All-Rite Pest Control’s Approach to Building a Thriving Business is Working, All Right

While effective equipment and powerful chemicals are essential to setting a pest control business apart, the real differentiator often comes down to one thing.

People.

Efficiency isn't just about streamlined routes and automated reports. It’s also about cultivating an environment in which your team flourishes.

All-Rite Pest Control in Lexington, KY—owned by Tom Myers since 1975 and now being led by his daughter, CEO Kristin Fore, and her husband, Andrew, the chief operating officer—has successfully navigated the industry for more than a half-century and built such an environment. All-Rite, which earned $1.7 million in revenue in 2024, employs a team of 13, seven of whom are technicians.

Even when the busy season could seem overwhelming, finding time to elevate your team and to develop leaders remains critical. Tom Myers and Kristin Fore, during a discussion on FieldRoutes’ Pest in Class podcast with host Amanda Salvatore, share invaluable insights into building a resilient and rewarding enterprise.

Hiring for heart and competence

For Tom Myers, the foundation of All-Rite Pest Control's enduring success lies in its team. 

He believes that hiring the right individuals is paramount. 

"I think it's people," Myers says. “You try to hire great people. One of the secrets of any business is just make sure that you have the people that are doing the job and that care about the business." 

It's not just about filling a role; it's about finding individuals who are passionate about their work and genuinely invested in the company's mission. 

"I try to hire people I can trust," he says.

Cultivating empowerment

Once you've found great people, the next step is to empower them. 

Myers learned early that to grow the business, he couldn't make every decision. This led to a philosophy that allowed him to even leave the business for weeks at a time for his entomological pursuits, sometimes in remote jungles on other continents.

"I tried to empower them to make their own decisions," Myers says. "I was not second-guessing people all the time." 

This approach not only fosters greater ownership and engagement among employees but also enables the business to operate smoothly when the owner is away.

“They just have to realize that they're not always going to be in control of everything,” Myers says of other owners. “If they really want the business to grow, they can't have their finger in every single thing going on in the business. 

“They have to trust and let go of certain areas."

Embracing mistakes as learning opportunities

Empowerment also means creating a safe space for growth, even when mistakes happen. Myers understands errors are an inevitable part of the learning process. 

"If you're going to allow someone the freedom to make decisions, you're going to have to remember they're going to make some bad decisions every now and then and not come down on that person," he says. 

Instead, he advocates for support and guidance.

"But support them and help them to learn to make a better decision the next time," Myers says.

This approach transforms challenges into opportunities for building a stronger, more capable team.

The role of technology in modern operations

Kristin Fore highlights how technology plays a crucial role in maintaining efficiency and elevating customer service. 

"To be able to text a customer, to easily be able to hit a button saying we're on our way, to be able to have that level of communication is what people really want," Fore says.

As a FieldRoutes customer, All-Rite Pest Control has access to just that—and so much more.

FieldRoutes' Trigger Rules are particularly valuable for managing billing and various communication preferences, ensuring customers receive information in their preferred method.

The automation frees time for office staff and technicians, enhancing safety during adverse weather conditions, a stark contrast to the manual processes of the past. 

"The communication is just so nice," Fore says. 

FieldRoutes’ reporting capabilities also provide tailored insights, allowing All-Rite to make data-driven decisions efficiently.

Prioritizing work-life balance

Perhaps one of the most striking aspects of All-Rite Pest Control's philosophy is its unwavering commitment to work-life balance, cultivating a positive company culture and contributing significantly to employee satisfaction and retention. 

Tom Myers is most proud of his role in his family, saying that business “is not always the most important thing.”

“The business did not consume me to the point of losing your family, losing touch with your loved ones," he says. 

"I can't think of a thing he didn't attend when we were growing up or something we had to change because of a business problem," Kristin Fore adds. 

Now as a mother and company leader, she’s prioritizing being present in her son's life. But for All-Rite Pest Control, a family culture now means the company’s doors are closed and the trucks are parked on Saturdays.

"We value that time for us and for the employees," Fore says. “If you put in five good days, you don't need a sixth day there as well." 

Partnering for your success

All-Rite Pest Control's journey demonstrates that by investing in your employees, fostering a supportive environment, and leveraging efficient technology, you can build a strong foundation for sustainable growth. 

FieldRoutes is committed to providing the tools that streamline operations, improve communication, and offer valuable insights, allowing you to focus on what truly matters: your team and your customers.

Don’t let the busy season hinder your progress. If you're looking to enhance your efficiency and support your team, we invite you to explore how FieldRoutes solutions can help your business thrive.