NEWSLETTER - JULY 2022
NEWSLETTER
PRESIDENT’S REPORT JULY 2022 EDITION
I am thrilled to welcome the very first edition of the Women in Pest Management (WIPM) Newsletter. Until recently, I was founder, CEO and President of the Professional Women in Australian Pest Management (PWAPM) for four years, and this has given me a greater understanding of what women in the pest management industry desire. That is why I am excited to share this brand new association. This is what I love to do, this is what I am meant to be doing, and this is what I am passionate about. I would like to take a moment to thank all the support I have received in getting this association up and running. In particular, the WIPM committee, who are just as excited to be a part of this new venture. I would also like to thank manufacturers and distributors in the industry. The WIPM committee and I have been busy focusing on the events and programs we’ll be offering over the next 12 months. This includes education and training, careers for women in pest management, leadership workshops, networking breakfasts, international women’s day, a WIPM conference, exciting new recognition awards, mentoring, and mental health awareness. We will be releasing monthly newsletters so we can keep you up to date on what WIPM are working
Coming Soon!
Career Paths In Pest Management for Women.
on, information on events, and special offers from industry President distributors. We are currently working on a brand-new website and will have this released in the next couple of months. During the month of August, I will be heading overseas for the Pest Management Association of New Zealand (PMANZ) conference. I am excited to announce that WIPM are now an Associate Member of PMANZ and I am looking forward to be representing WIPM at the conference. I will also be announcing the very first WIPM New Zealand representative. This is a great opportunity to build stronger connections with our New Zealand pesties. I am a huge advocate of AEPMA and will continue to support them under the WIPM brand. We want to make WIPM the best place for you to grow as a professional. This cannot happen without your input. Let us know what your development needs and wants are, so we can design professional development opportunities within WIPM that suit you. If you haven’t already, head to the WIPM Facebook Group and vote in our poll.
NEWSLETTER - JULY 2022
MEET THE COMMITTEE NAME Nicky Turner - President
NAME Rhiannon Brown - Vice President
COMPANY OR BUSINESS Pestie Profiles Laguna Pest Control Peregian Pest Control.
COMPANY OR BUSINESS Envirapest
First, I am a wife and Mum of three children. I am the Founder and past CEO/President of the Professional Women in Australian Pest Management. I am extremely proud of what I have achieved with the PWAPM, giving me the experience to move on to bigger and better opportunities with the WIPM. I’ve worked in a milk bar, fish and chip shop, then went on to become a baker and owned my own insect breeding business, selling insects to the pet trade. Got into the pest industry because of my husband. Multi Award Winner for the Sunshine Coast Business Awards and Pest Manger of the Year. I am a real foodie and love my wine and French champagne. I love travelling, especially when it includes conferences for work. Most of all I love it when I can stay in my PJ’s all day. My biggest passion is promoting and supporting women and men in the pest management industry and being an advocate for mental health awareness. I do not tolerate bullying in the workforce or social media. I am honest, loyal, a true friend and will walk away from those that do me wrong. My husband is my best friend, and my family means everything to me. WHY DO YOU SUPPORT WIPM? Empowering women is essential to the health and social development of families, communities, and different industries. I feel by supporting women in the pest industry it helps them to reach their full potential by contributing their skills to others. My purpose has always been to promote and recognise women by introducing industry recognition awards, being able to offer education and training workshops and support women in all different roles.
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Myself and my husband Mark are owners of Envirapest - a pest and weed control business operating in Perth WA. Mark started as a sole trader and then I joined the business in 2011. Next year will be our 20th year open! I absolutely love my team and they make us the business we are today. My husband Mark is the love of my life, my absolute team mate, business partner and best friend. We have four young kids, 7 & 8 year old boys and 2.5 year old twins so life is chaotic and busy - but I wouldn’t want to have it any other way. Awards & Nomination: 2017 - Finalist In Pest Manager of The Year (under 10) 2019 - Winner Pest Manager Of The Year (under 10) 2019 - Inaugural Board Member of Professional Women In Australian Pest Management 2022 - Finalist Innovation in Pest Management Award - Bayer 2022 - Winner Pest Manager of The Year (under 10) WHY DO YOU SUPPORT WIPM? I support WIPM because feeling like you have somewhere to turn to for advice and help is something really special. No one has all the answers and no one knows what others are going through but having a safe place to ask for advice, bounce ideas or just feel supported is a really important thing. I am passionate about changing the perceptions about pest & weed control and where women sit within this unique and special industry.
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NAME Sheri Ambler – Committee Member COMPANY OR BUSINESS Laguna Pest Control With a background in sales, I completely changed careers in 2020 and entered the world of Pest Control. Who knew pest control could be so much fun! I am now a qualified general pest technician and am currently studying my cert III in Urban Pest Management. I have a great career balance - I work out on the road, looking after domestic pest control clients and I also work in reception, scheduling work and focusing on our resort and strata clients. I am a Mum of 2, a reptile enthusiast and always eager to learn more. In 2021, I won the Inaugural award for the PWAPM Female Trainee of the year. WHY DO YOU SUPPORT WIPM? A woman alone has power; collectively we have an impact. It is no secret that the pest control industry is male-dominated and can present mental and physical challenges for females. Learning first-hand how to adapt and make changes to better suit my own personal capabilities, I am eager to support and advise other women in the same situation. Meeting other women and being able to share ideas, offer advice and just chat with, has done so much for my confidence, and commitment to the industry and has given me the enthusiasm to succeed and lift others to succeed with me. NAME Meg Papadopoulos – Committee Member COMPANY OR BUSINESS Eagle Pest Control
Mum of 4. Working alongside husband (John) for the last 3 years, first as his labourer, now as his number 1 (& only) technician. Being a Pestie is a far cry from my Group Fitness/Personal training background that’s for sure! I was a finalist in 2022 PWAPM Trainee of the Year Award and our business was a finalist in 2022 AEPMA Pest Manager of the Year - Micro Business.
