Bug Bux Podcast is designed to help pest control owners start and rapidly scale their company. The hosts, Eric Bassett and Jake Claus, are experts in the pest industry, and they are committed to providing the best guests and resources to help entrepreneurs. Their goal is to help you become a bug money millionaire. Eric Bassett started out as a door-to-door sales representative in 2008. Then he quickly worked his way into upper management and a sales director role before joining Natura as an ...
…
continue reading

1
Episode 184: How to Reduce Customer Cancellations and Boost Retention Rates
45:06
45:06
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
45:06In this episode of the Bug Bux Podcast, Eric Basset and Jake Claus discuss powerful strategies every pest control company owner needs to know. From the roots of attrition to retention team strategies and subscription billing hacks, they unpack what keeps customers loyal and what sends them running. Whether you're a startup or scaling a large operat…
…
continue reading

1
Episode 183: Rain, Snow, and Pests—Oh My! Pest Control Protocols for Every Forecast
31:48
31:48
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
31:48In this episode of the Bug Bux Podcast, Eric and Jake dive into the nitty-gritty of how weather impacts pest control—from rainy-day treatments in the Pacific Northwest to snow-driven rodent and vole activity. They share real-world strategies, smart technician tips, and creative product solutions for servicing in tough conditions, all while keeping …
…
continue reading

1
Episode 182: Crushing Sales Barriers and Revolutionizing Field Teams with Paiv
50:45
50:45
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
50:45In this powerful episode of the Bug Bux Podcast, hosts Eric Bassett and Jake Claus sit down with Jess Reagan, co-founder and Chief Revenue Officer at Paiv, to explore how cutting-edge AI technology is reshaping the world of field sales. From real-time coaching and gamification to territory management and CRM integration, Jess shares how Paiv empowe…
…
continue reading

1
Episode 181: Bug Bux Con Recap: A First Time Success and What’s Next
53:44
53:44
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
53:44In this episode of the Bug Bux Podcast, hosts Eric Bassett and Jake Claus dive into the highlights of our very first Bug Bux Con! From a packed event with just six weeks of planning, to scorpion hunting after hours, the conference was a huge success. They share behind-the-scenes stories, unforgettable moments, and key insights from speakers like Le…
…
continue reading

1
Episode 180: Industry insights and innovations with Nick Grisafe from Syngenta
36:49
36:49
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
36:49In this insightful episode of the Bug Bux Podcast, hosts Eric Bassett and Jake Claus sit down with Nick Grisafe, a longtime industry expert from Syngenta, to discuss the industry’s biggest challenges and innovations. They dive into Integrated Pest Management (IPM), best practices for application, and why many professionals struggle to implement IPM…
…
continue reading

1
Episode 179: Mastering Product Inventory & Strategy with Pest Management Supply
43:16
43:16
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
43:16In this episode of the Bug Bux Podcast, hosts Eric Bassett and Jake Claus sit down with Jared Ingalls, Vice President of Sales at Pest Management Supply. Jared shares insights from his 30+ years in the pest control industry, discussing everything from effective vendor relationships and product forecasting to the growing demand for rodent control an…
…
continue reading

1
Episode 178: Breaking Barriers in Pest Control: Eve Pappas’ Inspiring Journe
48:49
48:49
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
48:49On todays episode of The Bug Bux Podcast, hosts Eric Bassett and Jake Claus sit down with industry legend Eve Pappas, VP of Business Development & Growth at Hoffman’s Exterminating. With over 40 years in the pest control industry, Eve shares her journey from being one of the few women in the field to leading multimillion-dollar growth initiatives. …
…
continue reading

1
Episode 177: Big accounts, Big Opportunities: How to Land and Manage Large Property Management Deals
33:52
33:52
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
33:52In this episode of the Bug Bux Podcast, hosts Eric Bassett and Jake Claus tackle a hot question from the Facebook group: How do you price and manage pest control services for a large property management company? They break down strategies for setting fair pricing, structuring service agreements, handling warranties, and ensuring profitability—while…
…
continue reading

1
Episode 176: Unlocking Growth with Wolfpack Advising
49:43
49:43
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
49:43In this episode of the Bug Bux Podcast, hosts Eric Bassett and Jake Claus dive into the fascinating journey of Aaron Shishilla, CEO and founder of Wolfpack Advising. Aaron shares his unexpected career path—from working at Publix, to getting “Claused” by a coworker, to building a nationally recognized digital marketing agency specializing in pest co…
…
continue reading

