Members in the News - Q4 2025
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Member Updates
December 9, 2025
In Memoriam: Jerry Keown
December 5, 2025
Sprague Announces New Sacramento Operations Manager
Sprague Pest Solutions has hired David Valdez, ACE, as the new Sacramento Operations Manager, strengthening the company’s continued growth in California. A Stockton native with nearly 20 years of industry experience, Valdez has held roles in residential, commercial, supervisory, and specialty services, helped develop new programs, and operated his own pest management company. He earned his ACE certification in 2015. District Manager Francis Clark praised Valdez’s expertise and leadership, calling his hire a major win for Sprague. His appointment underscores Sprague’s commitment to expanding its Sacramento and San Joaquin presence with experienced, customer-focused leaders.
December 1, 2025
In Memoriam: Jim Ogle
The pest control industry mourns the loss of Jim Ogle who passed away on November 15. Ogle was born in 1936, when his father Al was first establishing Lloyd Pest Control in San Diego during the Great Depression.
Jim Ogle graduated from U.C. Berkeley in 1958, and served as an officer in the U.S. Navy. He joined Lloyd Pest Control in 1960 and spent time working in every field job within the company until he became President in 1975. Ogle was an active member of the NPMA and served in a variety of roles, including time as Chairman for the Communications Committee. He was a member of the inaugural PCT/Syngenta Crown Leadership Awards class in 1989. He was legislatively active with the Pest Control Operators of California (now CAPMA), and was a 40-year member of the Executives’ Association of San Diego.
During Jim Ogle’s tenure, Lloyd Pest Control experienced substantial growth. Working alongside his son, Jamie Ogle, and nephew, Greg Augustine, the company grew to serve the population-dense Southern California region from five offices.
Ogle was known for his oft-quoted saying that “if you take care of the employees, the rest will take care of itself.” To that end, he established a robust profit-sharing program to ensure that employees who made a career at the company would be able to have a stake in retirement. Even 25 years after Ogle’s own retirement, 26 of his hires remain employed with the company today.
“For decades, this company has really followed Jim’s guiding principle of integrity – and always doing the right thing. It wasn’t just a tagline,” says Scott Crowley, a 36-year veteran and current President of the company. “Jim felt that way about our customers, and about our employees, and about our community.”
When Jim Ogle retired in 2000, nephew Greg Augustine took over Harbor Pest Control, and son Jamie Ogle became CEO of Lloyd Pest Control. For many years after, Jim continued to maintain an office at the company and served as its spiritual leader, always available with wisdom, humor, and a calming perspective.
Lloyd Pest Control is the 25th largest pest control company in the U.S., and has won accolades as “Best Pest Control Company” by the San Diego Union-Tribune, “The Torch Award for Marketplace Ethics” by the BBB, and best “Large Family Business of the Year” by the Family Business Institute.
“My dad was a strong believer in the value of education,” says son Jamie Ogle. “He pushed me to get my MBA. He established Lloyd Pest Control University – an in-house training center for our staff led by our quality control department.”
To honor his legacy, the Pest Management Foundation hosts the Jim Ogle Endowed Scholarship Program – a perpetual grant awarded each year to outstanding students pursuing a degree in entomology and other pest management research. In lieu of flowers donations can be made at the link below, or by mailing a check to Pest Management Foundation/Jim Ogle Scholarship, 10460 North Street, Fairfax, VA 22030.
November 14, 2025
Suburban Pest Control Welcomes Board-Certified Entomologist Timothy Best as Director of Training
Suburban Pest Control, serving Westchester, Rockland, and New York City, is proud to announce the addition of Timothy Best, MSPH, BCE, as its new Director of Training.
Best, a board-certified entomologist with more than 21 years of experience, brings a unique combination of field expertise and scientific knowledge. Holding a Master of Science in Public Health and a Bachelor’s degree in Natural Science and Mathematics, Best is also a certified pesticide course instructor in New York and New Jersey.
His role at Suburban will focus on training, ensuring every treatment plan is rooted in Integrated Pest Management and delivers maximum effectiveness.
November 3, 2025
Three Sprague Leaders Earn Industry Certifications
Three Sprague Pest Solutions leaders reached major professional milestones. Regional Manager Jared Wallace and Yakima Branch Manager Gary Mitchell earned their Associate Certified Entomologist (ACE) credentials, while Regional Entomologist Jeremy Hundley, BCE achieved NPMA Pro Certification—one of only 23 worldwide. Sprague now has 41 ACEs and five BCEs companywide, with 10 team members earning credentials in 2025. Wallace, Mitchell, and Hundley have each advanced through leadership roles, reflecting Sprague’s commitment to excellence. “Our success comes from our people’s passion and expertise,” said Shane Hartnett, ACE, Director of Operations.
October 29, 2025
PestInsight Launches Global Apprenticeship Program and PestInsight Academy to Empower the Next Generation of Public Health and Pest Management Professionals
The PestInsight Initiative, founded by Shofu Babalola, has launched the PestInsight Global Apprenticeship Program and PestInsight Academy—two platforms designed to train and certify young professionals in pest management, public health, and environmental hygiene. The 3-month apprenticeship blends online learning, fieldwork, and community projects, while the Academy offers self-paced and instructor-led courses accessible worldwide. Supported by partners including Pi Chi Omega, the initiative aims to train over 1,000 participants by 2030, advancing education, innovation, and youth capacity in sustainable pest management.
October 27, 2025
Sprague Promotes New Operations Manager for Spokane Branch
Sprague Pest Solutions has promoted Jessie Peltier, ACE, to Operations Manager at its Spokane, Washington branch. Since joining Sprague in 2020, Peltier has served as Branch Trainer, Safety Captain, and member of the Belonging Committee. A retired U.S. Navy veteran, he holds AIB Food Safety, OSHA 10, and ACE certifications, reflecting his commitment to excellence and safety. “Jessie lifts up those around him,” said District Manager Jeremy Lesser. In his new role, Peltier will lead branch operations, team development, and client partnerships across Eastern Washington and Northwestern Montana, focusing on quality, safety, and a culture of belonging.
October 13, 2025
Sprague Acquires California Pest Management in Los Angeles
Sprague Pest Solutions has acquired California Pest Management (CAL-PEST), a family-owned company founded by Jim and Gail Harmon. This marks Sprague’s third acquisition in the Los Angeles area, strengthening its Southern California presence. CAL-PEST’s extensive experience with Integrated Pest Management for schools complements Sprague’s science-based approach. Several CAL-PEST team members will join Sprague to ensure a seamless client transition. “We’re thrilled to welcome CAL-PEST to the Sprague family,” said AJ Treleven, Executive Vice President. The acquisition continues Sprague’s legacy of family-owned excellence as it approaches its 100th anniversary in 2026.
