Pest Management Professional, December 2017
Learning by doing Because she was an outsider who didnt grow up talking bugs and business over the dinner table as many of her colleagues did Vongas decided to learn by immersing herself in pest management I went to as many association meetings as I could spoke to as many people as I could and visited other pest management firms she says noting that being a member of the first Leadership Class of the New Jersey Pest Management Association NJPMA was a big help When Vongas went back to school and received a masters degree in change management her thesis was a study of why it is difficult to hire into pest management She admits that even a few years later finding the right person for pest management is one of the harder aspects of her job but one she is optimistic will change as the industry builds upon its message of public health protection At left Vongas leads a training class at ChemTec Above she and her husband Ron Pluskota enjoy fly fishing as a hobby photos Rob tannenbaum maRy Vongas mypmp net Pest Management Professional December 2017 37 There have been so many overwhelmingly positive changes in our industry she says Weve become so much more sophisticated In part the industry has initiated these changes with new and evolving materials changes in methods and very thoughtful processes Technology has also forced us to change as consumers have ready access to information on the internet Weve been forced to become more creative and purposeful in our marketing as we all feel our way around the new digital advertising Yet the biggest positive impact in Vongas opinion is the bed bug resurgence Not from a revenue standpoint she notes but because the public has looked to us for expert advice and solutions I believe that the need for expertise on this one pest has elevated the awareness of our complexity as an industry Going for her masters degree while working in pest management gave Vongas new perspective on her career It gave me an opportunity to do some in depth analysis of our company and industry and compare it to other industries as well she says What I have experienced in my journey is that the pest management industry is full of givers people who are passionate about what they do people who are more than happy to provide information and help others succeed Vongas concludes This is one of those unique characteristics of our industry that made me want to put roots down and certainly helped with my success PMP You can reach GOOCH at hgooch@ northcoastmedia net or 330 321 9754 Mary Vongas TiTLe President Company ChemTec Pest Control years in indUsTry 14 adViCe For Women in THe pesT managemenT indUsTry Get involved Join groups go to meetings ask for help Our industry is full of givers You need to take full advantage of this so that one day you can be a giver too Id also say have your core support team outside of your company And lastly find a mentor
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