dominated industry. Simple things that men don’t need to consider, can be an issue for women. And although the world is evolving, women still need women to see, hear and advocate for them. NAME Rachel Skedd – Committee Member COMPANY OR BUSINESS APC Tri-Star Developments Pty Ltd I’m known as Rach to my good friends and mum to my beautiful two Gen Z’s. I have been involved in the Pest Industry for 22 years. Together with Cameron, my husband we ran our business - Acacia Pest Control in Geelong Victoria up until March this year when Cam and I sold the business. Acacia Pest Control started out as just Cameron and I in 2000 where I was just helping with the accounts. We grew the business to a team of eighteen in 2021 and my role in the business changed over the years from just accounts to all the different aspects of running a business, from accounting to HR to marketing to policy writing. We are now enjoying a quieter lifestyle between Victoria and sunny Queensland working remotely on a couple of projects and planning our next adventure. In 2020 I was a finalist for the PWAPM Excellence Award, which was a wonderful experience that gave me an opportunity to reflect on my role in our business and also introduced me to many other women in the pest industry. Meeting many of these women at the PWAPM Leadership Conference in 2021 gave me further inspiration to be better at my day job and support other businesses where I can. WHY DO YOU SUPPORT WIPM? It’s great to be part of WIPM! I love that I am involved with a group of women and men who are supporting each other in their businesses. At a time in this world where mental health has become a major issue, it is groups like this that support and encourage us to push forward with our goals and ambitions and be better at what we do. It is great to bounce ideas off and connect with others in similar situations. For many in the pest industry, it isn’t just a job it is a way of life and is part of the family. I also hope I can be a resource for other small businesses.
WHY DO YOU SUPPORT WIPM? For me, it’s about support. We do a lot of Pre Construction work, so I see and experience every single day the hard slog that women have in a male 3
NEWSLETTER - JULY 2022
MEET THE COMMITTEE CONT. NAME Eliza Urey – Committee Member - Events Co-ordinator COMPANY OR BUSINESS Drop Dead Pest Control Hello, my name is Eliza and I am 21 years old. I currently work as the Office/Administration Manager at Drop Dead Pest Control which my parents Colin and Jodi Urey own. I grew up helping out with the business and came on board full time at the end of 2017. I came on as a business administration trainee and completed my Certificate 3 and 4 through Tafe NSW. I was also fortunate to win a scholarship to study an Advanced Diploma in Hospitality and Events Management which I completed whilst working part time between 2019-2020. This was originally the career path I thought I would take and I had previously worked in the hospitality industry. During the COVID pandemic, I went back to working full time in a Management Position at Drop Dead Pest Control and I have loved it ever since. I work with my office team of 7 to ensure the business runs smoothly. I also look after our commercial clients and help out in the truck where I can. I recently attended my first Pesticon Conference and had a blast! I was very grateful to have come home with the Administrator of the Year Award from the PWAPM. Since winning the award, I have had great opportunities come my way such as being invited as a guest on the Pestie Profiles Podcast with Nicky and Jay Turner! I now look forward to supporting women in the Pest Industry with the Women in Pest Management Association. I am very excited to be the events coordinator and work with the team to create and organise incredible industry events. I am eager to combine my events and hospitality knowledge and experience with pest control (which I didn’t even know was possible!). WHY DO YOU SUPPORT WIPM? I support the Women in Pest Management Association as I believe it is a great place to ask for help and share ideas to help make everyone’s
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lives and businesses better! I love meeting new people in our industry and creating positive working relationships. The women’s association is a safe place where women in our industry can come together and feel supported. I am very much looking forward to what is to come.
SOUTH PACIFIC REPRESENTATIVE - ASITA DEVI DEO AND NEW ZEALAND REPRESENTATIVE TO BE ANNOUNCED AT PMANZ CONFERENCE
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WIPM COMMITTEE ARE EXCITED TO ANNOUNCE BRAND NEW PEST MANAGEMENT INDUSTRY AWARDS 2023
2023 FEMALE WOMEN IN PEST MANAGEMENT
OF THE YEAR
2 0 2 3 FEM A L E WOMEN IN PEST MANAGEMENT
OF THE Y EA R
Nicky Turner founded the Excellence, Trainee and Administrator Awards. Over the period of 2019 -2021 she received more than 110 nominations just on the Excellence Award. It will be difficult finding someone who can put in as much passion and promote these awards like she can, followed with the help of the NEW MOTIVATED DYNAMIC TEAM of WIPM. Over the coming years, we are going to see continued migration into the pest management industry. Recognising, celebrating, and showcasing outstanding winners’ talents, bringing greater awareness of the skills and capabilities these women have in our industry. The WIPM Committee are excited to launch in 2023 the: FEMALE LEADERSHIP AWARD FEMALE TECHNICIAN OF THE YEAR AWARD FEMALE OFFICE EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR AWARD 5
NEWSLETTER - JULY 2022
CAREERS IN PEST MANAGEMENT FOR WOMEN
The pest management industry in Australia appears to be in high demand for women to join the field. Many women have not considered working in pest management, but with flexible and family-friendly working hours and a variety of long-term career opportunities to grow, there is no better time to join the industry than now! There are several different career opportunities in the pest management industry: from field technicians to administration, from sales representatives to entomologists, from marketing experts to technical experts, and more. The industry has become more welcoming to women at all levels and these unique windows of opportunity is achieving greater diversity. There is no limit to what women can achieve in the pest management industry.
Coming Soon!
Career Paths In Pest Management for Women. 6
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WHY YOU SHOULD CONSIDER RECRUITING FEMALE TECHNICIANS? One of the biggest challenges in the pest industry is hiring field technicians. And when someone does come through the door, they are often a poor fit or are entirely unqualified. So more and more of us are rethinking our hiring process, from job descriptions in our ads to recruitment budgets. By attracting the interests of women in recruiting, we can expand our applicant numbers, as well as improve the quality and diversity of our workforce. Here are five tips on how you can recruit, hire, and retain more women to work for your business: 1.
