The Boardroom Buzz: Grow, Sell, or Exit

Rob Greer, COO of Rove Pest Control, steps into The Boardroom to chat about co-writing “Empathy and Understanding in Business” with Never Split the Difference author, Chris Voss. Before diving into the importance of empathy and if it’s something to be developed, let’s get on the same page by defining it.  Whether you use the term “empathy” or not, how does it shape your hiring decisions and culture? Speaking of culture, Rob turns the tables and puts empathy on the back burner to chase down a culture conversation. Empathy, continuous learning, and culture intersect in the back half of this sit-down. Culture influences your decision-making, interactions, and overall growth, but how? The stakes are different and so are the tactics as you think through negotiating hostages and M&A negotiations. And just when you thought your life was chaotic, at least you’re getting brought into negotiations for destabilization purposes.  Audio Mixing and Editing by www.verbell.ltd

At PestWorld, both Uncle Paul and Fat Pat had firsthand experiences that reinforced the notion of a younger and more sophisticated pest control industry. With Rentokil facing expectations of slower growth during the integration process, it's clear that the industry is in a transitional phase. Rollins and Rentokil both shared their quarterly earnings, but the crucial question is how investors reacted to their financial reports. This reaction could have significant implications for not only the North American market but also the global market. The industry initially surged with high customer demand during the pandemic, driven by essential services and lockdowns. However, the looming question is what lies ahead for the demand in pest control services. Even if companies manage to maintain top-line growth, they must address the pressing challenges of rising labor, fuel, and material costs. How will businesses adapt to these financial challenges while continuing to meet the demands of an evolving market? Audio Mixing and Editing by www.verbell.ltd

The time is now, if you haven't already subscribed to POTOMAC TV. Live from the exhibitor floor at PestWorld in Hawaii, Dylan Seals created a first of its kind studio, while Paul G and guests took the stage. Check out this guest list: Big Time Pest Control President, Mike Bullert Greenix President, Andrew Barrows WorkWave CEO, David F. Giannetto Financial Advisor, Nick Bartolo Rentokil Terminix Head of Science & Innovation, Cassie Krejci PhD Rollins CEO, Jerry Gahlhoff Lizard Marketing CEO, Mat Rogers PEST2KILL Owner, Phil Taylor ProForce Pest Control Owner, Spenser Morgan Stay tuned because there's more to come...

You remember those days of taking on every customer request as you were getting started. The only thing standard was saying ‘yes’ to get the job. It’s time to scale back to scale up in this chat about standardizing your service. Of course you want to go above and beyond to accommodate that potential client, but what if you can’t get them to fit in your box? Maybe there is a place for concierge service. How can you make exceptions without compromising profit? Surely your CSRs have ideas for days. Their pent-up creativity has to go somewhere, but where? You’ll hear when and where creativity belong in your business.  Mr. Giannamore, your suite is ready. Audio Mixing and Editing by www.verbell.ltd

You heard Jonathan Pototschnik give Jason Cupp props as a peer and consultant during his time leading ServiceAutopilot. Step on into The Boardroom this week to hear how Jason Cupp grew roots in landscape to later emerge as a Kolbe Certified Growth Consultant. There are an endless number of tools to measure intelligence and personality, but this one of a kind index reveals a person's natural instincts and behaviors when it comes to performing tasks. From creating effective teams to making informed hiring decisions to resolving conflict, do you see how Kolbe can help you make sure you have the right team with the right people doing the right tasks? This Boardroom sides a sidestep as a surprise guest comes from backstage in this Jerry Springer knock down, drag-out. Don’t miss out on business lessons with Slim G. You’ll hear it’s not a test, but still somehow Fat Pat passes with flying colors as … awkward. Audio Mixing and Editing by www.verbell.ltd

Succession planning can be tricky. Family businesses often have both ownership and management roles mixed up together. Why is it so important to separate these two aspects when planning for the future of a family business? You know The Tax Man is watching. Don’t skimp out on legal advice if you find yourself making plans to pass down to future generations.  When is comes to passing the CEO-torch and making tough decisions on compensation, an advisory board comes in handy. How do you see compensation impacting culture and growth? Audio Mixing and Editing by www.verbell.ltd

Is there a specific draw for acquirers when it comes to regions with higher population density? As businesses expand into urban, suburban, and rural markets, the strategies and service offerings spread out. How could a move towards urban areas influence service offerings and operational efficiency? How can business owners harness data to expand market share? The surge in union activity, even in traditionally unaffected industries, is notable. How does this escalating union presence affect businesses, and what measures can be implemented to effectively address its consequences? Audio Mixing and Editing by www.verbell.ltd

‘Merge my business? … Are you suggesting that I work with my competitors?’ Maybe. Paul and Fat Pat respond to a question about mergers from FRAXN’s recent Moneyball event. Step on in to hear if the “juice is worth the squeeze”. It’s a lot more than just getting potential shareholders on the same page. What does and doesn’t need to get unified before selling off the whole kit and caboodle? Despite Paul threatening to do a 40-hour episode, you know it would take longer than that for Fat Pat to grasp the fundamental concepts. Is a merger really a merger? … What’s in a name? That which we call a merger by any other name would smell as sweet. Audio Mixing and Editing by www.verbell.ltd

You expect your managers to make well-informed decisions to benefit your company, but do they have a good grasp of financial concepts? It's important to question whether they truly understand the impact of their choices on your company's finances. Have you assigned specific responsibilities for parts of your Profit and Loss (P&L) statement, and do you assess their performance based on these financial figures? Team meetings and one-on-one sessions serve as essential tools for keeping everyone aligned with the company's objectives and maintaining effective communication. But what makes these meetings so vital, and how do they contribute to the overall success of a business? Establishing appropriate incentive structures and clear performance metrics can guide managers to achieve both short-term and long-term company goals. Step on in to hear about preparing managers for new opportunities and thinking about the advantages that outside talent can bring to a growing business.  Audio Mixing and Editing by www.verbell.ltd

Definitely qualified (CFA, CPA, MBA) and without the typical cookie cutter approach, Nick Bartolo of Essential Partners, steps into The Boardroom to chat through the world of wealth management. More than just diversifying assets and ensuring performance, Nick introduces a unique framework to grow and protect one's wealth. With ever-changing economic conditions, what thoughts (and emotions) come to mind as you think about your financial future? Speaking of emotions, wealth advisors are not only investment guides but act as buffers to provide emotional distance and manage risk. With most advisors acting more like salespeople than genuine investment professionals, how can you make the right choice for your financial journey? Tune in to hear about “The Money Illusion”, the realities of the 60/40 portfolio strategy (60% stocks, 40% bonds), and the US economy’s historic lack of soft landings. Audio Mixing and Editing by www.verbell.ltd