What's the Buzz: Get to Know Ashley Heavrin
Ashley Heavrin
Director of Customer Experience
Rottler Pest Solutions
St. Louis
How did you get started in the industry?
I graduated from college in 2008 with a degree in interior design during an economic downturn and couldn’t find a job in my field. While waiting for the market to rebound, I started working in customer service and landed at American Pest in the Washington, D.C., metro area. I knew the cousin of the owner—pretty much the classic “how did you get into pest control” story.
What’s the most unusual item in your office or workspace?
Our pet rat, Tapioca the Destroyer. She’s 2 years old, a complete menace, and lives up to her name.
Did you have any mentors along the way? Who are they, and how did they influence your career path?
So many, and that’s honestly what has kept me in the industry. Early on, I commuted to work with my neighbor, David Billingsly, who at the time was preparing to be president of American Pest. If you know D.C. traffic, then you can imagine the hours of invaluable (and sometimes forced) coaching I received. David is still one of my biggest cheerleaders and has been instrumental in helping me find my way. I also had incredible peers at American, Jen Blondo and Kevin Poland, who constantly pushed me, challenged me, and helped me discover my focus. It was an inspiring environment to grow in.
What’s the biggest learning experience you’ve had?
Be brave. When American joined Anticimex, there was a lot of change, and I kept hearing that advice. Stepping into the uncomfortable is where things get interesting—and more fun.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
“Keep it simple, stupid.” Not original to Billingsly, but he said it to me often whenever I was overthinking. I still hear it in my head whenever I’m problem-solving.
What’s your secret talent?
I grew up on a farm, and my family owned an excavating business, so I can drive tractors and most excavating equipment. My spouse worries that one day I’ll rent a backhoe and dig a pool in the backyard.
What life skill do you wish you had cultivated or were better at?
Cooking. I can make a few of my grandma’s recipes, but without my spouse (a great cook), I’d live on cereal.
What are you most excited about these days?
Watching my kid’s interests grow as they navigate middle school. It’s a blast trying to keep up.
What’s the best compliment you’ve ever received?
Recently, my kid told me I’m a great teacher and suggested I should teach middle school. (No thanks!) Compliments from your kids hit differently.
What keeps you awake at night?
Dreaming up home renovation projects.
What is the most important lesson life has taught you?
Be a flexible thinker.
What was one of the best parties you’ve ever been to?
My birthday in September. I invited friends and family, told them to bring headlamps, and cut the power to the house. We ate pizza, drank wine, and swapped all 20-plus light switches to vintage push-button ones to match my Second Empire home. At the end of the night, the power came back on, the house didn’t catch fire, and everyone left with tools and a tool belt.
Who would play you in the film of your life?
Ashley Judd. Because 1) she’s an Ashley, and
2) she’s amazing.
What is your guiltiest pleasure?
Pie and watching “The Real Housewives”—preferably at the same time.
What’s one thing you had to learn the hard way?
To speak up.
Describe your perfect day.
Breakfast at The Mud House, lunch at Blues City Deli, cocktails at Frazer’s, and dinner at Peacemaker with my closest friends and family. Then we’d head to Venice Café for live music. Very St. Louis!
Finally, what do you want to be when you grow up?
My mom. She’s a fantastic person.
