Mar 13, 2026 | Company News, Good Deed Team
Northwest Exterminating teammates spent National Random Acts of Kindness Day volunteering at the Atlanta Community Food Bank. Two dozen teammates arrived bright and early at the Hunger Action Center on February 17 with one goal in mind: make a meaningful impact. By the end of the shift, they had packed enough food to provide nearly 15,000 meals for low-income families across Metro Atlanta.
Inside the warehouse, teammates were split into groups and assigned different tasks. Some checked expiration dates, others sorted donated items, while another team built and broke down boxes to keep the lines moving efficiently. Every box packed represented a family that could go to bed with full bellies and peace of mind. The energy in the room was contagious, teammates kept smiles on their faces as they worked with focus and determination.
The day was a true reflection of what it means to live out our Service Standard: Serve with a Servant’s Heart. At Northwest, that means putting others first and showing that we truly care by stepping in wherever there is a need. Whether protecting a customer’s home or packing food in a warehouse, Northwest teammates lead with compassion and a genuine desire to help. Moments like this are powerful examples of what it means to live the Northwest Way. Serving with Heart means giving time and talent generously and caring deeply about the communities we serve. Teammates show up not because they have to, but because they want to.
Above all, teammates walked away feeling incredibly grateful for the opportunity to serve. Giving back to families in need wasn’t just an act of kindness, it was a privilege. There was a shared sense of appreciation for the chance to step outside of daily responsibilities and make a difference in someone else’s life.
Random Acts of Kindness Day holds a special place in the Northwest Family of Brands. Teammates recognize the national day each February and celebrate the company-wide Act of Kindness Day in May. Both occasions create intentional opportunities for teammates across the Southeast to uplift one another. Acts of kindness may range from holding the door open or buying lunch for a teammate to organizing larger service projects like this one but no matter the size, the message is clear: teammates are valued, appreciated, and committed to making a difference. Opportunities like this remind us that when we live out our Service Standard, the difference isn’t just felt in the community; it’s felt in the heart of our Northwest family as well.
Mar 4, 2026 | Company News
Earning an award takes hard work. Earning it twice takes something deeper – a culture built on consistency, pride, and a genuine commitment to extraordinary service.
The Cullman Service Center has been named Quality Assurance Team of the Year for the second time, and their 2025 results make it clear this recognition is no coincidence. With a QA average exceeding 99 percent and an NPS score of 98, the Cullman team has set a standard that speaks for itself.
Leadership That Sets the Tone
Every high-performing team has a foundation, and at Cullman, that foundation is leadership.
Service Center Manager Zac, Office Manager Chasity, and Supervisor Josh Bell operate as a unified leadership team – one defined by clarity, consistency, and shared high expectations. There is no ambiguity about what extraordinary looks like here. Standards are clearly communicated, accountability is consistent, and the focus never strays from one priority: being extraordinary for the customer at every service appointment.
When leadership is aligned and purposeful, that energy flows throughout the entire team. At Cullman, it does.
Preparation as a Competitive Advantage
A 99 percent QA average does not emerge from good intentions alone. It is the result of deliberate preparation and disciplined execution.
The Cullman team plans each month before it begins. That proactive approach keeps everyone organized, aligned, and ready to perform at a high level regardless of what the day brings. Communication is one of their greatest strengths – teammates stay connected, expectations are reinforced, and nothing important falls through the cracks.
This kind of preparation creates consistency. And consistency, sustained over time, is what separates teams that occasionally perform well from teams that reliably excel.
A Culture Built on Pride
The Cullman team brings something you can’t measure on a checklist: a true sense of pride in their craft and in what Northwest stands for.
As Service Center Manager Zachery Freeman puts it, “This award is all about our teammates. They take great pride in doing all the little things right. They go above and beyond what is asked of them. I am thankful to just be a small part of such an amazing team.”
