Trio of Orkin Termite Specialists Named to BASF Termidor All-Star Technician Team

ATLANTA – For the second year in a row, BASF Professional Pest Control named three Orkin termite technicians to its 16-member 2008 Termidor® termiticide-insecticide All-Star Technician team. BASF will recognize Orkin’s John Dennis of Easley, S.C., Willie Lawson of Blackstone, Va., and James Young of Maryville, Tenn., during a ceremony at the 2008 Dickies 500 stock car race at Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Worth, Texas, on Nov. 2.

BASF launched the Termidor All-Star Technician program in 2006 to highlight the contributions of termite technicians to the pest management industry. Senior BASF marketing, sales and technical personnel reviewed more than 100 entries from managers across the country to select the program’s 16 winners. Technicians were nominated for exceptional customer service, professionalism, leadership within the company, and knowledge of products and industry trends.

”Orkin is thrilled to have three of our termite specialists receive this industry honor,” said Glen Rollins, Orkin, Inc. president and COO. ”John, Willie and James exemplify Orkin’s commitment to hard work, outstanding customer service and industry-leading training on pest management techniques.”

Dennis, a pest and termite specialist at Orkin’s Greenville, S.C., branch, is a 20-year Orkin veteran and two-time President’s Club (Orkin’s top recognition program) winner who regularly receives compliments from customers for his superior service and expertise. According to Greenville branch manager Scott Moody, Dennis provides 100 percent effort, day in and day out. “He is the perfect model for leading by example,” Moody said.

Orkin’s Midlothian, Va., branch manager Jim Lincoln characterizes technician Lawson as an all-star at the branch and in the community. Since joining Orkin in 2002, Lawson has become a leader on the branch’s service team and been recognized as a President’s Club winner. He also volunteers in the community by providing free termite treatment to Habitat for Humanity homes. “Willie demonstrates concern, understanding and a vast knowledge of termite control and treatment when dealing with customers,” Lincoln said.

Young is a nearly seven-year Orkin employee who has been named a top performer in Orkin’s Tennessee region multiple times. Maryville branch manager Gary Hubbard describes Young as an “A player” who uses his expertise to determine the most effective treatment approach for each customer. Hubbard also praises Young for his work ethic, as he helps train new technicians on termite treatment and “makes sure the customer’s property looks as good, if not better, than it did when he arrived.”