Jun 26, 2026 | Good Deed Team
Northwest Exterminating hosts First Responder Cookouts from April through October. On June 12, the Smyrna, GA service center showed appreciation for the individuals who work tirelessly to keep our communities safe by offering a free meal as a small way to say thank you.
Dozens of local law enforcement officers, EMS professionals, firefighters, and their staff stopped by to enjoy a classic cookout spread—juicy burgers with all the fixings, grilled hot dogs, baked beans, and potato salad. The food was a hit, but the highlight of the day wasn’t on the menu.
The best part was the fellowship; teammates and first responders shared laughs and conversations that reminded everyone why community matters. It was a chance to slow down, connect face‑to‑face, and express gratitude in ways words could never capture.
Events like this embody Northwest Exterminating’s deep commitment to the communities we serve and demonstrate dedication that goes beyond pest control. The Smyrna team’s First Responder Cookout was a simple gesture with a powerful impact, reminding everyone that appreciation doesn’t have to be complicated to be meaningful.
Whether it’s sharing a meal, writing a thank‑you note, or donating everyday essentials, each act of kindness helps our local heroes feel seen and supported. As Northwest Exterminating continues to invest in the communities we serve, events like this show how small moments of gratitude can strengthen relationships and honor the people who keep us safe every day.
Jun 10, 2026 | Good Deed Team, Teammate Celebration
Teammates in LaGrange and Newnan Georgia proved that customer service means more than just completing a job. Teammates in LaGrange noticed an elderly customer’s yard had become overgrown and difficult to manage. Rather than simply completing the scheduled service and moving on, the team came together to help. Bringing their own lawn equipment, the team spent a Saturday cleaning up the property – digging up roots, trimming, and removing trees, clearing weeds, and helping restore the yard.
A few weeks later, teammates in Newnan noticed a similar need while servicing another customer’s home. They stepped in all the same, completing a full yard cleanup for the customer who needed support. For both teams, the work was meaningful because it gave them the chance to come together and care for customers in a very real, practical way.
While the stories are the same, LaGrange and Newnan teams were unaware the others had completed a similar task. They simply noticed where two customers needed support and helped where they could, demonstrating what it means to put care into action.
That is the kind of customer experience we hope people feel from Northwest. Not just a completed appointment, but care from the people behind it. Care that shows up in small decisions, extra effort, and the desire to honor those who trust us.
We are grateful for every Northwest teammate who keeps their eyes open for the opportunity to serve and make a small difference for our customers, communities, and each other.
May 28, 2026 | Community News, Good Deed Team
Teammates from Northwest Good Deed Team and our sister brand Orkin visited Cane Ridge Elementary School in Antioch, TN, to give students a glimpse into the world of pest control management during the school’s Career Day. Teammates were proud to introduce students to the endless opportunities within the pest industry and help them understand how pest professionals protect homes and communities.
Students were excited to learn about the pest industry, asking questions about everything from training required to enter the field to the tools and equipment used on the job. Some even wanted to know more personal details, like each teammate’s favorite bug. This type of engagement brought smiles to students and teammates and served as a reminder of how something as simple as talking about their day-to-day lives can truly make a difference in the lives of others. No Career Day would be complete without a hands-on experience, and the show-and-tell display did not disappoint. Students were fascinated by a variety of taxidermized animals, including a groundhog, otter, and armadillo. However, the hornet’s nest quickly became the star of the show, drawing the most attention. Students also had the opportunity to take home some fun Northwest items, including snacks and sunglasses, giving them a fun reminder of the day.
For Northwest and Orkin teammates, the partnership was an example of the power of collaboration and of inspiring the next generation. While pest control might not be the first career that comes to mind, many of our teammates talk to how a career in pest control is really a career serving people. By bringing together shared expertise and a passion for service, the teams created memorable experiences that inspired students to think differently about future career possibilities.
