PrewettPestJourney

Rusty Prewett

Pest control podcast

  1. EP 64: Level Up Your Leadership (Part 2): Lessons from a Championship Coach, Chad Prewett

    Jan 11

    EP 64: Level Up Your Leadership (Part 2): Lessons from a Championship Coach, Chad Prewett

    EP 64: Level Up Your Leadership (Part 2): Lessons from a Championship Coach, Chad Prewett  In the second part of our leadership series with Coach Chad Prewett, we dive deep into the essence of effective leadership. Discover how empowering others, fostering creativity, and building a strong organizational culture can elevate not just leaders but entire teams. He shares insights on personal growth, the significance of relationships, and the role of vulnerability in leadership. The discussion also touches on overcoming adversity, the necessity of preparation, and the importance of investing in oneself and others to achieve success. 📺 Full Episode on Youtube Part 2: https://youtu.be/krd_2rkipWA  Part 1: https://youtu.be/jqSg5ey6PRo   🗝️ Key Takeaways Investing in yourself is crucial for effective leadership. Empowering others can be challenging but is essential for growth. Fear can stifle creativity and innovation. Setting a clear vision helps align team efforts. Building a culture of accountability and excellence is key. Relationships and being present are vital in leadership. Vulnerability fosters trust and connection within teams. Adversity reveals true character and can lead to growth. Preparation is fundamental to success and performance. Redefining success beyond traditional metrics can lead to fulfillment 1: The Importance of Continuous Self-Investment Coach Chad Prewett emphasizes the necessity of investing in oneself to effectively lead and inspire others. At 53, he still seeks improvement daily. He shares that many leaders give more than they receive, leading to burnout. To counter this, he encourages leaders to focus on personal growth, which in turn allows them to offer fresh insights and creativity to their teams. Pruitt references the Bible's message against fear, noting that fear can stifle creativity. He believes that overcoming this fear is crucial for innovative leadership. 2: Setting a Compelling Vision Prewett recounts his journey from coaching in high school to leading a Division One program at Auburn University. He highlights the importance of having a clear vision, especially when faced with skepticism. When he set out to win an SEC championship, many thought it impossible given the team's past performance. However, he knew that a shared vision and passion would unite the team. To instill this vision, he engaged players with goals that focused on their performance rather than just the scoreboard. For example, setting targets like achieving a specific number of deflections in a game kept the team focused on personal excellence rather than just winning. 3: Building Passion and Culture One of the core tenets of Coach Prewett's philosophy is the idea of playing for something larger than oneself. He emphasizes developing players as whole individuals, not just athletes. This approach fosters camaraderie and commitment among teammates. By instilling values such as loving God and loving people, Pruitt creates a culture where players support each other and strive for excellence together. He believes that a strong culture can be a differentiator in a competitive landscape, where the margins between success and failure are slim. 4: The Role of Presence in Leadership Coach shares that being present is crucial in leadership. He advises leaders to engage genuinely with their team members, as people can sense authenticity. He provides examples of how he builds relationships with players and their families, which helps him understand them better and support them in various areas of their lives. This relational approach not only strengthens team bonds but also enhances trust and accountability within the group. In summary, effective leadership is rooted in continuous self-improvement, clear vision, passionate culture, and genuine presence. Coach Chad Prewett's insights remind us that leadership is not merely about achieving goals but about nurturing individuals and fostering a shared sense of purpose. By embracing these principles, leaders can elevate their teams and create lasting impact. 🎙️ Connect with Rusty & Learn More Visit The Journey Podcast online or follow on social media for more insights and inspiration. 📲 Follow The Journey Podcast 📘 Facebook: facebook.com/prewettpestjourney 📺 YouTube: youtube.com/@theprewettpestjourney 📸 Instagram: instagram.com/prewettpestjourney 🍎 Apple Podcasts: Prewett Pest Journey on Apple Podcasts 🎧 Spotify: Prewett Pest Journey on Spotify

    40 min
  2. EP 63: Level Up Your Leadership (Part 1): Lessons from a Championship Coach, Chad Prewett

    Jan 2

    EP 63: Level Up Your Leadership (Part 1): Lessons from a Championship Coach, Chad Prewett