Rethink your requirements. Pest control is a male dominated industry and many of the standards are geared towards men by default, rather than necessity. Think about the physical requirements of the job, and in particular, the equipment. Instead of a large backpack, there are options for a smaller one. Being flexible in making small equipment changes (and highlighting these options in the job description) will expand your applicants. It demonstrates that females can do the job the same way as their male co-workers, and that you’re dedicated to their success in the field.
2. Job descriptions are more than a list of requirements. They’re an ad for your business, and as such you need to consider who you’re marketing the position to. 3. Showcase the women already in your business. Women are more likely to apply for a position within a workplace that they can easily picture themselves in. Think about how you can feature the women in your business across your platforms (website, social media, etc.). It is important to set an example and demonstrate your support and encouragement towards your female employees. And if you don’t have them yet, think creatively! Bring in a female friend or family member to wear a uniform and get a few snapshots. Make it known that you’re currently focusing on creating diversity within your business. Show support to other women in other businesses through WIPM.
4. Highlight your training program. Most of the time, women won’t apply for a job unless they meet nearly all the requirements listed. Which is obviously a good thing! However, to receive more applications, showcase your training program and educational opportunities. This will demonstrate to female applicants that they can gain the knowledge and experienced required while already working for you. 5. Offer support and mentorship. You can do this through WIPM. We can help you. As you start to recruit more females, it is important to make them feel like they have support. Teach them about safety and how to avoid a hazardous work environment. Give them lessons on self-defence and how to avoid and deflect harassment. Provide them with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to do their job well. Another way to offer support is to provide them with a mentor. Contact WIPM and we will introduce them to another female in the industry, who can offer insight and share experiences. 7
NEWSLETTER - JULY 2022
PESTIE TRAINEE PROFILES BRIDGE MANI
WHERE DO YOU WORK? Alpeco Rotorua New Zealand.
WHAT’S THE BEST DISH YOU CAN COOK? Steak, chips, mushroom sauce and eggs.
WHAT IS YOUR ROLE? Technician.
WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST PEST PEEVE? Droppings. Lol!
HOW DID YOU GET INTO PEST CONTROL? Heiko Kasier (my boss) was an afternoon pickup for my courier business, and I grew a relationship with Heiko and Mel that was there at the time he asked the new pickup girl if she knew anyone needing a job or looking into pest control and that’s when I came in.
IF YOU COULD HAVE DINNER WITH ONE PERSON (LIVING OR DEAD), WHO WOULD IT BE? My grandparents. I have three lots of them because my dad was adopted and my love Paul that passed in 2015.
DESCRIBE YOURSELF IN THREE WORDS Bubbly, confident and very caring. WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT PEST CONTROL? EVERYTHING, all new to me so I find it super exciting learning about everything and how pest control works! WHAT’S YOUR GO-TO KARAOKE SONG? Gees, hmmm that’s hard. I love all music so anything. Ha ha! WHAT’S THE LAST DREAM YOU REMEMBER? This is hard to answer. I do live my life in my dreams but the last one I remember is this white guy with blue eyes in what looked like a white truck but just the door, that next morning I saw him filling his truck up at the truck Caltex stop that our workshop is next to, Turns out I use to wave to him like 3 years ago because I would see him on the road around town doing deliveries. WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE SNACK FOOD? Kimchi or cereal, yoghurt and ice cream that I then have to share with Mr 6 and Mr 13! ARE YOU AN INTROVERT OR AN EXTROVERT? Introvert! Ha ha! 8
DO YOU HAVE ANY PETS? No. WHAT WAS THE WORST PHASE IN YOUR LIFE? I guess life in itself, life is a big lesson, if you don’t learn from your mistakes you’re always going to run in to them until you learn the lesson! WHAT WOULD YOU DO IF YOU WON THE LOTTERY? Return many favours. WOULD YOU PREFER TO GO CAMPING OR CHILL AT A RESORT? I would love to do both but with my kids of course. WHAT’S THE MOMENT YOU WOULD LOVE TO BE A FLY ON THE WALL FOR? When I have birth to my kids. WHAT SCRAMBLES YOUR BRAIN EVERY TIME YOU THINK ABOUT IT? My spiritual life! WHAT ARE YOU MOST DETERMINED TO ACCOMPLISH? Life! Freedom and happiness. WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE WAY TO SPEND A DAY OFF? Chilling with the kids, painting and having a good laugh with my best friend. HAVE YOU EVER READ A BOOK THAT CHANGED YOUR LIFE? Dolores Cannon, her books should be read by everyone.
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IF YOU ENDED UP IN JAIL, WHAT WOULD YOU FRIENDS AND FAMILY THINK YOU DID? Ha ha! Hmm set caged animals free. IF YOUR LIFE WERE A MOVIE, WHAT WOULD THE MOVIE BE CALLED? The Life of Bee. WHAT EMBARRASSING MOMENT HAS STUCK WITH YOU OVER THE YEARS? My life isn’t really exciting but it would be right now where I am, in this hotel where my room got serviced and my vibrator was on the floor, hahahaha! WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR BIGGEST FEARS? Life! Heights and the unknown of people’s reactions because I am a free spirit. Unapologetically Bridget but humble at the same time. WHO DO YOU LOOK UP TO THE MOST? AND WHY? Me because it was only me. WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF IN FIVE YEARS? Boss lady. WHAT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF AND WHY? My kids, why!? Men come and go but my kids are there for life. I’m a very sensitive mum and want all the time I can with them until they grow up and have wife’s and kids of their own. IF YOU COULD CHANGE ONE THING ABOUT YOURSELF, WHAT WOULD IT BE? My tattoos, they remind me of my life when I was a teen! All the hurt behind them I guess. WHAT’S ONE OF THE MOST FUN CHILDHOOD MEMORIES YOU HAVE? Albery, Timaru. Been with my pakeha family every school holidays. Mum would drive us from Rotorua to Timaru and just be in a completely different word! My cousins would take us everywhere on the farm and we would always get in trouble because I get bad hay fever, we would jump down stacked haybales then scream and climb back up, I was a dead giveaway that that’s what we were up to that day ha-ha and yes, we would get into trouble.
