Sequoia Quality Solutions and The Pest Posse have jointly launched a new training course: cGMP for Pest Control Teams. This online course is designed to help pest management professionals (PMPs) understand and follow current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMPs) regarding food safety, defense and security.
Following these rules is not just a suggestion; it is an annual requirement for anyone who provides services to food manufacturing facilities. To stay compliant with federal laws and audit standards, any service technician entering these plants must complete this training every year.
Expert Training by Dominique Sauvage
Industry veteran Dominique Sauvage, ACE, PCQI, president of Sequoia Quality Solutions, wrote and developed the course content. He is a seasoned expert with over 40 years of experience in the pest management field. Throughout his career, he has worked in 17 countries and trained more than 10,000 professionals.
Sauvage’s background includes high-level roles such as senior director of technical services at Terminix. He is a certified HACCP trainer and an expert in Food Safety Standards and Audits. His deep understanding of food defense ensures this course provides top-tier education for the industry.
Why Annual Training is Critical
Food manufacturing plants must follow strict safety rules to stay in business. If a PMP does not follow cGMP rules, the facility could fail an audit or face fines. Taking this course every year ensures that your team remains compliant and well-prepared. This annual training also helps a pest control company become a trusted partner that truly understands the needs of food industry clients.
The course is produced by The Pest Posse and is hosted on the Pest Posse Academy training platform:
Mandatory Update: Meets the annual requirement for servicing food plants.
Certification: Every learner gets a certificate of completion after they finish the course.
Easy Access: The training is available online through the Pest Posse Academy.
Expert Knowledge: Sauvage delivers lessons that focus on real-world needs for food safety and security.
Since 1997, the Professional Pest Management Alliance has strived to “grow awareness of the essential role pest management professionals (PMPs) play in protecting health, food and property, creating market conditions that help businesses of all sizes grow stronger, faster.” In late October, it officially rebranded from the acronym of PPMA to the Alliance. An updated logo also reflects this change.
Since 2004, “professional pest management usage jumped from 18 percent to 42 percent among highincome homeowners, adding nearly 10 million new households to the market. The new brand identity captures this momentum while positioning the organization and the industry as a whole for its next phase of growth,” the organization reported in its rebranding announcement.
“PPMA was our foundation, and the Alliance is our future,” Alliance Chairman Bobby Jenkins, a Pest Management Professional columnist, said in the news release. “We’ve always been a movement that grows stronger with every company that joins, and that certainly hasn’t changed. We wanted to make sure our brand reflects that power of coming together. Because when we work as one, we all grow.”
Movers & Shakers
Norway pest control leader expands to US with acquisition
IMAGE: TYRO GROUP
Elverum, Norway-based Tyro Group acquired EnviroSMART Multifamily Pest Solutions, based in Houston, Texas, and founded by John Weigel in 2009. This is Tyro Group’s first acquisition outside of Europe; it has an established presence in Norway, Germany and the United Kingdom. The partnership will enable EnviroSMART to leverage Tyro Group’s network-wide support, operational expertise and investment capabilities. The Aust Group acted as the exclusive advisor to EnviroSMART on the transaction.
Other news:
Charlotte, N.C.-based Aruza Pest Control appointed five new branch managers: Doug DeVincentis, Smithfield, N.C.; Scott Dunsworth, Dallas, Texas; Michael Haas, Orlando, Fla.; Edward Lannigan, Houston, Texas; and Hasaan McIntyre, Charlotte.
Dr. Katie Stevens joins Liberty, Mo.-based Douglas Products as a field scientist.
Mergers, acquisitions and expansions
Whitmore buys Denver firm
IMAGE: WHITMORE PEST AND WILDLIFE
Denver, Colo.-based Whitmore Pest and Wildlife Control purchased local company Monster Pest Control. Paul Giannamore and Franco Villanueva-Meyer of the Potomac Co. acted as exclusive financial advisors to Monster Pest Control. Pictured from left are Marvin Christner, Whitmore director of training and development, Whitmore VP Wilson Christner, former Monster owner Matt Wolf, Whitmore President and CEO Richard Christner and Sylvia Christner, Whitmore director of employee relations.
Clarke acquires 2 product lines
St. Charles, Ill.-based Clarke, a provider of vector management solutions for public health, acquired Becker Microbial Products and the AquaBac larvicide line, which includes ownership of its proprietary Bacillus thuringiensis subspecies israelensis (Bti) strain.