    EP 63: Level Up Your Leadership: Lessons from a Championship Coach, Chad Prewett (Part 1) In today's fast-paced world, effective leadership is more crucial than ever. In a recent episode of The Journey Podcast, Rusty Prewett sits down with his brother, Coach Chad Prewett to discuss the principles of leadership that have guided him through a successful coaching career. With over 30 years of experience, including 11 years at Auburn University, Coach Prewett shares valuable insights on how to elevate not just yourself, but your entire team. 📺 Full Episode on Youtube https://youtu.be/jqSg5ey6PRo  1. The Essence of Leadership Coach believes that leadership is a broad term that can mean different things to different people. His journey began early when he found himself in leadership roles, starting as an athletic director at just 25 years old. This early exposure forced him to adapt and develop his own leadership style, which he describes as a journey of trial and error. Through this experience, he learned the importance of intentionally striving to become a better version of oneself. 2. Empowerment Over Control One of the key themes in Coach Prewett's philosophy is empowerment. He emphasizes that true leadership involves empowering others rather than maintaining strict control. "If I pour into somebody, train somebody, and empower somebody, they can take us to a whole 'nother level," he explains. This approach has proven successful for him, especially during his time at Auburn, where he led teams to two Final Fours and five SEC championships. 3. The Importance of Self-Reflection As the New Year approaches, self-reflection becomes even more relevant. Coach discusses how leaders often set goals for themselves and their teams, yet fail to recognize the importance of personal growth in achieving those goals. "If I'm not the best version of myself, how can I expect my team to perform at that level?" he asks. He suggests that leaders should regularly evaluate their own performance to raise the standards for their teams. 4. The Law of the Lid A significant concept introduced in their conversation is John Maxwell's Law of the Lid, which states that a leader's effectiveness determines the potential of their team. Coach Prewett articulates this by saying, "If I'm at a five or six on a scale of one to ten, my team can't be above a four or five." This reinforces the idea that improving oneself directly contributes to the overall success of the team. 5. Building a Foundation of Belief Prewett credits much of his mindset and leadership style to his mother, who instilled a belief in him that he could achieve greatness. He shares anecdotes about her encouragement, emphasizing that self-belief is a critical component of effective leadership. "The most dangerous person in this world is the person that believes in themselves," he notes, stressing the importance of nurturing this belief in others. 6. Creating a Culture of Improvement To achieve success, Coach advocates for a culture of continuous improvement. He shares his philosophy of getting 1% better each day, focusing on small, incremental changes rather than overwhelming goals. "What are we going to do tomorrow? We're going to get better today," he says, illustrating the importance of consistent effort over time. Conclusion: In the ever-evolving landscape of leadership, Coach Chad Prewett's insights offer invaluable guidance for anyone looking to enhance their leadership abilities. By focusing on empowerment, self-reflection, and a commitment to continuous improvement, leaders can inspire their teams to reach new heights. As we enter a new year, let's embrace the opportunity to level up our leadership skills and create a positive impact in our organizations. 🗝️ Takeaways Leadership is a journey of self-discovery and adaptation. Empowering others is essential for collective success. Self-reflection is crucial for personal and team growth. The effectiveness of a leader determines the potential of their team. Belief in oneself is fundamental for achieving greatness. Continuous improvement should be a core value in any organization. 🎙️ Connect with Rusty & Learn More Visit The Journey Podcast online or follow on social media for more insights and inspiration. 📲 Follow The Journey Podcast 📘 Facebook: facebook.com/prewettpestjourney 📺 YouTube: youtube.com/@theprewettpestjourney 📸 Instagram: instagram.com/prewettpestjourney 🍎 Apple Podcasts: Prewett Pest Journey on Apple Podcasts 🎧 Spotify: Prewett Pest Journey on Spotify

    27 min
  3. EP 62: Scaling Pest-End, From $5M to $15M in 4 Years: Feat. Adam & Courtney Carace

    08/31/2025

    EP 62: Scaling Pest-End, From $5M to $15M in 4 Years: Feat. Adam & Courtney Carace