IF YOU COULD LIVE A DAY AS ANY TYPE OF ANIMAL, WHAT WOULD YOU CHOOSE AND WHY? Bird or an orca. Just the freedom to go where I please. I love the water. IF YOU COULD REDO ONE MOMENT OF YOUR LIFE, WHAT WOULD IT BE? Take me back to school. It’s not a regret it’s just when you are my age you look back and think shit, I should have just listened to mum! Been prepared for grown up life. WHAT IS A PRODUCT YOU CANNOT LIVE WITHOUT? My damn makeup! IF YOU COULD CHANGE YOUR NAME, WHAT NEW NAME WOULD YOU PICK? Ha-ha, Brooke. WHAT COUNTRY WOULD YOU MOST LIKE TO VISIT? Take me home to Rarotonga. Also Dubai. WHAT WOULD YOU DO IF YOU WERE INVISIBLE FOR A DAY? Be naked. Ha-ha! WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO A NEW FEMALE TECHNICIAN COMING INTO THE PEST INDUSTRY? Just like Spice Girls would say, Women Power! TOILET PAPER, OVER OR UNDER? Over. HAVE YOU EVER SENT A TEXT MESSAGE TO THE WRONG PERSON? Who hasn’t done that! Lol. DO YOU HAVE ANY FUNNY OR SECRET TALENTS YOU’D BE WILLING TO SHARE? I’ll just say...one of my granddads comes along to hang with my kids sometimes. HAVE YOU EVER DROPPED FOOD ON THE FLOOR ACCIDENTALLY AND THEN PICKED IT UP TO EAT IT? Hahaha 3 second, 3 seconds. DO YOU DOUBLE DIP? Absolutely. WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE YOUR TEENAGE SELF? Head down books open.
WHO IS YOUR CELEBRITY CRUSH? Mark Wahlberg. WHAT’S THE WILDEST THING YOU HAVE EVER DONE? I’m a loser and my kids are my life, I can’t even think of anything, most things are better left unsaid haha! WHAT’S YOUR WORST BAD HABIT? Not looking after me! I have two holes in my teeth, so yea. HOW WOULD YOUR BEST FRIEND DESCRIBE YOU? Loving, caring, there at any time and not sugarcoating situations and telling her the raw truth. 9
NEWSLETTER - JULY 2022
PESTIE TRAINEE PROFILES ALYSSA BUST
WHERE DO YOU WORK? AllPro Pest Control. WHAT IS YOUR ROLE? Pest technician. HOW DID YOU GET INTO PEST CONTROL? In all honesty I was after a job that would offer me stability and to feel appreciated for the work I do. Wasn’t a job I saw myself doing but I quite enjoy it. DESCRIBE YOURSELF IN THREE WORDS Easy going, loud and a little crazy at times. WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT PEST CONTROL? Being on the road, meeting new faces and having a chat, it’s always different, not at the same place every day and getting to meet cute pets. Having a good team. WHAT’S YOUR GO-TO KARAOKE SONG? Not much of a singer however my dash cam would say otherwise! Always loved the song “It’s Called: Freefall” by rainbow kitten surprise. WHAT’S THE LAST DREAM YOU REMEMBER? Running late to work and freaking out. Felt too real ha-ha! WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE SNACK FOOD? Doritos with a dip. ARE YOU AN INTROVERT OR AN EXTROVERT? It’s hard to say at first meet I’m more of an introvert but when you get to know me I can be an extrovert, very loud, sociable etc. WHAT’S THE BEST DISH YOU CAN COOK? Probably nachos or bacon egg and avo ciabatta sandwich.
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WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST PEST PEEVE? People replying back with the emoji.
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IF YOU COULD HAVE DINNER WITH ONE PERSON (LIVING OR DEAD), WHO WOULD IT BE? Robin Williams. DO YOU HAVE ANY PETS? No, not yet. WHAT WAS THE WORST PHASE IN YOUR LIFE? Fighting depression for many years and losing two babies. WHAT WOULD YOU DO IF YOU WON THE LOTTERY? Buy a big property for myself, helping family and look into buying assets. WOULD YOU PREFER TO GO CAMPING OR CHILL AT A RESORT? Camping. WHAT’S THE MOMENT YOU WOULD LOVE TO BE A FLY ON THE WALL FOR? Don’t really have a clue, sorry. WHAT SCRAMBLES YOUR BRAIN EVERY TIME YOU THINK ABOUT IT? Just overthinking in general. WHAT ARE YOU MOST DETERMINED TO ACCOMPLISH? Finding happiness. WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE WAY TO SPEND A DAY OFF? Going somewhere I feel at peace in fresh air and just be in the moment. HAVE YOU EVER READ A BOOK THAT CHANGED YOUR LIFE? Not yet hoping to find one! IF YOU ENDED UP IN JAIL, WHAT WOULD YOU FRIENDS AND FAMILY THINK YOU DID? Not keeping my mouth shut or fighting someone three times bigger than me. Standing up for someone else.
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IF YOUR LIFE WERE A MOVIE, WHAT WOULD THE MOVIE BE CALLED? Fighting Spirit.
HOW WOULD YOUR BEST FRIEND DESCRIBE YOU? Funny, loving, people pleaser.
WHAT EMBARRASSING MOMENT HAS STUCK WITH YOU OVER THE YEARS? Not really embarrassing anymore just a funny story. Probably about 14/15 had a really close friend and we would always have fun and one time late at night we went to a park and was going down the slide together shuffling because the slide was terrible, and my friend saw a spider and she started screaming it was so funny that I had to jump off the slide as I peed myself. One of the most embarrassing but funniest memories I cherish, more so because my friend didn’t judge we just laughed, and we lied to her mum telling her we needed to wash my clothes, ha-ha!
IF YOU COULD LIVE A DAY AS ANY TYPE OF ANIMAL, WHAT WOULD YOU CHOOSE AND WHY? Maybe a bird to see things from a different view.
WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR BIGGEST FEARS? Missing out on things because I second guess everything. Falling into a deep depression again. Having another big accident. Loosing someone I love. Not finding real love and true happiness.
WHAT COUNTRY WOULD YOU MOST LIKE TO VISIT? Maybe Greece.
WHO DO YOU LOOK UP TO THE MOST? AND WHY? Younger me, I’ve been through a lot in my life and I’m glad of how resilient I was and still am. Anything I do to try to help myself I always tell myself it’s for her. Younger me.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO A NEW FEMALE TECHNICIAN COMING INTO THE PEST INDUSTRY? Give it a go and don’t let anyone question your work based on being a woman.
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WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF IN FIVE YEARS? Hopefully in a more positive mindset, a family, and a home plus people I can truly count on and being in an environment I can be myself and have good people around me. WHAT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF AND WHY? TBH I find this a super difficult question but possibly my determination to be better even though some days are low and pulling myself out of difficult situations and fighting through tough times. IF YOU COULD CHANGE ONE THING ABOUT YOURSELF, WHAT WOULD IT BE? My mindset. WHAT’S ONE OF THE MOST FUN CHILDHOOD MEMORIES YOU HAVE? Having a tea super late at night in winter with my old dog Nitro cuddling in my big pink dressing gown making wishes when I saw shooting stars. WHO IS YOUR CELEBRITY CRUSH? Ian Somerhalder. WHAT’S THE WILDEST THING YOU HAVE EVER DONE? Jumped out of a plane.
IF YOU COULD REDO ONE MOMENT OF YOUR LIFE, WHAT WOULD IT BE? In general, just take things slow not rush, be in the moment and enjoy it. WHAT IS A PRODUCT YOU CANNOT LIVE WITHOUT? Lip Balm. IF YOU COULD CHANGE YOUR NAME, WHAT NEW NAME WOULD YOU PICK? Ally Richardson (I prefer ally and the last names my dad’s just simple). Ahah.
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WHAT WOULD YOU DO IF YOU WERE INVISIBLE FOR A DAY? No idea rob a bank?
WHAT’S THE HARDEST THING YOU FIND BEING A FEMALE PEST TECHNICIAN? Being in a male dominated industry but if I can do it any female can. TOILET PAPER, OVER OR UNDER? Over for sure. HAVE YOU EVER SENT A TEXT MESSAGE TO THE WRONG PERSON? Yes. DO YOU HAVE ANY FUNNY OR SECRET TALENTS YOU’D BE WILLING TO SHARE? Not any I can think of. HAVE YOU EVER DROPPED FOOD ON THE FLOOR ACCIDENTALLY AND THEN PICKED IT UP TO EAT IT? Yes, more so when I was young but now not really sometimes five second rule is still a thing. DO YOU DOUBLE DIP? Yes, only if it’s my own food or if the other person sharing doesn’t care. WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE YOUR TEENAGE SELF? Slow down take your time don’t rush everything and if things don’t work out or are out of your control don’t dwell on it.
WHAT’S YOUR WORST BAD HABIT? Self-doubt. 11
NEWSLETTER - JULY 2022
PESTIE TRAINEE PROFILES KIRRILY JAYNE HENRY WHERE DO YOU WORK? Termi Trust (Dubbo).
HOW DID YOU GET INTO PEST CONTROL? I was previously butchering and took some time off with the kids when Covid hit. My sister sent me the advert for this job, and I thought, why not. And here we are 2 years later! DESCRIBE YOURSELF IN THREE WORDS Stubborn, friendly, and helpful. WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT PEST CONTROL? All of it. Physically being out and doing the work, seeing new places, learning new things, and meeting a wide range of people. WHAT’S YOUR GO-TO KARAOKE SONG? Meat Loaf Paradise by the dashboard light. WHAT’S THE LAST DREAM YOU REMEMBER? Being late for work because I couldn’t find my car that I left it parked in another country. WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE SNACK FOOD? Burger Rings. ARE YOU AN INTROVERT OR AN EXTROVERT? Bit of both, but mostly an extrovert. WHAT’S THE BEST DISH YOU CAN COOK? I make a mean lasagne. WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST PEST PEEVE? Sneaky people. IF YOU COULD HAVE DINNER WITH ONE PERSON (LIVING OR DEAD), WHO WOULD IT BE? My Pop (passed away a few years ago). DO YOU HAVE ANY PETS? Esme Watson (Rottweiler) Elsa (Cat) Nigel (Children’s Python) Elizabeth June III (Dorper lamb) - not really mine but I’m raising her for a bit and yes, we have bizarre pet names ha-ha! 12
WHAT WAS THE WORST PHASE IN YOUR LIFE? When I was 15-16, I was just a turd of a kid who hated authority. It was mostly harmless, but I would like to change that. Appreciate my mum more, pay more attention in school, not be so concerned about looks and boys, and just be a better person to everyone around me at that time. WHAT WOULD YOU DO IF YOU WON THE LOTTERY? Go on a well-deserved holiday, then buy a house! WOULD YOU PREFER TO GO CAMPING OR CHILL AT A RESORT? Camping is my go-to. I love being out of reach of civilisation and going exploring. Fishing, fires, hunting and drinks... all the fun things. WHAT’S THE MOMENT YOU WOULD LOVE TO BE A FLY ON THE WALL FOR? Any conversation about me, would be really interesting to know how some people really feel. And a much faster and easier way to rid toxic people from your life. WHAT SCRAMBLES YOUR BRAIN EVERY TIME YOU THINK ABOUT IT? Eternity. Just the idea of something never ending confuses me. WHAT ARE YOU MOST DETERMINED TO ACCOMPLISH? My Pest Control Course. WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE WAY TO SPEND A DAY OFF? Doing anything outside if I can. Playing with the kids or going on an adventure and exploring new places. HAVE YOU EVER READ A BOOK THAT CHANGED YOUR LIFE? I don’t read as much as I should. Probably didn’t change my life, but ‘Bangkok Dangerous’ was an awesome read. IF YOU ENDED UP IN JAIL, WHAT WOULD YOU FRIENDS AND FAMILY THINK YOU DID? Something stupid when I was drunk.
