Bug Bux Podcast

Insurance probably isn't the sexiest part of owning a pest control company—but ignoring it can get VERY expensive. In this episode of the Bug Bux Podcast, Allan Draper sits down with Joe Steiner of the Mahoney Group to break down one of the biggest risks facing pest control companies: commercial auto liability. Joe shares why auto claims make up the majority of the claims he sees, how hiring and training practices can impact your insurance, whether internal and external-facing cameras are wor...

What happens when pest control owners stop competing with each other and start working together? In this episode of the Bug Bux Podcast, Allan Draper sits down with Travis and Tyler from Nice Pest Co., and Mat from Lizard Marketing to talk about The Real Pest World—how it started, what they learned from year one, and what they’re building for Dallas. They share the story of Joey, whose recurring revenue grew from roughly $65,000 to $325,000 in 12 months after connecting with the group, along ...

What happens when pest control owners stop guessing and actually start knowing their numbers? In this episode of the Bug Bux Podcast, Allan Draper sits down with Patrick Baldwin from FRAXN to talk about the financial side of building a pest control company—and why so many owners overlook it. They break down the importance of having the right chart of accounts, understanding gross profit, benchmarking your company against the industry, and using your financials to make better decisions. Patric...

What happens when you put 50+ real pest control hot takes on the table and let Allan Draper and Mat Rogers debate them? In this episode of the Bug Bux Podcast, Allan and Mat react to takes submitted by the Bug Bux community on everything from pricing and profit to door-to-door sales, customer retention, AI, technician pay, IPM, pesticide use, employee culture, and the future of the pest control industry. Some takes they agree with. Some they completely disagree with. And a few leave them ge...

Coleman Spaulding has been part of Allan Draper’s pest control story from the very beginning. Nearly 20 years after they first crossed paths, the two reconnect to talk about how door-to-door sales, relationships, and the people you meet along the way can shape an entire career. Coleman, co-founder of Spidexx Pest Control, shares lessons from starting in the industry by knocking doors to building a company that has expanded into multiple markets. They reminisce about the early days of pest con...

In this episode of the Bug Bux Podcast, Allan Draper sits down with Dan Christensen, co-owner of Bigfoot Pest Control, to talk about building a memorable pest control brand, creating viral content, and figuring out how to turn millions of views into actual customers. Dan shares how Bigfoot Pest Control grew from a startup in 2019 to roughly $3 million in annual revenue, while building a social media presence that has generated tens of millions of views. They break down the difference between ...

Hiring, employee performance, SOPs, delegation, and scaling are some of the biggest challenges facing pest control business owners. In this episode of the Bug Bux Podcast, Allan Draper sits down with Seth Watson, founder of Focus Virtual Assistants and co-owner of Arete Pest Control, to talk about how pest control owners can build better teams and create systems that make growth easier. Seth shares his approach to hiring and evaluating employees, why good people attract good people, how to de...

What happens after a successful exit? For Ryan Marshall, it wasn't another shiny business opportunity—it was a renewed commitment to pest control. In this episode, Ryan shares why he stopped chasing "what's next," embraced the operator role, and focused on mastering one business instead of starting another. You'll learn: Why recurring revenue winsHow EOS changed his leadership teamThe importance of hiring people better than yourselfThe operational metrics every owner should trackHow investing...

What happens when a pest control owner is suddenly forced to step away from the business? Jason Woodbury found out firsthand. After moving from Florida to Idaho to help raise his four nieces and nephews, Jason had to figure out how to run a pest control company from hundreds of miles away. The problem? He had been deeply involved in everything from technician training and quality control to service management. What happened next taught him some of the biggest lessons of his career. Jason and ...

In this episode of the Bug Bux Podcast, Allan Draper hands the mic to Mat Rogers, partner at Lizard Marketing, for a "Would You Rather" showdown covering sales, marketing, operations, hiring, growth, and even selling the company. It's a rapid-fire look at how two pest control leaders actually think under pressure. In this episode you'll learn: • Whether Allan would take unlimited leads at a 20% close rate beats half the leads at 80% • Why not all callbacks are bad • Why hiring for attitude b...

