Bug Bux Podcast
Business & Economics Podcasts
Bug Bux Podcast is designed to help pest control owners start and rapidly scale their company. The hosts, Eric Bassett and Jake Claus, are experts in the pest industry, and they are committed to providing the best guests and resources to help entrepreneurs. Their goal is to help you become a bug money millionaire.
Eric Bassett started out as a door-to-door sales representative in 2008. Then he quickly worked his way into upper management and a sales director role before joining Natura as an owner and Vice President. His areas of expertise are inside sales and customer service training, organizational leadership development, and business strategy. He's also an Associate Certified Entomologist. You can follow his journey on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram @iamericbassett
Jake Claus started his journey in the pest control world in 2005, selling door-to-door for brands across Idaho, California, and Texas until he and his wife, Jana, started Natura Pest Control in the Portland, Or/Vancouver, Wa area in 2013. Jake loves the science and service side of pest control, as well as developing innovative ways to grow and expand his business. Personal development and pursuing his vision for his business and family achievements are his number one endeavor. Aside from being the President and Founder of Natura Pest Control, Jake is also an Associate Certified Entomologist, Structural Pest Inspector, and holds licenses in every major category of structural pest control. Jake is also a part-time paid Firefighter/EMT with his local fire department.
Location:
United States
Description:
Bug Bux Podcast is designed to help pest control owners start and rapidly scale their company. The hosts, Eric Bassett and Jake Claus, are experts in the pest industry, and they are committed to providing the best guests and resources to help entrepreneurs. Their goal is to help you become a bug money millionaire. Eric Bassett started out as a door-to-door sales representative in 2008. Then he quickly worked his way into upper management and a sales director role before joining Natura as an owner and Vice President. His areas of expertise are inside sales and customer service training, organizational leadership development, and business strategy. He's also an Associate Certified Entomologist. You can follow his journey on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram @iamericbassett Jake Claus started his journey in the pest control world in 2005, selling door-to-door for brands across Idaho, California, and Texas until he and his wife, Jana, started Natura Pest Control in the Portland, Or/Vancouver, Wa area in 2013. Jake loves the science and service side of pest control, as well as developing innovative ways to grow and expand his business. Personal development and pursuing his vision for his business and family achievements are his number one endeavor. Aside from being the President and Founder of Natura Pest Control, Jake is also an Associate Certified Entomologist, Structural Pest Inspector, and holds licenses in every major category of structural pest control. Jake is also a part-time paid Firefighter/EMT with his local fire department.
Language:
English
Episodes
Ep 145: Important Marketing Updates with LSA and Local SEO featuring Mat Rogers with Lizard SEM
7/25/2024
In today's episode, Eric and Jake dive into the world of digital marketing with special guest, Mat Rogers, COO of Lizard SEM. Mat discusses the latest features in Google's digital marketing landscape and how they impact pest control companies. If you want to stay ahead of your competitors and drive engagement, don’t miss this information packed episode.
Topics Include:
Introduction (0:00)
Guest Segment: Mat Rogers (5:43)
Current Trends in Digital Marketing (6:24) Importance of Local SEO (8:45)
SEO vs. Local SEO Explained (10:06)Keywords and Content Creation (12:57)
Enhancing Google Business Profiles (18:15)
Creating Keyword-Specific Content (19:07)
Challenges for Small Business Owners (24:00) Investing in Marketing for Growth (28:09)
Optimizing Historical Data (24:44)AI and Speech Tools in Marketing (35:20)
Understanding User Intent in Marketing (37:00)
Duration:00:39:01
Ep 144: 20 Tips to Grow Your PCC with Eric Bassett and Jake Claus
7/18/2024
Whether it's through digital marketing, community involvement, or direct engagement, there are numerous ways to grow your pest control company. In today's episode, Eric and Jake address a question posted from Dominion Pest Control in the Bug Bux+ Facebook Group. Dominion Pest Control is a new company looking for advice on how to get customers. Eric and Jake share their top 20 tips for acquiring new customers.
