Shows
Bug Bux PodcastEpisode 186: Nailing the Knock: Mastering Door-to-Door Sales with Eric Bassett & Jake ClausIn this episode of the Bug Bux Podcast, hosts Eric Bassett and Jake Claus dive into the art (and science) of door-to-door sales—sparked by a real-world question from Dan Christensen in the Facebook group. They unpack why some deals fall apart before the initial service, what it means to sell the right way, and how to train a sales team that closes with integrity. From retention rates to Jake’s proven QBBEC sales flow, this episode is packed with practical insights for owners and reps alike. If you’re building your pest control business through door-to-door, you can’t afford...
2025-05-081h 02Bug Bux PodcastEpisode 185: Scaling through Unity and Extreme Ownership with Aaron DavisIn this episode of the Bug Bux Podcast, Eric Bassett and Jake Claus sit down with Natura Pest Control's GM and intrapreneur extraordinaire, Aaron Davis. From unexpected beginnings to leading a powerhouse team, Aaron shares the real-world strategies behind building unity, developing leadership, and running tight, high-performing pest control operations. Plus, a hilarious discussion about Jack Black movies, how to lead with love, and why accountability is the ultimate game-changer. If you're ready to transform technicians into leaders and scale smarter, don't miss this one!
2025-05-0151 minBug Bux PodcastEpisode 182: Crushing Sales Barriers and Revolutionizing Field Teams with PaivIn 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 empowers pest control companies to scale faster without growing headcount. This episode is packed with actionable insights, forward-thinking strategy, and a whole lot of laughs. Don’t miss it!
2025-04-1050 minBug Bux PodcastEpisode 181: Bug Bux Con Recap: A First Time Success and What’s NextIn 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 Lenny Grey, Brad Mortensen, Travis Bottoms and more. Don’t miss out—subscribe to Bug Bux Plus for all the exclusive conference footage!
2025-04-0353 minBug Bux PodcastEpisode 185: Scaling through Unity and Extreme Ownership with Aaron DavisIn this episode of the Bug Bux Podcast, Eric Bassett and Jake Claus sit down with Natura Pest Control's GM and intrapreneur extraordinaire, Aaron Davis. From unexpected beginnings to leading a powerhouse team, Aaron shares the real-world strategies behind building unity, developing leadership, and running tight, high-performing pest control operations. Plus, a hilarious discussion about Jack Black movies, how to lead with love, and why accountability is the ultimate game-changer. If you're ready to transform technicians into leaders and scale smarter, don't miss this one!
2025-04-0151 minBug Bux PodcastEpisode 180: Industry insights and innovations with Nick Grisafe from SyngentaIn 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 effectively.Nick also shares exclusive insights into Plinazolin, Syngenta’s groundbreaking new active ingredient—the first new chemistry in nearly 20 years! Plus, he offers practical advice on optimizing Demand CS applications, staying compliant with new regulations, and how top-performing pest control companies set themse...
2025-03-2736 minBug Bux PodcastEpisode 179: Mastering Product Inventory & Strategy with Pest Management SupplyIn 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 and best practices for inventory management. Whether you’re a solo operator or running a multi-technician operation, this episode is packed with expert advice on optimizing your product strategy and making the most of industry discounts and sales. Tune in to learn how to strengthen yo...
2025-03-2043 minBug Bux PodcastEpisode 178: Breaking Barriers in Pest Control: Eve Pappas’ Inspiring JourneOn 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. From her passion for empowering women in pest management to her community-driven leadership and insights on mergers & acquisitions, this episode is packed with wisdom, humor, and motivation. Tune in to hear how Eve’s impact goes beyond business—helping people, building relationships, and gi...
2025-03-1348 minBug Bux PodcastEpisode 177: Big accounts, Big Opportunities: How to Land and Manage Large Property Management DealsIn 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 avoiding common pitfalls. If you’re looking to land and scale large accounts without losing your margins, this is a must listen!
2025-03-0633 minBug Bux PodcastEpisode 176: Unlocking Growth with Wolfpack AdvisingIn 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 control and home inspection businesses. Discover key marketing strategies, common pitfalls, and how Wolfpack Advising is helping companies scale with measurable ROI. Whether you’re a small startup or an established business looking to optimize your marketing, this episode is packed with actionable insights you won’...