This is Clarke’s largest acquisition in its nearly 80-year history. The acquisition diversifies its larvicide portfolio, which includes spinosadbased Natular. Like Natular, AquaBac is environmentally friendly with a record of efficacy, including in sensitive habitats. Both larvicides feature formulations that are listed by the Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI) for use in and around organic areas.
AXN Growth Partners made its ninth Arizona partnership in less than 16 months through a strategic alliance with All Clear Pest Control. Tony and Leah Gumm, brand presidents of Affordable Pest Control, will oversee the integration of All Clear’s customers and team into the AXN platform.
from Pest Management Professional https://www.mypmp.net/a-new-alliance-and-a-growing-industry-rebrands-acquisitions-and-key-appointments-signal-momentum/ Sacramento CA
2025 was a year full of industry growth, steered by major acquisitions, hiring and industry events centered around building the industry loved by all within it.
The writers, contributors and team at PMP magazine could not be more grateful for another successful year alongside the pest management industry. To cap off the year, we have compiled our most-viewed pieces of 2025 to reflect on the major events of the year. Enjoy!
Getty Images: mirsad sarajlic / iStock / Getty Images Plus
Each year, the pest-management industry pauses to honor the colleagues, mentors and innovators who have passed on. Individuals whose leadership, technical expertise and dedication shaped the industry we know today. Their contributions remain through the companies they built, the people they trained and the standards they helped define.
The National Pest Management Association (NPMA) released the Public Health Pest Index, its bi-annual pest forecast to raise awareness about the health threats pests pose nationwide. The report identified U.S. cities that were most at risk for experiencing a surge in disease-spreading pests throughout the winter and into spring.
Rockwell Labs Ltd and ConidioTec announce the acquisition by Rockwell of the patented Aprehend biopesticide for bed bugs and associated spray application products.
Hantavirus is an often fatal illness that humans can contract through contact with — especially inhaling airborne particles of — the droppings, urine or saliva in infected deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus).
The Impact Awards, sponsored by FieldRoutes, honor and celebrate exceptional women at all levels within the pest management industry, in any role, including management, technical service, sales or office staff.
The results revealed a notable surge in bed bug activity, with cities across Ohio, Texas, Florida, California and Pennsylvania dominating the list, suggesting regional trends in infestations likely tied to climate, housing trends and travel hubs.
As we look toward the horizon of a new year, the pest management industry remains a landscape of diverse goals and evolving strategies. Whether the focus is on global humanitarian efforts, local business efficiency or the integration of emerging technologies, every leader has a different “North Star” guiding their professional efforts.
PMP asked six industry veterans and experts to share their primary work priorities as they prepare for the challenges and opportunities of 2026.
Key takeaways
Operational refinement: Leaders are looking to simplify internal processes and cut services that no longer fit their business models to reduce staff stress.
Technological integration: Exploring the practical applications of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and expanding online training platforms are high on the digital agenda.
Growth and people: Maintaining a dual focus on expansion into new markets while prioritizing employee care and community giving remains a core pillar for established firms.
For some leaders, 2026 is defined by a commitment to education and humanitarianism on a massive scale.
Dan Baldwin: “I want to solve the food insecurity problem for smallholder farmers in sub-Saharan Africa.”
Dr. Faith Oi: “I plan to provide programs to as many pest management professionals as possible, update pest identification guides, and offer more Pest Management University (PMU) online!”
Scaling sales and market expansion
Maintaining momentum requires a balance between entering new territories and reinforcing the foundation of the company — the people.
Jerry Schappert: “I want to slow down on active field work and concentrate on sales and tightening up the business.”
Eric Scherzinger: “We will continue to keep our focus on growing our company, especially in our expansion markets — as well as to continue to take care of our people and give back to the community.”
Refining the business model for efficiency
Efficiency isn’t just about the bottom line; it’s about the mental health of the workforce. These leaders are looking to simplify their operations to create a more sustainable work environment.
Doug Foster: “We are revisiting and simplifying processes in the office and in the field. That means we’re cutting services that don’t fit our business model or that we’re simply not great at. We’re also taking a second look at some unprofitable and difficult customers. We want to make life simpler and less stressful for staff and technicians.”
Mark Sheperdigian: “We want to improve our ability to change. This means recognizing where we should change, choosing the correct new direction, and implementing change so it is systemic and permanent without ruffling our workforce.”
Preparing for the spring hiring rush
Growth requires more than just more bodies in trucks; it requires a structured approach to culture and staffing needs.
Pete Schopen: “I plan to help my pest control firm clients prepare for spring hiring. Do they have written core values in place to set expectations for their new hires? Do they have interview questions ready? Have they even gauged whether they have enough recurring work to justify hiring a new employee? What is their biggest need: technician, office staff or both?”