FACEBOOK-SQUARE INSTAGRAM-SQUARE LINKEDIN IF YOUR LIFE WERE A MOVIE, WHAT WOULD THE MOVIE BE CALLED? Just My Luck! WHAT EMBARRASSING MOMENT HAS STUCK WITH YOU OVER THE YEARS? I think there’s too many to pick from. WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR BIGGEST FEARS? Being a disappointment. WHO DO YOU LOOK UP TO THE MOST? AND WHY? My Nan. She’s one of the strongest women I’ve ever met, and one of the best. Kind, beautiful and amazing! She worked on the land, raised five children and has always been there for everyone. WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF IN FIVE YEARS? In the mirror. WHAT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF AND WHY? Other than my children, I would have to say that I’m proud of me. You can either let life make you, or let it break you. As much as things feel like they have destroyed me, I haven’t let them. IF YOU COULD CHANGE ONE THING ABOUT YOURSELF, WHAT WOULD IT BE? I think I would just trust myself more. Trust my gut and my instinct and learn to follow that, rather than let other people persuade me otherwise. WHAT’S ONE OF THE MOST FUN CHILDHOOD MEMORIES YOU HAVE? Putting on shows with my two best friends for our families. Re-enacting the Lion King, and even some original pieces. We thought we were awesome, but I don’t think anyone else did. Costume changes, duets, we did it all. WHO IS YOUR CELEBRITY CRUSH? Bon Jovi is my alltime favourite man in the entire world... and he only gets better with age. WHAT’S THE WILDEST THING YOU HAVE EVER DONE? When I was 18, I took a road trip to Cairns with a couple of people who’d I’d only just met for a week (mind you that’s 2,200kms from home. And I didn’t tell my mother where I was until I was up there. WHAT’S YOUR WORST BAD HABIT? Procrastinating. HOW WOULD YOUR BEST FRIEND DESCRIBE YOU? Quote from Kate (my oldest and best friend in the world, and I promise I didn’t pay her) ‘I would say you are always up for a good chat and a great conversationalist. You enjoy life and have much love for your kids & your friends. You are strong, courageous, and resilient. You are brilliant at connecting with people and you open your heart and hands to those you meet. Oh, and you have an adventurous spirit always willing to learn about and try new things.’
IF YOU COULD LIVE A DAY AS ANY TYPE OF ANIMAL, WHAT WOULD YOU CHOOSE AND WHY? Sloth. It would be nice to slow down for a day I reckon. IF YOU COULD REDO ONE MOMENT OF YOUR LIFE, WHAT WOULD IT BE? Every one of my children’s births. Not to change it, but to have that whole experience again. Unconditional love at first site I guess it would be. When everything else just fades away and you know you did something amazing. Nothing like you’ve ever felt before. WHAT IS A PRODUCT YOU CANNOT LIVE WITHOUT? Lip Balm. IF YOU COULD CHANGE YOUR NAME, WHAT NEW NAME WOULD YOU PICK? I don’t think I would, but if I had to, I’d make it anything that people could spell or say correctly. WHAT COUNTRY WOULD YOU MOST LIKE TO VISIT? Solomon Islands. WHAT WOULD YOU DO IF YOU WERE INVISIBLE FOR A DAY? Stalk a few people in from my past and just move some of their furniture around, hide their keys, that kind of thing. Freak them out as much as I could. WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO A NEW FEMALE TECHNICIAN COMING INTO THE PEST INDUSTRY? Don’t be shy, just get in and have a go. It’ll be the best decision you’ve ever made. And don’t worry, you get used to mice jumping out at you. WHAT’S THE HARDEST THING YOU FIND BEING A FEMALE PEST TECHNICIAN? Mostly just the remarks from some customers, but it doesn’t happen often. Physically it would be squeezing into some of the subfloor/roof spaces that I’m pretty sure were made for children. TOILET PAPER, OVER OR UNDER? Over! HAVE YOU EVER SENT A TEXT MESSAGE TO THE WRONG PERSON? Too many times to count, and they’re usually not the ones you want to get wrong. DO YOU HAVE ANY FUNNY OR SECRET TALENTS YOU’D BE WILLING TO SHARE? Not that I can think of (or that would be appropriate for a public audience). HAVE YOU EVER DROPPED FOOD ON THE FLOOR ACCIDENTALLY AND THEN PICKED IT UP TO EAT IT? All the time. 10 second rule, right? DO YOU DOUBLE DIP? Absolutely. WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE YOUR TEENAGE SELF? Don’t be scared when things don’t go the way you planned them, it’ll all work out. You’re stronger than you give yourself credit for. 13
NEWSLETTER - JULY 2022
EMPLOYER TIPS
OPTIONS IF AN EMPLOYEE IS NO LONGER FIT TO PERFORM THEIR ROLE
It’s a complex situation when an employee has been absent from work due to a long-term illness or injury. To be clear, this is an incredibly complex area of employment law, which traverses several pieces of legislation and so this article is not a substitute for legal advice. However, employers should be aware that when an employee has been absent from work, there may be questions regarding their ability to return to their position. There are steps that employers can take to seek medical evidence regarding the employee’s condition, and their ability to perform their role. Obtaining clear medical evidence from a qualified medical professional that the employee cannot perform their role, either indefinitely or for an unreasonable period of time, may be enough to support a decision to terminate the employee on the basis that they are unable to perform the inherent requirements of their role. Again, this is a complex area of law and there are many variables to consider before terminating an employee along these lines. It is essential that employers in this situation seek advice from a legal professional before taking steps to obtain medical evidence and contemplating termination.