May 22, 2026 | Community News, Company News, Good Deed Team
Families across Georgia will have the essential items they need to provide for the youngest members of their families thanks to the help of Northwest Exterminating teammates and other volunteers from across the state. Nearly a dozen dedicated Northwest teammates helped distribute more than 500,000 diapers, wipes, pull-ups, adult underwear, and feminine hygiene products to help families in need. These items will go to the unhoused community or families that are on the brink of homelessness. Greg Green and Kristen Milligan, co-directors of the Northwest Good Deed Team, were also there with the ‘Chillin and Grillin’ grill trailer to provide lunch for all the volunteers.
On May 8, nearly a dozen teammates met in the parking lot of HomeAid Georgia loading stacks of boxes into the vehicles of more than 40 non-profit organizations as they drove through to pick up their pre-arranged supplies. Many of the recipients spoke about the impact the drive has on the communities they serve. “These essentials bring stability and allow moms to focus on other essentials that they need to spend their money on; these diapers make a huge difference,” said a representative from Well Root Family Services. Recipients used words like “wonderful,” “amazing,” and “exciting,” to describe the day but the word we heard most was “blessed.” You could see the gratitude and relief on their faces as they picked up their items. Some nonprofit representatives traveled from as far as Albany, GA., proof of just how great the need is within our local communities. Teammates are always thankful for opportunities to serve, and the recipient feedback was a powerful reminder of Northwest’s true reason behind why we’re in the “bug business: to care for people. This year’s Essentials Drive took a different approach. Instead of collecting items, 27 teams donated money, allowing HomeAid to purchase essentials at wholesale and maximize impact. Northwest contributed more than $2,000 to support the effort.
2026 marks 25 years of the Essentials Drive for HomeAid Georgia, and Northwest has been a proud partner for more than 20 of those years. This partnership is just another great example of what’s possible when organizations share a common goal of supporting members of our community facing the greatest challenges, and a true testament to teammates who show up time and again, ready to jump into action with a servant’s heart and show how much they truly care.
Our Northwest teams look forward to the continued partnership with HomeAid Georgia. If you would like to learn more and further support this incredible organization, please visit https://www.homeaidga.org/.
May 15, 2026 | Community News, Community/Events, Company News, Good Deed Team
Students and teachers at Shadow Rock Elementary School received a special treat when Northwest Exterminating teammates rolled in with the Chillin’ & Grillin’ grill on May 7. Teammates hosted a special Teacher Appreciation and 5th Grade Recognition lunch, serving burgers and hot dogs to honor hard working educators and the achievements of students preparing for their next big step of graduating to middle school. For many teachers, they were aware that Northwest was planning something, but they didn’t know just how big the outpouring of love and appreciation would be.
“I thought we were just going to have a few snacks,” said school psychologist Dr. Terri Blake. “When I saw the burgers and hot dogs, I thought, ‘Oh, they really love us.’ This is the type of school climate that I’m enjoying being in.”
The impact was just as meaningful for students. Fifth graders felt special and were proud to be recognized for their hard work. Younger students passed by noticing the special lunch set up, and many asked why they couldn’t join the celebration. Teammates were quick to encourage them, reminding students that if they continue to get good grades, they will get the same special treatment when they’re in the 5th grade.
Moments like these create a ripple effect. As Dr. Blake shared, “It makes the long days go faster. Our students are used to being supported and celebrated. I’m hoping they’ll see us being loved on and appreciate us a bit more and then its full circle, happier teachers mean happier students.”
For Northwest teammates, the day was just as uplifting; opportunities like this go beyond service. It’s about taking the initiative to make a difference in the lives of others and creating moments that remind people that they are appreciated.
Educators pour into the next generation every single day, and small gestures can make a lasting impact. Everyone has the ability to brighten a teacher’s day. We encourage everyone to take an extra moment to show appreciation for those making a difference around you!
May 8, 2026 | Company News, Good Deed Team
When you think about what it means to live the Northwest Way, Joseph Murray, service professional in Newnan, Georgia, immediately comes to mind. For Joe, our Core Values – Customers First, Do What is Right, Be Humble, Be Extraordinary, Move Forward – aren’t just words on paper; their values are ingrained in his DNA.