For Cullman, every service appointment is more than a task; it’s a chance to embody a brand built on trust, defined by quality, and grounded in service. That perspective influences how they care for customers, support one another, and tackle every challenge along the way.
A 98 NPS score sums it up best. Customers don’t just trust the Cullman team—they root for them.
Investing in People, Not Just Performance
What elevates this accomplishment beyond a single year of strong results is the long-term investment the Cullman team makes in its people.
Leadership development is not an afterthought here—it is a priority. Teammates are coached, supported, and given real opportunities to grow within the organization. The goal is not only to maintain a high-performing team today, but to build the leaders who will carry that standard forward.
That commitment to development, rooted in humility and a genuine desire to serve well, is why this team will continue to produce results—and promote leaders—long into the future.
A Servant’s Heart at the Core
If one value defines the Cullman Service Center, it’s Service Standard #11: Servant’s Heart.
As Regional Manager James Nelson shares, “The Cullman team lives out what it means to have a servant’s heart. They put others first, and you can see it in the way they approach every call and care for each other. That spirit defines their success and inspires everyone around them.”
Serving with intention. Leading with strength. Caring deeply for customers and teammates alike. For the Cullman team, these aren’t just words—they’re actions. Every service call, every interaction, every day.
A Standard Worth Celebrating
Earning the Quality Assurance Team of the Year is an achievement. Earning it twice is proof of something lasting – a culture that does not rely on short-term motivation, but on deeply held values and a shared belief that being extraordinary is the expectation, not the exception.
Congratulations to the entire Cullman Service Center team. Your leadership, effort, and commitment to the extraordinary continue to raise the bar for what is possible.
Feb 26, 2026 | Company News
Norman Terrell is celebrating 40 years with Northwest Exterminating. He never guessed that when he was hired back on April 1, 1986, his position as a Service Professional would lead to a 40-year commitment to himself and the customers he serves.
Norman was only 16 years old when he was hired. He admits that he fibbed about his age to get the job, but he has no regrets about that decision (And based on the incredible example he’s set for us all, we know L.A. wouldn’t regret the decision either!)
Becoming a Northwest Service Professional is one of the two jobs he’s ever had. He worked part-time as a security guard for a while to help support his mother. “I gave one of my paychecks to my mother and I used the other. one to take care of my expenses. Back then my rent was only $200 a month,” said Norman. Imagine going through life, never needing to write a resume or prepare for a job interview.
Norman has seen the company and the industry evolve over the past four decades, going from paper maps and landline calls to GPS and cell phones. He recalls carrying a pager and receiving $10 rolls of quarters which allowed him to call customers and return phone calls from the office. While some might be overwhelmed by change, Norman embraced it. Norman was the first Service Professional in the company to have a cell phone. And let’s be clear, this was not the sleek, pocket-sized devices we all carry today. Norman described it as a large, clunky object about the size of a shoebox. Portable? Not quite. Practical? Debatable. But he made it work, proving early on that if there was new technology to try, he was willing to make the best of it-even if he needed a stronger suspension system to carry it.
Norman had the privilege of working alongside Northwest founder, L.A. Phillips. The lessons he learned from Mr. Phillips have shaped the person and the professional he is today. “He’s just always done the right thing. He inspired me in my faith and in my job to be a good person and for 40 years it’s been a great life. I loved him like a father… he was so good to me.”
Mr. Phillips gave Norman one piece of advice that he still carries with him today: ‘Make a friend before you make a customer.’ It’s more than just a saying for Norman; it’s the way he has built his career. Over time, that approach has turned customers into lifelong friends. Take Mrs. Paulette Ricotta; Norman has been treating her home for more than ten years, and along the way, their relationship has grown into something much more than just service calls.
“Norman warms your heart with his smile from the moment you open the door, you can’t help but love the man.” said Mrs. Ricotta
It’s no surprise that many of Norman’s customers ask for him by name. His reputation stretches all across Metro Atlanta, carrying him from one neighborhood to the next
The miles don’t matter because when Norman shows up, he brings more than extraordinary service. He brings laughter, warmth, and a genuine connection that instantly puts people at ease.