1
Episode 175: “This or That” Pest Control Edition
34:20
34:20
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
34:20In this episode of the Bug Bux Podcast, hosts Eric Bassett and Jake Claus shake things up with a unique “This or That” debate—pest control style! With a little help from AI, they tackle industry questions like residential vs. commercial services, DIY pest control vs. professional treatment, contracts vs. one-time services, and more. They also dive …
…
continue reading

1
Episode 174: Inside Sales Revolution: How Vult is Changing Industry Growth
49:01
49:01
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
49:01In this episode of the Bug Bux Podcast, hosts Eric Bassett and Jake Claus sit down with Josh Zuniga to discuss Vult, his game-changing inside sales solution for pest control companies. From selling 1,500 door-to-door accounts in a single season to launching a scalable, high-performance sales engine, Josh shares his vision for helping pest control b…
…
continue reading

1
Episode 173: The Power of People: Josh Schiffman’s key to Building a Legacy
56:34
56:34
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
56:34In this episode of the Bug Bux Podcast, hosts Eric Bassett and Jake Claus sit down with industry leader Josh Shifman, owner of Sage Pest Control, to uncover his journey from selling alarms to dominating the pest control space. Josh shares insights on strategic market expansion, the power of community engagement, the role of AI and VR in the future …
…
continue reading

1
Episode 172: Mastering Price Increases and Customer Retention
48:55
48:55
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
48:55In this episode of the Bug Bux Podcast, Eric Bassett and Jake Claus tackle one of the most challenging aspects of running a pest control business: raising prices without losing customers. From maintaining profitability to navigating conversations with long-time clients, they share actionable strategies for communicating price adjustments, managing …
…
continue reading

1
Episode 171: Unconventional Risks, Unexpected Rewards: The Ben Riches Story
48:46
48:46
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
48:46Join hosts Eric Bassett and Jake Claus in this inspiring episode of the Bug Bux Podcast. Tune in as they sit down with Ben Riches, a 23-year-old high school dropout turned successful pest control entrepreneur. Discover how Ben built his business from scratch, growing it to $250,000 in revenue with nearly 300 recurring customers in just one year. Fr…
…
continue reading

1
Ep 170: Banker to Bug Guy. Featuring David Morgan from Biggest Bird Pest Control
49:19
49:19
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
49:19In this episode of the Bug Bux Podcast, Jake and Jana Claus dive into an inspiring journey with David Morgan, the founder of Biggest Bird Pest Control, as he shares how he transitioned from managing a bank to starting his own pest control company—all while honoring a heartfelt legacy. Hear his insights on balancing a full-time job, the challenges o…
…
continue reading
In this episode of the Bug Bux Podcast, Eric Bassett and Jake Claus discuss the intricacies of rodent control, offering practical advice for pest control professionals. From investigating rodent activity and pricing strategies to the science behind bait stations and the importance of PPE, this episode covers everything you need to know to create ef…
…
continue reading

1
Ep 168: Acquisitions: The Devil in the Details
31:09
31:09
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
31:09In this episode of the Bug Bux Podcast, Eric Bassett and Jake Claus dive deep into the intricacies of purchasing a pest control company. From real-life acquisition stories to tips for minimizing risk, they cover everything you need to know. Whether you’re scaling your pest control company or just exploring growth strategies, this episode offers act…
…
continue reading

1
Ep 167: Risks, Revenue, and Recruiting - D2D Scaling Secrets
36:12
36:12
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
36:12Dive into this episode of the Bug Bux Podcast, where hosts Eric Bassett and Jake Claus tackle the nuances of door-to-door sales. From the pros and cons of building an internal sales team to partnering with door-to-door marketing teams, they provide actionable insights and real-world examples. Learn about recruiting, managing, and compensating sales…
…
continue reading

1
Ep 166: Beyond the Door: Scaling D2D Success in Pest Control with Sam Taggart
52:30
52:30
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
52:30In this episode of the Bug Bux Podcast, Eric Bassett and Jake Claus sit down with Sam Taggart, the CEO of The D2D Experts and founder of D2DCon, as he shares invaluable insights on transforming door-to-door sales teams, achieving Golden Door success, and the future of pest control growth strategies. Learn how the top sales performers hit 1,000+ acc…
…
continue reading

