It was December 31st, 2003. As we sat around the dinner table with close friends playing cards into the new year, we knew the very next day would be different. January 1, 2004, was the date my Stella and I became proud owners of ATCO Pest Control. We are excited to be celebrating our 20th year of business.

As I think back to that evening, it hit me: it was just the two of us. My wife had no knowledge of the industry. Stella would need training so she could effectively help folks calling for services. Additionally, the former owner of ATCO had never trained me on the financial side of the company. What is a P&L? What program would we use for our CRM? He had always used the “paper” method of record keeping. What was ahead of us was more than just being owners. Seemed as though I would be the most knowledgeable person that folks would want answers from. I would have to properly identify and recommend treatments for every pest encountered and offer real solutions. While I had done this as an employee, the full responsibility was on me. “Richard – why do we still have ants and what else can we do to get rid of them?” was one of the first challenges I remember facing. I soon realized that I was not alone.

I have always felt success is based not upon your own knowledge and experience but on the collective knowledge and experience of the people you surround yourself with. I think back to one of the best teachers I had in school, my welding teacher. He would not just teach his students how to weld but he would share his experience of working in the John Deer Factory. The lessons he gave to us were invaluable. His experience of the real-world application of welding allowed us to grow and ready ourselves for a job in the real world.

This has served us well as business owners over the years. Surrounding ourselves with folks that would share their knowledge and experience has allowed us to grow and be successful. Like most business owners, we had knowledge of our trade but little to no knowledge of operating a business. We place success on the shoulders of those who have been so gracious and kind to share their knowledge over the years. Those who would share their experiences of what worked or what they would do differently. I think too of those on our ATCO team. Teams comprised of talented, sincere people, desirous of growth. Folks who are not afraid to challenge the status quo and want to be on the journey with us. They push us and keep us going.

As we enter a new year, Stella and I are grateful for all who have helped us. So, to all of you, Thank you! For all our successes are simply a compilation of the shared knowledge, experience, and generosity of all those we continue to surround ourselves with.