Some visits even end like a family reunion, with hugs and saying the words ‘I love you,’ and the kind of joy that makes it clear Norman is more than just a service professional; he’s a friend.
When it comes to Norman’s customers, the relationship goes both ways. “I truly love my customers; they’re like family to me. For many of my customers, I’ve even watched their children grow up and start their own families.”
Norman began his career at the service center in Smyrna, GA, with fewer than 100 customers on his route. But like everything else in his journey, he grew it the same way he approaches life—one relationship at a time. Over the years, word spread not just about his skill, but about the kind of person he was. Customers didn’t just want service; they wanted Norman.
Today, more than 2,000 customers have had Norman at their doorstep, many for decades. Region 5 District Manager Jeff Hill says that level of loyalty is no accident. “He truly does value his customers and treats them like family. Norman is always trying to help people in need, and a lot of times the person in need is a customer. During the holidays, he will bring food for his customers that don’t have family around to help or visit.”
Jeff’s words capture what makes Norman exceptional: he doesn’t just serve a route; he builds a community. Every day Norman demonstrates what it means to live the Northwest Way, carrying the spirit of L.A. Phillips with him wherever he goes. In his truck, two photographs ride along: one of the late L.A. Phillips, resting on one side of his dash, and the other of Norman with his beloved wife on the other. To Norman, those pictures aren’t just keepsakes; they are reminders. One is a symbol of the leadership, vision, and values that built Northwest, and the other reflects the love and support that grounds him. Together, they tell the story of a man whose strength comes from both the leaders who came before him and the family who walks beside him. Proof that a great leader isn’t defined only by the work they do, but by the love, values, and legacy they carry with them.
Congratulations Norman on 40 years of extraordinary service. Words can’t fully express how grateful our Northwest Family is for the example you set every day, showing us what it means to serve with integrity, compassion, and a commitment that spans decades.
Feb 23, 2026 | Community News, Company News, Good Deed Team
Teammates from both Northwest Exterminating and Bug House Pest Control came together to prove that a little friendly competition, and a whole lot of care, can go a long way in making a difference.
A 30-day competition between the two teams raised a total of almost 2,300 non-perishable food items. Bug House ultimately claimed the victory with 1,237 cans of food collected and donated, slightly edging out Northwest’s impressive 1,029. What’s the prize for the winning team you ask? An ice cream party hosted by the other team. But when you ask both teams, they’ve shared the same answer – the opportunity to give back and help the families who live in the communities where they each live and work is the real victory.
The food collection was donated to The Grace House Community Food Bank in Fort Valley, GA.
The idea was sparked by Katie Hall, Northwest’s Macon Office Manager, and Ryan Reeves, Bug House’s Macon Service Professional,
and the effort is deeply personal, “The community has supported me and my family in so many ways, and this food drive is my chance to pay that kindness forward and help others the way they’ve helped me,” said Ryan.
For Katie, giving back isn’t just about donating food; it’s about passing on the value of service and compassion to the next generation. “It’s a way to teach my son how to be a helper, and how to make a positive impact on our community,” said Katie. “It’s about leaving something better than how you found it.”
Having the opportunity for both teams to come together to support the community they love is what our culture is all about. As we grow, we’re granted even more opportunity to give back and make a difference for the people, organizations, and communities around us, and what a gift that is.
This friendly food drive competition is just one example of how teammates live out our culture of working together, uplifting our communities, and spreading kindness. How are you coming together this year to make a difference?
Feb 5, 2026 | Company News
Diana Adams, executive assistant to the co-presidents, has been named a Rollins Inclusion Champion Award recipient for her dedication to creating a workplace rooted in inclusion, recognition, and belonging. Diana’s recognition is also a powerful reflection of what it means to live the Northwest Way each and every day.
