What's the Buzz: Get to Know Justin Bellet
Justin Bellet
Chief Operating Officer
Aruza Pest Control
Charlotte, North Carolina
How did you get started in the industry?
I needed a job 25 years ago, and my sister, who was a salesperson for a pest control company, referred me. What started as a short-term solution turned into a long-term career that I have grown to love.
Did you have any mentors along the way? Who are they, and how did they impact your career path?
Two that stand out: Early on, Arnie Kaplan, who was an executive vice president, played a key role. He taught me how numbers impact daily operations and helped spark the beginning of my journey in self-awareness and leadership. One of the most impactful mentors was Truly Nolen himself (founder of Truly Nolen pest control company). He helped me view the business from a more strategic perspective but also taught me to keep things simple; to focus on people, both clients and team members; and to always remember to laugh and have fun along the way.
What’s the worst piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Having a title gives you credibility and respect.
What life skill do you wish you had cultivated or were better at?
Mastering jujitsu and earning a black belt. There are many life lessons within that journey—discipline, resilience, humility, and continuous improvement.
What are you most excited about these days?
Building the culture and leadership at Aruza. There is real momentum around scaling the team in a way that positions us to become a major player in the market. Being part of shaping that growth through people, leadership, and strategy is what energizes me most right now.
What’s the best compliment you’ve ever received?
When someone compliments the success of someone I had a key stake in developing.
When’s the last time you changed your mind about something significant?
Three months ago, I decided to move to a new company after spending close to 25 years with my previous one. I never thought I would make that move. It was the right opportunity with the right group of people at the right time.
What is the most important lesson life has taught you?
Giving 100% effort in whatever you do is all that matters. If you do, you will either succeed or fail and gain knowledge, but you will never regret it.
What was your most embarrassing moment?
I am not the tallest person, and during a national managers meeting, someone on my team had a miniature cardboard cutout made of me with a label at the bottom that said, “Actual Size.” At the time, I was definitely embarrassed, but 10 years later I still keep it in my office. It reminds me not to take myself too seriously and to appreciate the sense of humor and culture we built as a team.
Who would play you in the film of your life?
The Rock. LOL, we are both bald!
What’s one thing you had to learn the hard way?
Early in my career, I believed compensation was the primary motivator. Over time, I learned that without strong management, leadership, and culture, even the best pay structure will not have a lasting impact on the business.
What’s the best impulse purchase you’ve ever made?
My BBQ smoker. It may be over the top for a wannabe.
What’s a book that has stuck with you?
Leadership and Self-Deception by The Arbinger Institute, Delivering Happiness by Tony Hsieh, and Multipliers by Liz Wiseman. Leadership and Self-Deception helped me recognize how easily we can lose perspective when we justify our own behavior instead of seeing others clearly. Delivering Happiness reinforced the idea that building a successful company starts with purpose and culture. Multipliers challenged me to think about whether I am truly bringing out the best in people or unintentionally limiting their potential.
Finally, what do you want to be when you grow up?
A great father! That has always meant more to me than any title or accomplishment.