Topics include:
Introduction (0:00)
Shoutout to Dominion Pest Control (3:45)
Getting Customers: No Easy Way (6:11)
Leveraging Friends & Family for Initial Customers (7:29)
Creating a Google My Business Profile and Social Media Presence (8:35)
Importance of Attractive Branding (10:02)
Using Local Social Media Influencers (14:55)
Sponsoring Local School Sports Teams (16:50)
Join Local Facebook Neighborhood Groups (23:30)
Trade Shows and Community Events (27:42)
Leveraging Neighbors for Business (36:25)
Pounding the Ground and Knocking Doors (42:30)
Duration:00:47:30
Ep 143: Leveraging NPMA and PPMA Tools featuring Jim Fredericks with the National Pest Management Association
7/11/2024
In today's episode, Eric and Jake had the pleasure of hosting Jim Fredericks, the Senior Vice President of Public Affairs at the National Pest Management Association (NPMA)/Executive Director of the Professional Pest Management Alliance (PPMA). Jim shared a wealth of knowledge about the resources and opportunities available through NPMA and PPMA, which are designed to help PCOs grow and succeed.
Topics Include:
Introduction (0:00)
Introduction to Guest: Jim Fredericks (3:33)
PPMA and Its Mission (6:38)
Consumer Outreach and Impact (10:30)
PPMA's Social Media and Video Projects (11:08)
Mainframe Content for PCOs (15:00)
NPMA Resources and Benefits (21:55)
Networking and Collaboration in Pest Control (31:19)
Overview of Quality Pro (38:30)
Duration:00:43:15
Ep 142: 4th of July as a PCO - Legacy and Entrepreneurship
7/4/2024
Light the candles and get ready to sing, because it's America's birthday! In today's episode, Eric and Jake discuss the significance of America as the land of opportunity and the impact of immigrant heritage on their entrepreneurial journey. They explore the value of hard work, the freedom to pursue happiness, and the unique opportunities available in America.
Topics include:
Introduction (0:00)
Immigrant Heritage: The Drive to Build a Better Life in America (5:15)
The Fourth of July: A Symbol of Opportunity and Freedom in America (15:46)
Opportunities as Business Owners (17:50)
Book Recommendation: “The Go-Giver” (23:38)
Value Your Time and Worth (29:33)
Duration:00:32:25
Ep 141: Together We Achieve More featuring Erik Anderson with Utah Pest and Lawn
6/27/2024
In today’s episode, Eric and Jake welcome Erik Anderson, owner of Utah Pest and Lawn. Erik shares his experience in sales, management, and entrepreneurship, highlighting the importance of integrity in sales, the power of networking and starting his own pest control company.
Topics include:
Introduction (0:00)
The Journey of Erik Anderson: From Sales to Entrepreneurship (2:52)
Integrity in Sales: Building Trust and Long-Term Relationships (8:05)
Knowing the Science of Products (19:04)
Networking: The Influence of Supportive Relationships (22:43)
Challenges of Studying for ACE Certification (25:07)
Growth and Future Plans (27:00)
Duration:00:38:30
Ep 140: Reducing Peak Season Call Backs with Staffing and Communication Strategies
6/20/2024
In today’s episode, Eric and Jake discuss the challenges and strategies of managing a pest control company during the peak season. They cover topics such as customer expectations, triaging reservices, staffing, and the use of social media for education and brand building.
Topics include:
Introduction (0:00)
Creating the Right Expectations From the Start (5:13)
Communication Process with Customers (11:09)
Managing Customer Expectations and Reservices (13:54)
Social Media and Educational Content (21:57)
Strategies for Staffing and Forecasting During the Busy Season (29:01)
Navigating the Peak Season to Avoid Burnout (35:30)
Duration:00:44:29
Ep 139: Building the Right Team Early featuring Billy and Taylor Wright with Zona Pest Solutions
6/13/2024
Building a strong team dynamic based on trust and support is essential for the success of your pest control company. Today Eric and Jake welcome Billy and Taylor Wright, owners of Zona Pest Solutions. Billy and Taylor highlight the importance of early hiring to drive growth for their business. By bringing on a new employee, they were able to focus on growing the business, acquiring new accounts, and expanding their reach in the market.
