Today we’d like to introduce you to Thomas Wilson.
Hi Thomas, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I started in this business as a telemarketer for a large national pest control company at age 20. I saw how they operated and thought, “I can do this and I see ways I think I could do it better.” I didn’t have the license at that time to do that type of work so I decided to open a lawn mowing business instead. With my grandparent’s financial and overall support, I opened up shop. It very quickly became successful. With the help of a supplier of products, I was able to connect with someone who had the license to apply fertilizer and added that to my maintenance business.
My wife, whom LydyBug is named after (Lydia), was born with an intense calling for Marine Biology so I took a shot at absentee ownership against all wise counsel. Turns out my wise counsel was just that and it didn’t work out. I learned during that time that I really wasn’t a fan of the mowing side of the business and that I really rather preferred the fertilization side of the business. I did not have the license required and knew I needed three years of experience to get it. So I set out on that quest by humbly returning to the same large national company.
Through a series of other jobs, trying to climb the ladder with a young family, I learned A LOT about what did and did not work. I tried to remain unbiased throughout my experience in the knowledge and wisdom I gained through all the talent around me. Many great men and women mentored me along the way. LydyBug, whether I’ve said it to any of those people or not, stands on the shoulders of those giants and I will be forever grateful to them for that (you know who you are). After starting LydyBug in 2019 we have grown to be an established, yet still small, business.
Owned and operated by myself we are finally at a point where I have brought on a service technician to help and am hoping to bring on someone to assist with growth in 2022. Exciting times are ahead here at LydyBug and we look forward to being a service company that just happens to be in pest control unlike so many others out there.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has been a blessed road, but there have been struggles.
I think I could just say COVID here and drop the mic, but I will take it a little further. Had equipment problems (really just part of being in business) at times that were financially difficult. Have had to learn to be more of a super careful driver here in Orlando as it’s unlike anywhere I have ever driven.
With this newfound “chip” issue with vehicles getting my hands on a new vehicle took 8 months this last go around and with that issue, there is a huge spike in pricing with used vehicles. That coupled with rising gas prices makes it tough to operate a service-based business in today’s climate.
We’ve been impressed with LydyBug Pest Control, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
We are a small, personal, owner-operated business that came up through the ranks and worked hard and smart to get where we are today. I was raised by my grandparents, so I have a mentality that if you want something, you work hard for it.
We specialize in a personal customer experience. We actually care. We want to know your dog’s name and truthfully care to know you and be helpful in any way you would like… even outside of pest control. I really have a sort of love for my customers and I hope they all feel it. If not, I’ve still got work to do. My goal is to establish a relationship and provide a result. As long as those two are in balance, I feel I have done my job.
As far as the brand goes, I’m most proud that it is from the heart. It was my wife’s nickname as a little girl. Her friends in College adopted it and created the “y” logo in the middle of LydyBug years before we ever opened up the business. I think I’ve said everything to answer this question. WE ACTUALLY CARE. I won’t settle for anyone who does less than that to be on the team.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
I like our church (Discovery) but I like most that we have family here. In case you could not tell from previous comments, I like driving and traffic here the least.
Contact Info:
- Email: thomas@lydybugpestcontrol.com
- Website: Www.LydyBugpestcontrol.com
- Instagram: Www.instagram.com/LydyBugPestControl
- Facebook: Www.Facebook.com/LydyBugPestControl/
