Pest Management Professional, October 2011
Adventurous icon Will Nepper Managing Editor T o say the pest management industry has many pioneers is an understatement But no discussion of the industrys history is complete without acknowledging Julius C Ehrlich a man who brought respect and professionalism to a business that had suffered the effects of a bad reputation The most important thing to know about Ehrlich who emigrated from Belligheim Baden Germany in 1888 at age 17 is that his last name means honesty in his native language Serendipitous as that might be theres no denying the word and man will be bound together in the minds of pest management professionals PMPs forever The ripple effect of his influence continues to be felt throughout an industry that has him to thank for much of what makes it a robust and respected profession During Ehrlichs early years respect for the industry was hard to come by but he was still a long way from finding his professional home Beginning his American experience in a clothing store in Atlantic City N J it took him almost no time to decide that wasnt the business for him So he moved on all the way to the Pacific Northwest which was a considerable traveling feat at the time Julius C Ehrlich embodied initiative creativity and an unwavering commitment to exceed expectations Moving and momentum The decision to cross the country to find his fortune paid off Ehrlich spent time as a copper prospector and bought and operated several businesses including a sawmill in Washington state a dairy farm in Montana and a brewery in Idaho His growing family quickly became accustomed to his enterprising outlook on life wondering what part of the U S they would conquer next Then Ehrlichs sister persuaded him to move to Reading Pa where he found successful stable work in a highly respected business that helped people and improved the quality of their lives optometry Although he was able to provide a nice life for his family as an optician at his brother in laws practice it didnt satisfy his adventurous entrepreneurial spirit Neither did his next job as a door to door salesman of sprayers and insecticides however this position opened an important door for Ehrlich The call to service During the 1920s Ehrlich worked for no salary making money solely on commission In 1951 Julius C Ehrlich is honored with a plaque on his 80th birthday by his nephews and then partners Arthur Hammel Alex Ehrlich and Simon E Hammel 30 October 2011 Pest Management Professional mypmp net
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