Dec 20, 2021 | Commercial, Company News, Pest Control
Derek Foster was named the 2021 PCT Commercial Technician of the Year due to his dedication to service, safety, and industry leadership. Derek has been a Northwest teammate for almost 10 years and has served with our Commercial Pest Control division since the beginning. The entire Northwest team is excited to celebrate his win, as he’s continued to push our team to new heights, to honor our customers, and to create extraordinary experiences everywhere he goes. Learn more about PCT’s Commercial winner this year in this Teammate Q&A!
NW: How did it feel to find out you were named the 2021 PCT Commercial Technician of the Year?
Derek: When I found out that I had been named PCT Commercial Technician of the Year, it completely blew me away. I was kind of speechless at first, like, ‘Are You Serious? You’re not kidding me?’ What an honor! When I started asking questions, I thought back with how honored and thankful I am to all the people that have helped me along my journey here at Northwest for the past 9 years. I’m extremely proud to work here at Northwest Exterminating and receive this recognition for hard work. I can’t even describe how thankful I am to receive this!
NW: What made you choose Northwest initially?
Derek: I chose Northwest Exterminating 9 years ago (September 2012) because I was looking for a change from my prior 14-year career. I managed a fence manufacturing/distribution location and wanted something different where I could get out of the office, travel around a bit, be hands on, and interact with people. After interviewing and meeting multiple people at Northwest, I knew this was it and has been exactly what I wished for. Since then, everyone I have met and had the opportunity to work with within the company have been awesome.
NW: What is your favorite Northwest Service Standard?
Derek: #7 Golden Opportunities “We view a complaint or a callback not as a hassle, but as a golden opportunity to create a Customer for Life. These opportunities are our time to shine and show the customer the Northwest Difference.”
This is my favorite Northwest Service Standard because in our industry, the customer doesn’t always get a visual result for what we’ve done during their monthly or quarterly service aside from web brushing. When we receive a callback or we are approached by potential customers, it is our chance to shine! From our response time getting to those customers to our genuine concern to help them in any way that we can to make things better, the call back or customer approach also gives us some personal face to face bond time to educate and explain what we will do to take corrective action for any issues rather than just say ‘You should be good now.’ This is recognized by our customers and builds trust and value for them to know that we are there for them.
NW: What’s some advice you’d give to someone wanting to join our industry?
Derek: If I were to give someone wanting to join our industry advise, I would say be open to educate yourself in all areas and to accept knowledge and experience from others. Own your role, manage your time well, be accountable and take responsibility for all that you do, and learn from mistakes or practices that didn’t work for you in the past. Try new things and be open to growth. Find passion for what you do, have fun, and enjoy it!
NW: Outside of work, what do you enjoy doing?
Derek: Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family. I enjoy boating on Lake Lanier, fishing, dining, and swimming. Being from the islands, I love the beach and pretty much anything to do with water like water skiing, wakeboarding, or jet skiing. Scuba diving is probably one of the things I miss most and need to plan a dive trip the next time I’m in Florida, which is where I enjoy vacationing the most. I’d like to teach my wife and kids how to dive so they can see the underwater world. On my own time, I have a passion for wood working, concrete projects, and home improvements.
NW: Where will you be in the next 5 years?
Derek: In the next five years, you’ll find me in a management position for the 3rd Commercial Service Center here at Northwest, this with be known as Commercial North. (Editor’s Note: Derek was recently promoted to Service Supervisor of our two Atlanta Commercial locations. This vision casting is slowly but surely coming true for him and Northwest because of the team’s hard work and this type of dedication!)
Derek’s consistency in the type of teammate he shows up as for his team, customer, and community is what the Northwest Way is all about. To see this consistency, and his dedication, career enjoyment, and expertise honored by this award is something all of his Northwest Family is proud of and excited for. Derek is beyond deserving, and we’re grateful to call him part of our Northwest Family!
Congratulations, Derek!
Nov 17, 2021 | Commercial
With the holiday season arriving, your business is sure to get plenty of packages to fulfill your customers’ needs. Shipments and deliveries will be expected in and out throughout the day, unfortunately putting your business at risk of a pest infestation. We break down how you can get prepared for commercial pest control before the packages start rolling in!
Know the Signs
Understanding the signs that your delivered packages are infested is the first step to prevention. Pests will often leave infestation signs outside and inside the package. Gnawing marks in the corner of cardboard boxes or containers is a well-known indicator of a rodent infestation. Other red flags include seeing egg cases, discarded wings, insect body parts, droppings, larvae, or the actual pest inside the package. If there is a pest inside a delivery, it is best to take the package outside and isolate it.
Prepare Your Staff
Ensuring that your team understands the signs of pests within packages and deliveries is another step in pest prevention. Educate them on the types of pests they could potentially see, how to inspect each delivery, and the procedures to take if they find an actual pest.
