Western Pest Services

Join the Best! 

Charlene is a true Western success story.  She has gone from an Account Manager to a Region Sales Manager during her career with us.  Watch as she tells you her story about what her journey has been at Western.

 A Few thoughts from Stacy Honer, Senior Account Executive

What brought you to Western?

I was working in property management at the time and Mike, our Western technician kept telling me that I should apply to work at Western.  When I initially interviewed with the company I was interviewing for a Customer Service position.  Thankfully during the interview process we both realized that I needed to be in a position where I could be out in the field with the ability to meet new people every day!  Although I didn't come to the table with true sales experience, the leadership saw that I had potential and were committed to helping me become successful in sales.

What do you love about your job?

So much!  I love my team -- they are really like family.  I love that we solve problems and so often actually help people.  I also love that I get to go behind the scenes in so many cool places!  And every situation is a unique story, so we have to create a unique solution... how can you not love that??

What is your proudest accomplishment?

I had closed a large account that I had worked on for a long time.  When I started working on this account I was intimidated by the high level people I was presenting to, and the sensitive nature of the company we were proposing.  After we did our final presentation my sales manager and branch manager both told me how PROUD they were of me and the work I had done.  That was a changing point for me.  And the confidence carried over to my personal life as well.

What are some of your challenges and how did you overcome them?

Being in sales can sometimes feel like you are on a roller coaster.  You can have good months and then months that aren't as good as you want them to be.  I have learned that in this business you put into it will eventually come back to you...even if it doesn't come back as quickly as you want it to!  I'm also very lucky to have a team where we motivate each other.

What are your thoughts about being a woman in the pest control industry, which traditionally has been a more male dominated industry?

I think it provides unique opportunities.  Lots of people think that girls don't like bugs...but that isn't always true!  I love learning, even learning about insects and rodents.  The more you know the more you can problem solve.  You have to be educated and be flexible.  But it's solving people’s problems that makes what we do so rewarding!

What is your best memory?

Last summer!  We had a branch picnic where everyone came with their spouses and kids.  I remember looking around and thinking, this is my really big family!

What would you say to someone considering Western as a career option?

Don't assume this industry isn't for you!  If this is the right industry, the right company for you...you will know it, you will love it and you will excel!! 

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Meet Jim Miners, Pest Control Technician of 23 years

What did you do before joining Western?

I worked for a cemetery doing maintenance, grounds keeping and basically anything that needed to be done.

What attracted you to Western?

I knew someone who was working for Western and she told me what a great company it was with a lot of opportunity.  I liked working outside and I thought Western would be a good fit.

What do you like best about working at Western?

During the past 23 years, I have made a lot of friends at the branch, it’s like family.  I love that every day brings new challenges and I never know what problems I’ll need to solve.  Customers really depend on us to be the experts and solve the pest problems they are having, and I like being able to help them with that. 

What is your proudest moment, working at Western?

Becoming PCT Magazine Technician of the year, but also going to President’s Club and Circle of Excellence over the years.

Here is Jim, with Mark Bretz, VP/General Manager of Western in Washington, DC receiving his PCT Technician of the Year Award !

What do you like to do outside of work?

I am very active in the American Legion, and I’m an exempt volunteer fireman.  I like to fish, watch the Mets and love playing poker!

How would you describe Western in three words?

Quality, Family, Honesty

Western is all about quality.  We participate in a lot of training during the year, to keep us educated on all the current legislation and what is happening in the industry.  Our Entomologists keep us current on how to deal with all types of pest problems.

Family.  So many of the people that work at Western have been here for a long time, and we have become very close.  We have known each other during major moments in each other’s lives, like the birth of a child, graduations and grandchildren. 

The people that work at Western are some of the most honest people I have ever worked with.  We are expected to do the right thing and we do that every day. 

Western is proud to give back to the communities we serve by participating in a variety of fundraisers and events. 

The folks that work in our branches are deeply connected to those areas, since they live in them. 

• Relay for Life - American Cancer Society
• Hugs for Brady - Helping Kids with Cancer One Hug at a Time
• Walk for a Lifetime - Autism Awareness
  

Are just a few of the organizations we support

What should you know about going on an interview?

Be prepared.  Know your resume and be able to speak about specific things you have done either in school or at previous employers that were successful.  Inevitably, the interviewer will ask you about situations where you were not successful, so be prepared to discuss those as well.  You don’t need to beat yourself up, but instead speak honestly about what you could have done differently and most importantly, what you learned from the experience.  

Do your homework about the Company.  Employers expect you will have researched them on the internet.  You should already know what they do, where their locations are, and other information you can easily find on their Website, Glassdoor or Indeed. 

Know what you are good at and like to do, and what you don’t like to do.  While an interview is a time for an employer to get to know you, it is also when you can decide if the job is right for you.  We all want to be offered every job, but not every job is a good fit.  You need to figure out if you are willing to do what the job requires.  If not, look for something that fits you better.  Remember, every job will require some sacrifice, but you need to be happy about the work you are doing.

Keep it professional.  No matter how comfortable you are with the interviewer, remember this is a business meeting.  Overly sharing personal information is not necessary, and won’t help you in the process.

Dress appropriately.  Most companies have yet to adopt the jeans and hoody culture.  Employers expect that you will be dressed in business attire for an interview, even if they have a more relaxed dress code once you get the job.  Business attire shows respect for the company and that you are serious about the interview.  If you are trying to squeeze in an interview before going to a job where the dress is more casual, reschedule.  This is your first impression opportunity.  You want to look and feel on top of your game. 

Practice before you go.  Get a friend or family member to ask you about your experience.  Take notes, so if you get nervous you can get back on track.  Review the ad and make sure you understand the key skills or experience they are looking for in that position, and be ready to share how your experience fits.

Good Luck.  A little work ahead of time will land you the career you are looking for.