The Boardroom Buzz Pest Control Podcast

Coleman Spaulding cut his teeth knocking doors for Safeguard in 2005, parlayed that experience into Proactive Pest Management in suburban Chicago, and—after a decade of steady growth—launched Spidexx Pest Control in 2016 with a bigger vision: blend door-to-door horsepower, bolt-on buys, and EOS culture to build a multistate platform. Fresh off selling Proactive this spring, Coleman joins the Blue-Collar Twins to unpack the playbook behind nine tuck-ins, 65-person teams, and why he's doubling down on Spidexx with a new HQ and more acquisitions on deck. You'll hear: Door-Knock Roots – Virginia Beach summers that turned 20 straight “no's” into $10 k days.Proactive Era – bootstrapping 2 000 recurring customers without sales reps.Partnership & Family – why co-founder Ryan upped Coleman's stake to 40 %, and how brother Taylor makes the trio click.Launch of Spidexx – starting in Des Moines with 380 accounts and grinding through the chaotic first year (yes, those two X's are intentional).Nine Small Acquisitions – buying 700–1 100-account firms, wiring funds fast, and knowing when to walk away.Door vs. Deal – retention math, capital intensity, and reading the “gut flags” before you sign.Selling Proactive – 60-day process with Potomac M&A, no earn-out, and lessons from the other side of the table.Future Vision – new headquarters, keeping culture tight across nine markets, and invitations to join the ride. From PE Teachers to Pest Control Owners: The Julio Twins Share Their POTOMAC Experience https://youtu.be/HAx9noqsqTo https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulgiannamore www.potomaccompany.com https://bluecollartwins.com Produced by: www.verbell.ltd Timestamps (podcast.co-ready) 00:00 – Cold-open: the power of someone believing in you 00:35 – Jason & Jeremy introduce Coleman and his recent Proactive exit 02:00 – First company: Proactive Pest Management launched 2013 in Chicago suburbs 05:55 – Door-knock backstory: Safeguard summers, Brent & Alan Draper connections 11:00 – Partner Ryan bumps Coleman from 10 % to 40 %—“gratitude moment” 13:30 – Proactive's first year: 700 accounts, one summer team, slow-and-steady growth 16:00 – Why Spidexx was born in 2016 (Des Moines start, two X's in the name) 19:10 – Chaos tolerance & economics of today's door-to-door sales teams 24:00 – First tuck-in: buying 1 100 accounts, paying cash, rebranding vs. retaining 30:00 – Potomac relationship, quality-of-earnings, and Proactive sale closing in 60 days 33:30 – Door-to-door customers vs. acquired books—18-month retention rule of thumb 40:00 – Advice to the one-truck operator: “embrace small, learn, keep going” 47:00 – Working with brother Taylor and why family equity is a superpower 53:00 – New Spidexx headquarters coming 2026; podcast invitation for live show there 57:00 – Potomac 100 mastermind rumor & golf talk; wrapping with culture chat 1:00:00 – Outro and Private-Equity Masterclass CTA

Louisiana native Jared LaJaunie went from quitting school at 17 to leading 65-plus employees, 72 trucks, and four branches of LaJaunie's Pest Control—now tracking $12 million in annual revenue. In this candid sit-down with the Blue-Collar Twins, Jared breaks down the sales grit he learned at Orkin, the mindset shift that doubled his vision, and the family-run EOS machine that keeps it all humming.Buzz EP 207 Jared L MAS… You'll hear: Door-Knock Roots – joining Orkin's late-'90s “Splat” crew and turning 20 straight “no's” into $10 k days.18-Year Overnight Success – nine years to hit $1 M, then a rocket to $12 M by combining EOS with acquisitions like Skeeter Force.Finance Hacks That Sell – why Wise Tack 0 % financing closes termite & wildlife jobs that competitors lose.Culture as a Moat – six-value framework, extreme ownership, and weekly L10s that hold 65 teammates accountable.Family Integration – wife Skye as certified EOS Integrator, sons learning P&Ls before swapping sprayers for spreadsheets.Mastermind Leverage – how groups with Luke Lewis & Maria Sorrentino expanded his vision—and spawned the new Eagles Nest peer network.Future Playbook – doubling again via Gulf-Coast acquisitions, 40 % Poop-Scoop margins on his radar, and grooming the next-gen CEO. Stick around to catch Jared's take on “profit over vanity” and an impromptu debate on the emerging pet-waste gold-rush. From PE Teachers to Pest Control Owners: The Julio Twins Share Their POTOMAC Experience https://youtu.be/HAx9noqsqTo https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulgiannamore www.potomaccompany.com https://bluecollartwins.com Produced by: www.verbell.ltd Timestamps (podcast.co-ready) 00:00 – Cold-open: Jared on culture and integrity 00:35 – Intro & Louisiana roots 01:15 – High-school dropout, early hustle, marriage at 18 02:50 – Joining Orkin as a $10/hr termite tech 05:55 – Door-knock “Splat” team lessons & mindset shift 08:05 – Branch-manager years, then running a $3 M independent firm 11:00 – Launching LaJaunie's on Jan 1 2008 13:30 – Solo-op to first admin hire; seven trucks by Year 3 18:15 – Self-financing termite jobs; switching to Wise Tack 0 % plans 24:20 – Nine years to $1 M; doubling vision with mastermind help 28:30 – BHAG: Gulf-Coast expansion & doubling again by 2025 29:50 – Acquiring Skeeter Force; lessons in mosquito markets 32:45 – Family salvage-yard backstory & entrepreneurial DNA 33:25 – Today: 65 staff, 72 trucks, $12 M top-line 36:40 – Running EOS—Jared as Visionary, Skye as Integrator 38:00 – Conferences, Ascension Leadership, and constant up-skilling 42:00 – Side ventures (Stereopure, CAT 4) and why poop-scooping tempts him 45:55 – Differentiator: living the core values every day 48:00 – Eagles Nest mastermind launch with Skye & Maria Serraino 50:05 – Main Street Mogul podcast and giving back 52:45 – Rough Stuff reveal: twins' own pet-waste startup 54:00 – Wrap-up & Puerto Rico invite 59:00 – Outro & Masterclass CTA

Third-generation dealer Paul “PS3” Sansone III joins the Blue-Collar Twins to share how Sansone Jr's Auto Group balances 67 years of family tradition with social-media hustle, deep-subprime financing, and a brand-new Keyport Kia store. From rent-to-own experiments that became New Jersey Auto Lending to “Motivational Mondays” that fire up 25 salespeople, Paul explains the systems—and the mindset—that keep customers, staff, and community in his corner. Buzz EP 206 Paul Sanson… You'll hear: Subprime Mastery – why PS3 built an in-house “lease-here, pay-here” bank that boosts FICO scores by 140 pts on average.EZ Referral & TikTok Lives – turning marathon streams and a debit-card referral app into steady showroom traffic.Rent-to-Own Origins – the 2008 light-bulb moment that reshaped the family's finance model.Keyport Kia Dream – taking an 11-year college project from paper to grand-opening on June 9th.Motivational Mondays – money-green pants, weekly goal-setting, and the “trust the process” mantra.Giving Back – 400-meal Basket Brigade, Hope-for-a-Ride car giveaways, and why single moms stay top of mind.Next-Gen Vision – ten rooftops, nationwide DMS software, and keeping the Sansone name alive for 100 years. From PE Teachers to Pest Control Owners: The Julio Twins Share Their POTOMAC Experience https://youtu.be/HAx9noqsqTo https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulgiannamore www.potomaccompany.com https://bluecollartwins.com Produced by: www.verbell.ltd Timestamps (podcast.co-ready) 00:00 – Cold-open: beach-club memories and the “hot lifeguard” origin story 00:50 – Lifelong car passion & selling hot dogs at the dealership as a kid 03:35 – Sansone family tree: 67 years, three generations, five rooftops 05:55 – Breaking the “snaky car-sales” stereotype with relationship selling 07:00 – Daily training: every up is a coaching moment 08:35 – Presidents-Award Kia store & handing the desk to a new GM 11:00 – Rent-to-Own concept after the 2008 crash 12:45 – Birth of New Jersey Auto Lending: turning renters into owners 14:40 – Hope-for-a-Ride car giveaways to single moms 16:55 – Inside the lease-here, pay-here model and 75 % repeat business 19:10 – Building the Keyport Kia project first dreamed up in college 22:30 – Dealer-Controlled Solutions: exporting their DMS & finance playbook 25:20 – COVID's inventory roller-coaster—down to four cars on the lot 29:20 – Basket Brigade: 400 Thanksgiving meals in Neptune 30:35 – Motivational Monday videos & money-green-pants culture 33:00 – Social media plans with a full-time content team 35:25 – AI's future role in lead follow-up and CRM speed 38:00 – Family dynamics: clear lanes for dad, brother Michael, and cousin Steven 41:00 – Driving the 2025 Kia Telluride vs. a Range Rover—value breakdown 43:40 – Keyport Kia soft opening June 9 and summer car-giveaway promo 47:00 – Final advice: love your employees, community, and customers—success follows 50:00 – Outro and Masterclass CTA