Your marketing isn't always the problem—sometimes your sales process is. In Episode 251 of the Bug Bux Podcast, Allan Draper welcomes Tanner Crookston, founder of Plaibook, to discuss why pest control companies lose valuable leads and how better systems, pricing strategies, AI, and accountability can dramatically improve close rates. In this episode you'll learn: How to hold your marketing company accountableThe biggest inside sales mistakes hurting conversionsWhy many reps sell themselves to...

Bee removals are usually seen as one-time jobs. Jean Navarro saw something different. In this episode of the Bug Bux Podcast, Allan Draper sits down with the owner of Mega Bee Rescues & Pest Control to break down how he transformed a specialty service into a thriving recurring revenue engine. Learn: How bee removals lead to pest control customersThe science behind bee colonies and relocationsWhy proper pricing mattersLessons from removing 18 active hives in a single projectHow to create a...

Taylor returns to break down fresh numbers from Applause's 2026 State of Home Services Benchmark Report, covering the new standards for technician performance like daily visit volume, reservice rates, routing efficiency, and Google review benchmarks. From there the conversation shifts to reputation, and why Google has changed its stance on review solicitation. Thousands of home services companies have watched real reviews disappear from their profiles overnight. Additionally, a new Google Map...

Most entrepreneurs don't struggle because they aren't working hard enough—they struggle because they feel like they're constantly falling short. In this episode, Allan Draper sits down with Aaron O'Brien, owner of Pro Strike Pest Solutions, to talk about the reality of building a pest control business while raising a family. They dive into work-life balance, entrepreneurial guilt, communication with your spouse, staying present with your kids, and why gratitude may be your greatest competitiv...

This week, Allan Draper welcomes back the original Bug Bux co-founder, Solomon Earhart, for one of the most honest conversations we've ever had on the podcast. After building Arusa Pest Control into one of the fastest-growing companies in the industry and achieving an eight-figure exit, Solomon found himself facing something no one saw coming. Behind the success was burnout, overwhelming pressure, depression, unhealthy coping mechanisms, and the realization that chasing growth at all costs ca...

In this episode of the Bug Bux Podcast, Allan Draper sits down with John Speed, founder of Kilauea Pest Control in Hawaii, to talk about what it really takes to build an exceptional company. John shares the lessons he's learned growing one of Hawaii's most respected pest control businesses—from creating an award-winning workplace culture to surrounding yourself with great people and learning from other industry leaders. The conversation dives into why the best leaders don't react emotionall...

Most pest control companies offer the same products. So why do some businesses earn loyal customers while others lose them? In this episode, Allan Draper sits down with Ben Riches, founder of Apex Pest Solutions, to discuss how communication has become one of his company’s biggest competitive advantages. From answering every phone call to following up after every service, Ben shares the systems that have helped his company grow from zero to nearly 850 customers. They also dive into lead...

What can a CPA teach a pest control owner about scaling a business? In this episode of the Bug Bux Podcast, Allan Draper sits down with Brandon Sizemore, co-founder and COO of Mint Pest Control, for a conversation packed with real business insights, operational lessons, and mindset shifts every PCO needs to hear. Before helping build one of the industry’s fastest growing companies, Brandon spent 12 years as a CPA working with organizations like the Arizona Cardinals and the Salvation Army. No...

What happens when a former FBI intelligence analyst enters the pest control industry with zero experience? In this episode of the Bug Bux Podcast, Allan Draper sits down with Luke Lewis, founder of Native Pest Management, to talk about building one of the fastest-growing pest control companies in the country. Luke shares how he went from working in the FBI to launching Native Pest Management in 2015, growing it into an Inc. 5000 company five years in a row and landing #63 on the PCT Top 100 l...

In this solo episode of the Bug Bux Podcast, Allan Draper opens up about the emotional side of building a business that most owners never talk about. From difficult employees and angry customers to growth pressure, burnout, and feeling overlooked in an “unglamorous” industry, Allan shares a reminder every entrepreneur needs to hear. What you do matters. Whether you’re running a million-dollar company or just thinking about starting your business, this episode is about purpose, leadershi...

