Andrea and Kristin Coron: A shared dedication to the industry

Titles: Executive Director (Andrea) and Associate Director (Kristin) of Cooper Coron & Associates

Organizations: Virginia Pest Management Association, Virginia Wildlife Damage Management Association, National Wildlife Control Operators Association, Pi Chi Omega

Years in the industry: 24 each

Favorite part of the industry: “We both agree that pest control is a ‘people profession,’ and the people within this industry make our work so enjoyable. The individuals we have met throughout our career have been some of the most entrepreneurial, talented, motivated, kind, sharing professionals we have had the pleasure to support.”

Andrea and Kristin Coron offer those in the pest management industry an opportunity to learn from one another and network with colleagues.

Andrea and Kristin Coron

The sisters-in-law provide association management services for the Virginia Pest Management Association (VPMA), the Virginia Wildlife Damage Management Association, the National Wildlife Control Operators Association (NWCOA), and Pi Chi Omega, the pest control industry fraternity.

“We also use our knowledge to help advocate for our industry by developing relationships with and providing information to regulators, legislators and the public,” Andrea says. “We do a multitude of these things all simultaneously. Most women are serious multi-taskers!”

Their careers in pest management began when Andrea landed the executive director job at the VPMA. She was going to school for her master’s degree in education, and took on the part-time job. While student teaching, she asked Kristin for help around the office. The VPMA was growing, so there was enough work for them both.

“We feel like we complement each other’s strengths with our individual knowledge and experience,” Kristin says. “While our work frequently overlaps, and we do swap functions, there is no competition. Girls compete with each other; women empower one another.”

Andrea and Kristin say working with the state and national organizations has given them the opportunity to work closely with some of the pest management industry’s great leaders. 

Andrea (left) and Kristin Coron (right) with Dr. Dini Miller, who received the Virginia Pest Management Association’s Stewardship Award in 2014. PHOTO: Andrea and Kristin Coron

“It is humbling and inspiring to get to know people who selflessly work so hard to support, grow and cultivate this industry,” Andrea says. “As women, we get that things need to be nurtured to grow strong.”

Kristin and Andrea agree that the saying “love what you do and you’ll never work a day in your life” describes their situation. They say they love the work they do because they get the opportunity to learn and grow.

“We hope our enthusiasm and dedication to this industry has a positive effect on the organizations we serve,” Andrea says. “Honestly, we get more fulfillment than we ever expected by working in the pest management industry. We truly are proud of our careers.”

Read more: Celebrating successful women in pest control

from Pest Management Professional https://www.mypmp.net/2019/01/09/andrea-and-kristin-coron-a-shared-dedication-to-the-industry/
Sacramento CA