Former Rutgers heavyweight Sean DeDeyn turned a hard-charging wrestling mindset into The Axel Group, a niche staffing firm that now supplies talent across every stage of major construction projects. Sean joins the Blue-Collar Twins to unpack the six-year sprint from a two-desk office to a 30-person team, a tech-driven recruiting engine, and side ventures ranging from tiki party boats to college-wrestling commentary. You'll hear: Fired on Monday, Founder by August – how a commission dispute became the push to launch Axel in 2017.Why “One Rep, One Book” Beats 10 000-Person Firms – the boutique model Sean uses to out-serve national agencies.Cold-Call Wrestling – translating mat grit into 100-dial days (and why the phone still wins).Culture & Careers – dinners with every employee, internal promotions, and watching teammates buy their first homes.Multiple Streams – co-building Belmar Tiki Party Boats, announcing Rutgers matches, and keeping a 5 a.m. workout streak.Vision Check – growing a place where his kids' friends want to work “because they make a ton of money.” Stick around for a quick CTA to Paul Giannamore's Private-Equity Masterclass playlist—and see how far your own work ethic can take you. From PE Teachers to Pest Control Owners: The Julio Twins Share Their POTOMAC Experience https://youtu.be/HAx9noqsqTo https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulgiannamore www.potomaccompany.com https://bluecollartwins.com Produced by: www.verbell.ltd Timestamps (podcast.co-ready) 00:00 – Cold-open: Sean on high-school “job names” and chasing income 00:35 – Show intro; Axel Group overview (construction-lifecycle staffing) 01:40 – Rutgers wrestling story: walk-on grind, partial scholarship, mindset lessons 03:30 – Linking mat toughness to sales success 05:55 – First staffing job, early wins, and Monday-night firing that changed everything 07:50 – Launching Axel Group (Aug 2017) and naming it after his son 09:40 – Father-in-law's driveway challenge: “So—what do you actually do?” 11:30 – Scrappy first year: 500-sq-ft office, four months of runway, living with an employee 13:50 – Building culture: tattooed logo, dinners with every team member, internal promotions 15:30 – Sean's current role: still running a book, mentoring recruiters, protecting culture 17:20 – Boutique edge vs. mega-firms; the “cheeseburger” service analogy 18:50 – Cold-call philosophy and reviving lost prospects 21:00 – Daily routine: 5 a.m. lifts, weekly run + sauna + cold plunge 22:45 – Side hustle: Rutgers wrestling commentary and network dividends 24:50 – Belmar Tiki Party Boats—building (not buying) 45-passenger floating lounges 27:00 – Common headaches: sales slumps, coaching wrestlers-turned-reps, keeping tech a tool not a crutch 28:45 – Wrestlers on staff and why grit hires win 29:15 – Long-term vision: a company graduates dream of joining—and constant self-improvement 30:10 – The “I made it… then got fired” lesson on staying humble 31:20 – Outro, Masterclass CTA, and closing credits

Serial entrepreneur Dom Williams sits down with the Blue-Collar Twins to reveal how a kid running county-wide candy routes now leads a 200-employee cleaning company, owns drive-thru “drink barns,” flips HUD rentals, and is launching a lounge—while coaching other service-business owners past the six- and seven-figure ceiling. You'll hear: Early Hustle → Corporate Wake-Up – the Wall Street layoff that pushed Dom full time and helped CNC Cleaning hit $1 M in six months.Play Business for Life – treating strategy like a game and using daily “pulse meetings” to keep the scorecard honest.Systems over Self – Sears-inspired SOPs that let a 200-person team run without him on site.Numbers that Matter – cash-flow detective work, margin targets (25 % residential; 15 % commercial), and the bank-balance myth.Diversifying the Right Way – acquiring Lexi's Drink Barn, scaling HUD duplexes, and threading Indiana's liquor-law maze to open Demure Lounge.Coaching Corner – the common blind spots for $500 k–$1 M service firms and Dom's framework for moving owners from operator to architect. Stick around for a quick CTA to Paul Giannamore's Private-Equity Masterclass playlist—and start “playing business” on a bigger board. From PE Teachers to Pest Control Owners: The Julio Twins Share Their POTOMAC Experience https://youtu.be/HAx9noqsqTo https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulgiannamore www.potomaccompany.com https://bluecollartwins.com Produced by: www.verbell.ltd Timestamps (podcast.co-ready) 00:00 – Cold-open: Dom on systems that let owners step away 00:35 – Jason & Jeremy introduce Dom, the serial entrepreneur 01:40 – Fast rundown of CNC Cleaning, Lexi's Drink Barn, real estate & Demure Lounge 02:30 – Candy-bar syndicate at 12: first taste of leverage 03:50 – High-school expansion: five schools selling for him 05:00 – Dropping a clothing line; choosing cleaning for low entry & recurring revenue 06:50 – Year-one grind: two day jobs + night QC on homes 08:50 – Cash-flow crises and selling his way out 11:00 – Corporate layoff → full-time leap; $1 M revenue in six months 14:00 – Chrysler-300 moment: “I'll never work for anyone again” 15:30 – SOPs inspired by Sears, Avis & Verizon 17:30 – Power of industry conferences and peer networks 18:50 – Manifestation & mindset: believing before scaling 19:50 – Coaching clients: testing belief, fixing data first 20:25 – Reading P&Ls correctly; COGS-to-revenue benchmarks 21:30 – Buying a duplex (the “dupy”) and house-hacking advice 24:00 – HUD rentals, vetting tenants, and guaranteed checks 25:30 – Cleaning margins: 25 % residential vs 15 % commercial 26:50 – Acquiring Lexi's Drink Barn; lifting average ticket size 28:10 – Launching Demure Lounge under Indiana's beer-and-wine rules 29:50 – Economic headwinds: residential leads dip, commercial steady 30:30 – Monday pulse meetings: KPIs, accountability, real-time fixes 31:20 – Future vision: build, exit, repeat—never stop “playing business” 32:00 – New coaching program: from in-the-business to on-the-business 32:50 – Contact Dom at domwilliams.com; socials 33:20 – Outro & Masterclass CTA

The Blue-Collar Twins sit down with Scott Nelson, founder of Central-Jersey's iconic Oceanside Service—the turquoise-truck HVAC firm he bootstrapped for 36 years before handing the keys to private equity earlier this spring. Scott unpacks the branding bets, “golden-handcuff” culture, and 20 %-margin playbook that turned a $600 van into a top-1 % contractor (and a life-changing buyout).Buzz EP 203 Scot N Mix … You'll hear: Branding on Wheels – why he painted every truck Caribbean blue (and wrapped the last two).25-Minute Rule – slashing windshield time to keep service profit-positive.Earn While You Learn – duct-cleaning crews as a talent farm for techs and installers.Golden Handcuffs – split-dollar life insurance that locked managers in for 15 years.Pricing for 20 % Net – escaping the HVAC industry's 1.5 % average.PE Negotiations – walking from the table until the acquirer funded his staff's benefits.Life After the Sale – why he turned down a six-figure consulting gig to just be “Grandpa Scott.” Stick around for Dylan's quick CTA to Paul Giannamore's Private-Equity Masterclass playlist—then audit your own “billable hour” before the next heat wave hits. From PE Teachers to Pest Control Owners: The Julio Twins Share Their POTOMAC Experience https://youtu.be/HAx9noqsqTo https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulgiannamore www.potomaccompany.com https://bluecollartwins.com Produced by: www.verbell.ltd Timestamps (podcast.co-ready) 00:00 – Cold-open: “I never worried a second about competition—just do me.” 00:35 – Jason & Jeremy welcome 36-year HVAC veteran Scott Nelson of Oceanside Service 01:40 – One-man startup to 24 trucks & 32 staff: the scale story 03:00 – Turquoise trucks, spotless wheels: branding that sells before you speak 04:50 – The 25-minute territory rule and killing windshield waste 06:20 – Community roots: firefighter networks & word-of-mouth growth 08:15 – Mindset: “The world's easy—people make it hard.” 10:30 – Relationship > transaction: serving three homeowner generations 12:00 – Air-duct crews as a paid training academy (“Earn while you learn”) 14:20 – Recruiting from vo-techs; achieving near-zero turnover 16:25 – Golden Handcuffs: $500 k split-dollar life policies for key managers 19:10 – Overpaying staff & investing in real estate instead of raises for himself 21:30 – Grooming his son to take over; stepping back from fire-service leadership 24:00 – Private-equity courtship, the NDA era, and negotiating staff benefits 27:40 – Charging for value: hitting 20 % net vs. industry's 1.5 % 30:50 – Crushing costs: $500 k in insurance & healthcare, total transparency with crew 33:00 – Advice to a $500 k contractor: know your P&L and ditch new-construction work 35:15 – Tech stack: why ServiceTitan (at $7 k/mo) was worth every penny 37:00 – Recession-resistant revenue: maintenance plans & premium system sales 40:30 – Post-exit life: “Most of my hair, half my sanity—and all my family time.” 42:00 – Parting shot: watch your kids grow up and work on (not in) the business