    In this episode of the Journey Podcast, Rusty speaks with Adam and Courtney Carace, the husband-and-wife duo behind Pest-End, a pest control company that has seen significant growth in recent years. They share their journey from starting in the family business, to acquiring it, and scaling it to new heights. The conversation covers their experiences with leadership transitions, the importance of core values, and their ambitious goal of reaching $30 million in revenue by 2030. They also provide valuable insights and advice for aspiring entrepreneurs in the pest control industry and beyond. 📺 Full Episode on Youtube https://youtu.be/T5ve9nGVm4M  🗝️ Takeaways Pest-End started in 1977 and has grown significantly since then. The importance of family involvement in business. Transitioning leadership can be challenging but necessary for growth. Core values are essential for company culture and decision-making. Networking within the industry can provide valuable insights and support. Scaling requires attention to staffing and maintaining quality. Setting ambitious goals can drive a company forward. Self-awareness is crucial for personal and professional growth. Investing in employee development is key to success. Maintaining a positive company culture is vital during growth. 🎙️ Connect with Rusty & Learn More Visit The Journey Podcast online or follow on social media for more insights and inspiration. 📲 Follow The Journey Podcast 📘 Facebook: facebook.com/prewettpestjourney 📺 YouTube: youtube.com/@theprewettpestjourney 📸 Instagram: instagram.com/prewettpestjourney 🍎 Apple Podcasts: Prewett Pest Journey on Apple Podcasts 🎧 Spotify: Prewett Pest Journey on Spotify

    58 min
  4. EP 61: Financial KPIs Explained: Feat Seth Garber w/ FRAXN & Pest Daily

    07/30/2025

    EP 61: Financial KPIs Explained: Feat Seth Garber w/ FRAXN & Pest Daily

    In this conversation, Rusty Prewett and Seth Garber discuss the evolution of the pest control industry, emphasizing the importance of financial literacy, key performance indicators (KPIs), and effective pricing strategies. Seth shares his journey from corporate sales to becoming a successful entrepreneur in pest control, highlighting the creation of FRAXN, a financial solution tailored for the industry. The discussion covers the significance of understanding profit and loss statements, the psychology behind pricing increases, and the valuation of pest control businesses. Listeners are encouraged to leverage available resources for growth and education in the pest control sector.   🗝️Key Takeaways Understanding KPIs is crucial for business success in pest control. FRAXN was created to provide financial clarity for pest control companies. Financial literacy can significantly impact business decisions. Gross margin is a key indicator of operational efficiency. Pricing strategies should be systematic and not based on emotions. Regular price increases are necessary to maintain profitability. The pest control industry often undervalues its services. Valuation of pest control businesses can vary greatly based on pricing and financial practices. Resources like Pest Daily can help operators improve their business acumen. 🎙️ Connect with Rusty & Learn More Visit The Journey Podcast online or follow on social media for more insights and inspiration. 📲 Follow The Journey Podcast 📘 Facebook: facebook.com/prewettpestjourney 📺 YouTube: youtube.com/@theprewettpestjourney 📸 Instagram: instagram.com/prewettpestjourney 🍎 Apple Podcasts: Prewett Pest Journey on Apple Podcasts 🎧 Spotify: Prewett Pest Journey on Spotify

    54 min
  5. EP 60: 4 Steps to Leading Change - Feat Ryan Tate (Part 2)

    07/10/2025

    EP 60: 4 Steps to Leading Change - Feat Ryan Tate (Part 2)

    🎙️EP 60: 4 Steps to Leading Change - Feat Ryan Tate, Rogue Pest Solutions (Part 2) In this conversation, Rusty Prewett and Ryan Tate discuss the critical aspects of leading change in various contexts, emphasizing the importance of changing perspectives on change, discerning specific needs for change, obsessing over the 'why' before the 'what', and being bold in implementing changes. They explore the challenges leaders face in managing change and the necessity of fostering a culture that embraces growth and improvement. The discussion also highlights the significance of effective communication and the role of leadership in guiding teams through transitions. 📺 Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/TmY4wPjrKpw    Takeaways Change is inevitable and must be led, not avoided. Growth and comfort cannot coexist; progress requires discomfort. Leaders must take responsibility for leading change effectively. Understanding the 'why' behind changes is crucial for buy-in. Critics, bystanders, and advocates react differently to change; leaders must address all three. Tolerating mediocrity hinders progress and change. Being bold in decision-making can lead to significant impacts. Discernment is key in identifying what specifically needs to change. Effective communication fosters a culture of trust and engagement. Leaders should focus on building relationships and recognizing efforts to inspire their teams. 4 Steps to Leading Change *credit 👉 Craig Groeschel 1. Change how you think about change. 2. Discern what specifically needs to change. 3. Obsess about the "why" before the "what". 4. Be bold, because tweaks never change the world. 🎙️ Connect with Rusty & Learn More Visit The Journey Podcast online or follow on social media for more insights and inspiration. 📲 Follow The Journey Podcast 📘 Facebook: facebook.com/prewettpestjourney 📺 YouTube: youtube.com/@theprewettpestjourney 📸 Instagram: instagram.com/prewettpestjourney 🍎 Apple Podcasts: Prewett Pest Journey on Apple Podcasts 🎧 Spotify: Prewett Pest Journey on Spotify