1
Ep 165: The Untold Story of Rentokil Innovation with Dr. Cassie Krejci
44:01
44:01
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
44:01From genetically altered pests to researching worldwide solutions, Dr. Cassie Krejci now researches it all. Can she find the solutions that are not only effective and efficient but also safe for the planet and ecosystem? In this episode, we take a deep dive with Dr. Cassie the head of science and innovation at Rentokil.…
…
continue reading

1
Ep 164: Innovating with Syngenta. Featuring Marshall Gaster, Eric Bassett, and Jake Claus
52:29
52:29
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
52:29Stay a step ahead with Syngenta! In today’s episode, Eric and Jake get all of the insights from Marshall Gaster, Head of Marketing for Pest Control, about Syngenta’s Pest Partners Program, as well as past, present, and future innovation. Tune in to get all of the details, and hear their take on changes in the industry over the years.…
…
continue reading

1
Ep 163: Common Pitfalls in Partnerships with Eric Bassett and Jake Claus
36:27
36:27
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
36:27The dynamics of business partnerships often mirror the complexities of personal relationships, particularly marriages. In today's episode, Eric and Jake dive deep into the complexities of business partnerships and how to navigate them effectively. Tune in for insights on partnership dynamics and a touch of holiday nostalgia! Topics Include: Introdu…
…
continue reading

1
Ep 162: How to Delegate Without Micromanaging with Eric Bassett and Jake Claus
33:26
33:26
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
33:26Always empower and encourage your managers, even when they make mistakes. Let them know that it's okay to fail and that you're there to support them. In today's episode, Eric and Jake dive into the critical differences between the mindsets of business owners and employees. Eric highlights the importance of leadership, vision, creativity, and risk-t…
…
continue reading

1
Ep 161: Actionable Tips to Maximize Productivity with Eric Bassett and Jake Claus
47:05
47:05
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
47:05In today’s episode, Eric and Jake discuss the importance of customer engagement in the pest control industry. They emphasize that spending extra time with customers, understanding their needs, and celebrating wins can significantly enhance retention and create positive word-of-mouth. The conversation also highlights the inspection process as a valu…
…
continue reading

1
Ep 160: Behind the Scenes at PestWorld: Tips, Tricks, & Vendor Deals with Eric Bassett and Jake Claus
29:36
29:36
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
29:36In today's episode, Eric and Jake record from Pest World in Denver, Colorado. They highlight the importance of networking opportunities at Pest World and reflect on the educational content available, including vendor education and new technology in the pest control industry. They emphasize the dual purpose of their presence at the event: engaging w…
…
continue reading

1
Ep 159: How To Roll Out New Company Policies featuring Eric Bassett and Jake Claus
32:14
32:14
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
32:14In any company, the implementation of new policies can often be met with resistance or misunderstanding. In today's episode, Eric and Jake dive deep into the complexities of implementing policy changes within a pest control company, using their recent experience with box elder bugs as a case study. They also emphasize the need for clear communicati…
…
continue reading

1
Ep 158: When to Fire a Customer featuring Eric Bassett and Jake Claus
36:24
36:24
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
36:24In the pest control industry, it is essential to recognize when a customer may not be worth the trouble. In today’s episode, Eric and Jake address the challenging decision of when to fire a customer. Sometimes, despite the effort to gain and retain customers, certain clients can be more trouble than they're worth. This includes customers who are ab…
…
continue reading

1
Ep 157: Stop Losing Customers featuring Erik Maki with Service First Pest Management
42:40
42:40
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
42:40Customer retention is essential for sustainable growth and profitability. In today's episode, Eric and Jake welcome Erik Maki with Service First Pest Management. Erik shares why companies often lose accounts not necessarily to competitors stealing them, but due to a failure to provide perceived value. When customers feel informed and valued, they a…
…
continue reading

1
Ep 156: Building an Empire featuring Allan Draper with .proof Pest Control
44:46
44:46
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
44:46Attending industry events, such as PestWorld, provides a unique opportunity to meet vendors and fellow pest control professionals. In today's episode, Eric and Jake welcome a very special guest, Allan Draper with .proof Pest Control. Allan shares his experience at PestWorld and encourages attendees to step outside their comfort zones, engage with o…
…
continue reading

1
Ep 155: Revolutionizing Referrals featuring Phil Kirkeiner with Baton Leads
42:10
42:10
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
42:10One of the most pressing challenges faced by PCCs is managing incoming calls from potential customers who fall outside their service areas or require services they do not offer. In today's episode, Eric and Jake welcome Phil Kirkeiner, co-founder and CEO of Baton Leads. Phil shares his unique path from studying music to becoming an accountant, and …
…
continue reading