Lifeguard buddies turned blue-collar founders Jason & Jeremy Julio reconnect with longtime friend John Majeski—once a Manhattan finance analyst, now the force behind four thriving SERVPRO franchises across New Jersey. John breaks down the gritty first three-year slog, the culture playbook that powers his team, and the BHAG that keeps everyone rowing: “Be the #1 SERVPRO in the Northeast by 2034. You'll hear: Career 180° – ditching Wall Street for sewage back-flows and never once looking back.Buying, Not Building – why acquiring an eight-month-old franchise beat starting from scratch.The ‘World's Strongest Man' Analogy – John's trick for pushing past those brutal year-one cash-flow dips.Decentralized Command – Jocko Willink–inspired leadership that lets techs solve problems in real time.KPIs That Matter – estimate-conversion, labor spend, and the charity challenges that magnetize talent.Road to #1 – four territories in Monmouth, Bergen & Hudson Counties—and the expansion filter he uses before every new deal. Stick around for Dylan's quick CTA to Paul Giannamore's Private-Equity Masterclass playlist—before you sprint, paddle, or pedal to your own big, hairy, audacious goal. From PE Teachers to Pest Control Owners: The Julio Twins Share Their POTOMAC Experience https://youtu.be/HAx9noqsqTo https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulgiannamore www.potomaccompany.com https://bluecollartwins.com Produced by: www.verbell.ltd Timestamps (podcast.co-ready) 00:00 – Cold-open: John on culture (“You've got a culture whether you admit it or not.”) 00:35 – The Blue-Collar Twins' welcome their “lifeguard brother” to the Buzz 01:40 – 28-year friendship recap: beach stands to boardrooms 02:30 – Finance burnout & the call to entrepreneurship 04:00 – Picking SERVPRO over Rainbow & PuroClean: brand power wins 06:00 – Mentor Larry Levy's push: “Quit, build something of your own” 08:00 – Year-one reality check: 7-day weeks, $1.5 k left in the bank 11:00 – Acquiring an eight-month-old franchise (father bails sons out) 12:00 – Fire, water, mold 101—explaining restoration to homeowners 14:00 – Delegation pains and the first full-time hires 15:30 – Sandy & other storms: moments that forced scale-ups 16:10 – Learning on the fly: history major → KPI geek 18:30 – Athletics → entrepreneurship: training, planning, grit 21:00 – Community marketing: beach clean-ups, charity paddles, Eli Manning match 22:45 – Extreme-challenge rundown: 17-mile paddle, 216-mile bike, next 100-mile ultra 27:00 – Four-franchise footprint; city-versus-suburb logistics 29:30 – Building culture: decentralized command & trust lattices 33:40 – BHAG revealed: #1 SERVPRO Northeast by 2034 38:00 – Exit philosophy: build it right and every option stays open 39:00 – Most fulfilling metric: techs who go from basement to first home 40:30 – Core KPIs: estimate conversion & labor as % of sales 41:40 – Wrap-up, Paul's Masterclass CTA & closing credits

Meet Jason & Jeremy Julio—the Blue-Collar Twins—as they trade gym whistles for board-room banter and join producer-turned-host Dylan Seals behind the mic. In their debut as co-hosts they unpack: Side-Hustle Genesis – the late-night kitchen-table brainstorm that birthed Last Bite Mosquito & Tick.Scaling While Clocked-In – juggling lesson plans, beach-club shifts, and 55 techs by reinvesting every dollar.The Potomac Playbook – how CIMs, buyer psychology, and a discipline 90 % of sellers flunk drove an eight-figure deal with Viking Pest / Anticimex.Seller Blind Spots – retention metrics, seasonality traps, and the DIY mistakes that leave millions on the table.Round 2: Ruff Stuff – their new dog-waste start-up, why it's today's mosquito moment, and the five-year path to another flip.Level-Up Rituals – ultra-marathons, charity paddles, and mindset hacks that keep their teams resilient and hungry.Coming Up – teaser for next week's Servpro deep-dive with restoration king John Majeski. Stick around for Dylan's quick CTA to Paul Giannamore's Private-Equity Masterclass playlist—then fire up that 100-mile mindset of yours. From PE Teachers to Pest Control Owners: The Julio Twins Share Their POTOMAC Experience https://youtu.be/HAx9noqsqTo https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulgiannamore www.potomaccompany.com https://bluecollartwins.com http://www.ruffstuffnj.com Produced by: www.verbell.ltd Timestamps 00:00 - Cold-open – Jason Julio on fear & resilience 00:35 - Dylan Seals grabs the mic & introduces the Blue-Collar Twins 01:40 - First meeting in San Juan, karaoke-loving “Mexican,” and Potomac memories 03:10 - Humble beginnings: Long Branch childhood, teaching careers, twin dynamics 04:15 - Multiple side-hustles & the light-bulb moment: “What about mosquito control?” 05:00 - Rejecting the franchise route; deciding to build Last Bite from scratch 06:50 - One truck to statewide: early scaling playbook & brand evolution 07:25 - TCNJ football days & how college camaraderie shaped their operator roles 14:40 - Level-up charity challenges: 217-mile bike ride, Eli Manning match, next 100-mile ultra 24:20 - What happens after you call an M&A advisor—Potomac's diligence process demystified 26:40 - Yin-and-yang leadership: Jason's strategy vs. Jeremy's operations 28:50 - “90 % of owners aren't ready”: systems, books, and timing the peak before you list 31:15 - SIMs, buyer meetings, and Potomac's gatekeeping of your calendar 33:00 - Strategics vs. Private Equity 101 & the lure of the “second bite” 35:20 - Exit revealed: Viking Pest (Anticimex) acquires Last Bite; why seasonality mattered 36:55 - Navigating the 12-month earn-out and protecting customer retention 41:25 - Rough Stuff launch: why dog-waste is today's mosquito moment & barriers are low 42:35 - Is America too lazy to scoop poop? Market adoption math & service pricing 44:30 - Five-year plan: grow Rough Stuff to $4–5 M and flip again 50:55 - Boardroom Buzz community shout-out & podcast mission going forward 52:45 - “Episode 201—big shoes to fill” – official hand-off & next-week teaser 53:20 - Dylan's outro, CTAs to Potomac & the Private-Equity Masterclass playlist 54:00 - Closing credits & final reminders to connect with Potomac M&A

Meet Jason & Jeremy Julio—the Blue-Collar Twins turned eight-figure sellers— as they step in as your new co-hosts of The Boardroom Buzz. In their maiden voyage they flip the script, putting mentor Paul Giannamore in the hot seat to uncover the back-alley hustle that took him from inner-city Chicago to building Potomac M&A into a middle-market powerhouse. You'll hear: How the twins scaled a New Jersey pest-control roll-up while teaching full-timePaul's early days flipping farm gear, tech-banking in the dot-com frenzy, and spotting gold in fragmented service marketsWhy CEOs should obsess over root-cause thinking (and Paul's daily “thinking walks”)The inside story of hiring Franco “The Mexican” and building a 25-deal pipelineWhat makes fire-suppression, lawn, and niche res-service verticals today's M&A greenfield Stick around for Paul's blunt take on leverage, buyer psychology, and the mindset shift owners need three years before an exit. From Gym Teachers to Service Leaders: The Julio Twins' Story | Last Bite Mosquito, Viking Pest https://youtu.be/DAYxtzhswxs From PE Teachers to Pest Control Owners: The Julio Twins Share Their POTOMAC Experience https://youtu.be/HAx9noqsqTo https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulgiannamore www.potomaccompany.com https://bluecollartwins.com Produced by: www.verbell.ltd 00:00:00 Cold-open – Paul on “no pep-talks, only strategy.” 00:00:56 Jason & Jeremy Julio frame the episode's purpose. 00:02:56 Teacher-to-$15 M exit – twins recap scaling while holding day jobs. 00:04:53 Paul's childhood: Chicago schools → Italy & Spain. 00:09:10 Cornell years, full scholarship & skipping community college. 00:11:55 First deal – buying a combine attachment at a farm auction. 00:18:20 Dot-com boom: Lehman → Credit Suisse tech-M&A under Frank Quattrone. 00:24:40 Private-equity at American Capital → founding POTOMAC (2003). 00:27:05 Discovering pest-control M&A; the Orkin/Terminix duopoly era. 00:31:05 Philosophy: “Put the seller first—profit follows.” 00:34:50 Shift from deal-maker to “psychodynamic” CEO coach. 00:38:00 Legacy talk – “Play the hand you're dealt better than anyone.” 00:40:55 Enter “the Mexican” — Franco's gladiator-style interview story. 00:46:25 Daily routine & thinking leverage (25 k steps, no morning calls). 00:54:00 Smashing limiting beliefs: four-minute-mile analogy for owners. 00:59:40 What's hot in M&A: lawn-care roll-ups; fire-protection next. 01:06:05 Advice to 18-year-old Paul: guard health, seek balance. 01:08:10 Top travel picks – Istanbul, Switzerland, Japan keep calling. 01:12:50 Dylan Seals outro – CTA to POTOMAC M&A Masterclass playlist.