Topics Include:
Introduction (0:00)
Guest Introduction (1:50)
Starting in Door-to-Door (7:37)
Discussing Different Markets (12:32)
Transitioning to Owning a Business (15:30)
Hiring the Right Team (20:20)
Building a Close-Knit Team (25:23)
Husband and Wife Team (29:26)
Expanding to Specialty Services (35:40)
Duration:00:45:24
Ep 138: Building a Family Business That Lasts featuring Scarlett Nolen with Truly Nolen
6/6/2024
In today's episode, Eric and Jake have the pleasure of interviewing Scarlett Nolan, the president of Truly Nolan of America. Scarlett discusses the significance of intentional culture in companies, emphasizing the need for proactive discussions and actions to shape a positive work environment. Scarlett also talks about the challenges and benefits of working in a family business, highlighting the importance of defining success, and the evolving priorities of different generations in the workforce.
Topics include:
Introduction (0:00)
Importance of Culture in Pest Control Companies (5:30)
Family Systems (7:32)
Family business dynamics (17:33)
Tips for Successful Family-Run Businesses (22:30)
Defining Success and Business Partnerships (29:33)
Evolution of Workforce Generations and Culture (32:30)
Duration:00:42:23
Ep 137: Data-Driven Growth Strategies featuring Cameron Bawden with Green Mango Pest Control
5/30/2024
In today's episode, Eric and Jake have the pleasure of welcoming back Cameron Bawden a serial entrepreneur and the owner of Hype Farm Premium Home Services, which oversees several successful brands including Green Mango Pest Control. Cameron shares valuable insights on how he has significantly improved his company's profit margins and strengthened its culture. In addition, Cameron discusses effective strategies for scaling his business while maintaining a strong company culture and high operational standards.
Topics Include:
Introduction (0:00)
Importance of data integrity(4:43)
Sharing vision with employees(8:51)
Company-wide monthly meetings (13:33)
Company culture and training techniques (15:10)
The role of auditors (20:40)
Sharing financial numbers with your team (29:46)
Abundance mindset (38:00)
Duration:00:40:52
Ep 136: Scaling with Integrity and Trust featuring Matt Thompson with BugPro Pest Control
5/23/2024
EpIn today's special Memorial Day episode, Eric and Jake welcome Matt Thompson, owner and CEO of BugPro Pest Control. Matt shares his inspiring journey from being an Airborne Ranger in the United States Army to unexpectedly finding a fulfilling career in pest control. His military background not only instilled a strong sense of discipline and integrity but also deeply influenced his business philosophy. Matt emphasizes the importance of trust, both in the military and in pest control, highlighting how his commitment to honesty and quality service has helped build lasting relationships with his clients.Topics include:
Introduction (0:00)
Guest Introduction: Matt Thompson (2:37)
Military skills applied in pest control (9:45)
Finding Purpose (13:50)
Unexpected journeys into pest control (17:28)
Integrity in Pest Control (21:42)
Building trust with transparency (25:15)
Building Customer Relationships (28:27)
Trust and performance in teams (34:10)
Duration:00:42:00
Ep 135: Cultivating a Performance-Driven Environment featuring Colton Gonzales and Eric Salgado with Firehouse Pest Control
5/16/2024
In today's episode, Eric and Jake had the pleasure of welcoming back Colton Gonzalez and Eric Salgado with Firehouse Pest Control. These returning guests shared valuable insights into their journey from firefighting to pest control, emphasizing the importance of integrity and customer service in their business model. In addition, by establishing a system where technicians were incentivized for their sales performance and customer service, they motivated their team members to excel in their roles and contribute to the company's success.
Topics Include:
Introduction and Sponsor Mention (0:00)
Guest Introduction: Colton Gonzalez and Eric Salgado (3:04)
Transition from Firefighting to Pest Control (10:20)
Business Growth and Focus Areas (14:15)
Enhancing Company Culture and Employee Incentives (19:36)
Simplifying Processes for Technicians to Boost Sales (25:25)
Reflecting on Company Improvements and Future Plans (31:01)
Duration:00:39:36
Ep 134: Building a Strong Company Culture Through Brand Identity Featuring Shane Mantz with Magna Pest Solutions
5/9/2024
Storytelling is a powerful tool that can be used to build connections and trust with customers, clients, and employees. In today's episode, Eric and Jake welcome Shane Mantz, the regional operations manager at Magna Pest Solutions. Shane discusses the importance of creating a strong brand identity based on core values. In addition, by understanding what is important to you as an individual or organization, you can develop a brand identity that reflects those values and resonates with your target audience.
