Xplor Technologies announces Service Edge Conference 2026

LOGO: SERVICE EDGE CONFERENCE

Xplor Technologies announced the return of the Service Edge Conference (SEC26), a growth conference for field service businesses powered by Service Autopilot by Xplor and FieldEdge by Xplor.

Taking place Feb. 17–18, 2026, in Nashville, Tenn., SEC26 brings together service business owners and leaders from across North America for two days of strategy, insight and connection focused on helping service businesses grow and adapt in today’s market.

Designed as a state-of-the-industry experience, Service Edge Conference 2026 goes beyond motivation to deliver practical, real-world strategies business owners can apply immediately. From navigating tighter margins and labor challenges to building stronger systems and smarter operations, SEC26 is built to help service businesses adapt, scale and stay competitive.

Service Edge Conference welcomes professionals across the field services industry, including lawn care, HVAC, plumbing, electrical, cleaning, pest control, snow removal, holiday lighting and more. SEC26 will feature keynote presentations from TShane Johnson, entrepreneur and author known for his work on leadership, resilience and building high-performing organizations. Also joining the conference is Steve Baker, a leadership expert and author focused on trust, accountability, and sustainable growth. Sessions will also include insights from experienced operators and industry experts, covering leadership, operations, profitability, workforce strategy and scalable systems.

What attendees can expect

The SEC26 agenda is designed around the realities service businesses are facing today — and what’s coming next. Sessions focus on leadership, operations, marketing efficiency, financial clarity, workforce strategy and long-term growth planning.

Conference highlights include:
● State of the Industry keynote sessions focused on market trends, profitability and growth strategies
● Software-specific deep dives for Service Autopilot and FieldEdge users to help teams get more value from the tools they already use
● Actionable workshops and strategy sessions led by experienced operators and industry experts
● Peer networking opportunities with service business owners and leadership teams from across North America

SEC26 registration includes:
● Access to all keynote sessions, workshops and breakout sessions
● One-on-one support lab sessions for Service Autopilot and FieldEdge
● Access to the partner and exhibitor showcase
● Breakfast and lunch each day
● An evening welcome reception with complimentary beverages and hors d’oeuvres
● Admission to the SEC26 After Party

Who should attend

Service Edge Conference is designed for service business owners, managers and leadership teams looking to strengthen operations, improve profitability and prepare their businesses for what’s ahead — whether they’re scaling rapidly or refining their systems for sustainable growth.

Registration now open

Early-bird registration is now available. Full agenda details, venue information, and ticket options can be found at www.serviceedgeconference.com.

About Xplor

Xplor builds modern software as a service and embedded payment solutions for businesses of all sizes, elevating customer experiences with technology
designed to attract, connect, engage and retain. Tailored for everyday life industries such as childcare and education, fitness and wellbeing, field services, and personal services, helping more than 130,000 customers in 68+ countries thrive in the experience age and process $47 billion in annual payment volume.

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Sacramento CA

PestCo Holdings strengthens Seattle foothold via acquisition

LOGO: PESTCO HOLDINGS

Thompson Street Capital Partners (TSCP), a private equity firm based in St. Louis, recently announced that PestCo Holdings, a TSCP portfolio company, has acquired assets from Long Pest Control.

Founded in 1979 in Tacoma, Wash.-based Long Pest earned a strong reputation for pest management solutions within the residential and commercial segments. The acquisition of Long Pest bolsters PestCo’s capabilities in the greater Seattle region, a dynamic and expanding market for pest control services. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

“It’s very exciting to continue our growth in the Pacific Northwest region,” said Jay Keating, CEO of PestCo, in a news release. “The addition of Long Pest Control truly strengthens our company in this key market. Our goals remain consistent in that we will strive to earn the loyalty of the customers acquired, while expanding opportunities to PestCo team members across the U.S.”

Don and Kelly Long, owners of Long Pest Control, said, “After speaking with multiple companies in preparation for retirement after 47 years building and running Long Pest Control, we felt that PestCo was the best fit to maintain Long’s outstanding reputation and trust within the communities we serve. We are glad to have found a company that will continue to care for our employees and customers the same way we have. Thank you to PestCo for the best process from beginning to end.”

“Thompson Street is excited to support PestCo’s continued growth in the Seattle market through the acquisition of Long Pest Control, a well‑established and highly respected provider in the region,” added Dan Cooper, Managing Director at TSCP.

About Thompson Street Capital Partners

Thompson Street Capital Partners is a middle-market private equity firm that helps transform already exceptional businesses into market leaders. Based in St. Louis, Missouri, TSCP invests globally in the life sciences and healthcare, software and technology, business and consumer services and products sectors. TSCP partners with management teams to increase value by accelerating growth, both organically and via complementary acquisitions.

