Local Business Profile: B&B Pest Control, LLC

Bob Ventres was laid off after working in the pest control business for over 25 years. Like many people searching for jobs in today's down-turned economy, Ventres soon realized that "there wasn’t too much out there."

Then, fate started bugging him in the form of some old customers and he got to thinking about starting his own business.

"Several of my former clients had called me at home to see how I was and if I was going to start my own business," Ventres said.

"That really started me to think about it. Friends and family had suggested it previously, but when my old customers started asking I began think seriously about it. One of them even called on Christmas Eve to wish me a happy holiday. So I began to look into seeing what I needed to do to start my own pest control business."

We asked Ventres some questions to learn more about his East Haddam-based business. This is what he said:

Q: How long did it take to go from idea to first customer?

A: About 9 months. I had to look into several things and get my supervisor certification through the state. 

Q: What do you find the most rewarding about what you do?

A: Being able to help people solve their problems and meeting new people. I like to talk to people. My family is always in awe at how I can start up a conversation with people I don’t know.

Q: What's the biggest challenge you face in your business today?

A: Figuring out how to get with word out that I have a pest control business. Advertising is expensive and learning which way to publicize has been the hardest thing to do.

Q: When people think of your business, what sets you apart from others?

A: Personalized service. I will be the one to take their calls and to discuss the best options to solve their pest problems. I will be the one to come to their homes or businesses to do the work. Everything is done by me.

Q: What's the most important ingredient to your success?

A: I take pride in my work and care about the client. If the job is not done correctly it is a poor reflection on me. And if the problem can be solved by themselves I will tell them.

Q: Where would you like your business to be in five years?

A: I am hoping that in 5 years I will have established a large enough customer base that I will be able to provide a decent salary to support my family. 

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Business name: B&B Pest Control, LLC

Owner: Bob Ventres

Business Address: 29 Mt. Parnassus Rd., East Haddam

Hours of Operation: 7 a.m.-4 p.m.

Phone: 860-510-9159

Webpage/Facebook: www.bb-pest.com/ B&B Pest

Founding/Opening Date: April 2012

Type of business: Pest Control to get rid of ants, bees, roaches, termites, fleas, wasps, rodents and other pests. B&B offers residential home inspections for FHA and VA loans. Servicing areas in Connecticut including Lower Middlesex County and the Lower Connecticut River Valley.