Each year, members of the Workplace Inclusion Advisory Council select one Inclusion Champion from their respective divisions or brands. Randy Wilhite, vice president of business development and a member of the council nominated Diana for this esteemed internal honor. Randy shared that her servant-hearted leadership and unwavering commitment to others made her a standout candidate. “Diana volunteers at multiple events, many times serving after office hours, and her dedication to making teammates with different interests feel welcomed and valued set her apart,” said Wilhite.
While Diana was genuinely surprised by the recognition, those who work alongside her at Northwest Exterminating’s Team Support Center were not. Diana has a natural way of making people feel seen and appreciated. You can often tell when someone has crossed paths with her; she leaves smiles in her wake. Whether she’s stopping by to say hello, checking in on a teammate’s weekend, or taking the time to truly listen, her genuine care for others is unmistakable. She’s even known to pop into a room just to share a joke and whether it’s good or delightfully bad, it’s guaranteed to brighten the day. “We are so grateful for all Diana does for us in front and behind the scenes! She has a customers first mindset and truly cares for everyone around her.” said Jeff Dunn, co-president of Northwest Exterminating. “We are fortunate to have someone who genuinely starts and ends her day asking how she can make a difference for the people around her. She deserves this recognition and more.”
Diana’s upbeat attitude is the epitome of starting each day with intentional optimism and finding the extraordinary in every situation. Diana helps create a culture where teammates feel like family. She exemplifies Northwest values through her everyday actions that make a meaningful and lasting impact.
The Workplace Inclusion Program is organized around three pillars of the Rollins Way of inclusion-centered behaviors that reflect excellence, empathy, and teamwork. The Inclusion Champion Award recognizes individuals who demonstrate heroic impact, essential togetherness, and a commitment to being remarkable, values that closely align with the Northwest Way of doing what is right, being humble and being extraordinary.
Congratulations to Diana Adams on this well-deserved honor. Her actions remind us that inclusion isn’t just a value; it’s something we live out every day through how we show up for one another.
Jan 20, 2026 | Company News
Bonnie Davis, teammate with the Buford, GA office, recognized as the Georgia Administrative Professional of the Year
Congratulations are in order for Bonnie Davis, an Administrative Professional in our Buford, GA office who was named the Georgia Pest Control Association Administrative Professional of the Year!
The GPCA Administrative Professional of the Year Award recognizes administrative staff for outstanding service, efficiency, and dedication to both their company and the pest control industry. Bonnie exemplifies all of these qualities and more.
Bonnie has proudly served Northwest Exterminating for more than 10 years, supporting the local Buford office in several important ways, including with termite and pretreat work. While her role is critical to daily operations, it was Bonnie’s efficiency, dedication, and integrity that truly set her apart and earned her this well-deserved recognition.
Bonnie steps in to support office leadership when needed and plays a key role in ensuring continuity by managing reports, assisting with managerial duties, and keeping operations running smoothly. She is known for her willingness to mentor others and generously shares her knowledge, which has strengthened the Buford team and elevated those around her. Bonnie consistently models professionalism, calm problem-solving, and grace under pressure, qualities that reflect both the Northwest Service Standards and the Northwest Way.
Through her leadership, work ethic, and positive influence, Bonnie has helped shape the culture and success of the Buford Service Center. Her impact is felt not only in the work she does, but in the confidence, consistency, and care she brings to her teammates and customers every day.
Congratulations, Bonnie. Thank you for all that you do!
Dec 30, 2025 | Company News
At Northwest, our growth is measured not just by the communities we serve, but by the people we empower. We believe that building extraordinary leaders is the foundation of providing extraordinary service. Investing in our team is a core part of who we are, ensuring our people are supported, challenged, and prepared to lead with confidence.
