Debbie Trecek Volkens, Author at WorkWave

In Pest Control

Empowering the Future of Pest Control: Insights from The 2024 ELP Class

The pest control industry is undergoing a remarkable transformation. From smart traps that monitor pest infestations in real-time to eco-friendly Integrated Pest Management (IPM) techniques, innovation is reshaping every aspect of pest control operations. But who will guide this evolution, balancing cutting-edge technology with traditional pest control methods? Enter NPMA’s Emerging Leaders Program (ELP) – an initiative designed to nurture the next generation of pest management professionals. This year’s class brings together a diverse group…

In Field Service

Navigating the Private Equity Landscape: A Guide for Field Service Business Owners

As a field service business owner, you’ve likely noticed an uptick in chatter around private equity funds over the past few years. This isn’t a coincidence – the field service landscape, particularly pest control, lawn care, cleaning services and more – has become a hot target for private equity investment. But what does this mean for you and your service company? Together with Potomac, WorkWave hosted a panel featuring PE experts and field service providers…

In Pest Control

AI in Pest Control: Q&A on Field Service Management

Artificial intelligence (AI) is seemingly everywhere. Across industry events, conferences, expos and meetings, AI is the topic that everyone wants to hear more about. The pest control industry is no different. Pest business owners are hungry to know how AI can be embedded into daily workflows to make operations leaner, faster and more efficient.We sat down with WorkWave’s Senior Director of Artificial Intelligence Strategy, Dr. Robert Coop, to discuss how AI is changing the pest…

In Field Service

Selling Your Service Business: What Matters Beyond Valuation

Private equity firms are showing an invested interest in field service industries like lawn care, pest control, cleaning and other sectors, while M&A activity is skyrocketing across these industries at the same time. Sources cite the resiliency of essential services, predictive recurring revenue and business model growth opportunities enabled by technology, training and development as being reasons behind the interest. In fact, Lawn and Landscape’s most recent roundup of the top 100 green industry companies…

In Industry Trends

Women in Field Services – Challenges, Trends, and Advice

As recently as last year, women only made up around 31% of all employed persons across several sectors of the field service industry – janitorial and cleaning, physical security, pest control, landscaping and groundskeeping, electricians, pipelayers, plumbers and steamfitters, and HVAC mechanics and installers. In some sectors, women make up a scant 2% of total employed individuals in field service. Percent of total employed, 2023Total EmployedWomenJanitors and building cleaners2.2 million38.7%Maids and housekeeping cleaners1.38 million88.4%Security guards925,00024.9%Pest…