What's the Buzz: Get to Know David Poplin
David Poplin
Chief Operating Officer
CDS Services Inc. dba Legion Pest Management
Murrieta, California
How did you get started in the industry?
My dad was in the industry. I needed a job after my service in the U.S. Marines.
What’s the most unusual item in your office or workspace?
All my San Francisco 49er items—love them!
Did you have any mentors along the way? Who are they, and how did they affect your career path?
My dad was my biggest mentor. Although his operations were really old school, he taught me a lot about business and entrepreneurship, which has kept me in the industry a lot longer than I had planned.
What’s the biggest learning experience you’ve had?
Be willing to adapt to the market space and industry trends to achieve the best success. Lead, don’t follow.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Know your numbers, but know your employees better.
What’s your secret talent?
I do have a heart and care more than most believe.
What life skill do you wish you had cultivated or were better at?
Patience.
What are you most excited about these days?
The level of success that we have achieved with government contracting, which provides the ability for me and my partner, Yunel, to enjoy life and time with my grandchildren, Layla and Zane.
What’s the best compliment you’ve ever received?
When I see my employees achieve the American dream and purchase homes for their families—it’s such an amazing feeling.
Describe yourself in three words.
Confident, empathetic, and honest.
When’s the last time you changed your mind about something significant?
In 2017, when I decided to enter the government contracting space using our Service-
Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) set-aside.
What keeps you awake at night?
Knowing that I have many employees, teaming partners, and their families depending on my leadership to ensure we continue to grow and be successful.
What is the most important lesson life has taught you?
You must enjoy life today, as the future is not guaranteed.
What would your superpower be?
Seeing into the future.
If you could be a fly on the wall anywhere in the world for a day, where would you choose?
I would love to spend the day observing a forecasting board meeting for one of the top five companies from the Top 100 list.
What is your guiltiest pleasure?
Working poolside in another country.
If you could learn to do anything, what would it be?
Become a pilot.
What’s the best impulse purchase you’ve ever made?
A Harley-Davidson motorcycle.
What is the weirdest way you’ve been injured?
Flaring up a back injury just by walking!
What’s your pet peeve?
When people aren’t on time.
Which words or phrases do you most overuse?
“Understand?”
What entertainment are you binging right now?
The ’80s tunes make me vibe.
What’s your favorite holiday?
Christmas, because it’s time with family and friends.
Where was the best vacation you’ve ever taken?
A safari in Africa—wow, what an experience!
And finally, what do you want to be when you grow up?
I want to be an NFL football referee.