What does it actually take to scale a pest control company past $1M? In this episode of the Bug Bux Podcast, Allan Draper sits down with Andrew Peluso, founder of Pesty Marketing, to break down the marketing systems, sales processes, and leadership mindset that separate struggling operators from high-growth pest control companies. They dive into: • When pest control companies should hire a marketing agency • Google LSA tips that can instantly improve lead flow • Why response time can make o...

Allan Draper sits down with Tony Carder, owner of True North Pest Control, for a powerful conversation about leadership, relationships, patience, and building businesses the right way. After a successful exit from Active Pest Control and a five-year non-compete, Tony returned to the industry by acquiring multiple companies founded by former employees, proving why burning bridges in business can cost you far more than money. In this episode, Allan and Tony dive into: Why emotional “knee-jerk” ...

In this episode of the Bug Bux Podcast, Allan Draper sits down with Kyle Turner, founder and CEO of Proactive Pest Control, to unpack how he scaled a pest control company to 140+ employees and multiple locations without relying on traditional door-to-door sales. Kyle shares the early marketing strategies that fueled Proactive’s growth, from dominating Yelp in the early days to leveraging Google LSAs before the market became saturated. The conversation dives deep into building scalable sales s...

In this episode of the Bug Bux Podcast, Allan Draper sits down with Alex Daie, former F/A-18 Super Hornet combat pilot, F-35 instructor pilot, Wharton MBA, and now founder of Fortis Pest Control. Alex shares why he left a successful corporate career to launch a pest control company from scratch and the mindset shifts that helped him make the leap into entrepreneurship. They dive deep into: Why recurring revenue businesses are so powerfulWhat fighter pilot training teaches about leadership and...

Most pest control companies are spending thousands on marketing… and still missing a huge percentage of their leads. In this episode, Allan Draper sits down with Aaron Cooper, CEO of SameDay AI, to break down exactly why that’s happening and how to fix it using AI without needing a big team or technical expertise. They dive into what’s really going on behind missed calls, slow follow-up, and lost revenue and how top operators are using AI to instantly respond to leads, book more jobs, and cre...

If you’re struggling with employee retention… this episode is for you. Allan Draper sits down with Maria Sorrentino, CEO of Pest Pros, to break down what actually keeps great people around and it’s not just pay, processes, or performance metrics. From building a true “family-style” business to turning entry-level employees into six-figure earners, Maria shares how focusing on people first creates better teams, stronger culture, and ultimately better business results. They dive into: Why most ...

Most pest control owners are chasing growth in the wrong place. In this episode, Allan Draper sits down with Reagan Nickl (VP of Customer Success at Ask Nicely) to break down one of the most overlooked, but highest-impact, growth levers in your business: customer experience and retention. If you’re focused on leads, sales, and marketing… but not obsessing over your current customers, you could be leaving massive revenue on the table. Reagan walks through a practical, step-by-step framework fo...

In this unscripted episode, Allan Draper and Mat Rogers dive into what actually separates businesses in today’s AI-driven world and it’s not what you think. They unpack a powerful idea: AI can only remix what already exists… but it can’t replicate real, lived experience. And in a world flooded with generic content, that gap is becoming the biggest opportunity in business. From behind-the-scenes insights on Bug Bux Con to the rise of community-driven growth in the pest control industry, this...

In this episode of the Bug Bux Podcast, Allan Draper sits down with Chris Wrex, owner of Wrex Wildlife & Pest Control, to talk about building a business from the ground up and mastering one of the toughest niches in the industry: wasps. Chris shares his journey from being a school teacher to becoming a trusted pest control expert, along with the mindset shifts that helped him grow past plateaus. They dive deep into the power of community, how to actually use the Bug Bux group to your adv...

In this episode of the Bug Bux Podcast, Allan Draper sits down with Matt Deroest, owner of Ultimate Pest, to break down how he went from a side hustle to a fast-growing pest control business in the Phoenix market. Matt shares how he carved out a unique lane by focusing on services most companies ignore, like pigeons, weeds, and specialty jobs and how that strategy led to massive growth and low customer acquisition costs. They also dive into: Turning one-time jobs into long-term customersRunni...

