Termidor All-Star Technicians Recognized in Dallas

DALLAS — To recognize the 2008 Termidor All-Star Technicians, BASF chose Dallas and the Dickies 500 Stock Car Race as the venue.

“This event is an opportunity for us to recognize the folks who make this industry work. To use a racing analogy, ‘this is where the rubber hits the road,’” said Keith Holmes, business manager for the BASF Professional Pest Control Group, who addressed this year’s All-Star Technicians as part of a special recognition ceremony on Saturday, the day prior to the race.

Holmes then turned over the podium to Mike Littell, product manager of the BASF Professional Pest Control Group. “We received over 100 applications, and out of those applications we chose 16 technicians. We appreciate all of your efforts and all of the hard work you do and this is our opportunity to say thank you.” Littell also reviewed the criteria used to select this year’s winners:

• Demonstration of superior product knowledge
• Exemplary service to customers
• Drive and motivation to go beyond job function
• Knowledge about industry trends
• Commitment to professionalism
• Overall leadership and stewardship position within the company

Littell then read a synopsis of what makes each of this year’s All-Star Technicians such standout professionals. The comments were provided by the representative of each company who nominated the All-Star Technicians.

Adrian Miller, Canady and Son Exterminating, Wilmington, N.C.
“Adrian Miller is the perfect example of what a pest control technician should be — intelligent, hardworking, honest and courteous. It’s not the norm for customers to call just to compliment a technician but we often have Adrian’s customers call to let us know how much they appreciate him.”

Darnell Chambers, Massey Services, Orlando, Fla.
“Darnell is an asset to his team and to our company. He takes each task assigned to him and personalizes it by viewing his job as building valuable relationships with customers. What makes him stand out is his commitment to leadership at Massey Services and his motivation to help other team members.”

Elvestus Baptiest, Terminix, Carrollton, Texas
“Elvestus has a knowledge of products, pests, and treatment methods that is second to none in the Dallas area. He has an incredible customer-oriented work ethic, so much so, that our customers request him by name and refer him to their friends and family. Elvestus is our leading new business generator among technicians.”

Frank Smith, Viking Termite and Pest Control, Saddle Brook, N.J.
“Frank’s knowledge of entomology and how it applies to treatment are second to none among the Viking staff. What sets Frank apart from others is his ability to communicate this knowledge to other technicians. He conveys his excitement for the job to all around him, customer and co-worker alike.”

Gene Nelke, Rottler Pest and Lawn Solutions, St. Louis
“Gene truly cares as much about the customer as he does about their termite treatment. After using Termidor day in and day out for eight years, Gene stands behind the product 110 percent and isn't afraid to tell the customer why.”

Gregory Aguirre, Elite Exterminating, Corpus Christi, Texas
“Gregory is Elite’s top salesperson by simply educating the customer on everything from the fundamentals of product selection to the methods of treatment. When Gregory signs his name to a service invoice he explains to the customer the pride he feels in knowing that he just provided the best product available on the market today together with his service expertise.”

James Ramsey, A-Abel Exterminating, Dayton, Ohio
"Jimmy's efforts have protected thousands of Dayton area homes, and he has solved difficult termite challenges throughout his career. His work history is full of success stories, and he's been our lead termite technician since 1990."

James “Nathan” Young, Orkin Pest Control, Maryville, Tenn.
"Nathan has earned several 'Top Performer' plaques in our Tennessee region and we've fielded numerous calls from customers who just wanted to say 'thanks' for the job Nathan did at their home. Technicians like him help make a manager's job a bit easier."

Jim Eckroth, Ehrlich Pest Control, Reading, Pa.
"2008 marks the 25th anniversary of Jim's association with Ehrlich Pest Control. During those years Jim has been the standard bearer for what our company views as a pest control technician. Many of his customers have been his friends for over 20 years, and would never think of letting anyone else into their homes."

John Dennis, Orkin Pest Control, Taylors, S.C.
"John's success has unmatched consistency over the past 17 years. He's the story of a technician that has performed at the highest level year after year, and kept customers on the books that started when he began his incredible Orkin career."

Kathy Beeler, Harbor Pest Control, San Diego
"Kathy's ability to implement her knowledge in the most effective and efficient manner possible makes her a favorite around the office and with her customers. She has amassed a wealth of knowledge about the habits and biology of ants, especially Argentine and odorous house ants. In most cases, her success is linked to the effective use of Termidor."