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Sacramento CA

Pestmaster Services announce new COO, operations manager

Paul and Amy Alley, owners of Alleymor Inc., DBA Pestmaster Services of the Hudson Valley and Capital Region, recently announced key leadership promotions supporting the company’s continued growth and long-standing commitment to developing talent from within.

New chief operating officer

Adam Stafford has been promoted to chief operating officer (COO). Stafford entered the pest control industry in 2004 as a technician with Pestmaster Services of the Hudson Valley and has advanced through the organization over the past two decades, most recently serving as operations manager.

Adam Stafford and Bed Bug K9, Hercules 

“Adam’s career path is a true example of what’s possible in this industry,” said Paul Alley. “From technician to COO, he has earned every step through dedication, leadership and commitment to our customers and team.”

Stafford is a Certified Nuisance Wildlife Control Operator, a Certified Bed Bug K9 Handler and a New York State Certified Applicator in multiple categories. In his new role, he will oversee daily operations, strategic growth initiatives and team development.

New operations manager

Succeeding Stafford as operations manager is Brian Lindhorst, who brings more than 10 years of pest control industry experience, including serving as a branch manager for a national pest control company.

Brian Lindhorst

About Pestmaster Services

Pestmaster Services of the Hudson Valley and Capital Region has served residential and commercial customers for more than 25 years and continues to be one of the largest independently owned pest control operations in the New York market.

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Sacramento CA

Photo Finish: PMPs rally for community causes

It never ceases to amaze the Pest Management Professional staff how readers across the country prove that their dedication to their communities is as strong as their technical expertise. Here is just a sampling of how pest management professionals (PMPs) stepped up to make a difference in 2025.

Helping with hope: Thomas Pest Services

In March, Thomas Pest Services launched a community fundraising campaign for Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month. The Schenectady, N.Y.-based company matched $1,500 in donations from customers and partners for a total contribution of $3,000 to Jake’s Help From Heaven, a local non-profit supporting individuals with complex medical needs. Then, in September, co-founders Bill Clark and Sarah Thomas-Clark partnered with local businesses to support the second annual Backpack Giveaway, providing 100 stocked backpacks for local students and an additional 20 for local school districts to ensure all students were prepared for the academic year. 

Supporting our Veterans: Rose Pest Solutions

As part of an ongoing commitment to U.S. Veterans, employees of Northfield, Ill.-based Rose Pest Solutions and its sister company, Franklin Pest Solutions, donated hundreds of clothing items this winter. The donations benefited Veterans served by the Hines VA Medical Center in Hines, Ill. Pictured from left are Dr. Stan Cope, technical director; Tom Snyder, Louisville branch manager; Dave Sloop, Michigan City branch manager; and Jorge Guerrero, safety coordinator. 

The power of song: NC/SC PWIPM

The North Carolina and South Carolina Professional Women in Pest Management (PWIPM) chapters hosted the inaugural “Melodies that Matter: Pest Control Pop Star Edition FUNdraiser.” Held during the 2025 Carolinas/Mid-Atlantic Summer Conference in Savannah, Ga., in August, the event raised $6,937.65 in support of Safe House Project, a national nonprofit dedicated to ending child trafficking. The evening combined karaoke and philanthropy, allowing participants to donate for the chance to sing — or pay a fee to avoid taking the stage. Pictured from left are planning committee members Suzanne VanDerveer, Melanie Matthews, Maria Miller (North Carolina chair), Julie Tesh-Clark and Donna Gross (South Carolina chair). The committee also included Mary Elizabeth Fairfax and Laura Gergle.

10 times the generosity: Pest-End

Plaistow, N.H.-based Pest-End hosted its annual end-of-season event in October, drawing inspiration from the National Pest Management Association’s Academy format. Six color-coded teams competed in spirited challenges, including a community-focused task: donating items to local food pantries. While the initial goal was 150 items, the team’s generosity resulted in more than 1,500 items donated to help neighbors in need.

If you have programs or events you think could inspire fellow PMPs, please send a writeup and photos to pmpeditor@northcoastmedia.net.

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Sacramento CA

Massey Services names new regional VP

Massey Services, a leader in the pest management and landscape industries, recently announced the promotion of Michael Swanson to regional vice president. In this role, Swanson will lead the regional management team overseeing operations in Greater Houston, South Central Texas, North Texas, Oklahoma and The Villages.

Mike Swanson

Swanson began his career in the pest and lawn industry in 1987 with Middleton Lawn and Pest Control Company, which was acquired by Massey Services in 2009. Since joining Massey Services, he has played a pivotal role in expanding and developing multiple regions, including Florida’s East Coast, North Central Florida and The Villages.

In 2010, Swanson was appointed regional manager of North Florida, covering the Jacksonville market. He transitioned to Central Florida in 2014 as regional manager of the North Central Region and, in 2023, was appointed to lead The Villages region. Throughout his career, Swanson has demonstrated a strong commitment to operational excellence and fostering a culture of high performance.

