Mike Bell
Founder & CEO
How would you describe your role?
My role is the creation and execution of a vision….a vision for a pest control company that is more about doing it the correct way than putting more stops on a route.
Tell us about your professional background. What did you do before The Pest Company, and how does that experience show up in your work today?
A mechanical engineer that got into sales management with two different manufacturing companies that were fortune 500 companies. I transitioned to wholesale distribution where I worked my way from a VP of Sales and Operations to a President and CEO. Regardless of the role, I’ve always loved figuring things out and making it easier for people to do their jobs. It’s all about people…..give them the resources and training to do their job and empower them to take care of the customer and the vendor. The financials are just a representation of how well you do that. Again, it’s all about the people that take care of the customer.
What part of the job do you love most?
I love figuring things out. I always try to solve the customers problem so they don’t see pests again.
What's one thing you wish every homeowner or business owner knew about pest control?
You have to find the source of the problem. For instance, if you have kids juice and crumbs on the floor you’ll probably have critters. Bonus answer: We come in and spray (usually when there is a problem), then the customer calls and says they see roaches upside down everywhere. “I thought you sprayed!” If they are belly up or moving slow, we did our job. It often takes weeks for the activity to subside. Trust the process and we will make sure you are comfortable and bug free.
What does "taking care of the little things" mean to you personally?
I take pride in looking for pests and getting rid of them, but I also communicate with the homeowner on soffit vents that are missing, or gutter issues that draining incorrectly. I serviced a condo last week and I found a leaky pipe and an air handler that was stopped up and leaking…causing damage to the wood. A lot o times, homeowners don’t notice these things or don’t look in those spaces often. Little things means helping them identify little things that can make their life better at home or work.
What's the strangest or funniest thing you've encountered on a job?
Strangest….maybe the worst was rats had eaten holes in this persons base boards and the rat was trying to steal a loaf of bread and take it through the hole. The place was infested…..urine, fesces, and an awful smell. Rats can carry fleas and ticks, so it’s not just the rodents you have to worry about. Funniest - This week I went to inspect for roaches at a home before treating. Two little girls were so intrigued with my flashlight and looking for bugs that they made a game of it and opened every cabinet for me and followed me into every room and looked under every appliance. They were awesome!
If you could get rid of one pest from the face of the earth forever, which one would it be and why?
You know, they all play a part in the whole ecosystem. I would definitely go with rats though. They carry fleas and ticks, can carry diseases, and often can create a lot of destruction by chewing on wood, wires, and the food you eat.
What do you love doing when you're not working?
I love hunting. I guess fishing is really hunting too….just hunting for fish. I love the outdoors, so being on the water or being in the woods is my comfort zone. I guess I hunt for bugs too…..
What's something people would be surprised to learn about you?
In college I had 5 jobs at one time. They were all part time, but between classes and work, I didn’t have much extra time.
What about Jacksonville makes it feel like home to you?
I grew up in a small town in South Georgia. Jacksonville has been called metro South Georgia. It’s a city that has so many small communities that all have their own identity, but feel like a small town. It’s where my kids grew up and all of their friends are here. I met my wife here and we believe that wherever we are….that’s home, but Jacksonville feels like home.
What's a local spot, event, or cause in Jacksonville that you think everyone should know about?
Local spot - Palms Pantry. It feels like Cheers. Event - you can’t go wrong with The Players. A cause…..my younger sister passed away after a battle with cancer, so anything that brings awareness and help to those suffering from such a terrible disease.