That is why we are so proud to celebrate our newest graduates of the Region Manager Development Program (RMDP). This significant milestone is a direct reflection of the dedication, character, and immense potential of these teammates. Please join us in congratulating:
- Bart Sloan, District Manager
- James Nelson, Region Manager
- Allen Woosley, Commercial Services Director
- Billy Matthews, Region Manager
- David Cogan, Region Manager
- Emily Garcia, Service Center Manager
Their achievement marks the culmination of a year of intensive growth, and we are thrilled to recognize their commitment.
What is the Region Manager Development Program?
The Region Manager Development Program is an immersive, 12-month leadership journey created for leaders throughout our Family of Brands. Selected participants are teammates who oversee multiple business units or departments, or those who have been identified as having the potential to step into that next level of responsibility.
RMDP was launched in 2018 as a direct result of our company-wide talent review process within our parent company, Rollins, Inc. It was designed to support our long-term strategic growth by identifying and nurturing key talent capable of leading at the next level. Since its inception, 143 senior leaders have graduated from the program, continuing to make a meaningful impact across our entire organization.
A Career-Defining Leadership Experience
RMDP is far more than traditional training. It provides a blended learning approach that combines theory with real-world application, ensuring our leaders are not just learning concepts but actively practicing them. The program includes:
- Facilitator-Led Training: Expert-led sessions on advanced leadership principles.
- Executive and Peer Mentoring: Direct guidance from seasoned executives and collaboration with peers.
- Immersive Field Learning: Hands-on experiences that connect classroom learning to daily operations.
- 360-Degree Leadership Assessments: In-depth feedback from managers, peers, and direct reports to foster self-awareness.
- Executive Coaching: A six-month engagement with a professional coach for personalized guidance.
- Personalized Development Plans: Customized roadmaps for growth supported throughout the program.
This comprehensive structure ensures our leaders receive the feedback, support, and practical experience they need to thrive.
A highlight of the RMDP journey is the capstone experience, where participants take what they’ve learned and put it into action. This year’s class traveled to Disney World for a three-day, hands-on team competition across three of its iconic parks. The event challenged them to collaborate under pressure, think creatively, and approach every interaction with a customer-first mindset.
But beyond the adventure and the competition, the capstone is about our teammates’ growth. Graduates demonstrated leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving at the highest level. During the graduation ceremony, attended by their families, Brand Presidents, and members of the Executive Leadership Team, leaders from each brand shared their key takeaways, reflecting on the personal and professional development they achieved throughout the program. The winning team was announced, and each graduate received their official RMDP plaque—celebrating not just the experience, but the incredible growth and dedication of our teammates.
Celebrating Northwest’s Commitment to Leadership
We are incredibly proud of Bart, James, Allen, Billy, David, and Emily for completing the rigorous RMDP program and investing in their personal and professional development. Their achievement demonstrates a powerful commitment to excellence and a readiness to lead with purpose, a people-first mentality, and a desire to serve and make a difference for the people around them.
Programs like RMDP are a testament to what makes Northwest different. We care deeply about our teammates, we invest in their professional development, and we believe that pouring into our incredible people is how we continue to deliver the experiences we strive to be known for within the communities we serve. By providing opportunities, support, and trust, we hope to empower our teammates to create extraordinary experiences.
Congratulations to our newest RMDP graduates! Your hard work inspires us all, and we are excited to see how you will continue to lead, innovate, and make a positive impact across the entire Northwest family.
Dec 30, 2025 | Company News
John Dellapina, Account Executive within our East Cobb Georgia office, is officially retiring after nearly 26 years with Northwest Exterminating, leaving behind a legacy built on relationships, dedication, and decades of stories.
As he steps into retirement, John says he’s most looking forward to slowing down and relaxing. He’s excited to spend more time with his wife and grandchildren, savoring moments that busy schedules once pushed to the sidelines. Still, leaving Northwest isn’t easy. After more than a quarter century, it’s been his home away from home.