Always Tidy Up
For many businesses, shipments and packages will be delivered either at the front of the business or have a dedicated loading dock. With any unloading area, make sure that the space is always clean and uncluttered. Have the location frequently cleaned and prohibit any food or drinks to help avoid supplying the pests with a food source.
Dealing with an unexpected pest infestation is the last thing you want to do during the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. Ensure that your business has a pest plan in place to help prevent any pest problem that can ruin your reputation.
Oct 20, 2021 | Commercial
We know your business, customers, and team are at the top of your mind; so when you spot a pest problem, you will likely ask two questions: How can you get rid of them, and where did they come from? Every business owner must be aware of what is attracting and drawing pests inside. Here we break down certain factors that could make your business vulnerable to pest invasions and some commercial pest control tips you can utilize.
Garbage & Trash
Pests need a food source to survive and trash is the perfect way for them to get it! Common pests like rodents and roaches will often seek these areas. It’s extremely important to empty the trash multiple times a day, along with keeping your business’s dumpster cleaned and maintained throughout the week. Place your trash receptacles and dumpster far away from your business building. Always make sure that the container lids are tightly sealed and always kept closed.
Irregular Cleaning
A clean business is not only appealing to customers but will also help to avoid a pest infestation. Throughout each week, regularly sweep and vacuum up food crumbs and debris from the dining areas, kitchens, break rooms, and entryways. Make sure to pay attention to areas behind furniture and appliances, as well.
Deliveries & Shipments
Packages, boxes, and containers will often host hitchhiking pests! Pests like roaches or spiders will latch onto these deliveries and easily make their way inside your business. If you can, dedicate a space inside, away from your customers, to inspect these deliveries. Some great ways to tell if there is a pest infestation, besides seeing the actual pest, is noticing any rips, tears, or holes, or seeing droppings. If you notice any of these signs of pests, take the packages outside immediately and make sure to discard the boxes away from your business.
Sep 22, 2021 | Commercial
Whether it is an outside dining space, lounge, or entry area, keeping pests away is essential in these high-traffic areas that see customers. To avoid any pest problem in your outdoor space, here are some easy maintenance tips to help keep pests away from your outdoor business space.
Keep Garbage Away
Pests like roaches, rats, and mice are all looking for a food source, often leading them to the trashcans. By placing trash cans outside, it can easily create a pest problem and even odors. Instead, place them inside your business, making sure it’s emptied and cleaned often. If trashcans are needed outside, consider investing in trashcans with covers. Trashcan covers will both help with reducing odors and keeping pests from infesting.
Check for Water
Throughout your outdoor space, keep an eye out for any standing water that could attract pests. Mosquitoes are constantly looking for standing water to breed. Frequently clean out your gutters and downspouts, as the leaves and debris can create clogs and standing water. Outdoor water features, such as fountains and ponds, should be cleaned and maintained often.
Clean it Up
Outdoor spaces where food is served should always stay as clean as possible. Spills and leftover food crumbs on the ground can attract pests right into the outdoor space and they could even find their way inside. Remove all plates, bowls, cups, and cutlery as soon as your customers leave or finish eating. Wipe tabletops down right after and sweep up any leftover food that has fallen.
Have a Pest Plan
Utilizing the above tips can help control and prevent pests from infesting, though having a customized commercial pest control plan could help even more. A trained service professional will be able to access, inspect, and provide you with the best plan of action to keep pests away from both your outdoor and indoor spaces to ensure your reputation is upheld.
Aug 18, 2021 | Commercial
With any type of business, dealing with pests is bound to happen. Whether it’s just a few ants or an infestation of rats, every business owner wants to assure their customers that their business is healthy and well-maintained. Commercial pest control could be the perfect solution for your business and here we break down why.
Custom Plan for Each Business
A commercial pest provider can help establish a customized plan fit for any type of business. The size, location, and type of business are all taken into consideration when creating the perfect pest prevention plan. Each plan is designed to eliminate pests, all while protecting the health of your customers and team.
Continuous Monitoring
With regular inspections, pests can quickly be identified by your trained service professional. These professionals are trained to identify different signs various pests leave behind and can quickly provide an action plan to treat them.
Future Prevention
Dealing with current pests is always important but dealing with a future infestation is equally important to maintain the health of your overall business. Service professionals will not only deal with the pests currently infesting, but they will also locate any entry points pests can use to sneak into your business. They will properly seal and monitor those areas throughout.
Reputation is Protected
Having a pest control plan can give you the assurance you need that your reputation is upheld. With a customized plan for your business, it is less likely that your customers will encounter pest sightings, saving your business from bad reviews and fewer customers.
Commercial pest control is the perfect solution for business owners looking to keep the health of their customers, team, and business property top priority!
Get a free consultation and discover the perfect pest prevention plan for your business today!
