The Pest Posse Roundup: How to blend family, focus and flexibility

During a recent episode of Pest Posse TV, I sat down with Scarlett Nolen, president of Tucson, Ariz.-based Truly Nolen and an online columnist for Pest Management Professional magazine, to discuss what it’s like working in and leading a family-owned pest control company. Our conversation offered valuable insights that small to medium-sized pest control companies can leverage to grow and succeed.

Nolen, who has been with the business her father, Truly David Nolen, started since 2012, highlighted that despite the perception of Truly Nolen as a large corporation, the challenges and opportunities it faces are remarkably similar to those encountered by smaller, family-owned businesses. This common ground emphasizes that companies of all sizes in the industry can learn from one another.

Leverage your strengths

One of the key takeaways from Nolen’s experience is the importance of identifying and leveraging the strengths within your family or team. She emphasized that, in a family business, understanding each member’s unique strengths and allowing them to operate in their respective “lanes” is crucial.

For instance, Nolen is a big-picture thinker who works closely with her sister, Michelle Nolen, who excels in detailed processes. This complementary dynamic allows them to work efficiently and effectively — a lesson that any small business can apply.

Nolen also advised setting clear boundaries and parameters early on, especially when working with family. She stressed that having legal and operational discussions as soon as possible can prevent conflicts down the line. These conversations should happen when things are good, allowing for smooth sailing even when disagreements arise. This proactive approach is vital for maintaining business success and personal relationships, which can be particularly challenging in family-owned businesses.

Scarlett Nolen and one of her company’s “Mouse Cars” that promotes pest control in a fun way. PHOTO: THE PEST POSSE

There’s a unique advantage smaller companies have over larger ones, Nolen pointed out: the ability to pivot quickly. During the COVID-19 pandemic, this agility proved to be a significant strength for many small businesses. She advised small business owners to embrace this flexibility thoughtfully, ensuring any adjustments are both manageable and sustainable.

Guided by values

Finally, Nolen touched on the cultural benefits of running a family-owned business. The shared values and deep understanding that come from working with family can foster a robust and cohesive company culture. At Truly Nolen, the core values established by her father continue to guide the company’s decisions. These values are not just words on a wall but are actively integrated into every executive discussion and decision, ensuring the company remains true to its foundational principles.

For small to medium-sized pest control businesses, Nolen’s insights offer a road map to navigating the complexities of running a family-owned operation. By leveraging individual strengths, setting clear boundaries, staying agile and maintaining a solid company culture, these businesses can not only survive but thrive in a competitive industry.

Watch the full interview with Scarlett Nolen for free only on Pest Posse TV here.

<p>The post The Pest Posse Roundup: How to blend family, focus and flexibility first appeared on Pest Management Professional.</p>

from Pest Management Professional https://www.mypmp.net/2024/10/07/the-pest-posse-roundup-how-to-blend-family-focus-and-flexibility/
Sacramento CA