What the Future of Pest Control Holds: John Speed of Kilauea Pest Control | PCM 161

John shares insights into his competitive upbringing, farming background, and early exposure to discipline and hard work.

John recounts his start in door-to-door pest control sales and the early days of establishing Kilauea Pest Control in Hawaii, including the challenges of licensing and marketing.

John discusses the slow, organic growth of his company, the impact of Google reviews, and how seeking mentorship from industry leaders like Bruce Tenenbaum and joining the U group fueled his expansion beyond the initial stages.

John elaborates on the unique market in Hawaii, including population density, competition, and the decision to expand into commercial services and explore other geographic markets like Southern California.

John talks about navigating changes in the pest control industry, including technology, increasing competition from door-to-door companies, and the benefits of being on the PCT Top 100 list.

John and the host discuss their perspectives on the future of pest control, including the impact of AI, robotics, and the importance of adapting to new technologies while maintaining human connection and service.

John shares Kilauea's approach to employee wellness, including profit-sharing, education programs, and the benefits of investing in HR and talent to support long-term growth and employee retention.

John explains his rationale for diversifying into other home services like pool cleaning, leveraging existing networks and technology, and the strategic considerations behind his new ventures.