Brian Gottlieb, author of Beyond the Hammer, joins Patrick Baldwin in The Boardroom to share his inspiring story. From launching his home improvement business with just $3,000 and a folding table, Brian built a thriving organization with 600 employees. He attributes much of his success to a people-first leadership philosophy, emphasizing the importance of developing employees and fostering a strong company culture. How can leaders ensure their people are set up to achieve their highest potential? Brian dives deep into the idea that businesses grow only as much as their people do. He explains the value of becoming a training organization, creating an environment where every team member feels invested in the mission. With tools like his Sphere-Center-Sphere feedback framework, he highlights how effective communication and belief can motivate employees to improve and contribute at their best. What would happen if leaders focused on inspiring belief in their teams every day? Finally, Brian discusses how business discipline—simplifying processes, forecasting growth, and setting clear goals—can help companies avoid complexity and achieve sustainable results. He stresses that building a great business requires more than good ideas; it takes focus, consistency, and trust in the team. What steps can you take to simplify your business and create a culture of growth and accountability? Tune in to discover actionable strategies to transform your leadership and your organization.

Fred Wingate, owner of Noosa Pest Management, joins Nick Bartolo and Patrick Baldwin to share his inspiring journey from professional water skier to thriving entrepreneur in the pest control industry. His story is rooted in discipline and resilience, values that have guided his approach to both sports and business. Fred emphasizes the importance of a people-first philosophy, demonstrating how strong relationships with customers and employees alike are the cornerstone of lasting success. By fostering trust, valuing contributions, and encouraging collaboration, he has cultivated a company culture that drives growth and loyalty. How can businesses effectively balance meaningful relationship-building with the demands of operational efficiency to achieve sustained success?   Noosa Pest Management's growth strategy under Fred's leadership prioritizes refinement over rapid expansion. Over the past year, Fred made strategic decisions to raise prices for certain services and eliminate less profitable offerings, resulting in a significant boost to net profits despite modest overall growth. His disciplined focus on quality over quantity underscores the impact of thoughtful decision-making in driving sustainable success. Looking ahead, Fred plans to launch an inside sales program to broaden outreach while maintaining exceptional service standards. What role does strategic risk-taking play in achieving sustainable growth while preserving a company's core values?   Fred's vision extends beyond business operations, with a deep commitment to community impact. Fred and Ellen Wingate founded the Logan Jett Research Foundation, to help improve the lives of everyone touched by epilepsy, fund research for treatment options while working toward a cure, and provide a network of resources and support. As Noosa looks to the future, Fred remains focused on innovation and customer service, ensuring the company continues to grow with integrity and care. How can organizations weave social responsibility into their business strategies while staying true to their core objectives? Learn more about the Logan Jett Research Foundation here: https://www.loganjresearch.org/

An audio rebroadcast from POTOMAC.TV. Nick Bartolo turns the mic on Paul Giannamore to discuss his strategy for selling fire protection businesses. Paul reveals how a formal sell-side process, combined with competitive leverage, drives transaction multiples to new highs.  Learn how you can maximize the value of your fire protection business in the growing M&A market and cut taxes on the transaction.  Recorded at NFPA 2024 in Orlando, Florida. In this episode: Importance of competitive auctions in fire protectionWhy sell-side representation mattersTips for preparing years ahead of saleCommon challenges in M&A dealsSuccess stories in raising multiples

Robert Pittman, owner of Tuxedo Mosquito Control, joins Nick Bartolo and Fat Pat aka Patrick Baldwin to discuss his journey in developing a specialized mosquito control business centered around family values and focus. Taking over from his father-in-law, who founded the company, Robert has upheld a culture that treats employees like family—a principle that's integral to the company's success in a seasonal industry. By prioritizing fair pay and taking a genuine interest in employees' well-being, Robert has cultivated a loyal, motivated team. How can other leaders foster similar commitment and loyalty among their employees? Tuxedo Mosquito's strength lies in its unwavering commitment to a single focus: mosquito control. By specializing, rather than expanding into general pest control, Robert has built a trusted brand known for expertise in this niche area. He views this narrow focus as a competitive advantage, differentiating Tuxedo from broader pest control companies. Despite occasional encouragement to diversify services, Robert firmly believes in the power of specialization to set his business apart. Is this strategy the right approach for all niche businesses, or might it limit future growth? To ensure the right people are in the right roles, Tuxedo Mosquito uses the Culture Index, a tool that helps them hire individuals whose skills and traits match the demands of the job. By defining ideal profiles for each position, Robert has minimized hiring mismatches and created a team that operates with minimal oversight. This hiring strategy has allowed Tuxedo to maintain a cohesive, efficient team that is aligned with the company's values. How might similar tools benefit other businesses in finding and retaining talent that truly fits their unique culture?

Chase and Fat Pat explore the often-complex landscape of change management. Change within an organization requires more than just fresh ideas; it demands a well-executed plan and consistent momentum. Decision-makers must be resilient and somewhat shielded from daily challenges, allowing them to focus on long-term goals rather than immediate hurdles. This "immunity" to the daily grind is key to sustaining momentum and reaching successful outcomes, even when facing resistance. How can leaders create the right conditions to stay focused and maintain momentum during challenging times? The duo delves into first-order thinking, a strategy that strips problems down to their basic elements, enabling organizations to innovate by building solutions from the ground up. This approach results in truly effective and impactful change rather than simply repurposing old solutions. Chase shares how Go-Forth used this approach to design a unique, customer-focused program tailored specifically to client needs. In Chase's view, first-order thinking is essential for identifying fresh, effective strategies that align with long-term objectives. How might organizations cultivate a culture that encourages this level of foundational, creative thinking? Chase brings up his perspective on employee turnover. While turnover is often seen as a negative, he explained that it can serve as a natural part of organizational growth, especially when underperformers are replaced by top talent. Embracing turnover as an opportunity to strengthen the team and foster resilience can make change feel less disruptive and more like a constructive evolution. For Chase, fostering a culture that adapts to change, rather than resisting it, enables organizations to thrive despite disruptions. How can companies reframe turnover as a positive force, and what steps can they take to make the transition smoother? Audio mixing and editing by www.verbell.ltd.

Wall Street equity analyst, Jamie Clement, joins Paul and Patrick and takes a hard look at the current state of the economy, focusing on how it impacts both consumers and the pest control industry. With rising costs hitting American households—particularly those in the lower income brackets—the discussion centers on how this economic squeeze could affect pest control operators. As consumers feel the pinch, businesses might face challenges with customer retention and acquisition. Could economic pressures fundamentally change consumer behavior in sectors like pest control? Jamie dives into the potential impact of tariffs and tax reductions on inflation. He makes it clear that tariffs are inflationary, leading to higher costs for everyday items, which are often passed on to consumers. Speculating on future economic policies, Jamie warns that it might be premature to declare inflation under control, given the potential for more price hikes. How might further inflation affect industries that rely on a stable consumer base? Jamie reflects on the challenges of managing businesses, especially in industries like pest control, where regional and cultural differences can complicate operations. Jamie stresses the importance of clear, honest communication with investors and warns against assuming everyone understands industry specifics. As companies navigate these complex times, how can businesses better tailor their strategies and messaging to align with market realities?

Nephi Julien and Shad Teerlink, co-owners of Evolve Pest Control, shared their remarkable journey from 323 clients in Nowhere, Nevada to a multi-million dollar exit. With no prior experience and limited resources, they leveraged door-to-door sales, persistence, and creativity to rapidly grow their customer base, overcoming significant financial challenges to build a thriving operation. What unconventional growth strategies could you implement in your business to achieve similar rapid expansion in its early stages? As Evolve expanded, Nephi and Shad systematically tackled the common challenges of scaling—recruiting the right talent, maintaining service quality, and managing multi-location operations. They developed a structured hiring process that prioritized alignment with the company's core values, emphasizing that a strong, consistent company culture was essential to their success and sustainability. By focusing on building robust systems and processes, they maintained consistency and excellence in their services, allowing them to scale effectively while preserving their company culture. What specific systems or processes could you implement in your business to maintain quality and culture while rapidly expanding to new locations? Ultimately, Nephi and Shad decided to sell their company, citing the competitive and increasingly expensive nature of door-to-door sales, coupled with attractive market offers. They candidly reflected on the stress and personal sacrifices made during their journey, as well as the rewards of building a successful business. Their story underscores the importance of adapting to market conditions and recognizing the right time to exit. Now exploring new ventures, they exemplify the ongoing entrepreneurial spirit. As you contemplate your own business journey, what key indicators would signal to you that it's time to consider an exit strategy, and how might you prepare for that possibility? Audio mixing and editing by www.verbell.ltd.

