What's the Buzz: Get to Know Cameron Yamaura
Cameron Yamaura
Owner
H3 Pest Control
Albany, Oregon
How did you get started in the industry?
My first job in the industry was doing door-to-door sales for TruGreen Lawn Care when I was 18. I quickly transitioned into a technician position with a company called Desert Green Lawn, Tree and Pest Control, and that is where my career in the industry really began.
What’s the most unusual item in your office or workspace?
My arrow-building station for archery hunting.
Did you have any mentors along the way? If so, who, and how did they affect your career path?
Dave Isenberger, my sales manager at Pointe Pest Control, was a major mentor to me, along with Greg See. Dave taught me how to get things done, positively influence others, and remain genuine to who I am. Greg taught me the importance of patience, listening to others, and approaching difficult situations calmly.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
No one cares how much you know until they know how much you care.
What’s your secret talent?
I’m not sure whether it qualifies as a secret talent, but I really enjoy playing ice hockey. I started when I was about 6 years old and still play today.
What are you most excited about these days?
On a daily basis, I look forward to going to the gym. It is my time to unwind and reset. On a larger scale, I’m always excited about our camping trips to the Oregon coast dunes.
What’s the best compliment you’ve ever received?
One of the best compliments I’ve received is having former employees return to a company specifically because they wanted to work with me again. Knowing that I created an environment they wanted to come back to meant a great deal to me.
What keeps you awake at night?
My two French bulldogs that we let sleep in our bed. Seriously, how can two 27-pound dogs take up so much room?
What is the most important lesson life has taught you?
Tomorrow is never guaranteed, and discipline is more important than motivation.
What is your guiltiest pleasure?
Video games.
If you could learn to do anything, what would it be?
Speak another language.
What’s one thing you had to learn the hard way?
Everything. I’ve been one to want to learn from my own mistakes and not others’.
What’s the best impulse purchase you’ve ever made?
Polaris RZR.
Describe your perfect day.
My perfect day would start with a delicious cup of black pour-over coffee enjoyed outside in the warmth of the sun with my dogs. From there, I would head to the gym, come home and make a healthy breakfast, and spend time watering my garden. Later, I would plan dinner, make a trip to the store, and head to the archery range to practice shooting my bow. I would fit in a second workout in the afternoon, come home to cook dinner, and end the night relaxing in the hot tub.
What’s your pet peeve?
Slow drivers.
What’s your favorite holiday?
Thanksgiving.
Where was the best vacation you’ve ever taken?
Growing up camping at Priest Lake, Idaho, every year before it became so popular.
Finally, what do you want to be when you grow up?
I want to be retired.