When Joe came in for his job interview, he and Service Center Manager Dave Horn had an instant connection, and Dave knew right away that Joe would be a perfect fit for Northwest. “The first couple of minutes after sitting down and talking to him, I thought, I don’t need to do anything else—I just pray your driving record is good, let’s do this!”
Joe’s genuine care for people is evident from the moment he steps onto a customer’s property. Each visit begins with a simple question: “What are we seeing?” While the question is intended to uncover pest concerns, the conversation often turns into a catch-up session between old friends. It doesn’t take long to realize that Joe isn’t just protecting homes, he’s building relationships. “They’re not just customers to Joe. Said office manager, Kayla Purcell. “He gets invited to cookouts, and to the kid’s birthday parties. They’re his extended family.”
He considers it a privilege to serve his customers, and many of them consider him to be family. For customer William Wilcox, he remembers their first meeting like it was yesterday. “Joe’s first visit was the day I was laid off from my job,” William shared. “I’ll never forget it. Before I knew it, we started talking, and Joe prayed with me right there on the spot. After he left, I remember feeling like everything was going to be okay.” As Mr. Wilcox reflected on that moment, tears filled his eyes. The service professional who once knocked on his door is now someone he calls a brother.
Joe’s personality is infectious, and it draws people in like bees to honey. His fun personality and positive energy make it nearly impossible to have a bad day around him. When asked what a bad day looks like, Joe smiled and said:
“I don’t think we have bad days. You may have a bad moment throughout the day, but what you do in that moment will define how you overcome it.” For Joe, it’s all about choices. Choosing to see golden opportunities rather than focusing on what went wrong.
Teammates experience Joe’s positive energy every day including his Good Deed Team co-ambassador, Savannah Casswell. She has worked with Joe for six months and says the best thing about working with Joe is his attitude. “He’s always upbeat and I really like his energy; he doesn’t let anything get him down. He’s just a positive person and it’s hard to have a bad day when you’re around him.”
Joe is the perfect example of serving with a servant’s heart. As Good Deed Team co-ambassador, he’s active in community initiatives. During a recent visit to Backpack Buddies, a Northwest community partner that provides food for students during school breaks, Joe naturally stepped into leadership. The team had the opportunity to deliver more than 50 bags filled with food to Ruth Hill Elementary School. On the morning of the delivery, Joe was coordinating vehicles, confirming volunteers, and ensuring the team arrived on time.
For Joe, giving back isn’t an obligation; it’s an opportunity. His personal volunteer resume includes everything from road clean ups, food banks, domestic violence shelters, and homeless shelters, and that list doesn’t include the volunteer work with his church Griffin Frist Assembly and his fraternal organization James E Acey Lodge 600 and Atlanta Consistory 24a.
Joe’s dedication to customers, teammates, and the community reflects who he is at his core: a man of faith, a family man, and someone who believes deeply in serving others. His giving heart shows up in quiet prayers on front porches, in food bags delivered with dignity, and teammates encouraged during tough times. In every moment, he chooses kindness over convenience. Joe’s legacy is measured in the lives he touches. He proves that extraordinary service isn’t about what you do; it’s about how deeply you care while doing it. For Joe Murray, serving others is part of his purpose.
Joe serves as an example to lead with a servant’s heart and with your eyes open to serve your team, customers, and community. By extending kindness, you’re not just touching the people you meet; you’re inspiring everyone to do the same a little more each day.
Apr 21, 2026 | Community News, Company News, Good Deed Team
This Easter, pediatric patients at Willett Children’s Hospital in Savannah, GA experienced a moment of joy and celebration, thanks to Northwest Exterminating’s Good Deed Team. Dozens of Northwest teammates gathered at the Team Support Center in Marietta, Ga., stuffing approximately 400 plastic eggs with stickers, miniature stuffed animals, and mini glow sticks. Some of the eggs were included in the 50 Easter Baskets the team collected to take to the hospital, others were used to organize an easter egg hunt for the children who were able to participate.
“The Easter baskets were given to inpatient children, usually covering an entire floor,” said Kristen Milligan, Good Deed Team Co-Director. “Some went to children in the ER and new admissions patients, and the pediatric ICU received window clings to ensure there was something for everyone.”
