What’s the Buzz? Get to Know Sameer Thawer

Sameer Thawer

Operations Manager

Ecopest Inc.

Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

How did you get started in the industry?

As a summer field technician.

Did you have any mentors along the way?

Amin Poonja (founder of Ecopest). We met in coincidence when he hired me as summer technician. He from a very young age guided my wife and I in our educational careers, family life, volunteer causes and now in business. We make a great team at Ecopest and that’s because of the foundation of good mentorship and trust over the years.

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

Learning is a lifelong process and at Ecopest, every day is a new day of learning. This is what I love about the pest control industry. The pests, the people, the application technology, the digital technology—all is constantly evolving and you constantly have to learn and relearn.

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

"There is no substitute for hard work."

What life skill do you wish you had cultivated or were better at?

Swimming.

What are you most excited about these days?

The digitization of the pest control industry. This has opened doors for the industry to be more relevant to our clients and support our teams in ways that will enhance our services.

What is your most treasured possession?

My wife, who has trusted and stood by me whatever the circumstances.

Describe yourself in three words?

Ambitious, funny, resourceful.

What keeps you awake at night?

The disparity in our society. I am huge believer that every human should have a fair chance at living a fulfilling life.

What is the most important lesson life has taught you?

Value your loved ones.

What would your superpower be?

Teleporting.

Who would play you in the film of your life?

Salman Khan (a Bollywood Indian actor).

What is your guiltiest pleasure?

Chocolate—Dairy Milk.

What’s the most useless talent you have?

Whistling.

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

Studying for an exam.

Describe your perfect day.

Wake-up, exercise or early golf round, spend breakfast with my kids, connect with friends and colleagues, be able to go for prayers to Jamatkhana (a place of worship).

What’s your pet peeve?

When people say "I don’t know." In our business we are problem-solvers and our answer should always be, "Let me figure it out."

What’s heavily played on your music playlist right now?

I am huge Bollywood music fan so I have a diverse Bollywood/Indian music playlist.

What book did you most recently finish?

Grit by Angela Duckworth.

How do you start your day?

Prayer and a long shower.

What’s your favorite holiday?

Family Day, celebrated in Canada in February.

Where was the best vacation you’ve ever taken?

My engagement in Zanzibar and honeymoon in Jamaica.