Kyle Waltz, the owner of Conserv Wildlife Services, steps into The Boardroom with Patrick Baldwin and Nick Bartolo. It's clear that this isn't Kyle's first rodeo in the wildlife arena. Kyle shares about the challenges and opportunities he faces, and what he's learned along the way. With so many moving parts, how can businesses ensure they have the right structure and expertise to navigate this specialized field? Kyle shares the story of his company's strategic shift from wildlife control to pest control, focusing on the need to increase recurring revenue. There were challenges, particularly in retraining technicians who are used to selling higher-ticket wildlife services. To tackle this, Kyle's team introduced higher commissions for pest control sales which helped motivate the technicians and drive results. What creative approaches can businesses take to incentivize and support their teams during periods of operational change? In discussing business growth, Kyle highlights acquisitions as a powerful way to scale. He stresses the importance of thoroughly analyzing potential acquisitions, including comparing financial metrics and pricing models, to ensure the acquired businesses align with existing strategies. This careful evaluation helps identify growth opportunities while minimizing risks. With so much at stake, what should companies focus on when assessing acquisition prospects? Audio mixing and editing by www.verbell.ltd.

This week, Nick Gifford, president of Radix and founder of Diamond Lawns, joins Nick Bartolo and Patrick Baldwin as he shares his entrepreneurial journey—a story of grit, resilience, and teamwork. Building a business is no solo effort. Gifford attributes much of his success to the strong, dependable teams he's built over the years. He emphasizes that finding the right people, who share your values and work ethic, can make or break your business. Hiring based on gut feeling and fostering trust among team members are strategies that have worked for him, but he admits there's no foolproof formula. How do you know when you've found the right team for your business? Gifford's experience in door-to-door sales has been a defining factor in shaping his business philosophy. He believes there's no better way to build resilience than by facing constant rejection on the front lines. To him, knocking on 100 doors a day wasn't just about sales—it was about developing the grit to keep going despite setbacks. This relentless perseverance is essential not only in sales but in the broader world of entrepreneurship. How can facing rejection and failure more often prepare you for long-term business success? Gifford reminds us of the importance of understanding your numbers. He's seen too many businesses fail because they didn't have a handle on their financials. Being proactive about your business's financial health, from cash flow to profit margins, can prevent unnecessary risks and help you make informed decisions. Are you paying close enough attention to the numbers that drive your business decisions? Audio mixing and editing by www.verbell.ltd.

Jonas Olson, CEO of Pest Badger, joins Paul and Patrick to share his entrepreneurial journey from lawn care to pest control. When the pandemic shut down his lawn care services, he saw an opportunity to pivot into pest control—a more recession-proof and scalable industry. It was such a pivot that he rebranded from Lawn Badger to Pest Badger. His existing expertise in sales and marketing allowed him to quickly grow this new venture while maintaining both pest and lawn care services post-pandemic. How can you identify opportunities in times of crisis, and what factors should guide a strategic pivot? Jonas highlights the importance of recognizing when to shift strategies in response to challenges. His success, he says, comes from focusing on core strengths, empowering his team, and fostering a strong company culture. By aligning his team's growth with the company's goals, he's created an environment that encourages retention and long-term expansion. Effective delegation and mentorship have been key to scaling his business sustainably. What is the role of leadership in empowering teams, and how can you foster a culture that supports both individual and company growth? Franchising and partnerships have been part of Pest Badger's growth strategy, but he underscores that these models require careful planning, strong legal frameworks, and strategic decision-making. Whether franchising is right for every business depends on a variety of factors, but his experience shows that leveraging mentorship, professional development, and strategic planning can pave the way for sustainable growth and success. What should leaders consider when evaluating franchising or partnership opportunities, and how can they ensure these models align with long-term goals? Audio mixing and editing by www.verbell.ltd

Charlie Church, owner and president of Getem Services Termite and Pest Control, joins Patrick Baldwin and Nick Bartolo to share his journey of unexpectedly taking over his family's pest control business. Through this, he highlights his experience with perseverance, adaptability, and a self-starter mentality. Drawing from his background in wrestling, Charlie developed discipline and resilience—traits that have proven invaluable to the success of Getem Services. What steps can you take to improve your discipline to step up, learn, and evolve as a leader? Charlie delves into the importance of early financial planning and investment, explaining how he began investing in real estate shortly after joining the family business. He emphasizes that diversifying assets—whether through real estate, stocks, or other means—builds long-term financial security. Early investments can lay the groundwork for future success in both business and personal wealth. How are you leveraging early financial strategies to build a foundation for lasting success and wealth growth? Community engagement has always been central to Charlie's values, and Getem Services exemplifies how a commitment to local causes can enhance both reputation and growth. When businesses invest in their communities, they foster stronger relationships, build brand loyalty, and amplify their societal impact. How can businesses strategically integrate community involvement into their core operations for sustainable success? Audio mixing and editing by www.verbell.ltd.

Paul, Chase, and Fat Pat explore the intricate dynamics of company management, emphasizing the crucial role of understanding what employees value to build a high-performance culture. By recognizing individual needs and preferences, leaders can significantly boost employee satisfaction and engagement, ultimately benefiting the business. They highlight the importance of offering thoughtful, low-cost perks that enhance the perceived value of employment. Additionally, setting clear goals and tapping into what drives each employee is key to unlocking their full potential. How can leaders effectively identify and cater to the unique motivations of their team members? The trio discusses the role of technology and automation in acquisitions. Through personal experiences, they share that integrating new systems often made certain roles redundant, underscoring the need to evaluate the cultural fit between companies during mergers. Chase explains how Go Forth handles newly acquired office and branch managers, highlighting the company's technology capabilities and organizational structure. Strategic planning and adaptability are crucial in the acquisition process, so what steps can businesses take to ensure smooth cultural integration when merging or acquiring companies? Effective management hinges on striking a delicate balance between empathy and performance expectations. While understanding and meeting employee needs is important, overindulging in perks that don't genuinely enhance their work experience can backfire. Perks like free lunches and other bonuses are appealing but should not come at the expense of maintaining high-performance standards. A successful management approach thoughtfully balances employee support with a focus on results, driving both satisfaction and strong business performance. How can companies find the right equilibrium between supporting their teams and upholding rigorous performance expectations? Audio mixing and editing by www.verbell.ltd.

PCT Top 100 CEO Brian Goldman of Big Blue Bug Solutions joins hosts Fat Pat and Chase Hazelwood in the Boardroom this week. Brian shares the story behind their famous mascot, Nibbles Woodaway - a giant blue termite that has become an unofficial symbol of Rhode Island. The discussion explores how unique marketing can forge a deep bond between a business and its local community. Did you know Big Blue Bug wasn't always Big Blue Bug? The chat takes an intriguing turn as the three explore different perspectives on remote work. While Brian advocates for increased efficiency through careful time management, Chase grabs a stopwatch to measure his own processes. Despite the focus on productivity, Big Blue Bug Solutions maintains a positive work culture through events like their annual "State of the Bug" meeting. This sparks a thought-provoking debate: how can companies strike a balance between boosting efficiency and fostering a strong, supportive company culture? Listeners are treated to insights into the Goldman family's four-generation success story, delving into their operational strategies and decision-making processes. From remote work challenges to sales model adjustments and process optimization, Brian's experiences offer valuable lessons for businesses of all sizes. As the episode wraps up, viewers are left to ponder: what's your biggest takeaway from this interview with Brian? Audio mixing and editing by www.verbell.ltd.

Patrick and Nick step into The Boardroom with Mark Stewart, consultant, sales coach, and author of Stop Selling, to uncover how businesses can get the most out of their sales teams. Mark has experience helping companies double and even triple in size and keep the same talented people. They dive into what makes the next generation of employees tick, sharing unique tips and tricks for hiring them and keeping them motivated. Once you've recruited this workforce, how do you take them to the next level and mentor them to greatness? Fat Pat and Nick challenge Mark with some curveballs, and you'll appreciate the insights he shares from his personal experience. Mark highlights the importance of empathy and understanding in the future workplace, especially in sales roles. Forget about just being a boss - today's employees need mentors who can help them grow, both in their careers and as individuals. With the right guidance, they can experience less stress and more success, finding clarity in their professional and personal paths. To make mentorship a natural part of your leadership, create a culture of continuous development where mentoring is an ongoing practice, not just a one-time event. So, how can companies adapt to this more human-centered approach and set themselves up for long-term success?  Go pick up a copy of Mark's new book at markjstewart.com Audio mixing and editing by www.verbell.ltd

Patrick and Nick step into The Boardroom with Mark Stewart, consultant, sales coach, and author of Stop Selling, to uncover how businesses can get the most out of their sales teams. Mark has experience helping companies double and even triple in size and keep the same talented people. They dive into what makes the next generation of employees tick, sharing unique tips and tricks for hiring them and keeping them motivated. Once you've recruited this workforce, how do you take them to the next level and mentor them to greatness? Fat Pat and Nick challenge Mark with some curveballs, and you'll appreciate the insights he shares from his personal experience. Mark highlights the importance of empathy and understanding in the future workplace, especially in sales roles. Forget about just being a boss - today's employees need mentors who can help them grow, both in their careers and as individuals. With the right guidance, they can experience less stress and more success, finding clarity in their professional and personal paths. To make mentorship a natural part of your leadership, create a culture of continuous development where mentoring is an ongoing practice, not just a one-time event. So, how can companies adapt to this more human-centered approach and set themselves up for long-term success?  Go pick up a copy of Mark's new book at markjstewart.com. Audio mixing and editing by www.verbell.ltd.