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WHAT TO EXPECT IF YOU RECEIVE AN UNFAIR DISMISSAL CLAIM
Typically, an employer will receive an email notification from the Fair Work Commission when an employee has filed an unfair dismissal claim. The email will include a copy of the claim as well as a notice of listing for a Conciliation Conference. After receiving that initial email, you will have seven days to provide a written response to the Fair Work Commission. When preparing your response, it is very important you carefully consider the claim and collate any evidence you have to counter the allegations made by the employee and the response. As part of the response, you will also need to consider whether you have a jurisdictional objection to the claim and indicate this in the response. Once your response has been filed, then unless a jurisdictional objection is to be heard by the commission, at the election of the employer, the next stage will be the conciliation conference. These conferences are very similar to a mediation, the relevant parties are brought together for an independent conciliator who will try to assist the parties to resolve the matter. If a resolution can be reached, both parties are to sign a Terms of Settlement document, that will confirm the terms of resolution agreed to by the parties. If the matter is not resolved at the conference, the matter will be listed for directions and a hearing before the Fair Work Commission. It is strongly recommended that employers consider getting legal representation in the initial stages of these proceedings to give the best chance of a positive result or resolution.
THREE KEY ASPECTS TO DEFENDING AN UNFAIR DISMISSAL CLAIM
What does the Fair Work Commission look at when assessing an unfair dismissal claim? Note we are not addressing jurisdictional objections that an employer might be able to make an unfair dismissal as that is another topic. In order to defend an unfair dismissal claim, an employer will need to show three things. 1.
A valid reason for the dismissal.
2.
Followed a process compliant with Fair Work Act.
3.
The dismissal was not harsh, unjust, or unreasonable.
Employers should consider: 1.
Employees length of service.
2.
Disciplinary record.
3.
Consistency
Given that there are so many factors that need to be considered before terminating an employee, it is a good investment to seek legal advice from an employment lawyer before you act on the termination.
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NEWSLETTER - JULY 2022
WINTER PROOFING YOUR BUSINESS
NICKY TURNER – LAGUNA PEST CONTROL Winter can be a difficult time for the pest industry with business slowing down, so the earlier you get started physically winterproofing your location, the better. I know most companies use this time of the year to focus on training, equipment, and maintenance, however this does not bring in the cash flow. As the owner of Laguna Pest Control based in Noosa, SE Queensland, here are some steps that have worked for my business that I recommend taking to winterproofing both your operations and finances for a successful winter.
of commerce, fundraiser events and volunteer events are opportunities to meet other owners and operators in your local community that you can connect with in the future and offer each other assistance and support. This is also an opportunity for you to build on your brand awareness which will help you grow your customer base.
Stock up in your busy season. No doubt you service as many clients as you can during the hectic summer season. Get well ahead of the curve by stocking up on supplies in summer while you have the cash flow. Take advantage of those awesome specials from your supplier when you can.
Pay lump sum bills and holidays in full in summer. Prepay your flights and accommodation for the next twelve months so it is a cost you don’t have to worry about when you go on holidays. It also means you must take that holiday. It’s a great idea to pay for conferences if you are planning on attending any.
Network and participate in community activities. Winter is a great time to look outward for ways to build those connections. Business groups, chamber
Annual leave time for employees. Winter is a great time to ask employees to take some of their annual leave. Make sure you are prepared for
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this and have the funds available to pay for their holiday leave. Remember you are not generating income while employees are on holidays. It is easy to spend your cash flow when you have it but make sure you have money put aside for winter. Offering six monthly mid-year external treatments. This has worked a treat for us for the last six years. Majority of our customers book in their general pest treatment in the warmer months, when all the creepy crawlies and ants start coming out. Living in a sub-tropical climate we tend to have high rainfall which can affect the external treatment. We send out a reminder to our domestic customers in winter, six months after the initial treatment to extend their free service period if we come back and retreat just the external perimeter of their home, for an additional cost. Majority of our customers love it, including our property managers and resorts. It helps with the revenue coming in so we can still afford to pay wages. Build your commercial portfolio. Your commercial portfolio is your bread and butter that continues throughout the year. This includes restaurants, industrial properties, warehouses, and rodent and termite baiting and monitoring contracts. I know that these also need to be maintained in summer,
however it is providing you with regular income in the winter. Moving contracts over to the winter months. We do a lot of strata management work which includes resorts, hotels, and gated estates. We initially took many of these on over summer, so we approached the body corporate with a new proposal offering them a three-year contract with no price rise if they agreed to roll over their inspections or treatments to the winter months. This guaranteed work for our employees with revenue coming in over winter for at least the next three years. Look after your existing client case. One of our most successful strategies is to not spend as much time looking for new clients but keeping our existing customers happy. Winter is a great time to go through your data base and start doing a ring around on those customers who have missed their annual treatment or termite inspection. Some customers a very appreciative for the extra reminder as the days get away with them and they purely forgot to get back to you and schedule it in. It also gives the office staff something to do when it is quiet. Preparing for winter early could really benefit your business for years ahead.
RHIANNON BROWN - ENVIRAPEST Winter can be a tricky time for pest control businesses around the country – and WA is no exception. Even though the Perth region, where our business is located, doesn’t get as cold or wet as other parts of the country we do still have our challenges. Last year we only had one day in June where it didn’t rain. But one thing I love about winter is that when things slow down a touch is gives my team some time to plan the year ahead and implement some of the changes that might help strengthen and improve our business. We are quite unique with our business in that we offer weed control services. For us this has been a major income earner over the winter period. At the moment our business derives about 40% of our income from our weed control services. It might not be able to happen overnight but perhaps winter could be a time to learn about weed spraying as a potential income stream. I am not talking about jumping all the way in doing lawns and paddocks straight away – but having a handpump you can use for Glyphosate in the ute can be a great little money maker. For example – when we do a termite inspection, we can easily upsell general weeds
in paving and driveway generally from between $55 $165. A great way to add a bit of extra money onto each job through the winter period – which adds up quick. Starting small can get your confidence up – especially on areas where it is impossible to have an overkill. In terms of staffing – we have a small team of 5 techs on the road. We generally encourage our staff to take any big holiday blocks they might want that year during the winter months. Most of them are happy to do this as we also take a big break over the Christmas Break. We use winter to make sure all of our training is also up to date with our techs. As we have a mobile business it is a great time to get the tech’s in for a review, make sure all their training is up to date and get a plan for their skill development over the next year. It is also a great time to pair our tech’s together if there might be an area where another technician needs some more experience. Finance – now this is the scary part when it comes 17
NEWSLETTER - JULY 2022
to down time. Even though the work might slow the bills certainly don’t. From my own experience (and this might not work for everyone) one of the things I implemented early on when we took on our first employee was to have a separate bank account for Winter Wages. During summer/spring when we were very busy, I would transfer a certain amount (only small like $200 per week) and leave it sitting there. Then when winter came, I knew I had at least enough funds to cover all of the wages even if we had no work. This was also a life saver when Covid originally hit! I have continued this practice now on
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a bigger scale as our business has grown and it really helps my stress levels These tips might not be for everyone, but I hope you have gotten some good tips to help winterproof your business.