Introduction (0:00)
Connecting storytelling with business growth (5:38)
Importance of brand identity and storytelling (10:20)
Conveying brand identity through consistency (14:20)
AI and creativity (18:55)
Connecting with customers on an authentic level (21:34)
Brand identity in hiring process (28:18)
Duration:00:32:34
Ep 133: Overcoming Hiring Challenges Featuring Dennis Kuchta with Wise House Environmental Services
5/2/2024
In today’s episode, Eric and Jake welcome Dennis Kuchta, founder and CEO of Wise House Environmental Services in South Florida. Dennis sheds light on the struggles many business owners encounter in attracting individuals with a strong work ethic and commitment to their roles. He also expresses his concerns about not wanting to sacrifice customer care for rapid growth, as he values his clients and wants to provide them with the best service possible.
Topics include:
Introduction (0:00)
A PCO turned recording artist (1:22)
Scaling a pest control business (5:00)
Quality versus size of companies (8:47)
Leadership and technical skills (15:36)
Finding the right roles (16:46)
Hiring dedicated employees (25:27)
Podcasts and books motivation (33:27)
New Bug Bux Song (36:00)
Duration:00:39:43
Ep 132: Changing the World Through Pest Control: Featuring Rian & Noelle Goins with Get Goins Pest Control
4/25/2024
In today's episode, Eric and Jake had the pleasure of speaking with the dynamic husband and wife duo, Rian and Noelle Goins, owners of Get Goins Pest Control in Los Angeles. They share their incredible journey from inheriting a small client list to building a thriving business through the power of social media and referrals. The Goins couple is not only making waves in the pest control industry but also leaving a significant impact on their community through their non-profit organization, Keep It Goins Foundation. They've been involved in legislative efforts and are active members of the pest control community, advocating for the industry and giving back in meaningful ways.
Topics Include:
Introduction (0:00)
Guest Introduction: Rian and Noelle Goins (1:50)
How Get Goins Pest Control Started (7:02)
Growth Through Social Media and Referrals (12:43)
Authenticity in Business and Social Media (15:20)
Keep It Goins Foundation Origin (21:00)
The Impact of Keep It Goins Foundation (27:10)
Partners and Supporters of Keep It Goins Foundation (31:36)
Changing the World Through Pest Control (41:06)
https://getgoinspestcontrol.com/
Duration:00:45:21
Ep 131: Scaling with Purpose: Featuring Casey Jones with Hydra Pest Control
4/18/2024
Building a pest control company should align with personal goals, not just financial gain. In today's episode, Eric and Jake welcome Casey Jones, owner of Hydra Pest Control. Casey emphasizes the importance of starting a business with the end goal in mind and focusing on creating a company that aligns with personal values and long-term goals. He shares the journey that led him from various industries to the pest control industry, driven by a desire to provide for his family and contribute positively to his community.
Topics include:
Introduction (0:00)
Guest Introduction: Casey Jones from Hydra Pest (2:53)
Branding and Company Growth (6:08)
Expanding Service Offerings in a Small Market (8:49)
The Importance of Accountability in Business (13:38)
Growth Strategies for Small Market PCOs (17:26)
Building a Company to Sell vs. Not to Sell (21:10)
The Value of Time and Family in Business (24:41)
Starting with the End Goal in Mind (27:45)
The Concept of Time Freedom (31:26)
Duration:00:36:39
Ep 130: Building a One-Stop Pest Control Shop: Featuring Degen Perry with Black Pearl Pest Control
4/11/2024
From door-to-door sales to owning a pest control company, this story is one of hard work and determination! In today's episode, Eric and Jake had the pleasure of chatting with Degen Perry, owner of Black Pearl Pest Control. Degen shares his journey from considering a career in dentistry to becoming a pest control owner during the uncertain times of 2020. Degen discusses the advantages of offering a variety of pest control services to become a "one-stop-shop" for customers.