Paul Giannamore, Mat Rogers, and Patrick Baldwin begin the episode by paying tribute to Andrew Beck, the CEO of Aruza Pest Control, who passed away last week. They share personal stories, remembering him as a devoted business leader, father, husband, and friend. If you knew Andrew or would like to help his family in this unimaginably difficult time, Paul has set up a GoFundMe page at 4AndrewBeck.com --- Fat Pat and Chase Hazelwood break down why ideas alone aren't enough to guarantee success this week in The Boardroom - it's all about execution. He argues that managers need to be more than just thinkers; they must dive into the details of their business, from sales to production, to ensure strategies are carried out effectively. It's not just about generating ideas; it's about seeing them through to completion. Are you as focused on executing your ideas as you are on creating them? Chase and Patrick emphasize the importance of accountability within an organization. A leadership role should go beyond evaluating employee performance—it must involve creating the conditions for success by establishing clear systems and processes that empower everyone. This approach fosters a culture where accountability is shared, and success is collective. How are you cultivating accountability at all levels within your business? Customer feedback, especially negative customer feedback, can be a powerful tool for growth. Instead of brushing off complaints, Chase explains how his team uses these insights to refine their operations and improve their business. By staying engaged with customer concerns and adjusting accordingly, they turn criticism into progress. Is Chase coming for all your customers?  Audio mixing and editing by www.verbell.ltd.

Patrick Baldwin and Nick Bartolo are joined by Court Parker, the CEO and owner of Bug Busters USA to share insights into the growth and management of his thriving pest control business. When exploring Court's background and how Bug Busters has evolved over the years, Court lets us in on some growth strategies, particularly the importance of route density in the pest control industry. By focusing on increasing density within existing markets rather than overextending into new ones, Bug Busters has been able to optimize resources and boost profitability. How can your business apply this principle of focusing on density to your growth strategies? Together they touch on the delicate balance between exploring new ideas and staying true to core business objectives. Court shares his personal struggle with “shiny object syndrome,” where the temptation to chase every new opportunity can distract from the company's primary goals. He emphasizes the importance of filtering and prioritizing ideas with the help of a strong team, ensuring that the business remains focused and aligned. How do successful leaders balance innovation with maintaining a clear business focus? There is always incredible value in learning from others in the industry. Court highlights his involvement in industry groups and the benefits of networking with other business owners. These interactions have provided him with fresh insights and collaborative opportunities that have strengthened his business stressing the importance of continuous learning and adapting to changes in the industry. How can professionals leverage industry connections and constant learning to stay ahead in a competitive market? Audio mixing and editing by www.verbell.ltd.

Paul Giannamore is back in The Boardroom this week joining Patrick Baldwin to cover the surprisingly bustling pest control M&A market. You'd expect transactions to slow down due to summer vacations, but it's actually quite the opposite. Paul shared that Potomac has “closed more transactions than we have in a two-month period, except in Q4 of 2020." Private equity firms are at the forefront, driving many of the recent transactions. Unlike strategic buyers, these firms often operate under the radar, leading to many deals happening without public fanfare. With big names like Rentokil, Rollins, and Anticimex staying relatively quiet, is this the new norm for the pest control industry? Rentokil is undergoing notable transitions, with John Myers in the process of retiring and speculations of the company potentially going private. The massive Rentokil/Terminix deal was a significant milestone, but with pressure from institutional investors and the potential impact of the upcoming election on the market, the future of Rentokil is still undecided. The pest control industry is evolving, with a greater focus on service and customer experience over purely financial considerations. Across the service industry, popular software systems like ServiceTitan for HVAC services and ServiceTrade for fire and life safety services are becoming essential tools. How will these internal changes and technological advancements shape the future of the industry? Building relationships and leveraging industry expertise emerged as significant themes in this episode. Paul Giannamore emphasized the importance of networks like the Young Presidents' Organization (YPO), which provide invaluable insights and learning opportunities. Paul and Patrick highlight how industry leaders are increasingly turning to consulting and mentorship, with notable examples like Tommy Mello investing heavily in expert advice to drive business success. Will this trend toward greater reliance on external expertise and mentorship continue to shape the industry's future strategies and growth? Audio mixing and editing by www.verbell.ltd.

This week, Patrick Baldwin, Nick Bartolo, and Chase Hazelwood explore the game-changing impact of AI on sales centers. They dive into how automating data collection and reporting can uncover a significant number of missed calls—those often ignored but crucial for sales performance. Chase shares how his team at Go-Forth Home Services used AI to identify these missed opportunities and develop effective strategies to tackle them. This reframes individual responsibilities as integral parts of the collective effort, driving a sense of shared purpose and responsibility. How can businesses integrate AI to improve operations while maintaining a corporate culture of personal accountability?  Chase Hazelwood delves into his team's unwavering dedication to fostering positive customer service experiences. At Go-Forth Home Services, while they leverage AI to enhance their operations, they never lose sight of the human element. Their focus is on making sure customers feel genuinely heard and understood. To Chase, while efficiency and technical expertise are essential, the true differentiator is connecting with customers on a personal level. How can businesses strategically blend advanced technologies with a personal touch to deliver an unparalleled customer experience? Audio mixing and editing by www.verbell.ltd.

In this week's episode of The Boardroom, hosts Patrick Baldwin and Nick Bartolo are joined by Drew Fenn, President of Fenn Termite & Pest Control in Southern California with a focus on commercial and residential customers. They delve into the critical role of discipline and focus in growing a business. Drew emphasizes the necessity of deeply understanding your business and adhering to your core competencies without getting sidetracked by external influences. Maintaining a sharp focus on profitability and operational efficiency, while staying true to what you do best, sets the foundation for lasting success. How can companies preserve this level of discipline and focus while expanding to new regions?  Drew shares his strategies for nurturing long-term customer relationships, particularly with commercial customers. By maintaining contract flexibility and consistently delivering high-quality service, Fenn Termite & Pest Control built strong trust and loyalty with their clients. Drew emphasizes the importance of clear operational procedures and well-trained staff to navigate uncertain economic periods while effectively and efficiently meeting diverse customer needs. Embracing these challenges transforms short-term engagements into lasting partnerships. What steps can businesses take to ensure their teams are equipped to maintain high service standards and adapt to changing customer needs? Audio mixing and editing by www.verbell.ltd.

Jason Walton, U.S. Senate Candidate in Utah and co-founder and CEO of Moxie Pest Control, joins Patrick Baldwin and Nick Bartolo for an enlightening episode of The Boardroom Buzz. Jason begins by discussing how mentors influenced his success such as Brent Bingham, Jimmy Hale, and the Rollins family. He also stresses that principled living and keeping commitments are key to personal and professional success. Through these experiences, Jason learned that success is about more than financial gain. What personal principles or commitments have guided you to your own definition of success? Walton highlights the importance of truly appreciating the success that comes from hard work. To know the value of success, it must be hard-earned. Reflecting on an encounter with a young Lance Armstrong, Jason comes to know the impact and importance of setting high aspirations and working diligently towards them. His steadfast perseverance and dedication thereby paved the path to substantial achievements in his professional political career. How can reflecting on our encounters with peers and role models inspire us to set higher aspirations in our own pursuits? Audio mixing and editing by www.verbell.ltd.

Mike Houston, the seasoned owner of Sureguard Termite and Pest Services, joins Nick Bartolo and Patrick Baldwin in the Boardroom to share his extensive experience in the pest control industry. Mike's humble beginnings in the industry accelerated into a successful business he exited. Mike took a break from pest control but has built again. He prioritizes maintaining strong customer service and building relationships as foundational to his business strategies, including acquisitions. How might you approach acquisitions on the buy side vs. the sell side? In the interview, Mike Houston detailed his approach to growing his business through multiple strategies. He stressed the importance of not just analyzing acquisitions by looking at the financials but also ensuring a good fit with the existing business model. Mike also highlighted the significance of clear communication and mutual benefits in making acquisitions successful. What strategies does Mike consider essential when evaluating a potential business for acquisition? Audio mixing and editing by www.verbell.ltd.

