Episode 292
9/24/26
Topic: Second-Gen Journey: Building, Partnering & Staying
Guest: Zach Isenmann, General Manager, STL Pest Control
In this episode we discuss:
Our sponsors Coalmarch by Workwave, PestSure, Voice for Pest, Forshaw & PestPac by WorkWave
PMP Industry Insiders Peer Groups & Conference
How Rick Isenmann originally started the business as a part-time venture and how Zach got involved after working at Enterprise after college
How the business has grown steadily since then, especially during the Covid pandemic, despite challenges
The challenges of modernizing the family business, specifically shifting from manual systems and a Google calendar to a CRM
How Zach slowly earned his dad's trust while building out technology-based systems and processes
How peer groups helped the business establish industry benchmarks and improve performance
How Dan's forthcoming book, From CEO to Exit, mirrors Rick's and Zach's story
The decision-making process behind partnering with private equity firm Perennial Services Group
Why Zach chose to stay with the company post-transaction to help grow the legacy brand
The operational benefits of having access to a larger support team for HR, IT, and accounting
How he was pleasantly surprised by the lack of negative surprises or major cultural changes following the partnership
Advice for other second-generation owners considering working with family or navigating potential business transitions
Resources mentioned:
Dan Gordon's forthcoming book, From CEO to Exit, and his previous book, From Technician to CEO
Notable: "I really care about what my dad built, and I want to see it get to that next level. That's really my driving force." —Zach Isenmann
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