Why Your Pest Control Supplier Should Be a Partner, Not a Vendor | EP 219

📅 January 1, 2026 ⏱️ 34:53 🎤 Allan Draper, Jared Engles

Chapters

Click to jump to section

0:00

Supplier Responsiveness

The discussion opens on the critical need for suppliers to be accessible and responsive to new pest control business owners, even outside of standard business hours, to provide immediate support and expertise.
0:00

Beyond Transactional

Allan and Jared discuss moving beyond a transactional relationship with suppliers to a deeper partnership that offers support and guidance, especially for new businesses.
0:01

Host Introduction

Allan Draper introduces himself as the host of the Bug Bucks podcast and highlights the growth of the Bug Bucks community, inviting new members to join for support and resources.
0:02

Guest Introduction

Allan introduces Jared Engles, Vice President of Sales at Pest Management Supply, detailing his extensive 30-year career in pest control and his current role.
0:03

Pest Management Supply

Jared discusses Pest Management Supply's reach, including locations in Kansas City, Arizona, and Chicago, and their shipping capabilities across the continental U.S.
0:04

Importance of Supplier Relationships

Allan and Jared delve into why strong relationships with suppliers are crucial, extending beyond simple transactions, and how these partnerships provide invaluable support and knowledge.
0:08

Choosing a Supplier

Jared advises new business owners on key questions to ask when selecting a supplier, focusing on responsiveness, industry knowledge, and the supplier's willingness to be a true partner.
0:11

Networking at Events

Allan emphasizes the importance of face-to-face interactions at industry events like Pest World to build and strengthen relationships with vendors and partners.
0:13

Private Labeling Benefits

Jared explains the advertising and branding advantages of private-label products like glue boards and bait stations, detailing how they can serve as cost-effective marketing tools.
0:22

Private Labeling Cost Analysis

The discussion includes a cost analysis of private-label glue boards, demonstrating their affordability and effectiveness as a marketing and retention tool compared to standard business cards.

Speakers

Allan Draper

Host

Jared Engles

Vice President of Sales at Pest Management Supply

Key Takeaways

✦

Prioritize suppliers who are accessible and responsive beyond standard business hours; they are partners who can provide critical support during urgent situations.

✦

Cultivate deep, partnership-oriented relationships with all your vendors—not just suppliers—as these connections offer invaluable support, especially during challenging times.

✦

Leverage private-label products, particularly affordable items like glue boards, as a cost-effective advertising tool to promote your brand and capture new leads in neighborhoods.

✦

Utilize private-labeled items as an extended business card, providing tangible value to potential customers while subtly promoting your services and contact information.

✦

Encourage technicians to use private-labeled products as a sales tool, especially through 'clover leafing' strategies (distributing to neighbors) and for engaging potential clients directly.

✦

Seek out suppliers with deep industry experience and a willingness to provide training and connect you with manufacturers, which can help control costs and improve operational efficiency.

✦

Actively participate in industry events to network with suppliers and other professionals, as face-to-face interactions are essential for building trust and strengthening business relationships.

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← Hire for the Soul, Train for the Role: Building a Scalable Pest Control Culture | EP 220

Built on Faith, Family & Service | EP 218 →