BugBytes Vol. 17 Issue 1:Veteran Spotlight/Support Veteran Initiative

During my senior year of high school, I had no clear idea of what career I wanted to pursue. I was encouraged to go to college, but I didn’t have the financial means, nor did I know where I would go or what I would study. My dad had served in both the Navy and the Army National Guard, and my brother had served in the Army. After exploring several branches of the military, I became convinced that the Army would be the best place to spend a few years figuring out my future while also earning money for college.

I enlisted in December of my senior year and went to basic training the summer after graduation. During my time in the Army, I attained the rank of Specialist and served as a squad leader. I also earned my jump wings at Airborne School. Some people think jumping out of a perfectly good airplane is crazy, but at that age—and with the Army paying me to do it—it seemed like a great idea. My primary assignment was in a support role with the 35th Signal Brigade (Airborne) in Fort Bragg, NC.

Although I truly enjoyed my time in the Army, I had a young son, and I realized that military life was not the best environment for raising a family. After completing my initial term of service, I chose to transition out.

My plan was to attend college, but that quickly changed when it became clear that I needed steady income to support my family. My brother had been working for a pest control company in Pennsylvania for a few years and told me that pest control was less about bugs and more about taking care of people. That perspective stuck with me. I applied to a large company and started the following week as a Termite Technician.

I stayed there for over three years, working my way through several roles before finishing as a Service Manager. Eventually, I decided moving to a different company would be better for my family.  I have now been with that company, Lavender Pest Control, for over 23 years. I have the pleasure of serving as the Pest Control Manager and lead a phenomenal team of men and women.  It’s a privilege to provide a valuable service that makes a real difference in people’s lives. I’m especially grateful for the opportunity not only to serve our customers, but also to invest in our employees and help them become the best versions of themselves.

During my time at both companies, I was also able to use the Army College Fund to continue my education at night and on weekends, eventually earning my bachelor’s degree.

Like many in this industry, I didn’t grow up wanting to work in pest control. But after all these years, it’s hard to imagine doing anything else.