Local Service Ads: Who Gets The Lead?

The Secret to 3x Revenue with Pest-End COO, Courtney Carace

In this week's episode, Kait sits down with the Co-Owner and COO of Pest-End: [https://www.pestendinc.com/]Courtney Carace. Courtney shares so much more than just the systems that led to their HUGE growth; she dives deep into leadership and shaping the culture that helped her company triple its revenue while building a team people genuinely want to be a part of. Leading one of PCT's Top 100 pest control companies, Courtney talks about how implementing EOS transformed the way they run the business, why hiring for core values matters just as much as hiring for skill, and the creative ways they recognize employees, drive accountability, and create a culture of ownership. And wait until you hear about their SHINE Award! From onboarding new technicians to succession planning in a family business, this conversation is packed with practical ideas that owners and operators can start applying today. In this episode, we discuss: * How EOS helped scale the business * Building a values-driven company culture * Hiring and onboarding strategies that set employees up for success * Creative employee recognition and incentive programs * Using data and accountability to improve performance * Leading through growth and planning for the next generation Whether you're trying to build a stronger team, improve your leadership, or create a business that can grow without everything depending on you, this episode is full of insights from someone who's done it... and continues to keep showing up and growing!

The Pink Trucks of Pest Control with Emily Kriley of Pink Pest Solutions

Most pest control companies overlook the power of branding, but Emily Kriley's Pink Pest Solutions [https://www.pinkpestkc.com/] isn't one of those companies. Joined this week by Rock City Digital [https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/4M11lUAYMiMny0sFjfhw3q/episode/7nFPklzfeuSca12CsQCYwV/rockcitydigital.com]'s CEO, Kait Hill [https://rockcitydigital.com/about/digital-marketing-geeks/kait/], you'll hear how a bold color choice can turn your business into a neighborhood icon and attract clients long after the trade show ends. Emily shares exactly how her branding helps her stand out in a saturated market. You'll also hear about: * The surprising impact visual branding has on customers, even without pouring thousands into SEO * How to create a memorable brand identity that builds trust and connection with your local community * The story behind Emily's decision to embrace feminine branding and how it attracts the right clients * Tips for leveraging playful promo products to boost brand visibility Whether you're a new pest control owner or looking to elevate an existing brand, this episode delivers great insights to make your business unforgettable.

3 Things To Know About Google's AI Max Update with Johnathan Cleghorn

UPDATE: Since recording, Google has announced Ads will transition to AI Max campaigns in February 2027. Google Ads is about to undergo one of its biggest changes yet, and pest control companies need to be ready. In this episode of The Best of Pest, Kelli Campbell [https://rockcitydigital.com/about/digital-marketing-geeks/kelli/] sits down with Rock City Digital' [rockcitydigital.com]s Google Ads Specialist, Johnathan Cleghorn [https://rockcitydigital.com/about/digital-marketing-geeks/johnathan/], to break down Google's upcoming AI Max campaign transition and what it means for pest control owners and operators. Johnathan shares 3 practical steps you can take now to prepare your account, along with insights on campaign structure, budget allocation, multi-location advertising, and how AI is changing the way Google Ads campaigns are managed and optimized. Whether you're running ads in one market or managing multiple locations across several states, this episode will help you understand what's changing, what opportunities exist, and how to position your campaigns for success as Google continues to lean into automation and AI. In this episode, we discuss: * What Google's AI Max campaigns are and why they matter * How AI is changing Google Ads management * Campaign structure recommendations for multi-location pest control companies * Budget allocation strategies and common mistakes * 3 things you can do today to prepare for the AI Max transition If Google Ads is part of your growth strategy, this is an episode you won't want to miss. The companies that prepare now will be in the best position to adapt, compete, and win as AI continues to reshape search advertising. 🐜🎯

The Next Generation of Pest Control: Data, Retention, and the Future with Ethan West

In this episode, Kelli sits down with Ethan West, a third-generation leader stepping into his family’s growing pest control business West Termite, Pest, and Lawn [westtermite.com], to talk about what the next generation of pest control looks like and why data, technology, and customer relationships are becoming the biggest competitive advantages in the industry. Ethan shares how their company operates across three states while maintaining an impressive customer retention rate, and how they dramatically reduced cancellations from 6% to just 1.2% by leveraging real-time customer feedback, automated communication, and smarter operational systems. Shoutout to Applause [https://www.applausehq.com/]! The conversation dives into how modern pest control companies can use technology to strengthen customer relationships, improve retention, identify upsell opportunities, and make better business decisions through data. Ethan also discusses the balance between honoring a family legacy while bringing fresh ideas, AI tools, and new communication strategies into a multi-generational business. This episode is full with insight for pest control owners and operators who want improve customer experience and build a business positioned for long-term growth.

Building a Mosquito Control Business That Homeowners Trust with Anna Young

Building a Mosquito Control Business That Homeowners Trust In this episode of The Best of Pest, Kelli sits down with Anna Young, Head of Internal Operations at Torpedo Mosquito [http://torpedomosquito.com/] and Co-Owner of Torpedo Mosquito Virginia Beach, to talk about what it really takes to grow a successful mosquito control company in a competitive market. Anna shares her journey from horticulture and home cleaning into the pest control industry, along with the lessons she’s learned building and operating a fast-growing business. The conversation covers everything from: * entering a new market and generating early momentum with yard signs and door knocking * hiring during peak season * building strong systems internally * creating customer trust through guarantees and personalized service This episode is FULL of practical insight for pest control owners and operators looking to grow intentionally, improve operations, and stand out in their market.