2025-02-2749 minBug Bux PodcastEpisode 175: “This or That” Pest Control EditionIn 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 into digital vs. local marketing, in-house technicians vs. subcontracting, and even share some hilarious industry insights. Whether you’re a pest control pro looking to scale your business or just curious about the industry, this episode is packed with valuable insights, expert tips, an...
2025-02-2034 minBug Bux PodcastEpisode 174: Inside Sales Revolution: How Vult is Changing Industry GrowthIn 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 businesses grow faster and more efficiently, without the high costs and challenges of door-to-door marketing. Learn how Vult leverages elite sales talent, maximizes lead conversion, and removes growth bottlenecks for pest control operators ready to scale. If you’re looking for a cost-effective alternative to do...
2025-02-1349 minBug Bux PodcastEpisode 173: The Power of People: Josh Schiffman’s key to Building a LegacyIn 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 of pest control, and how investing in people is the key to long-term success. This episode is packed with golden nuggets on building and scaling a thriving pest control business. Tune in now!
2025-02-0656 minBug Bux PodcastEpisode 172: Mastering Price Increases and Customer RetentionIn 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 customer expectations, and dealing with unique cases. Packed with expert insights and pro tips, this discussion is a must-listen for pest control business owners looking to scale successfully while keeping their customers happy. Don’t miss their advice on implementing standalone services for increased efficiency and profitability!
2025-01-3048 minBug Bux PodcastEpisode 171: Unconventional Risks, Unexpected Rewards: The Ben Riches StoryJoin 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. From hustling door-to-door with a minivan full of pest control gear to mastering sales strategies and handling major commercial contracts, Ben’s journey is a masterclass in resilience, creative problem-solving, and relentless determination. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur or a seasoned business owne...
2025-01-2348 minBug Bux PodcastEp 169: Turning Rodents into RevenueIn 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 effective rodent management program. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, this conversation is packed with actionable insights to elevate your pest control business.
2025-01-0943 minBug Bux PodcastEp 168: Acquisitions: The Devil in the DetailsIn 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 actionable insights and practical advice you won’t want to miss.
2025-01-0231 minBug Bux PodcastEp 167: Risks, Revenue, and Recruiting - D2D Scaling SecretsDive 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 teams, as well as strategies for scaling your business while maintaining a strong brand. This episode is perfect for pest control professionals looking to elevate their growth strategies in the door-to-door realm!
2024-12-2636 minBug Bux PodcastEp 166: Beyond the Door: Scaling D2D Success in Pest Control with Sam TaggartIn 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+ accounts, why hustle and mindset trump everything, and how systems like certification programs and industry leaderboards are pushing the industry to new heights. Plus, discover what makes D2DCon the must-attend event of 2025 for owners, managers, and sales reps alike...
2024-12-1952 minBug Bux PodcastEp 164: Innovating with Syngenta. Featuring Marshall Gaster, Eric Bassett, and Jake ClausStay 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.
2024-12-0352 minBug Bux PodcastEp 163: Common Pitfalls in Partnerships with Eric Bassett and Jake ClausThe 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:Introduction (0:00)Business partnership challenges (6:03)Business partnerships as marriages (8:38)Financial pitfalls in partnerships (12:28)Financial communication in partnerships (14:11)Contribution levels in partnerships (19:25)Partnership imbalance and flexibility (21:34)Partnership imbalance and contributions (24:18)Positive dissolution of partnerships (30:21)Conflict in partnerships and communication (31:17)
2024-11-2836 minBug Bux PodcastEp 162: How to Delegate Without Micromanaging with Eric Bassett and Jake ClausAlways 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-taking for owners. Tune in to learn how to cultivate a successful mindset as you build and scale your pest control company.Topics Include:Introduction (0:00)Maintaining Influence with Managers (7:04)Clear Expectations and Roles (9:19)Employee vs. Owner Perspective (10:20)...
2024-11-2133 minBug Bux PodcastEp 161: Actionable Tips to Maximize Productivity with Eric Bassett and Jake ClausIn 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 valuable opportunity to introduce additional services to clients. This episode is packed with actionable tips to help you maximize productivity and engagement within your PCC.Topics Include:Introduction (0:00)Productivity and Engagement (5:36)Technician Productivity: Cloverleafing and Sales (6:15)Technician Sales Training and Incentives (8:22)Technician Re...
