A SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION CHAMPIONING OUR LOCAL WOMEN IN BUSINESS. PHOTOGRAPY BY JESSICA WHITLEY.

National Exterminating Co. Inc.

Vice President

107 Westcliff Blvd., Warner Robins

478-922-1410

national-pest.com

What is the mission of your business?

To provide quality termite and pest control services to the Middle Georgia area. We are 100 percent dedicated to customer service.

How has your business shifted because of the COVID-19 pandemic?

For those customers who are uncomfortable with the inside service, we have concentrated and increased our outside services to prevent pests on the inside. The majority of bugs come from the outside in, so concentrating on the perimeter is very effective. Our technicians are following all the safety procedures of hand sanitizer, masks and booties.

What was the best business advice you ever received?

To gain the community’s trust, which we have tried to do since day one. Then, to serve our community’s families like they are our own family, because we are a family business.

How do you define success?

My father and grandfather felt they were starting to succeed each time they were able to move into a larger office. Becoming debt free was also a huge milestone for them. As a woman taking over the family business, I think my success will look a lot different, and perhaps it will be a bit more difficult to measure. I want to be successful in keeping the business going, making sure that all of our employees will still have jobs and remaining focused on our founding principle of customer service.

I admire women who: Are professional while also personable, who stand up for themselves, but in a polite way.

Looking back, I wish I had recognized: The importance of learning the actual nitty gritty work that goes on in the field.

What is the most gratifying part of your job?

I’m so glad that my granddaddy was still alive to see me come into the business. It has certainly been a challenge taking test after test on bugs, and I was very excited I was able to make my family proud of those accomplishments. My daddy and grandaddy worked so hard building the business, and I grew up hearing all of the tough and challenging stories. I’m really proud that I can carry on the business. It would be very sad to see this company sold and changed. We have employees who have worked here for 10, 15, 20, even more than 30 years. We are forever grateful to their dedication and loyalty, and I want to keep this a company that they are happy to work for. 

What has been the most challenging part of being a woman in business?

My biggest challenge has been learning the various insects. Also, every situation is different, so gaining field experience has been challenging. Answers from a book are very different than what’s actually needed in the field.

I hope more women will: Support each other instead of break each other down. I also hope that more women will follow their dreams and their intuition. Don’t let anybody tell you no or that you can’t. 

How can women better support each other?

I think mentoring is huge! I wish I had a fellow lady in the pest control company to mentor me.

How can men better support women business leaders?

I have been extremely lucky in this aspect. I will admit that I was very nervous about the support and acceptance, or lack thereof, that I would receive when I started working here. Instead, I would say that the men in our company have been extremely supportive. Jimmy Dykes has worked for us for over 30 years, and he took me around on his PC route to show me how he services houses. It was funny, too, because he insisted on opening the car door for me every time. Our General Manager Gene Ussery also took me out on calls, especially while I was studying for my Certified Operators Test. My daddy has also been very supportive and excited to bring me into the business.

You might be surprised to know: I have an advanced wine certification and a mosquito certification (as well as all of my termite and pest control certifications).