Kisione ‘John’ Taufa, Western Exterminator Co., Escondido, Calif.
"John is as professional as they come, and has an old school work ethic second to none. His nickname is 'The Rock,' because he is the foundation of our termite department. There has never been a job we couldn't handle since John has worked for us."

Robert Alexander, Arab Termite and Pest Control, Elkhart, Ind.
"Robert has the ability to service customers with the utmost professionalism and respect. He always takes it upon himself to know his products, insects and customers. Even better, with Termidor and Robert by our side, our termite retreat rates are at an all time low."

Robert Coltrane, B&B Exterminating Company, Jacksonville, Fla.
"Rob has received more perfect scores than any other technician in B&B’s 70-year history. His respect and positive attitude are contagious, especially with his customers. Rob understands and shares the importance of building and maintaining customer relations, and this has led to numerous customer referrals and the highest amount of new leads annually."

Robert Taylor, Shamrock Pest Control, Inc., Mesquite, Texas
"Robert's professionalism has helped Shamrock Pest Control’s reputation in the community and he goes above and beyond the call of duty everyday. His customer service and communication is second to none. His attitude toward learning about the industry has spread to the rest of the staff which has made the company much stronger."

Willie Lawson, Orkin Pest Control, Midlothian, Va.
"Willie was selected to attend the Orkin's President Club trip in 2006, an honor bestowed only on the top termite specialists for displaying exemplary work in raw production per month, company loyalty and overall customer service. When it came time for Orkin to make a training video on a new service offering, Willie was selected to travel to Orkin's Training Center to be the trainer."

Following the first day’s ceremony, technicians heard a presentation from Dr. Jerome Goddard, who spoke on the role of pest management professionals in controlling pests of public health concern. All-Star technicians were then given the rare opportunity to ride as a passenger in a NASCAR car around the Texas Motor Speedway.

For the second day of the program, All-Star technicians heard from motivational guest speaker Nick Arnette, who used humor to provide customer service tips. They then watched the race from a luxury suite. This year’s Dickies 500 Stock Car Race was won by Carl Edwards.

Click here to see photos from the event.

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All-Star Techncians Provide Their Tips

PCT interviewed several of this year’s All-Star Technicians about this significance of this award, and what it takes to be a standout service technician. (Listen to what these technicians had to say).

What is the significance of this award?

“It signifies all that is good about our industry. There are a lot of people that do things wrong that gives a bad name to the rest of us. It’s important to go out and do things right — and do things right the first time. When we do that, word spreads that this is a good industry, and that is good for all operators.” — Gregory Aguirre, Elite Exterminating, Corpus Christi, Texas

“To me, it’s like winning a Grammy. To win an award like this when you consider all of the other companies and all of the other technicians that could have won, it is really quite an honor.” — Willie Lawson, Orkin Pest Control, Midlothian, Va.

“It’s recognition for the hard work that I’ve done. I’m proud to have been chosen. I’m proud to be a part of this industry. You are solving people’s problems. You are providing them a service that is important like (Dr. Jerome Goddard) said — stopping roaches that carry diseases and protecting people’s homes.” — Robert Taylor, Shamrock Pest Control, Inc., Mesquite, Tex.

What separates an average technician from a standout technician?

“An average termite technician does the minimum — an outstanding technician will go out of his way to explain more and let the customer know that he is 100 percent sure it is done correctly. A lot of times I give my customer my cell phone number because if they have a problem I want to be the one to come back. I want to assure them that I am treating their house they way I would treat my house.” — Willie Lawson, Orkin Pest Control, Midlothian, Va.

“Treat every house like it is your house and treat every customer how you’d like to be treated.” — Gene Nelke, Rottler Pest and Lawn Solutions, St. Louis

“Integrity, honesty, a good sense of humor and patience — lots of patience. Listen to the customer, be very patient with them. Try to answer any question they have. And if you don’t know, find out. Plus, my customers are also my friends.” — Kathy Beeler, Harbor Pest Control, San Diego, Calif.

“Put the cell phone away. Show customer you are there and give them your undivided attention when you are at their house. Assure them that you are there to solve their problem.” — Gregory Aguirre, Elite Exterminating, Corpus Christi, Texas