2024-11-1447 minBug Bux PodcastEp 160: Behind the Scenes at PestWorld: Tips, Tricks, & Vendor Deals with Eric Bassett and Jake ClausIn 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 with pest control operators and enhancing their knowledge through high-quality classes. Tune in for insights and updates from this special industry gathering!Topics Include:Introduction (0:00)Special offer for podcast listeners (3:51)PCO community growth and engagement (8:02)Vendor relationships and discounts (10:18)
2024-11-0729 minBug Bux PodcastEp 159: How To Roll Out New Company Policies featuring Eric Bassett and Jake ClausIn 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 communication about the changes, why they are being made, and how they benefit everyone involved, from the company to the customer.Topics Include:Introduction (0:00)Implementing Policy Changes (4:09)Challenges of Policy Changes in Larger Companies (5:04)Box Elder Bug...
2024-10-3132 minBug Bux PodcastEp 158: When to Fire a Customer featuring Eric Bassett and Jake ClausIn 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 abusive, unreasonable, or cost the company more money than they bring in.Topics Include:Introduction (0:00)Original meaning of Halloween (4:12)When to fire a customer (6:49)Business with future customers (10:24)Customer cancellation motivations (14:16)Cu...
2024-10-2436 minBug Bux PodcastEP 154: Building A Better Tomorrow with Eric Bassett and Jake ClausPositive 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 insights on how inside salespeople can effectively follow up and create a lasting positive impression, even if the initial call doesn't result in a sale.Topics Include:Introduction (0:00)Positive impact on the industry (9:32)Community-focused sales approach(10:22)Positive interactions...
2024-09-2640 minBug Bux PodcastEp 153: Scripts vs. Genuine Conversations with Eric Bassett and Jake ClausWhether 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 ensure they feel valued. It's not just about the sale, it's about building relationships.Topic include:Introduction (0:00)Maintaining Customer Experience (5:06)Sales Training and Communication (8:07)Creating and Using Sales Scripts (11:06)Importance of Connecting with Customers (14:48)Memorize, Internalize...
2024-09-1946 minBug Bux PodcastEp 152: D2D Law Updates: Pros and Cons with Eric Bassett and Jake ClausTraining 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 personal experiences of training sales teams with a strong focus on honesty, integrity, and professionalism.Topics Include:Introduction (0:00)New Facebook Group for Non-Owners (4:55)Government Regulation in Pest Control (7:09)W-2 vs. 1099 Employees (11:04)Ethical Concerns in Door-to-Door Sales (14:14)Importance...
2024-09-1238 minBug Bux PodcastEp 149: Turning Pain into Purpose featuring Eric Bassett, Jake Claus, and Jana Claus with Natura Pest ControlThis 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 recognizing the small miracles and blessings that occurred amidst the tragedy. They also reflect on how this experience has reshaped their priorities in both their personal lives and our business.Topic Include:Introduction (0:00)Dealing with loss and...
2024-08-221h 08Bug Bux PodcastEp 146: Political Stances and Your Pest Control Company featuring Eric Bassett and Jake ClausAs 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 matters—providing excellent pest control services and maintaining good relationships with both employees and customers.Topics Include:Introduction (0:00)How to navigate polarizing conversations (4:27)Blue-collar industry and political leanings (9:16)Social media impact on business (15:21)Su...
2024-07-3134 minBug Bux PodcastEp 144: 20 Tips to Grow Your PCC with Eric Bassett and Jake ClausWhether 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 and Jake share their top 20 tips for acquiring new customers.Topics include:Introduction (0:00)Shoutout to Dominion Pest Control (3:45)Getting Customers: No Easy Way (6:11)Leveraging Friends & Family for Initial Customers (7:29)Creating a Google My Business Profile...
2024-07-1847 minBug Bux PodcastEp 117: Introducing the New Co-Host Jake Claus and Exploring the World of Pest ControlIn today's episode, host Eric Bassett introduces his new co-host, Jake Claus, who brings 19 years of experience in the pest control industry. Jake is not only Eric's brother-in-law but also the founder and co-owner of Natura Pest Control. Together, they discuss various aspects of the pest control business, including door-to-door sales, technical expertise, operational management, and leadership development. Topics include:Introduction (0:00)Jake's experience and perspective (2:10)Golden handcuffs and career choices (11:08)Door-to-door pest control experiences (13:42)Community involvement in pest control (21:44)Maintaining presence with customers (23:15)
2024-01-1133 minBug Bux PodcastEp 107: Recapping PestWorld 2023: Highlights and InsightsIn today's episode, hosts Allan Draper and Eric Bassett discuss the importance of maintaining and nurturing relationships in the pest control industry. They emphasize the need to keep in touch with contacts made at events like PestWorld, whether they are vendors, presenters, or fellow pest control owners.Topics include:PestWorld recap (2:11)A relaxed and enjoyable PestWorld (6:11)Networking benefits (8:41)Choose vendors wisely, prioritize relationships (13:20)Align with vendors who share values (17:07)Importance of PestWorld for networking and industry potential (23:34)Join Bug Bux Facebook group for feedback (26:14)
2023-11-0227 minBug Bux PodcastEp 78: The Ultimate Recap: Eric Bassett's Breakdown of Episodes 75 and 76In this episode, Eric Bassett provides a comprehensive recap of a few recent podcast episodes. Episode 75 is all about protecting your existing customer base from door knockers from other companies. In episode 76, Eric highlights key topics of various questions posted in the Bug Bux Facebook group. This is a recap episode you won't want to miss.
