What's the Buzz: Get to Know Andrea Doop
ANDREA DOOP
Chief Administrative Officer and Co-owner
Adam’s Pest Control Inc.
Medina, Minnesota
How did you get started in the industry?
My father, Harold Leyse, started Adam’s Pest Control Inc. with another business partner. When I was done with high school at age 18, I knew that I wanted to work in an office but lacked the skills needed. So when a job opening came within the Adam’s office, my dad hired me. I intended to work in the family business just long enough to gain the needed skills, then leave and get another job. However, I loved the work and people of Adam’s and have been here 35 years this year!
What’s the most unusual item in your office or workspace?
A United States flag made out of 546 snap traps that I designed—and a few of us at Adam’s assembled—to provide art for the new building we moved into in 2024. Thanks to Kness Manufacturing for making and donating the colored traps for us!
Did you have any mentors along the way? Who are they, and how did they impact your career path?
I don’t feel that I had a mentor specifically in the pest control industry, but my mom was my most impactful mentor. We didn’t always see eye to eye when I was young, but once I moved out of the house at 21 years old, she became one of my best friends. She supported me in my career, pushed me to try new things, and gave me the strength and courage to be a strong, independent woman in a male-dominated industry, which was a bit tougher way back when I started 35 years ago.
What’s the biggest learning experience you’ve had?
Going back to college at age 47 to complete my degree. I went for five years part-time to get it done, and it was an exhausting and rewarding learning experience!
What’s the best compliment you’ve ever received?
Here’s one that I recently received from an employee, Julie, whom I work with: “I just wanted to take a moment to express my gratitude for the safe and supportive environment you’ve fostered here. It’s truly empowering to know that I can learn, try new things, and grow without the fear of making mistakes because I know you’ll approach any challenges with understanding and encouragement.”
Describe yourself in three words.
Hard-working, easygoing, funny.
What was your most embarrassing moment?
When I was younger and on a basketball team, I remember getting a rebound and putting the basketball back up to the hoop to make the basket—which I did—just to realize that I scored a basket for the other team! Oops!
If you could be a fly on the wall anywhere in the world for a day, where would you choose?
I feel it would be fun and interesting to be a fly on the wall somewhere in the White House for a day!
Who would play you in the film of your life?
Amy Schumer or Kaitlin Olson. I love watching them in shows or performing stand-up comedy. They have a great sense of humor and are strong, unapologetic women.
What is your guiltiest pleasure?
Watching documentaries—preferably true crime.
What’s one thing you had to learn the hard way?
Being the first woman in my family to truly have a full-time career most of their life, I would say it was to have some work/life balance while my children were younger. I’m afraid I worked way too hard while my kids were young and missed out on too much valuable time with them.
What entertainment are you binging right now?
We are watching “Madam Secretary,” “Virgin River,” and “High Potential,” and recently started “Fargo” (the series).
What’s your favorite holiday?
Fourth of July. My husband and I spend a long weekend at our cabin on the lake with our adult children, nieces, a nephew, their significant others, and a lot of their and our friends. We typically host about 25 people for the long weekend! It’s crazy and lots of fun!
Finally, what do you want to be when you grow up?
Less busy and more relaxed. Ideally reading a book sitting outside, riding a golf cart around the neighborhood, and helping with grandchildren!
