Today we’d like to introduce you to Michael Flournoy.
Hi Michael, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I worked in the pest control industry for 20 years… 7 different companies and found many of the same problems in each company. Pushy door to door salesmen, bogus deals, gimmicks that hurt homeowners more than helping them, doing services despite bad weather, and policies that harm customers and employees. I was with one company who shall remain nameless, where they asked the technicians to download and app so they could record their conversations with their clients. When asked if they should inform the customers, the management said no, and that this was “for training purposes.” After the meeting, I privately told my manager that ethically I couldn’t bring myself to keep the new policy. He informed me that they weren’t asking, and I returned the keys to my work truck.
I never wanted to start a business, I believed I would fail if I tried. But eventually, I had to make a decision whether to take a risk or continue doing whatever these companies asked of me. 4 years later, Paladin Pest Control is thriving. We have a small team and have been voted best in Hays County 3 years in a row.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has NOT been smooth. I had the false assumption going in that I would be rich within a few months. The truth was that I gave up my retirement and took out a loan to support my family while the company gained its footing. On the plus side, I have mastered cooking Ramen noodles!!
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
At Paladin Pest Control, we see ourselves as the transparent pest control company. We believe that some secrets, like our customer’s bug problems, should remain secrets! But most secrets pest companies keep make no sense, namely their pricing. All our pricing is listed on our website at www.paladinpest.com. We don’t lock anyone into contracts, and we don’t have any pushy salesmen.
Furthermore, while most of our competition uses the same tired products most of the year, we switch out our entire line of products every 3 months to ensure that pests do not gain an immunity to the treatment.
Finally, we are devoted to the environment. We keep our sprays within 3 feet of the foundation and opt for baits and granules in the yard to protect kids, pets, and beneficial insects and wildlife.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
Growing my team makes me happy (not numerically). After being an employee most of my life, I love having the opportunity to do right by my own team. I love working with them and helping them overcome obstacles–in particular, I enjoy teaching my technicians to be more effective and skilled at what they do. Unfortunately, in the industry pest technicians are often underpaid and overworked (think 20-30 houses in a single day). But at Paladin we are seeking to help technicians take pride in their trade, rather than viewing themselves as mere laborers.
Pricing:
- $37 per month for quarterly service
- $45 per month for bi-monthly services
- $39 initial visit when switching from a competitor
- $59 mosquito services
- $35 per month rodent and flea and tick bundles available
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.paladinpest.com
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@paladinpestcontrol