1
EP 154: Building A Better Tomorrow with Eric Bassett and Jake Claus
40:05
40:05
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
40:05Positive interactions with customers can create a ripple effect within the community. When customers have a good experience, they are more likely to share that experience with others. In today's episode, Eric and Jake discuss several key strategies that PCOs can implement to maintain a positive impact on the industry. In addition, they share insigh…
…
continue reading

1
Ep 153: Scripts vs. Genuine Conversations with Eric Bassett and Jake Claus
46:32
46:32
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
46:32Whether you're in sales, customer service, or a technician in the field, connecting with your customers personally can make all the difference. In today's episode, Eric and Jake share insights from their own experiences in sales and customer service training. They discuss how a well-crafted script can help your team connect with customers and ensur…
…
continue reading

1
Ep 152: D2D Law Updates: Pros and Cons with Eric Bassett and Jake Claus
38:55
38:55
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
38:55Training salespeople in the pest control industry with honesty, integrity, and a high level of professionalism is essential for the success and reputation of your business. In today's episode, Eric and Jake discuss the importance of being proactive and well-informed about regulations in the pest control industry. In addition, they both share their …
…
continue reading

1
Ep 151: Why Customer Education Is A Game Changer featuring Paul Townsend with Animal & Insect Pest Management Inc.
45:50
45:50
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
45:50Communication, education and retention, are all key components of running a successful pest control company. In today's episode, Eric and Jake welcome Paul Townsend, the Operations Manager for Animal & Insect Pest Management Inc. Educating customers about the services being provided, the potential risks associated with pest infestations, and preven…
…
continue reading

1
Ep 150: Green Initiatives and Multi-Generational Success featuring Noah Besheer with Gunter Pest and Lawn
43:43
43:43
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
43:43In today's episode, Eric and Jake welcome Noah Besheer, the fourth-generation president of Gunter Pest and Lawn. Noah demonstrates a strong commitment to incorporating green and sustainable practices into his pest control company. This dedication is evident through initiatives such as the use of electric vehicles and solar power in the company's op…
…
continue reading

1
Ep 149: Turning Pain into Purpose featuring Eric Bassett, Jake Claus, and Jana Claus with Natura Pest Control
1:08:59
1:08:59
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:08:59This episode comes with a sensitive content warning as it covers topics such as mental illness, family trauma, suicide, and the loss of a child. In today's episode, Eric along side with Jake and Jana navigate the aftermath of the tragic loss of their 14-year son, Jess Melvin Claus. Throughout the episode, they emphasize the importance of recognizin…
…
continue reading

1
Ep 148: Growth, Expansion, and Acquisitions Through Networking featuring Michael Bosco with SafeHaven Pest Control
43:39
43:39
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
43:39Building relationships and actively participating in industry associations are key factors in creating opportunities for mergers and acquisitions in the pest control industry. In today's episode, Eric and Jake welcome Michael Bosco from Safe Haven Pest Control. Michael discusses the importance of building relationships, networking, and staying enga…
…
continue reading

1
Ep 147: Creating a Culture of Success featuring Josh Fleenor with Pest Pros Pest Solutions
42:47
42:47
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
42:47Building a strong team with aligned core values is crucial for the success and growth of your pest control company. In today's episode, Eric and Jake welcome Josh Fleener, President of Pest Pros Pest Solutions. Josh shares insights into scaling his business, developing a strong team culture, and the core values that have driven his company's growth…
…
continue reading

1
Ep 146: Political Stances and Your Pest Control Company featuring Eric Bassett and Jake Claus
34:44
34:44
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
34:44As a PCO, it's okay to have opinions and engage in political discussions, but it's crucial to be intentional about what you say publicly. In today's episode, Eric and Jake discuss why business owners should be cautious about making public statements that could be polarizing. The goal is to ensure that your business remains focused on what truly mat…
…
continue reading

1
Ep 145: Important Marketing Updates with LSA and Local SEO featuring Mat Rogers with Lizard SEM
39:01
39:01
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
39:01In today's episode, Eric and Jake dive into the world of digital marketing with special guest, Mat Rogers, COO of Lizard SEM. Mat discusses the latest features in Google's digital marketing landscape and how they impact pest control companies. If you want to stay ahead of your competitors and drive engagement, don’t miss this information packed epi…
…
continue reading