You’ve heard it before but you’re probably not doing anything about it. In this episode, Allan breaks down one of the most important (and overlooked) drivers of success: who you spend time with. Backed by real studies and real-world examples, this isn’t just motivation, it’s a wake-up call. If you want to make more money, build a better business, improve your relationships, and actually enjoy life more… it starts with your circle. Also in this episode: • What to expect at Bug Bux Con • Why...

In this episode of the Bug Bux Podcast, Allan Draper sits down with pest control owner Matt Thompson to break down how he’s built a thriving, fast-growing business, without spending money on advertising. From starting his company while working full-time to now averaging $70K–$80K in growth each year, Matt shares the real strategies behind his success: relentless customer care, organic growth, and mastering the small moments that most companies overlook. They dive into: • How to grow without...

In the pest control industry, it’s easy to fall into the "zero-sum" trap; the idea that for one business to win, another must lose. But what if the opposite were true? What if helping your "competitors" actually helped you grow faster? In this episode of the Bug Bux Podcast, Allan is joined by Travis Bottoms and Tyler Sublette, founders of Nice Pest Company, who have scaled to 1,600 accounts in just 18 months. We dive deep into why there’s plenty of room for everyone at the table and how a sp...

In this episode of the Bug Bux Podcast, we sit down with the founders of Peppermint Pest Control to discuss their unconventional journey into the industry. Coming from outside the pest control world with "zero connections" and "zero book of business," they explain how their fresh perspective as consumers led them to challenge industry standards. We dive into: The No-Contract Model: Why they rely on quality service rather than binding paperwork to retain customers.The "Trust Business": Shiftin...

What if the biggest growth lever in your pest control company isn’t marketing, hiring, or pricing… but the people you surround yourself with? In this episode of the Bug Bux Podcast, Allan Draper sits down with Kevin Reif, founder of Reif Environmental, to talk about the intangible edge that separates good operators from great ones: community. They dive into the power of relationships inside the pest control industry, why competition doesn’t have to be cutthroat, and how surrounding yourself w...

Is AI about to disrupt the pest control industry, or is it just another tool? In this solo episode of the Bug Bux Podcast, Allan Draper breaks down the real ways artificial intelligence is already impacting pest control and where it won’t be replacing humans anytime soon. From predictive pest data and proactive treatments to smarter routing, automated customer communication, and AI-powered pest identification, Allan explores how forward-thinking companies can use AI to increase retention, imp...

If your phone is ringing but your schedule isn’t filling up, this episode is for you. Allan Draper sits down with Josh Zuniga, CEO of Vult Growth Systems and former record-setting door-to-door rep (1,500 accounts sold in a single year), to break down what’s really holding pest control companies back from scaling their inside sales. They dive into: Why most companies lose deals before the tech ever leaves the shopThe #1 operational mistake that kills closing ratesHow urgency, availability, and...

Acquisitions don’t have to mean massive deals, private equity, or losing your company’s identity. In this episode of the Bug Bux Podcast, Allan Draper sits down with Byron Barnes, second-generation pest control owner of Barnes Exterminating in Tennessee, to break down a smarter, more approachable way to grow: micro-acquisitions. Byron shares how he took over his family business at just 22 years old after his father’s passing and modernized a decades-old operation rooted in paper files, accou...

Marketing a pest control company isn’t as simple as posting on social media or turning on Google Ads and for many owners, that’s exactly where frustration sets in. In this episode of the Bug Bux Podcast, host Allan Draper welcomes back Paul Alley, owner of Pestmaster Services of the Hudson Valley, for a candid, boots-on-the-ground conversation about what it really takes to market and grow a pest control business today. Paul shares the challenges he faced trying to hire an in-house marketer, w...

What does it really take to get out of the truck and build a pest control company that can grow without you? In this episode of the Bug Bux Podcast, Allan Draper sits down with John Stopka, co-founder of Liberty Pest Control, to break down how John scaled his company past $1M in under two years, starting at just 25 years old, by focusing on leadership, systems, and intentional hiring from day one. John shares his mindset shift from technician to business owner, why he never wanted to “creat...