You can watch Paul's presentation in its entirety on POTOMAC TV here: https://youtu.be/OiY68KAOIC8?si=UK-Tcq2GA7b1Ec4v In an insightful speech at the AZPPO Great Western Pest Control Conference in March 2024, Paul Giannamore, the industry's foremost authority on business valuation, shared valuable strategies for growing, managing, and valuing pest control businesses. He emphasized staying focused on core pest control services for better performance and higher valuations. Paul stressed prioritizing cash flow over revenue and building a strong base of recurring revenue to attract private equity firms. Are you focusing on your core services and ensuring a strong cash flow? Paul discussed adapting to market changes, noting a shift from strategic acquirers like Orkin and Terminix to private equity firms that prioritize cash flow stability. He recommended targeting smaller, denser markets for higher gross margins and implementing strategic pricing to keep up with inflation. Do you focus on market density and adjust your pricing strategies to improve margins? Paul underscored the importance of recurring revenue for high gross margins and strong business valuations. He advised managing direct costs to maintain high gross margins and adopting strategic customer acquisition approaches, including direct mail. Paul also recommended bundling services and delivering consistent customer service to retain customers. Are you maximizing recurring revenue and maintaining high gross margins while providing excellent customer service? Audio mixing and editing by www.verbell.ltd.

Today in the Boardroom, Nick Bartolo and Patrick Baldwin sat down with Phil Rinehart. Phil is a practicing attorney and principal at The Law Offices of Phillip Rinehart. Phil is uniquely suited to provide legal advice as he also has a 20+ career in pest control and is currently the owner and CEO of EcoGen. As an attorney, Phil specializes in litigation, consulting, management, entity formation, liability protection, and growth. Phil shares essential tips on safeguarding your business through the right contracts. He emphasizes the importance of well-structured employment contracts, including critical clauses like non-solicit, confidentiality, and liquidated damages. Phil also discusses the necessity of having solid operating and service agreements to ensure comprehensive protection for your business. Do your contracts include these crucial provisions?  The team highlights the need to inform customers about their right to rescind a contract within three days to avoid significant financial risks. Failing to provide proper notice of this right can lead to serious consequences for a business. Are your terms and conditions updated with this clause?  Phil recommends setting up separate business entities for different aspects of a business to ensure extra protection and flexibility. Creating individual LLCs for partners and securing proper insurance coverage can mitigate potential risks. How are you protecting your business operations with separate entities and insurance?  Learn more about Phil and his work at www.philrinehart.com. Audio Mixing and Editing by www.verbell.ltd.

This week in The Boardroom, Paul, Patrick, and Chase explore the benefits of switching from hourly pay to production commission for technicians. It's not just an incentive but a reward for effort and results, fostering a sense of ownership among employees. How could a commission-based pay system boost your company's productivity and engagement? Chase shares his innovative hiring practices, suggesting businesses look outside their industry for high-quality, friendly employees. He's even found success in hiring staff from a pet daycare, who brought strong customer service skills to the team. What new talent pools could your business explore for exceptional hires? The co-hosts highlight the need to maintain consistent commission rates to protect company culture and profitability. Offering additional benefits, such as better equipment and professional development opportunities, can help retain top talent. How can your company effectively balance fair compensation with extra benefits to attract and keep the best employees? Audio Mixing and Editing by www.verbell.ltd.

In this episode, we spoke with Caleb Fabry, owner of Town & Country Pest Solutions in Rochester, New York. Caleb discusses the importance of a strong company culture and employee engagement. By using the Culture Index, he aligns team members with roles that fit their unique attributes while enhancing communication. How can utilizing culture tools help to retain team members, create mission alignment, and beat your financial goals? A significant part of Caleb's marketing strategy involves a dedicated in-house team focused on video content and social media. This approach has helped Town & Country Pest Solutions build a strong online presence and engage effectively with customers. How might investing in professional video content and social media marketing benefit your business? Learning from peer business owners has been crucial for Caleb's success. Joining leadership groups has provided valuable insights and the confidence to implement new ideas. Caleb has embraced the word "yes" when it comes to new opportunities, even outside his comfort zone. Who is pushing you to reach new heights and implement new strategies?

Brian Lunsford, owner and CEO of Bring the Joy Ventures—the parent company of LunsPro Inspections, Kingfish Pest Control, JoyLights, Fix-it Flamingo, and Jacksonville Real Producers—rejoins The Boardroom Buzz to recount his journey as a business leader. After a successful pest control business sale in Atlanta, Brian and his wife Kristin are building synergistic businesses in Jacksonville with less personal risk. How could a liquidity event give you the capital and confidence to build again on your family's terms?  Mentorship and personal connections are key in any leadership position. Brian proactively sought out experienced individuals to learn from. At Bring the Joy Ventures, it's about collaboration and the abundance mentality over micro-managing and secrecy. How can you start building a network of mentors and peers to support your growth? Brian highlights the need for work-life balance, stressing that while work is important, it shouldn't overshadow family and personal growth. To Brian, family comes first. He encourages leaders to ensure their employees prioritize this balance too. How can you promote a healthier work-life balance within your team yet still exceed your business goals? Audio Mixing and Editing by www.verbell.ltd.

This week in the Boardroom, Paul, Patrick, and Chase discuss building a high-performance business culture by expecting and monitoring mistakes. Transparency is key. When we expect each other to make mistakes and hold each other accountable, we're building a supportive environment. How can your organization see mistakes as growth opportunities? Trust and accountability must be balanced. Trust doesn't mean avoiding accountability but creating a safe space for improvement. Highlighting mutual respect and accountability, the co-hosts emphasize that no team member is above the team. How can leaders balance trust and accountability effectively? Measuring performance is crucial for growth. It's important to track metrics like close rates to gauge business success. Chase's rigorous tracking system encourages constant feedback, while Paul notes that trust allows candid feedback. What performance metrics drive improvement in your organization? Audio Mixing and Editing by www.verbell.ltd.

Paul, Patrick, Nick Bartolo, and Chase Hazelwood discuss the pivotal role that trust plays within teams. While trust is a cornerstone of effective teamwork, we can't forget the importance of accountability. Building trust is a gradual process built by recognizing and acknowledging when your team excels. How can your team strike a balance between fostering trust and upholding accountability to ensure consistent and high-quality performance? Staff turnover can be beneficial, contrary to popular belief. It may even be healthy to bring on new talent and ideas, pushing both employees and employers toward excellence. What strategies can you implement to leverage staff turnover as a driving force for growth and innovation within your organization? Continuous process improvement serves an important role in driving businesses toward success. Like Chase, you may even use AI tools for developing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and training materials to boost your progress. How can your business harness the power of focused process improvement and the integration of AI tools to achieve growth at a competitive rate? Audio Mixing and Editing by www.verbell.ltd.

Explore the fascinating world of pest control with Jared LaJaunie, founder of LaJaunie's Pest Control. From humble beginnings as a one-man operation to scaling up with a team, Jared shared the secrets behind his success. How can we maintain that relentless dedication and hunger for self-improvement in our own endeavors? Jared observes the power of mindset shifts in driving business growth. Transitioning from scarcity to abundance can open up new possibilities, not just for leaders like Jared but for entire teams. Ponder this: What mindset shifts can we make in our businesses to unlock untapped potential and foster growth? Let's not forget about the dynamic duo of Jared and his wife, Skye, who navigate the business world together. Their partnership underscores the importance of clear boundaries and open communication in both professional and personal relationships. How can we foster strong partnerships in business while maintaining a healthy work-life balance? Audio Mixing and Editing by www.verbell.ltd.

Paul and Patrick break down earnouts, those tricky tools that promise to bridge valuation gaps but often lead to unexpected headaches. Ever wondered why earnouts can be such a gamble? Picture this: a seller with a rock-solid EBITDA track record sees their earnout shrink because the buyer reinvests in the business, slashing the payout. So, are earnouts worth the risk, or are they just a ticking time bomb? Revenue-based earnouts are generally safer than cash-flow ones. Why? Because the deeper you delve into the profit and loss statement, the less control sellers have. But here's the kicker: How can sellers navigate these murky waters and ensure they're not left high and dry when the deal is done? It's a tough nut to crack but understanding the ins and outs of earnouts might just be the key to staying afloat. Honorable conduct pays dividends in reputation, while shady dealings can burn bridges. How can businesses strike the right balance between seizing opportunities and maintaining their moral compass in a cutthroat industry? It's a tightrope walk but finding that sweet spot could spell the difference between long-term success and a tarnished reputation. Audio Mixing and Editing by www.verbell.ltd.