1
Ep 144: 20 Tips to Grow Your PCC with Eric Bassett and Jake Claus
47:30
47:30
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
47:30Whether it's through digital marketing, community involvement, or direct engagement, there are numerous ways to grow your pest control company. In today's episode, Eric and Jake address a question posted from Dominion Pest Control in the Bug Bux+ Facebook Group. Dominion Pest Control is a new company looking for advice on how to get customers. Eric…
…
continue reading

1
Ep 143: Leveraging NPMA and PPMA Tools featuring Jim Fredericks with the National Pest Management Association
43:15
43:15
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
43:15In today's episode, Eric and Jake had the pleasure of hosting Jim Fredericks, the Senior Vice President of Public Affairs at the National Pest Management Association (NPMA)/Executive Director of the Professional Pest Management Alliance (PPMA). Jim shared a wealth of knowledge about the resources and opportunities available through NPMA and PPMA, w…
…
continue reading

1
Ep 142: 4th of July as a PCO - Legacy and Entrepreneurship
32:25
32:25
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
32:25Light the candles and get ready to sing, because it's America's birthday! In today's episode, Eric and Jake discuss the significance of America as the land of opportunity and the impact of immigrant heritage on their entrepreneurial journey. They explore the value of hard work, the freedom to pursue happiness, and the unique opportunities available…
…
continue reading

1
Ep 141: Together We Achieve More featuring Erik Anderson with Utah Pest and Lawn
38:30
38:30
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
38:30In today’s episode, Eric and Jake welcome Erik Anderson, owner of Utah Pest and Lawn. Erik shares his experience in sales, management, and entrepreneurship, highlighting the importance of integrity in sales, the power of networking and starting his own pest control company. Topics include: Introduction (0:00) The Journey of Erik Anderson: From Sale…
…
continue reading

1
Ep 140: Reducing Peak Season Call Backs with Staffing and Communication Strategies
44:29
44:29
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
44:29In today’s episode, Eric and Jake discuss the challenges and strategies of managing a pest control company during the peak season. They cover topics such as customer expectations, triaging reservices, staffing, and the use of social media for education and brand building. Topics include: Introduction (0:00) Creating the Right Expectations From the …
…
continue reading

1
Ep 139: Building the Right Team Early featuring Billy and Taylor Wright with Zona Pest Solutions
45:24
45:24
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
45:24Building a strong team dynamic based on trust and support is essential for the success of your pest control company. Today Eric and Jake welcome Billy and Taylor Wright, owners of Zona Pest Solutions. Billy and Taylor highlight the importance of early hiring to drive growth for their business. By bringing on a new employee, they were able to focus …
…
continue reading

1
Ep 138: Building a Family Business That Lasts featuring Scarlett Nolen with Truly Nolen
42:23
42:23
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
42:23In today's episode, Eric and Jake have the pleasure of interviewing Scarlett Nolan, the president of Truly Nolan of America. Scarlett discusses the significance of intentional culture in companies, emphasizing the need for proactive discussions and actions to shape a positive work environment. Scarlett also talks about the challenges and benefits o…
…
continue reading

1
Ep 137: Data-Driven Growth Strategies featuring Cameron Bawden with Green Mango Pest Control
40:52
40:52
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
40:52In today's episode, Eric and Jake have the pleasure of welcoming back Cameron Bawden a serial entrepreneur and the owner of Hype Farm Premium Home Services, which oversees several successful brands including Green Mango Pest Control. Cameron shares valuable insights on how he has significantly improved his company's profit margins and strengthened …
…
continue reading

1
Ep 136: Scaling with Integrity and Trust featuring Matt Thompson with BugPro Pest Control
42:00
42:00
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
42:00EpIn today's special Memorial Day episode, Eric and Jake welcome Matt Thompson, owner and CEO of BugPro Pest Control. Matt shares his inspiring journey from being an Airborne Ranger in the United States Army to unexpectedly finding a fulfilling career in pest control. His military background not only instilled a strong sense of discipline and integ…
…
continue reading

1
Ep 135: Cultivating a Performance-Driven Environment featuring Colton Gonzales and Eric Salgado with Firehouse Pest Control
39:36
39:36
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
39:36In today's episode, Eric and Jake had the pleasure of welcoming back Colton Gonzalez and Eric Salgado with Firehouse Pest Control. These returning guests shared valuable insights into their journey from firefighting to pest control, emphasizing the importance of integrity and customer service in their business model. In addition, by establishing a …
…
continue reading