What's the Buzz: Get to Know Reid Ipser

Reid Ipser
Termite Technical Director and Entomologist
Massey Services
Orlando, Florida 

How did you get started in the industry? 

I started as a technician with a one-man operation in Gainesville, Florida. 

What’s the most unusual item in your office or workspace? 

A weight scale. 

Did you have any mentors along the way? Who are they, and how did they affect your career path? 

Bob Reddish, who brought me into the industry. John Strayer, my undergraduate adviser who guided me to  
succeed and move forward with graduate school. 

What’s the biggest learning experience you’ve had? 

The trials of graduate school and finally making  
things work. 

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? 

Study hard, keep learning, and don’t lie.  

What’s your secret talent? 

Musician with multiple instruments. 

What’s the best compliment you’ve ever received? 

“You dress up well.” 

What is the most important lesson life has taught you? 

Have compassion and always be ethical and honest. 

What would your superpower be? 

Making good friends. 

Who would play you in the film of your life? 

Rutger Hauer. 

What is your guiltiest pleasure? 

Food, particularly chocolate. 

If you could learn to do anything, what would it be? 

Play violin. 

What’s one thing you had to learn the hard way? 

Sloppy writing is sloppy thinking. 

What’s the best impulse purchase you’ve ever made? 

One of my guitars. 

Describe your perfect day. 

All sun, no emails, no calls. 

What’s your pet peeve? 

Order and cleanliness. 

Which words or phrases do you most overuse? 

Ubiquitous.  

What entertainment are you binging right now? 

“Prehistoric Planet” on Apple TV. 

What’s a book that has stuck with you? 

Hagakure. 

Finally, what do you want to be when you grow up? 

A concert pianist.