As the industry heads into a new year, strong leadership and people development matter more than ever. In this episode of the Bug Bux Podcast, Allan Draper sits down with Alan Feuer, Associate Certified Entomologist with over 36 years in the pest control industry, Marine Corps veteran, and former Technical Director at Preventive Pest Control. Together, they dive deep into what it really takes to hire, train, and retain great technicians and why most companies struggle to do it well. Alan shar...

In this insightful episode, Allan Draper sits down with Scott Sandberg, co-founder of RUVA Pest Control, to explore how building the right culture is the key to sustainable growth in the pest control industry. Scott shares the inside story of how RUVA scaled to nearly $3 million in recurring revenue and earned thousands of five-star Google reviews in just a few years, without compromising on company values or employee satisfaction. They dive deep into RUVA’s approach to hiring, emphasizing mi...

In this episode of the Bug Bux Podcast, Allan Draper is joined by Jared Ingalls, Vice President of Sales at Pest Management Supply, to unpack one of the most overlooked growth levers in pest control: your relationship with your distributor. With more than 30 years in the industry, Jared shares what most new (and even experienced) pest control owners get wrong about suppliers and why treating them as true partners can save you money, time, and costly mistakes. From helping new operators get li...

In this powerful and deeply personal episode of the Bug Bux Podcast, Allan Draper sits down with Jana Lloyd, owner of Antelope Hills Pest Control in Lincoln, California. What unfolds is not a typical growth or scaling story but a reminder of why many of us got into pest control in the first place. Jana shares how she and her late husband built a one-route pest control business rooted in honesty, hard work, and community. After tragedy forced her to step fully into the field, first as a techni...

In this unscripted, wide-ranging episode of the Bug Bux Podcast, Allan Draper sits down with longtime friend and pest control marketing expert Matt Rogers for a raw, honest conversation about planning for growth in 2026. Drawing from real-world experience growing Killingsworth from $8M to $28M and lessons learned from both wins and failures Matt breaks down why the most successful pest control companies win before the season ever starts. From building a realistic budget and setting meas...

In this episode of the BugBux Podcast, Allan sits down with industry veteran Harry Bryan, Director of Business Development at Nisus Corporation, who brings over 30 years of pest control and agricultural experience to the table. Together, they explore how the industry has evolved—from smarter customers and better-trained technicians to the rise of online communities and AI tools like ChatGPT. Harry shares practical insights on: How pest control has shifted from chemical-first to sustaina...

In this episode of The Bug Bux Podcast, host Allan Draper sits down with Reagan Nickl, Vice President of Customer Success at Ask Nicely, to talk about one of the most overlooked growth levers in the pest control industry: customer experience. While many PCOs are focused on marketing, advertising, and new customer acquisition, Reagan shares why the smartest companies are investing their energy in retention, reviews, and referrals. Drawing from her experience helping home service brands across ...

In this special Thanksgiving episode of the Bug Bucks Podcast, Allan Draper opens up about gratitude, community, and the transformative power of clear goal-setting. Recorded ahead of the holiday but released on Thanksgiving weekend, Allan reflects on the origins of the Bug Bucks community, how it was born during one of the most turbulent times in the pest control industry, and why he’s more grateful than ever for every listener, member, and contributor. Then, Allan dives deep into his persona...

In this episode of The Bug Bux Podcast, host Allan Draper sits down with Isabelle Lucero, Technical Sales and Compliance Manager at JT Eaton, to unpack one of the industry’s most pressing topics, the evolving landscape of pesticide and rodenticide regulations. Isabelle, who holds a master’s degree in entomology from the University of Kentucky, shares insights on how new EPA and state-level restrictions are shaping pest control practices across the U.S., what PCOs should be watching for, and h...

In this solo episode, Allan Draper dives deep into one of the most misunderstood parts of entrepreneurship — sacrifice. Drawing from his own early experiences building Proof Pest Control and lessons from his upcoming book, Allan challenges the idea that sacrifice means loss. He explains why true sacrifice only happens when we trade something of greater value for something lesser, and how entrepreneurs can protect what matters most — faith, family, and personal growth — while still building t...