Pest Management Professional, December 2017

mypmp net photos Deni naumann True values I f you are looking for a strong advocate of the pest management industry look no further than Deni Naumann president of Copesan Services Inc Based in Menomonee Falls Wis Copesan is an alliance of independent privately held pest management companies that competes on a national level for commercial clients across the country I love this industry I fell in love with it at my first PestWorld when I met so many dedicated people that had family owned businesses she says referring to the National Pest Management Associations NPMAs annual conference The industry has allowed me to be true to my values of operating in an environment of high integrity while also being responsive and accountable for our mission Currently Copesan has more than 85 independent local pest management service providers In addition it directly owns two companies Wil Kil Pest Control and Holders Pest Solutions Wil Kil is based in Sun Prairie Wis and serves Minnesota Northern Iowa Wisconsin Illinois and upper Michigan Holders is based in Houston Texas and serves the Houston Galveston market Founded in 1958 today Copesan has more than 500 national clients It focuses on health food safety and property protection As Naumann points out The beauty of Copesan is that we offer national coverage with local expertise An Iowa native who earned her public relations degree from Drake University in Des Moines Naumann got started in the business world with Leo Burnett a major advertising agency in Chicago In 1981 she began working for S C Johnson holding a series of management positions over 16 years While at S C Johnson she acquired her Indiana pesticide applicators license to better understand her pesticide clients needs She attended the Purdue University Pest Management Confrerence where she worked with Dr John Owens who managed S C Johnsons Entomology Center affectionately known as the Bug Farm at the company With Drs Gary Bennett and Bobby Corrigan Dr Owens is a co author of the current edition of Trumans Scientific Guide to Pest Management Operations From S C Johnson Naumann moved to Essential Industries a private independent firm For nine years she worked closely with the owner to develop new markets and technology She was hired by Copesan in November 2006 when her predecessor Tom Moore retired family charity too Aside from what she characterizes as challenging but exciting work at Copesan Naumann makes sure to spend time with her family including husband Mike daughter Sarah and rescue dog Pax Naumann has been actively involved in adult literacy as a tutor since 1978 In addition she serves on the Board of Directors of the Siebert Lutheran Foundation a 100 million endowed foundation that provides grants to Lutheran ministries in southeastern Wisconsin pmp You can reach MIX a 2005 Hall of Famer at pmpeditor@ northcoastmedia net Deni Naumann promotes quality and ethics in the industry BY Jerry mix Editor At Large Naumann has immersed herself in the industry even obtaining and maintaining a commercial pesticide applicator license COVER STORY Deni Naumann title President compaNy Copesan Services Inc years iN iNDUstry 11 aDVice for WomeN iN the pest maNaGemeNt iNDUstry The opportunities for women in pest management are unlimited I believe we are in a noble profession one that is critical for the well being of the population We have a wonderful industry mission and for a woman to convey that to a client is really a powerful way for the message to come across