2023-04-1321 minBug Bux PodcastEp 73: Bringing Answers to Your Pest Control Questions: A Live Q&A Event with Your Hosts Allan Draper and Eric BassettIn today’s episode, Allan and Eric answer questions asked during the Bug Bux Facebook live event on February 28th, 2023. A few of the topics that were discussed are:1. How does different weather affect the pest control industry?2. The pros and cons of giving out free estimates for pest inspections.3. Growing your pest control company into a new market and what kind of marketing budget you should have.Thank you to all the PCOs that participated. Please submit questions for future episodes in the Bug Bux Facebook Group.
2023-03-0929 min
The Growth Circle Podcast#45 How To Scale Your Business Through Delegation and The Power of Vision - Jake IngledueIn the episode Jake Ingledue was actually a featured guest on the "Bug Bux" Podcast hosted by Allan Draper and Eric Bassett where they discussed scaling a service based business, the power of delegation, the necessity for vision, and how to create a winning culture!
The Growth Circle Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/thegrowthcirclepodcast
✅ Recommended Books:
✔️ Hustle Then Repeat - https://amzn.to/3qBLd2r
✔️ Slight Edge - https://amzn.to/3DbLNrf
✔️ Power of Habit - https://amzn.to/2YEUnj5
✔️ The Compound Effect - https://amzn.to/3CaoPzw
2022-10-1749 minBug Bux PodcastEp 35: Find Your “Why” to Perform and Grow Your Pest Control Company at a Higher LevelIn today’s episode, hosts Allan Draper and Eric Bassett discuss how early entrepreneurs can grow their pest control company by finding what truly motivates them. Allan shares his start-up story and where he was headed career-wise before he started in the pest control industry. He also talks about things that were difficult for him in the beginning stages of being a business owner. In addition, Allan discusses why it’s so important to find your “why.” The earlier you find your “why” and create your core values for your company, the faster success will come.
2022-06-0936 minBug Bux PodcastEp 26: Ways To Prepare Your Pest Control Company For Peak SeasonIn today’s episode, Allan welcomes Eric Bassett back to the show. Eric is the Owner and Vice President at Natura Pest Control and has been in the pest control industry for over 14 years. Allan and Eric discuss the difficulties of preparing for the busy season. These difficulties include additional staffing, training new technicians, and purchasing vehicles. Planning ahead and focusing on employee retention, will help your organization in the long run.
2022-03-3127 minBug Bux PodcastEp 11: Tips From Industry Experts to Improve Your Pest Control Company: Episode 6 & 7 RecapIn today’s episode, hosts Solomon and Allan recap the important pieces of episodes six and seven. In episode six, Dawn Daggett joins us to discuss the importance of branding and collections language. Sol, Allan, and Dawn discuss “no-no” words that should never be used in the pest control industry. In episode seven, guest speaker Eric Bassett joins us to talk about company culture and inside sales. Eric discusses the importance of giving employees resources and personal development to create leaders within your pest control organization. Join us next week as we recap episodes eight and nine.
2021-12-0235 minBug Bux PodcastEp 7: The importance of focusing on company culture and inside sales in building a successful pest control companyIn today’s episode, Solomon and Allan are pleased to welcome Eric Bassett.Eric is the owner and Vice President at Natura Pest Control. Eric started knocking on doors for Clark Pest Control in California when he was 18 years old. Solomon, Allan, and Eric discuss the pros and cons of having a four-day workweek. How creating unique benefits, can really help with staffing. Giving employees the resources and personal development programs will create leaders in your organization.
2021-11-0449 min