    1h 1m
  6. EP 59: 6 Steps to Leading & Empowering Your Team - Feat Ryan Tate (Part 1)

    06/21/2025

    EP 59: 6 Steps to Leading & Empowering Your Team - Feat Ryan Tate (Part 1)

    🎙️EP 59: 6 Steps to Leading & Empowering Your Team - Feat Ryan Tate, Rogue Pest Solutions In this conversation, Rusty Prewett and Ryan Tate discuss the importance of leadership development, sharing insights from a recent leadership event they attended. They explore the challenges of balancing day-to-day operations with personal growth, the significance of investing time in leadership, and the steps to effectively train and empower team members. The discussion emphasizes the need for modeling behavior, choosing the right people, and creating a culture of feedback and trust within organizations. They also highlight the importance of reproducing leadership skills for future generations. Watch it on Youtube: https://youtu.be/irWRtN1XgCQ  Takeaways ✔️ Investing time in leadership events can reignite passion. ✔️ It's essential to fill your cup before pouring into others. ✔️ Success in leadership is about developing successors. ✔️ Choosing the right people is crucial for growth. ✔️ Modeling behavior is the first step in leadership. ✔️ Training should involve hands-on coaching. ✔️ Empower team members to take ownership of their roles. ✔️ Creating a culture of feedback fosters growth. ✔️ Trust is vital in delegating responsibilities. ✔️ Reproducing leadership skills ensures long-term success. 6 Steps to Leading & Empowering Your Team *credit 👉 Chris Hodges, Church of the Highlands 1. I do it. 2. I choose people to do it with me. 3. I do it and they are with me. 4. They do it and I am with them. 5. They do it. 6. They do it and someone is with them. 🎙️ Connect with Rusty & Learn More Visit The Journey Podcast online or follow on social media for more insights and inspiration. 📲 Follow The Journey Podcast 📘 Facebook: facebook.com/prewettpestjourney 📺 YouTube: youtube.com/@theprewettpestjourney 📸 Instagram: instagram.com/prewettpestjourney 🍎 Apple Podcasts: Prewett Pest Journey on Apple Podcasts 🎧 Spotify: Prewett Pest Journey on Spotify

    47 min
  7. 06/05/2025

    EP 58: Leading Locally: From Insurance to Insects - Rusty Prewett on Embracing Challenges

    🎙️In this episode, join Rusty as he's interviewed by Kristen Reeder on the podcast, 'Leading Locally: A Podcast by Leadership Lee County'.  Rusty is an alumni of the Leadership Lee County program and was a guest on LLC's newly launched podcast, which offers listeners insightful discussions on leadership, community impact, and local initiatives.  Leading Locally: A Podcast by Leadership Lee County (ep 4) From Insurance to Insects: Rusty Prewett on Embracing Challenges Rusty Prewett knows what it means to pivot with purpose. After nearly 15 years in the insurance world, he recognized the industry was shifting and so was he. In this episode, Rusty shares how he transitioned from insurance to launching Prewett Pest Control, a business built on adaptability and people-first values. From building trust in a new industry to hiring the right team and developing leaders across locations, Rusty brings practical insights and honest reflections on what it takes to grow a business that's both resilient and rooted in impact. Whether you're leading a team or dreaming of your next big move, this conversation will challenge you to think bigger and lead better. Connect with Leadership Lee County Instagram: @leadershipleecounty Website: www.leadershipleecounty.org Leadership Lee County's nine-month, immersive program identifies and develops a select group of leaders who live or work in Lee County and have the potential to provide the leadership needed to solve problems of community and statewide significance. 🎙️ Connect with Rusty & Learn More Visit The Journey Podcast online or follow on social media for more insights and inspiration. 📲 Follow The Journey Podcast 📘 Facebook: facebook.com/prewettpestjourney 📺 YouTube: youtube.com/@theprewettpestjourney 📸 Instagram: instagram.com/prewettpestjourney 🍎 Apple Podcasts: Prewett Pest Journey on Apple Podcasts 🎧 Spotify: Prewett Pest Journey on Spotify

