Being recognized as one of the most up-and-coming and innovative pest and termite control companies in the country is important to Accel Pest & Termite Control. Being applauded as one of the best places to work in Hampton Roads is equally crucial. But what has really catapulted the company’s success in this area is the people.
“We have a core group of dedicated people who have been with us for a very long time, and many are now part of our leadership team,” says John Reid, who owns the company with his partner Shon Vodila. “We have purposely introduced different levels of management to create more efficiency, which is good for the company, good for the employees, good for our customers, and increases professionalism across the board.”
To illustrate that point, Accel began organically in 2010 with zero customers. Today, they have more than 12,000 customers and 60 employees, as well as an extensive list of more than 1,500 positive Google reviews from satisfied customers—all while maintaining a commitment to being locally owned and operated in Hampton Roads.
How has this been achieved? The new management structure has fast-tracked their innovative growth in the last couple of years, but it still all comes down to people.
With growth comes new opportunities—not just for pest control technicians, but also for other positions such as customer service representatives, schedulers, and other administrative positions. Accel has created an internal culture that breeds success, which explains how they are able to maintain a 93 percent employee retention rate. They have put a major focus on employee referrals because they trust their people to bring them others who they feel will match Accel’s core values, loyalty, and commitment to exceeding customer’s expectations.
The company also puts a heavy emphasis on keeping their team members happy. They provide an annual cruise to destinations like the Bahamas for employees and their spouses. They recently implemented a program for company-sponsored events for employees, and have created a career development path for all positions within the organization.
“Our customers want consistency,” said Reid. “Our employees want consistency. That’s why we always focus on going above and beyond.”
Community support is also an important pillar in their formula for success. Accel partners with the Virginia Beach nonprofit Connect With A Wish as their primary charity, which provides children in local foster care with resources and support to live well and grow.
Look for Accel driving around the communities of Hampton Roads in fleet vehicles that feature a new look and wrap. The bright yellow colors are a dramatic departure from their previous look, but still exude the enthusiasm, excellence, and dedication to innovation on which the company built its foundation upon.
FEATURE PHOTO: (from left to right) David Sprouse, Shon Vodila, John Reid, Wendy Lund and Jon Furdek
ACCEL PEST & TERMITE CONTROL
1236 Jensen Drive, Virginia Beach
757-270-3338
AccelPest.com
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