What makes you different from other providers?
I have faced a wide variety of pest challenges this industry can present over a great length of time in different communities. Having started my pest career in Contra Costa many years ago, I began to grow through the industry into Alameda County. I spent a decade working in this area and then another couple years in San Mateo and San Francisco counties. The pest challenges faced in big cities like Oakland and San Francisco are entirely different than those faced in Brentwood or San Ramon. Having this experience will allow me to be a far more capable pest professional.
Why did you start Nottingham Pest Control?
I had a career of training and coaching employees for other companies in multiple branches or locations across the Bay Area. Long days of work and commute so many of us make into Alameda and San Francisco counties had my family and I talking about starting a company of our own. Having worked in many different systems and cultures, I knew what I didn’t want us to do and what I believed my company could be. These larger companies can do great things in the communities they service but most, unfortunately, don’t. At Nottingham Pest Control, we believe in giving back to our community and have made that a core value of our company.
Why should someone call you?
Starting in the Termite portion of the industry I gained construction knowledge. Understanding how buildings are put together to help keep the weather out has been extremely beneficial in understanding how pests could be established or reside in a structure. This also helps in formulating a treatment plan or scope of service. I worked with both larger and smaller companies that do not have this in their training procedures. This is I feel a weak point in the industry and a strong point for me. A quick walk around of roughly 2-3 minutes at the exterior allows me to identify conducive conditions often unnoticed by most pest professionals.
What’s the number one reason people call you?
Referrals have been the main source of revenue because people in our community know and trust me. I’ve been the dad that roots for his kid’s success at the ball games and is known by all the kids at daycare when dropping off my little one. For those that don’t know me and find Nottingham Pest Control through advertising, they are taking notice that we are doing good things in the community.
What question are you most asked?
After I have the opportunity to inspect a facility or property, I’m able to gain some insight into what the environment might be like there. This helps me to address most concerns that may be possibly brought up. Those common questions are answered then. A household with a locked gate, dogs, vegetable garden and kids will likely want to be pre-notified in advance and need a pet/family friendly service that will involve not treating the garden area. The cost of the service is the only portion that’s left and can be different depending on the environmental conditions found at a home. By allowing me to take a look at your home or business, I can put together a customized service for your needs too. For those budget minded individuals focused on pricing as the main question, we have a pricing structure and multiple service options for every budget.
What do you like most about your job?
When in the pest business there is a great deal of satisfaction in correcting pest challenges at properties. Rodents especially. These pests are amazing, intelligent and are persistent at times. Getting a win over on the rodents is not easy and brings me joy.
I also like the aspect of owning my own business that allows me to be the dad that takes his youngest to daycare and picks him up at the end of the day. I really enjoyed mornings with my older one, even got to play basketball with him before school from elementary up to high school. Since I control my schedule, I’m thrilled that I’ll be able to share in these experiences again with my youngest. No longer having 2- to 3-hour commutes in Bay Area traffic is a huge win as well. This is what I enjoy most about my business.
What do you want potential customers to know about you?
This industry has been dealt a rough hand with a lot of turnover. Companies are being built to be sold. Not this one. We have already turned down our first offer and will continue to do so as they pour in. I’m excited to see what Nottingham Pest Control can do in the industry and especially in the community. I haven’t seen a pest control company built this way or one that gives back on any kind of regular basis. I’m hopeful there is an impact here that can pave the way for others to follow.