“I’m going to miss the daily routine, but I’m really going to miss the people the most,” John shared. “I’m a people person; I just like being around people.”
Known for his great sense of humor, John proudly describes himself as “old school” in the best way. He prefers paperwork over computers and is often teased about his extensive archive of old files; but when systems go down or someone needs an original document, teammates know exactly where to turn.
“Thanks to John, I know now never to toss contracts. He’s been building a paper empire for 20+ years! If you ever need a contract from 2005, he’s your guy!” Jamie Williams, Sales Support Associate.
John’s deep knowledge and long history with the company have made him a walking archive of Northwest Exterminating. Even during a health scare, he never lost his trademark humor, continuing to crack jokes and lift the spirits of those around him.
One of the many meaningful connections John made during his career was with Chuck Negas, Director of Commercial Development. Recognizing John’s strong relationships, especially with real estate agents—Chuck encouraged him to transition into Commercial Sales, knowing he would thrive.
“John was well liked and clients trusted him,” Chuck shared. “He also set a good example for newer salespeople. He was always willing to help and was supportive of everyone he worked with, John never forgot that we were a team.”
John often fondly recalls the trio he formed with close friends Peter Schmidt and Tommy Hubert, along with the practical jokes, laughter, and camaraderie that defined so many of his days. John also likes to remind people that when he was hired, he walked through the door with a $3,000 termite contract under his belt, and he never looked back.
Over the years, John built lasting connections with customers and teammates alike, relationships that made his career especially meaningful
John Dellapina will be deeply missed by teammates across Northwest Exterminating. His stories, humor, reliability, and heart have left a lasting mark, and his impact will be felt long after he clocks out for the final time. Thank you, John, for sharing 25+ years with us!
Dec 30, 2025 | Company News
Barry Teubert, Service Center Manager in Hixson, GA., began his career with Northwest 28 years ago with a simple goal: to learn more about the pest control industry. What kept him here all these years, however, was something even more meaningful: the people and the culture.
Throughout his career, Barry wore many hats. As a Service Center Manager, he inspired teammates, solved customer challenges with a steady smile, and ensured exceptional service was delivered day in and day out. Leadership and teaching others came naturally to Barry, and his influence has been felt across the company for nearly three decades.
While the work was meaningful, Barry’s career was also filled with plenty of humor. One story still makes him laugh:
“Every time I hear the joke, ‘I don’t have to outrun the bear, I only have to outrun you,’ it reminds me of the time Pete Schmidt, and I had to outrun two Rottweilers that chased us to our truck. I only had to outrun Pete—and I did.”
Pete Schmidt, Vice President of Specialty Services, hired Barry back in 1997 when Pete was the Service Center Manager at the Smyrna Service Center. Pete said one of the things he’ll miss most about Barry is his contagious energy, get it done attitude, and constant competitive spirit.
“Barry was a man who stood by his word. If he said it, you could consider it done. I had to bring my A-game every day when working with Barry; he made me better. “ said Pete
Pete was not the only person who noticed Barry’s dedication and performance. Over the years, Barry earned Salesman of the Year four times, was named Teammate of the Year, and received the company’s highest honor, the L.A. Phillips Award. These achievements reflect the respect and admiration he earned from teammates along the way.
Beyond awards and accomplishments, Barry says the most rewarding part of his leadership journey has been watching teammates grow, buying their first homes, getting married, and welcoming children into their lives. Family has always been important to Barry and as he enters retirement, he’s excited to devote 100% of his time to his loved ones, embrace his hobbies, and simply enjoy life.
As Barry prepares for this next chapter, he leaves his Northwest family with one final piece of advice:
“Change is good. Learn from everyone—the good and the bad. Be open to growing and challenge yourself daily.”
Thank you, Barry, for 28 years of leadership, laughter, and lasting impact. Your legacy at Northwest Exterminating will continue through the many lives you’ve influenced.
