Pest Management Professional, September 2013
Bob Kunst Fischer Environmental Services How did you get into the pest management industry In January 1974 I needed a job any job but by the end of my first week with Orkin in Atlanta I was hooked Soon after starting at Orkin I met Taft Pierce and began receiving management assignments all over Athens and Atlanta Ga and Hallandale Miami and Orlando Fla Then I was promoted to a Florida district manager overseeing Orlando Kissimmee Winter Haven Cocoa Beach South Daytona Jacksonville and Tallahassee Eventually I knew it was time for a change I went to work for Eddie Martin and Joe Nuncio at Terminix Service Co in Metairie La Then in 1987 I bought Fischer Environmental Services from its original owner Ernie Fischer who called the company Fischer Pest Control The environmental services part came from my desire to move into the green movement in 1995 What was the value of the company when you purchased it We achieved 396000 in fiscal year 1987 What is Fischers revenue today About 92 million How would you describe your operations Were a bread and butter business We do about 49 percent in pest control and 48 percent in wood destroying insect work The other 3 percent is lawn care which we do because our customers ask for it We perform all of our services in Southeast Louisiana and the Gulf Coast of Mississippi but we also do certain types of commercial work in Alabama and Tennessee In some areas we send traveling pest control crews to large commercial and multifamily accounts instead of setting up brick and mortar locations Other than running your company what else are you doing these days I enjoy public speaking about pest control subjects mostly technical and managerial topics Ive spoken in 27 states and 15 foreign countries I also lecture at the Louisiana State University Summer Institute which is a six week advanced training program for pest management professionals PMPs I also enjoy doing expert witness work for our attorney friends Ive been involved in more than 100 cases and preparing for a deposition or for cross examination keeps your mind sharp Most of my work is in Louisiana but Ive done work in Mississippi Alabama Arkansas Illinois Florida California and Tennessee Youve been a proponent of the National Pest Management Association NPMA How would you describe its value to the industry The NPMA is the best thing a PMP can join to level the playing field between the national and regional companies and the small local companies NPMA supplies all the information and networking needed to stay on the cutting edge in the technical field as well as comprehensive management and sales programs Theres nothing better to help you and your company succeed difference makers Jerry Mix t Editor at Large Barbara and Bob Kunst enjoying the view 146 September 2013 Pest Management Professional www mypmp net
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