“Mike brings a great combination of operational expertise, strong leadership and a genuine commitment to developing people,” said Tony Massey, president and CEO, in a news release. “We have seen significant growth in the markets that Mike has managed through his ability to build, develop and inspire high-performing teams that are committed to total customer satisfaction will be invaluable in his new role.

About Massey Services

Based in Orlando, Fla., Massey Services is one of the nation’s largest and most respected service companies in the pest management industry. Celebrating 41 consecutive years of profitable growth, Massey Services and its subsidiary organizations employ more than 2,900 team members who provide residential and commercial pest prevention, termite protection, landscape and irrigation services for nearly 1 million customers from 194 Service Centers throughout Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Texas, South Carolina, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Virginia and Tennessee

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Sacramento CA

Envu adds to professional pest management marketing team

Melissa Kahan

Envu recently announced the addition of Melissa Kahan as campaign activation manager for its U.S. Professional Pest Management (PPM) segment. The move strengthens the Envu team’s industry expertise.

“Kahan brings deep marketing expertise to our U.S. PPM business,” said Jessica Rasmussen, senior marketing activation manager, Envu, in a news release. “Her experience leading global initiatives in Public Health and Professional Pest Management will strengthen our campaign activation efforts and help us deliver even greater value to our customers.”

A graduate from the University of Florida with a bachelor of science degree in journalism, Kahan also draws knowledge from nearly seven years of experience with major chemical manufacturer BASF as a manager and specialist in global communications.

In her new role, Kahan will lead segment strategy and integrated campaign planning and activation across the U.S. PPM business. Drawing from her 12 years of experience in partner engagement, brand strategy and global communications, she will help showcase how Envu empowers partners to take control when pests get out of control — through proven chemistries and advanced tools designed to respond to shifts in nature.

About Envu

Envu was founded in 2022, built on years of environmental science experience, for the purpose of advancing healthy environments for everyone, everywhere. Envu offers dedicated services in professional pest management, forestry, ornamentals and more. The portfolio of the Cary, N.C.-based manufacturer consists of more than 180 trusted and well-known brands. Envu employs more than 900 people, operates in 100 countries and has four global innovation hubs. 

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Sacramento CA

What it means to be a pest management expert

I recently shared a story in the January 2025 “Callback Cures” column regarding a life lesson I learned while working for the late University of Florida medical entomologist, Dr. Jerry Butler.

The field was Jerry’s favorite classroom, and every day with him was filled with teaching moments that have stayed with me throughout my career. Jerry was my mentor and my inspiration for pursuing entomology. Sadly, he passed away in November. To honor such an incredible entomologist, educator and friend, I’d like to share another foundational moment from that summer.

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Key takeaways

• Observation is the first step: Identifying the “unusual” is more important for an expert than having an immediate answer for every specimen.
• The humility of expertise: True professionals are comfortable admitting when they don’t know something, using it as a catalyst for scientific investigation.
• An evolving industry: As pest ranges expand and behaviors evolve, experts must remain ready to encounter and investigate the unknown daily.

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The “mystery” mosquito

We were resetting insect collection traps at a local horse farm when a mosquito landed on my arm. It didn’t look like any of our usual suspects, so I asked Jerry to identify it.

To my surprise, he said he didn’t know.

This caught me off guard. Jerry was the preeminent expert; he was supposed to know everything. How could he not know? Still shocked by his admission, I collected the mystery mosquito so we could take a closer look back at the lab.

Western Treehole Mosquito (Aedes sierrensis) PHOTO COURTESY OF INATURALIST

Redefining the “expert”

On the drive back to the lab, curiosity got the best of me. I asked Jerry how often an expert entomologist came across something he couldn’t identify.

“Every day,” he said. “Being an expert doesn’t mean you have all the answers. There’s just too much out there to know everything. That’s what makes all this so fun. You don’t have to know everything to be an expert. You just need to be comfortable spotting the unusual and be ready to investigate. Your mosquito looked unusual, so we’ll have a closer look.”

I’ve since forgotten what that specific mosquito turned out to be. However, Jerry’s view on what it means to be an expert has remained a core tenet of my professional philosophy.

Investigation over rote knowledge

The challenges we face in the pest management industry are ever-changing. Pests expand their geographic range, behaviors evolve and new invasive species are introduced regularly. No matter how many years of experience you have, every day serves up an opportunity to encounter something new.

Being a pest management expert doesn’t mean you have to know it all — because you can’t. You simply need to be comfortable spotting something unusual and possess the technical discipline to investigate it.

Thank you, Jerry, for your eagerness to share a lifetime of knowledge. I am eternally grateful for our time together and for the chance to experience your passion for entomology firsthand.

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Dr. Michael Bentley is VP of training and technical services for the National Pest Management Association. You can reach him at mbentley@pestworld.org.

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Sacramento CA