    27 min
  8. EP 57: Revolutionizing Pest Control Communication - feat. Raymond Kidwell, Voice for Pest

    05/07/2025

    EP 57: Revolutionizing Pest Control Communication - feat. Raymond Kidwell, Voice for Pest

    In this conversation, Rusty interviews Raymond Kidwell from Voice for Pest, discussing the evolution of phone systems in the pest control industry, the integration of AI and intelligent call routing, and the importance of data-driven decision-making. They explore how technology can enhance customer service, the role of bots in handling calls, and the need for specialization in call handling to improve efficiency. The discussion emphasizes the critical nature of communication in pest control and how leveraging technology can lead to better customer experiences and business outcomes. In this conversation, Raymond and Rusty discuss the critical role of data and AI in optimizing workforce management and enhancing customer engagement. They explore how effective communication channels can improve customer retention and the importance of adapting to customer preferences. The discussion highlights the potential of technology solutions to drive business efficiency and the need for businesses to leverage data for informed decision-making. Takeaways Voice for Pest started as a phone system and networking business in 1993. The company evolved to focus on the pest control industry about 15 years ago. Integrations with CRMs are a key differentiator for Voice for Pest. AI enhances customer interactions by understanding industry-specific terminology. Intelligent call routing improves efficiency in handling customer calls. Bots can handle mundane tasks, freeing up human agents for more complex issues. Data collection is crucial for making informed business decisions. Specialization in roles leads to better customer service outcomes. Technology should be actively managed to maximize its benefits. The future of customer service will increasingly rely on AI and data analytics. Data analysis is crucial for understanding workforce performance. Effective communication channels enhance customer engagement. AI can identify customer retention risks before cancellations occur. Businesses should focus on adapting to customer communication preferences. Data-driven decisions can significantly improve business efficiency. Understanding peak call times helps in scheduling and resource allocation. Automated logging of customer interactions saves time and improves accuracy. Retention strategies should be based on actual customer feedback and data. Companies often overlook the importance of customer retention in growth strategies. Technology can provide insights that were previously unattainable. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Voice for Pest and Background 03:06 Evolution of Phone Systems in Pest Control 06:05 AI and Intelligent Call Routing 08:46 The Role of Bots in Customer Interaction 12:00 Optimizing Customer Experience with Technology 14:52 Data-Driven Decision Making in Pest Control 18:13 The Importance of Specialization in Call Handling 21:02 Leveraging Technology for Efficiency 23:50 Managing Customer Communication Effectively 26:51 The Future of AI in Customer Service 31:27 The Importance of Data in Workforce Management 36:22 Optimizing Communication Channels for Customer Engagement 40:24 Leveraging AI for Customer Retention 47:04 Enhancing Business Efficiency through Data Analysis 52:14 Adapting to Customer Preferences in Communication Check out Voice For Pest at www.voiceforpest.com 🎙️ Connect with Rusty & Learn More Email: rprewett@prewettpestcontrol.com Visit The Journey Podcast online or follow on social media for more insights and inspiration. 📲 Follow The Journey Podcast 📘 Facebook: facebook.com/prewettpestjourney 📺 YouTube: youtube.com/@theprewettpestjourney 📸 Instagram: instagram.com/prewettpestjourney 🍎 Apple Podcasts: Prewett Pest Journey on Apple Podcasts 🎧 Spotify: Prewett Pest Journey on Spotify

    53 min
5
out of 5
28 Ratings

About

Pest control podcast

You Might Also Like