ELIZA UREY - DROP DEAD PEST CONTROL Anyone who works in the pest control industry will know that the winter period is generally the quiet season. Unfortunately for a lot of companies, this means turning off staff or cutting back hours until business picks up again in the spring. For small businesses, the winter period can be the breaking point. Additional challenges like the record rainfall and covid/flu can add pressure. How business owners and managers navigate through this period is very important. Creating a Healthy Mix of Business One of the best ways to ensure operations continue through winter is having a diverse mix of business. For our business, about 20% of our work is commercial based and 15% strata based. These types of customers that have ongoing services such as a Monthly Pest Treatment or Quarterly Rodent Baiting keep us going through the quiet season. We currently look after 75 Aged and Disability Care sites, 60 schools and preschools, 45 restaurants and many other shops and business offices/factories. Our schools treat each holiday, each on their own schedule which helps us during the June/July school holiday period. We also attend most of our Aged Care sites on a monthly basis. Business Generating When our office team is less busy in winter, is it also a great time to start having conversations with our current commercial and strata clients to see if there is an opportunity to provide quotations for any other sites they may look after, as well as going after new commercial clients. However, maximising your existing client database is much easier than trying to constantly chase new clients. This also includes getting in touch with clients that haven’t booked in, in the last 12 months and 18
offering them a value-add proposition. For example, we generated a report to show us clients that had missed their annual pest treatment or inspection and haven’t booked in for over 12 months. We then came up with the idea of a “We missed you” reminder message advertising our winter special. Instead of discounting, we added value to encourage bookings by completing free rodent baiting with every General Pest Treatment or Termite Inspection that was booked in. This is actually working quite well for us, and we have had many clients ring to book in with our special offer, many were simply grateful for the reminder (we do send an automatic annual reminder message at 11 months also). Another way we have been able to value add to increase business was with our property managers and real estate companies we work with. We created a flyer that property managers could send to their landlords highlighting the importance of an Annual Termite Inspection and protecting their biggest asset. As we have done with our residential winter special, we also promoted complimentary rodent baiting whilst completing a Termite Inspection. This also educates the property managers that we deal with, and we often have them booking their properties in also. Another form of advertising which we find beneficial is sponsoring local sporting clubs. We currently sponsor 8 local sporting clubs and also proving fundraising vouchers for local schools. His is a great form of advertising for our business as they promote our business on their social media platforms very regularly. We also have signage at their clubhouses and our logo is on their uniform. It’s
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defiantly great being able to give back to our local community, especially sporting clubs our staff kids are a part of also. It defiantly benefits the clubs and helps them continue to run amazing programmes for kids and it benefits us with the exposure we gain. From time to time we also provide members of the club special deals for their pest services. Something as simple as letterbox dropping has also greatly helped us to generate business. After each service is completed at a property, our technician will drop a flyer in the neighbours’ letterboxes saying ‘we have just completed a treatment in your street’ with some of our business information. Business Success Planning Winter is a great time to run staff training, renovate/ clean up the factory/office and ensure all of our vehicles are in prime operating condition for summer. We provide ongoing training throughout the year for our staff but when we have a little more flexibility during the winter, we will have a couple of days where industry reps will come and visit which is great! It is a good time to expand your
knowledge and obtain accreditation/certifications and licences to put your staff in the best position possible for the busy season. This may include completing your Timber Pest Accreditation, Precon Accreditation?, and becoming certified with HACCAP in order to provide a greater range of services. For our office and management team, winter is a great time to brainstorm what worked well for us during the last summer period and what improvements we can make for an even better season. Our office team uses the quieter period to build new forms and templates on ServiceM8, as well as review and update our policies and operational procedures. We also cross-train during this period to eventually get our team to the point where everyone can do everything! This helps us out greatly when a staff member is on leave or is unwell or needs assistance in general with their portfolio. Ensuring you use the quieter winter period wisely is so important for setting the business to run the best it can during the busy period.
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EVENTS INTERNATIONAL EVENTS
PMANZ Conference and AGM 17th – 19th August 2022 FAOPMA – Pest Summit Kyoto Japan 6th – 8th November 2022 PestWorld 2022 Boston 11th – 14th October 2023 Honolulu 17th – 20th October 2024 Denver 22nd – 25th October 2025 Orlando 21st – 24th October 2026 Grapevine 20th – 23rd October
NEWSLETTER CONTRIBUTIONS
WIPM members and sponsors are encouraged to contribute to our monthly newsletter. If you have an article or relevant resources that you would like to contribute, please email over to Wilara Turner at info@pestieprofiles.au. Cut off dates are the 25th of each month.
CONTACT US
WIPM Office Unit 4/1 Selkirk Drive, Noosaville Qld 4566 PO BOX 1910, Noosaville DC Qld 4566
President Nicky Turner 0409 217 328 nicky@pestieprofiles.au (QLD)
Vice-President Rhiannon Brown 0491 368 478 hello@envirapest.com.au (WA)
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Newsletter Editor Wilara Turner
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