This keynote speech by leading M&A advisor, Paul Giannamore, was filmed at the AZPPO Great Western Conference in Mesa, Arizona, on March 27, 2024. The presentation revolves around the key decision-making processes in mergers and acquisitions (M&A), focusing particularly on the choice between negotiation and auction when selling assets. Paul Giannamore, with over 20 years of experience in M&A advisory, emphasizes that understanding and choosing the right selling process—negotiation or auction—is crucial, not only in M&A but in any asset sale. Illustrating this, he shares a personal story about selling a valuable family-owned violin through different methods—initially trying to sell it online and then through personal connections, which eventually led to auctioning. This story serves as a segue into discussing the auction process more broadly. Paul elaborates on the complexities and strategic decisions involved in auctioning, using a detailed example of selling a business through a controlled auction process. The narrative includes tactical shifts like switching to a Dutch auction to push the final sale price closer to the desired amount. He explains the dynamics of a controlled auction, highlighting the absence of traditional negotiation and the focus on leveraging competition among buyers to maximize the selling price. In essence, the presentation provides a comprehensive overview of strategic decision-making in asset sales, focusing on the choice of process, and underscores the importance of understanding and manipulating these processes to achieve the best outcomes in business transactions. Contact POTOMAC today and find out how. Watch the recorded version of his speech here: https://youtu.be/AIbOsEZRifM?si=ikZklx9gCIpMhzdz 

Skye LaJaunie, COO of LaJaunie's Pest Control, joins Paul and Patrick in The Boardroom to dive into the crucial role of company culture in driving business success. There is a huge need for a strong culture built on genuine relationships between leaders and team members. But what does it take to truly understand your team's motivations and aspirations? And how can leaders foster an environment where everyone feels valued and connected? Skye sheds light on the importance of adapting business strategies to align with employee values, especially considering the unique characteristics of the younger generation in the workforce. When it comes to flexibility and customization, urging leaders to meet younger individuals where they are can be key in driving their success. But what does this level of customization look like in practice? And how can businesses navigate the changing dynamics of the modern workplace while staying true to their core values? Skye underscores the value of learning from others, whether through mentorship or studying successful businesses. The power of collaboration and openness to new ideas can do wonders in driving growth and development. But how can leaders cultivate a culture of continuous learning within their organizations? What steps can you take to ensure you're always evolving and adapting to stay ahead in such a fast-paced industry? Audio Mixing and Editing by www.verbell.ltd

We always think high growth is the golden ticket. Sure, rapid expansion can be sweet, but have you ever wondered if there's such a thing as too much growth? When should you hit the brakes and focus on other priorities, especially if selling your company is in the cards? Let's talk about keeping those customers happy. Implementing a killer retention program can seriously beef up your bottom line. But here's the million-dollar question: Are you doing enough to keep your customers coming back for more? Have you ever really sat down and thought about how to keep them hooked? In the wild world of door-to-door sales, your numbers may soar, but have you considered the risks? When you're scaling up, things can get pretty dicey. So, is the risk worth the reward, or should you look for a safer bet? Audio Mixing and Editing by www.verbell.ltd

Paul and Patrick dive into the intricate world of cognitive biases, drawing insights from Daniel Kahneman's book, Thinking, Fast and Slow. The duo dissected the concept of representativeness bias, which can lead us to make flawed assumptions based on surface-level similarities. Think about it: How often do we catch ourselves falling into this trap in our day-to-day decision-making? Can we truly overcome this bias, or is it wired into our brains? Next, exploring the subtle power of priming – how seemingly insignificant cues can sway our judgments without us even realizing it. It makes you wonder: How much of our decision-making is truly our own, and how much is influenced by these hidden triggers? What steps can we take to become more aware of these influences in our professional and personal lives? Let's talk about hiring processes and the importance of systematic thinking over relying solely on intuition. According to the peak-end rule, we tend to remember the most intense moment and the end of an experience more than the rest of it. It begs the question: Are we doing enough to ensure that our hiring processes are fair and based on merit rather than unconscious biases? Could implementing systematic approaches lead to more diverse and effective teams? Audio Mixing and Editing by www.verbell.ltd

Paul is getting on the road to double-keynote this year's AZPPO Great Western Conference. But first, Paul takes on a FRAXN client's question, beginning with the vital need to keep partnership agreements and valuations current. Surely, you've considered the potential chaos if your business partner suddenly left the picture. Updating your operating agreement can smooth out what would make for a rough ride. When was the last time you revisited your partnership paperwork? When it comes to valuing your business, growth rates and margins play a pivotal role. But are you factoring them into your valuation strategy? Paul and Patrick cover the importance of a nuanced approach instead of relying solely on a one-size-fits-all method. Even though you may not be thinking about selling in the near future, what variables come to mind as you think about the value of your business? And what's the scoop on offshore trusts? Despite their reputation, they can be a valid strategy for protecting your assets from legal and financial risks. What are some common misunderstandings of offshore trusts? Audio Mixing and Editing by www.verbell.ltd

Fat Pat and Uncle Paul dive into business expansion strategies and the power of partnerships. Instead of sticking to the traditional 'buy or build' mindset, here's an alternative: forming alliances with established players in new markets. But here's the kicker: Have you considered how such partnerships could reshape your business expansion plans? We all know negotiation is a crucial skill for sealing deals. Ask the right questions and keep crucial information close to the chest. Have you honed your negotiation tactics to secure the best outcomes for your business transactions? When acquiring a business, it's not just about crunching numbers—understanding the seller's needs is paramount. Remember, stay agile, keep an eye on emerging trends, and be willing to pivot your strategy when necessary. By refining your approach and embracing innovation, you can position your business for growth and success in any market environment. Are you ready to implement these insights into your business strategy? Audio Mixing and Editing by www.verbell.ltd

Are you ready for another guest episode? Mike Hurley, the genius behind a thriving wildlife business, Xceptional Wildlife, joins the Boardroom to uncover the secrets to his success. Mike hits home the importance of ironclad processes in business growth. Drawing from his experience with Six Sigma, he emphasizes the power of identifying and perfecting process failures. How do you think implementing a structured approach to processes could benefit your own business? Mike stresses the significance of choosing the right partner in business. A supportive partner can make all the difference, while the wrong one can spell disaster. To Mike, a great business partner can influence good in both your business and personal life. Have you ever had a business partner, and if so, how did they impact your professional journey? Mike goes on to encourage us to embrace failure as a catalyst for growth. He believes discussing failures and learning from them is crucial for continuous improvement. How do you handle failure in your own business, and what strategies do you use to turn setbacks into opportunities for growth? Audio Mixing and Editing by www.verbell.ltd.

Chase Hazelwood, owner of Go-Forth Pest Control, takes us through their remarkable journey from $2 million to an astonishing $25 million empire in just ten years. Curious about his winning formula? It's all about cultivating a high-performance culture. Chase tells us about his relentless focus on customer service and sales that skyrocketed productivity. How can you apply his strategies to supercharge your business? Chase didn't stop at the surface level. He stresses the crucial role of training, transparency, and accountability in shaping a workforce poised for success. Creating an environment where slacking off is a major faux pas and where every team member is driven to excel is key. Do you have what it takes to put your people on a batting order and share those stats for everyone to see? At Go-Forth, the team is on a mission to automate almost everything. Chase shares how they utilize AI and remove decision-making to improve efficiency. What can you not drill down to a checklist? Audio Mixing and Editing by www.verbell.ltd

Looking to crack the code of success in the wildlife and pest control sectors? Fat Pat and Seth drop some wisdom on why simplicity is the name of the game for top-performing companies. By starting with a single service and gradually adding on more, these businesses maximize profitability and route density. Do you think your company could benefit from simplifying its offerings, or are you tempted to throw everything at the wall and see what sticks? Let's talk recurring revenue. Seth spills the beans on how some savvy companies are ditching annual warranties in favor of monthly subscriptions. Even wildlife companies can implement subscription-based models. Staying laser-focused on building a business, rather than getting distracted by naysayers, is crucial to long-term success—it's all about keeping that cash flow steady and predictable. But here's the million-dollar question: Is your business ready to make the switch to a subscription-based model? What's keeping you from changing your billing structure? When it comes to expanding your operations, Fat Pat and Seth shed light on their "rule of ten": Don't split your company into different departments until you've got a solid team of ten technicians. Efficiency is key when the business is guided by a clear understanding of where the company is heading but it begs the question: How close is your company to hitting that magic number, and what can you do if you're just under Seth and Patrick's rule of ten? Audio Mixing and Editing by www.verbell.ltd 

Uncle Paul is preparing his upcoming presentation at Energy by Pest Daily, happening this weekend in Tampa, Florida. But first, he's answering listener questions by uncovering the secret sauce of setting that initial price point. How does anchoring impact negotiations? How can you take control by making the first offer?  Private equity firms are ditching pest control for the untamed world of wildlife businesses—it's all about the lower acquisition prices. Paul goes in-depth into this potential new frontier for private equity investments. Are you ready to jump into the wildlife platform trend, or are you sticking to the safer waters of traditional investments? A recent Potomac client revamps their company's governance with the game-changing impact of an unbiased board. Now, the question is: would you be willing to surrender to a self-appointed board of directors? Audio Mixing and Editing by www.verbell.ltd

Have you ever felt dwarfed by a competitor's size, wondering, "What am I doing wrong?" Uncle Paul goes solo with a few listener questions in hand, and reminds us that size isn't everything; it's about playing the hand you're dealt. What unique strengths can you leverage in your business? Take it from the expert—ditch the grand goals and focus on small, daily changes. How can your business benefit from implementing small changes? Can skipping the business equivalent of a fast-food binge lead to significant improvements Don't accept the first offer when selling your business. In fact, hear how it ends up with a losing hand. How can the discomfort of asking for more during negotiations potentially lead to a better outcome? Audio Mixing and Editing by www.verbell.ltd