The digital frontier: AI and efficiency
As technology moves faster than ever, PMPs are looking for ways to stay ahead of the curve through automation and quick access to data.
Desiree Straubinger: “I want to continue investigating the ways artificial intelligence can support my role, enabling me to complete tasks more efficiently and access information quickly.”
Pest management professionals (PMPs) know how crucial bait rotation is in their management programs to avoid aversion. Vendetta 360 is a rotational bait specifically designed for use with Vendetta, Vendetta Plus, and Vendetta Nitro Cockroach Gel Baits, as well as other cockroach baits. The innovative bait matrix changes cockroaches’ cuisine to help prevent them from becoming picky eaters.
The Vendetta family offers four baits, each with an exclusive formulation to address different infestation levels for consistent performance that works around the clock. Whether you’re dealing with a minor or severe infestation, the heat-stable Vendetta family has you covered. With highly attractive and effective matrices that provide multiple modes of action with the inclusion of NyGuard Insect Growth Regulator (IGR), you can trust the Vendetta family to provide solid solutions for your cockroach management program:
Vendetta for light infestations
Vendetta Plus for medium infestations
Vendetta Nitro for heavy infestations
Vendetta 360 for rotation
Advance your cockroach defense system with Vendetta 360. This latest addition to the Vendetta family optimizes clothianidin performance, killing cockroaches where they hide. The easy-to-use and durable formula also features NyGuard IGR — providing you with dual modes of action across your rotational plan when you choose from the Vendetta line.
About MGK
In 1902, Alexander McLaughlin went into the business of importing ground spices, plant leaves, barks, fruits and flowers for use in pharmaceuticals and food. Six years later, he incorporated the business with partners George King and John Gormley. The company, McLaughlin Gormley King (MGK), soon realized its product shipments containing flowers in the chrysanthemum family of plants were never infested with live insects.
Four generations of family leadership have guided MGK since its founding. In 1989, MGK became an affiliate of Sumitomo Chemical Co., a critical relationship to its long-term successes in chemistry, technology, sales and growth. As the MGK team notes, “advanced pest control methods that minimize environmental impact while meeting control requirements hold great promise for the future. And that is where MGK plans to be — at the forefront.”
Two words define start-up companies: overwhelming and exciting. As I continue to work with small- to medium-sized pest control businesses, the strained looks on the owners’ faces remind me of how I used to be exhausted but thrilled during the meteoric growth of Schopen Pest Solutions.
In the summer of 2012, I was tired. I had hired a couple of techs, but I was still running an $18,000 route (equivalent to $25,000 today), answering all the sales calls, doing all the billing and working 58 days straight, including Sundays.
To make matters worse, I made a sad phone call to Pest Management Professional’s (PMP’s) Publisher Marty Whitford that April, explaining to him that, after six great years, I was too busy to continue writing “Start-Up Diaries.”
Key takeaways
Define your vision: Rapid growth can lead you all over the place; you must establish a clear vision and direction to manage the chaos.
Structure your time and team: Implement structured weekly meetings and designate specific office hours to put Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) on paper and stay organized.
Focus on the customer base: Upselling to current clients and consistently communicating with them are quick, proven ways to hit revenue goals and gain confidence.
Consolidate for stress relief: Prioritize steady, manageable, local growth and route consolidation to reduce stress for yourself and your technicians.
My lowest point: From needing work to burnout
On a particularly hot day toward the end of June, I was battling through a 20-client route when I got stopped by a long train in Delavan, Wis.
“Great!” I yelled, slamming my fist into the steering wheel. “Now I’m going to be late to all of my clients!”
Sitting there, staring at the 24 voicemails on my phone as the train cars passed by, I had one of the worst cases of anxiety wash over me. I remember praying, “God, I appreciate all the work you’re sending my way, but could you please give me a chance to catch my breath?”
As I sat there, defeated and on the verge of tears, Marty called me. “Hey Pete!” he chirped. “Our readers really miss you. Would you reconsider and write for us again?” I looked up to heaven, sighed, nodded my head and said, “OK, God, I got this.” I then told Marty, “Yes!” An idea for an article had just popped into my head.
Paying it forward: Turning chaos into a system
It is such an odd situation when we go from desperately needing work to shutting off our phones at night to slow the onslaught of calls and emails. Most of the companies I coached for this year’s column are in that all-too-familiar place.
