Looking back on the decision to merge with no regrets

From left are Arrow Exterminators’ Tim Pollard and Kevin Burns, Lewis Cobb Pest Control’s Roger Lewis and Arrow Exterminators Emily Thomas Kendrick. (PHOTO: ARROW EXTERMINATORS)

Four years after Arrow Exterminators acquired Lewis Cobb Pest Control, Roger Lewis has no regrets.

He spent his entire 48-year pest control career at the Orlando, Fla.-based company, where he worked with brothers Rick and Randy. As they neared retirement age, the brothers decided to sell the business.

“I have never doubted this decision was right for me, our employees and our customers,” Roger says. “The transition was handled professionally and smoothly, and the Arrow Exterminators team treated all our employees with respect and dignity.”

From one family to another

Like Arrow Exterminators, Lewis Cobb Pest Control has always been family owned. It now operates under Arrow’s Stark Exterminators brand. In 1946, it started out as Rudler Exterminating. Owner Tyn Cobb hired the brothers’ father, Richard Lewis, to manage it. In 1958, Lewis Cobb Exterminating Co. was formed, and eventually Richard and his wife, Carolyn, bought the company. Roger’s son Rob Lewis worked there, too, for 25 years.

The acquisition was Arrow Exterminators’ first in Orlando, Fla. When the deal was announced, Arrow Exterminators Senior Executive VP and COO Tim Pollard pointed out that the company was an established and respected name in the Orlando market.

Arrow Exterminators continues to grow and by all accounts is a big company; however, it works to ensure employees feel as valued and respected as a tight-knit team. “Their people are genuine and caring,” Roger said at the time of the acquisition. “From our first meeting with [Arrow Exterminators Chief Development Officer] Kevin Burns, we knew we were dealing with someone we could trust.”

The right fit

Roger says his experience with Arrow Exterminators was positive. “Every person I encountered, from Emily to Kevin to all the members of the acquisition team, worked diligently to make the process seamless,” he adds.

To this day, Arrow Exterminators President and CEO Emily Thomas Kendrick attends every meeting when employees of the acquired company are informed of the sale, and personally welcomes them to the Arrow Exterminators family. Roger says that’s when he knew they chose the right company.

Four years later, many long-time employees, including Roger’s son Rob, who handles regional support, successfully made the transition. “I appreciate all the Arrow Exterminators team members I have had the privilege to work with since the sale,” says Rob, adding the acquisition has been a great learning experience.

“Arrow Exterminators was a great fit for our company because we are both family-owned companies that prioritize excellent customer service and value their team members,” Rob adds. “Our transition to Arrow Exterminators was smooth, and all Lewis Cobb employees were treated fairly.”

The decision to sell was not taken lightly, Roger points out. Lewis Cobb Pest Control was a family-owned business, just like Arrow Exterminators, and that was the most important factor for partnering with the company.

“Our shared commitment to protecting customers’ health and property while providing excellent service was one of our companies’ highest priorities,” he says. “I have only heard positive feedback from our Lewis Cobb Pest Control customers.”

In the four years since the acquisition, Roger has been enjoying retirement, adding, “I travel with my wife, Kathy, spend time with my family, and hit the open road on my motorcycle.”

<p>The post Looking back on the decision to merge with no regrets first appeared on Pest Management Professional.</p>

from Pest Management Professional https://www.mypmp.net/2024/09/16/looking-back-on-the-decision-to-merge-with-no-regrets/
Sacramento CA