations.”
Representatives from the industry’s leading product suppliers also were in attendance at the event. Gold sponsors included Atlantic Paste & Glue, Bayer Environmental Science, Bell Laboratories, DuPont Professional Products, Rockwell Labs Ltd, and Syngenta Professional Products. Silver sponsors were BASF, Dow AgroSciences, FMC Professional Solutions, Liphatech, and PestWest Electronics. Bronze sponsors included McLaughlin Gormley King Company, EcoSMART Technologies, and Woodstream Corporation.
Donaghy urged those in attendance to support the industry’s basic manufacturers, companies that have provided “invaluable industry support” and helped underwrite the cost of industry trade shows and educational events, as well as other important market initiatives.
Residex currently operates distribution facilities in eight states with 17 locations, including four facilities in the state of Florida. Residex is also a member and part owner of Speckoz, a cooperative of nine distribution companies nationwide including B&G Chemicals & Equipment Company, Estes, Forshaw Distribution, Rhodes Chemical Co., Southern Mill Creek Products, Superior-Angran, Target Specialty Products and Veatch Chemical Company. The company is a an active member of the National Pest Management Association (NPMA), Responsible Industry for a Sound Environment (RISE), the United Producers, Formulators & Distributors Association (UPFDA) and supports all state associations where they operate.
Marcucci was moved by the outpouring of affection expressed by all those in attendance at the 60th anniversary event, marveling at the “close knit” nature of the industry. “It’s been a wonderful ride for me. I’m just so touched by everything that’s happened to me tonight. I love this industry and I love you guys out there.”