For instance, Matt Alexander of Blanchard, Okla.-based Arrow Pest Management has gone from zero to $500,000 in less than two years! “The things that Pete helped me with the most this year were vision and direction, because growing a new company from scratch can lead you all over the place, trying to figure out what to do,” he reports.
Daniel Nabors’ Quality Pest Control also had a banner year in 2025. The Lufkin, Texas-based firm grew by over $75,000, finishing above a record $1 million. Nabors contributes many things to his 18 percent growth, including structured weekly meetings, entomology classes, putting standard operating procedures (SOPs) on paper and focusing on company culture.
The growth pillars: Lessons from start-up success
These coaching successes highlight the specific systems and strategies that turn rapid growth into manageable, profitable success.
Focus on internal structure and organization
Portland, Ore.-based Buggin’ Out Pest grew from $275,000 last year to $375,000 in 2025. Owner Travis Kjemperud credits both implementing wildlife control and networking. So has designating office hours. “Pete knew I needed to spend some time in the office,” he says, “so devoting time to office work has helped me stay organized.”
Joel Amores of Apache Pest Control in Weston, Fla., jumped from $390,000 in 2024 to $435,000 in 2025. One of the things we worked on was hosting more productive meetings with his employees. “Pete helped us implement a monthly ‘quick’ meeting to go over routes, procedural problems, solutions to the problems and pest biology,” he explains.
Waxahachie, Texas-based Sandhoff Services implemented a new accounts receivable program this fall. This winter, Cody Sandhoff is working on SOPs and training to take his business to the next level. By the end of December, Sandhoff Services should be up 20 percent from last year and finish near $469,000.
Leverage existing clients and communication
Upselling to his current clients is something that Brian Zahringer at BugBoss in Clintonville, Wis., has worked hard on this year. His goal for 2025 was $230,000—and he hit that before Halloween! At my urging, he will also have better hiring processes, SOPs and benefits for his new employees in 2026.
Augie and Katelyn Gamelli of Gamelli’s Pest Solutions in Shelburne Falls, Mass., climbed from $215,000 in 2024 to nearly $280,000 in 2025! Another improvement has been communicating with clients. As Augie notes, “Pete has really helped us gain confidence through role-playing, scripts and training.”
Prioritize manageable, steady growth
Elliott Hahn of Bigfoot Pest Management is cooler than Fonzie on a Saturday night. His Olympia, Wash.-based firm grew by over $70,000 in 2025. He credits it to being consistent, saying, “Steady, manageable, local growth helped us consolidate our routes, reducing stress.”
More than 13 years ago, Marty convinced me to continue my pest control journey in the pages of PMP. I’m very proud of the men and women who allowed us to watch them grow this year in “Start-Up Stories.” Good luck to them and to all of you in 2026!
Schopen is founder of Schopen Pest Solutions and RV There Yet Pest Consulting, Bartlesville, Okla.
Pictured from left are Nick Aust, Dan Aust, Erich Grove, Stuart Aust and Chris Aust. PHOTO: THE AUST GROUP
Eco-Care Pest Management has been acquired by American Pest, an Anticimex Company. The transaction, facilitated by The Aust Group, officially closed on Nov. 3, 2025. Financial terms were not disclosed.
Founded in 1996 by Erich Grove, BCE, and his brother Jon, Eco-Care is a full-service residential and commercial pest and termite control business based in Ellicott City, Md. Grove, who is one of only eight Board-Certified Entomologists in Maryland specializing in Urban/Industrial Entomology, assumed full ownership of the company in 2014.
The company is an active member of both the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) and the Maryland State Pest Control Association (MSPCA).
“The Aust Group was a pleasure to work with throughout the entire process,” Grove said in a news release. “Their team approach was instrumental in identifying and assembling the relevant information that a buyer would look for.”
“It was a pleasure representing Erich, and we enjoyed getting to know him during this process and learning about the business he built,” said Stuart Aust, principal of The Aust Group and a columnist with his son Daniel for Pest Management Professional magazine.
About American Pest, an Anticimex Company
In 2025, American Pest, an Anticimex company, is celebrating 100 years in business this year, which marks a century of pest prevention services offered throughout the local Maryland, Virginia and Washington, D.C., regions.
About The Aust Group
The Aust Group is a mergers and acquisitions advisory firm for pest control and service related businesses that have a recurring business model. A former pest management professional himself, Founder Stuart Aust and his team guide companies that range in size from small businesses to lower-middle market through the transaction process, and help facilitate successful transactions between buyer and seller. The Aust Group also offers consulting and mentorship packages to help business owners and shareholders improve performance and prepare for an eventual sale of their business.