The partnership between Willett Children’s Hospital and Northwest has been going strong since 2018. An office manager suggested Northwest get involved after realizing the hospital had little support. After meeting with the hospital’s Family Services Director, it became clear there was a need—and Northwest teammates didn’t hesitate to act. That same day, they visited local stores to stock the hospital’s empty pantries, ensuring parents could have meals while staying by their child’s side. Ever since, teammates from across the Southeast have continued to come together to support the hospital around the annual holidays, like Christmas trees and decorations.
Eight years later, the Easter basket initiative remains a beloved tradition—one that reflects the heart of Northwest. It’s about more than baskets and eggs; it’s about bringing comfort, creating moments of joy, and reminding children and their families that they are not alone. What started as a simple act of service quickly grew. From decorating hospital rooms at Christmas to creating Easter baskets, teammates have continued to find ways to show up for these families year after year.
Apr 7, 2026 | Good Deed Team
Teammates from Northwest Exterminating and our sister brand Orkin, had the opportunity to help students experience the joy of reading. Teammates served at Cane Ridge Elementary School near Nashville, Tn. as part of the Read Across America Program. The program is a nationwide event that encourages children to read and celebrate the importance of books.
Teammates read books to students in kindergarten through 5th grade, which made the day even more meaningful because the Read Across America Program was recognized on March 2, which is the same day as Dr. Seuss’ birthday. Teammates also brought snacks for the students and treats for teachers and staff so everyone could play a part and enjoy the day together.
This initiative allowed volunteers to step into classrooms sharing some of the books that once sparked their own love of reading. One book, Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak, left a lasting impression on the students. By the end of the day, it was hard to tell who enjoyed it more, the students, whose faces lit up with excitement, or the adults, who found just as much joy stepping into their world.
Students also took the opportunity to get to know some of our teammates, asking questions about everything from chapter books to comic books. They also had lots of questions about the Northwest mascot, the Mouse. These types of experiences create moments that matter for both the students and teammates.
Having the opportunity to serve some of our youngest readers and support the love of reading is a gift. Days after the event, students sent dozens of handmade cards thanking teammates for taking the time to read to them.
According to the National Assessment of Educational Progress, often referred to as the Nation’s Report Card, 2 out of 3 students in the United States are not reading at their grade level.
If you’re interested in getting involved, the Read Across America Program recommends:
• Volunteering to read in a classroom or after-school program
• Donating books to local schools or community book drives
• Sharing stories with children in their own families or neighborhoods
Small efforts can make a big difference! We are grateful for programs like Read Across America and others who support our local schools and students. We look forward to partnering again in the future.
Apr 7, 2026 | Good Deed Team
Teammates in Newnan, Ga. are working to help prevent food insecurities among students across Coweta County. Partnering together with Backpack Buddies, a non-profit organization that provides food to children during school breaks, the team was able to deliver more than 50 bags of food to Ruth Hill Elementary. This effort is part of an ongoing partnership, with teammates working alongside Backpack Buddies ahead of every school break to help bridge the gap for families who rely on school meals during the week.
According to the Atlanta Community Food Bank, 1 in 6 children will go to bed hungry and in some instances the meal they get at school may be the only food they have to eat all day. This reality inspired teammates to get involved. Good Deed Team ambassadors Joe Murray, Service Professional, and Savannah Casswell, Administrative Professional, organized the effort by coordinating the number of vehicles and volunteers needed to load and transport the food. They also worked with Backpack Buddies and school administrators to coordinate the best time to deliver the food.
Once the planning was complete, teammates gathered, loaded up their vehicles, and made their first stop at Backpack Buddies before caravanning to the school. Efforts like these are a reflection of a larger commitment shared across the Northwest Family of Brands. For teammates, giving back is how we show up for our local community. It’s a reminder that making a difference doesn’t require a grand gesture, just a willingness to show up. When a community comes together, even small acts can have a lasting impact.
If you’re looking for an opportunity to get involved with Backpack Buddies and support local families in your community, please visit https://backpackbuddiesga.org/