Topics include:
Introduction (0:00)
Guest Introduction: Degen Perry (2:40)
How Black Pearl Pest Control Got Its Name (4:00)
Degen's Journey in Pest Control (5:33) Growth Methods and Customer Acquisition (7:55) Collaborating with Other Pest Control Companies (9:50) Weed Control as a Business Segment (14:36) Main Focus for the Fourth Year of Business (17:41) Starting Black Pearl During COVID (22:15)
Uniformity Among Technicians (27:20) The Importance of Culture and Customer Experience (30:31) Degen's Pro Tips for the Audience (32:01)
Duration:00:34:35
Ep 129: Evaluating and Improving Your PCC Featuring Shad Teerlink with Evolve Pest Control
4/4/2024
Leadership, empathy, and inspiring team growth are essential elements in building a successful pest control company. In today's episode, Eric and Jake welcome Shad Teerlink, CEO of Evolve Pest Control. Shad shares his experience of establishing and expanding Evolve Pest Control, highlighting the necessity of ongoing evaluation and improvement in both leadership and operations.
Topics include:
Introduction (0:00)
Origin story of Evolve Pest Control (5:15)
Leadership and company culture (9:45)
Building systems for scalability (14:33)
Building a strong team (17:47)
Plan or No Plan? (25:14)
Determination and Learning in Business (28:36)
Challenges of being a leader (33:50)
Leadership growth and self-awareness (36:30)
Conclusion (42:12)
Duration:00:39:06
Ep 128: “Would You Rather” Pest Control Edition
3/28/2024
In today’s episode, Eric and Jake play a fun, thought-provoking game of "Would You Rather.” They debated various scenarios, such as: Focusing on customer retention vs. acquisition, saying out of debt vs. leveraging growth debt, hiring experienced technicians vs. training newbies and so much more! Topics Include:
Introduction (0:00)
Would You Rather Game: Pest Control Edition (3:41)
Retention vs. Customer Acquisition (4:18)
Hiring Experienced Technicians vs. Training Newbies (5:52)
Expanding Service Offerings vs. Sticking to Core Services (11:00)
Short-Term Profitability vs. Long-Term Sustainability (14:02)
Staying Out of Debt vs. Leveraging Debt for Growth (19:23)
Focusing on Current Market vs. Expanding Geographically(23:35)
Lightning Round: Personal and Pop Culture Opinions (28:33)
Duration:00:34:34
Ep 127: Customers "Under Contract" - Pros and Cons of 12, 18, and 24-Month Commitments
3/21/2024
Eric and Jake kicked off today’s episode discussing the importance of having a customer agreement, which outlines the services provided, payment details, and other legal protections. They answer a question posted in the Bug Bux Facebook group by Jordan Wheeler. The question is “I've seen more D2D companies doing 18-24 month agreements. What is your general pest agreement length?”
Topics include:
Introduction (0:00)
Topic Introduction: Pest Agreement Length (3:17)
Importance of Customer Agreements (5:00)
Philosophy Behind Term Commitments (6:30)
Pros of Not Having a Term Commitment (10:07)
The Value of Contracts in Customer Retention (13:40)
Pros and Cons of 18- to 24-Month Agreements (19:06)
Final Thoughts on Contracts and Customer Relationships (26:00)
Duration:00:30:25
Ep 126: Maximizing Digital Marketing Strategies: Featuring Expert Mat Rogers from Lizard SEM
3/14/2024
Pest control owners need to carefully allocate their marketing budgets to ensure they are maximizing their return on investment and driving revenue growth. In today's episode, Eric and Jake have pleasure of hosting Mat Rogers, the COO of Lizard SEM, for his seventh appearance on the show. Mat shares invaluable insights into the world of digital marketing for pest control companies, emphasizing the importance of a comprehensive strategy that goes beyond just one tool or platform.
Topics include:
Introduction (0:00)
Catching Up with Mat Rogers (2:07)
Marketing Strategies and Budgeting (5:21)
Achieving Marketing Results (6:52)
Marketing Projections and Business Planning (7:38)
Local Service Ads (LSA) Trends and Tips (9:48) The Importance of Diverse Marketing Tools (11:44)
The Triforce of Digital Marketing (13:16)
The Impact of Fun and Engaging Content (17:07)
Natura's Marketing Success with Lizard SEM (19:03)
Killingsworth's Unique Marketing Approach (23:09)
Reactive vs. Proactive Marketing Strategies (25:54)
The Long-Term Benefits of Building a Brand (29:29)
The Future of Marketing and Business Growth (33:10)
Duration:00:33:18