What's the Buzz: Get to Know Ashley Morrison
Ashley Morrison
President
City Wide Exterminating
Locust, North Carolina
How did you get started in the industry?
Like many others in our industry, I got my start through the family business. I worked part time in customer care while in college. After college, I went into nonprofit development for a while but found my way back to the industry as the first full-time customer care rep a few years later.
What’s the most unusual item in your office or workspace?
I currently have mini Mr. and Mrs. Potato Head figures that my son left here, and I’ve slowly accepted them as new art pieces.
Did you have any mentors along the way? If so, who, and how did they affect your career path?
I’ve been fortunate to meet so many incredible people along the way who have generously shared their time, insight, and support. Leaders like Dennis Jenkins (ABC Home & Commercial Services), Audrey Hall (Eco Serve Pest Services), and Dani Collinson (Senske Services) have each made a tremendous impact on me both personally and professionally. They’ve challenged my perspective, pushed me to grow, and encouraged me to think bigger about what’s possible for my business and myself.
What’s the biggest learning experience you’ve had?
The biggest learning experience I’ve had as a business owner is understanding that growth and scaling only work if you take care of your team along the way. We’ve made many mistakes along the way, but I’ve learned that real, sustainable success comes from building people up, creating systems that support them, and making sure they feel valued. When our team thrives, our company thrives.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
You can’t be everything to everyone. Personally, it’s helped me understand the value of setting healthy boundaries and focusing on what really matters. Professionally, it’s become a guiding principle in how we run our business. We know we can’t be all things to all people, and we don’t try. Instead, we focus on doing what we do best. That mindset not only allows us to serve our clients better, but it also ensures that our team can thrive without spreading ourselves too thin.
What’s your secret talent?
Photography.
What life skill do you wish you had cultivated or were better at?
Patience. I’m patiently still working to practice more of it.
What are you most excited about these days?
What excites me most right now is creating opportunities for my team to grow. Seeing people develop their skills, take on new challenges, and succeed is what makes building this business so rewarding.
Describe yourself in three words.
Observant, thoughtful, deliberate.
What keeps you awake at night?
Thinking about the “what-ifs” and how I can make things better. Whether it’s the people I’m responsible for, opportunities I don’t want to miss, or small details that can make or break a plan, I’m usually running through scenarios in my head.
What is the most important lesson life has taught you?
Life has taught me to enjoy the everyday routines, quiet moments, and time spent with people I love. For me, true happiness comes in slowing down.
What would your superpower be?
To be invisible!
What is your guiltiest pleasure?
Dark chocolate and a good cabernet.
What’s one thing you had to learn the hard way?
Worrying doesn’t change anything, and it only steals joy from the present.
What’s the best impulse purchase you’ve ever made?
Wine! I’m not much of an impulse buyer at all, but if I find a wine I love, I’ll treat myself.
What’s your pet peeve?
Complaining about things you have the power to change instead of just doing something (even small) about them.
Finally, what do you want to be when you grow up?
A good mom! And maybe a lot more relaxed.
