Podcast
Bug Bux Podcast
Hosted by Allan Draper · EN
The Bug Bux Podcast is your go-to resource for launching, growing, and scaling a successful pest control company. Hosted by Allan Draper, entrepreneur, investor, and founder of multiple high-growth service businesses, the podcast delivers real-world insights and proven strategies for pest control owners ready to level up.
Allan brings a unique perspective as someone who has built and led pest control companies from the ground up, scaling from zero to multi-million dollar operations. With a passion for entrepreneurship and a deep love for the pest control industry, he shares not just tactics, but mindset shifts and leadership principles to help owners win in business and life.
Each episode features expert guests, in-depth conversations, and powerful solo sessions where Allan breaks down everything from pricing strategies and P&L breakdowns to team building, vendor relationships, and personal development.
Whether you’re just starting out or looking to break into the PCT Top 100, the Bug Bux Podcast will help you become a bug money millionaire.
41episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
The Bee Business: How to Turn Specialty Services Into Recurring Revenue | Jean Navarro | EP 250
Yesterday00:40:59Tap to summarizeBee removals are usually seen as one-time jobs.Jean Navarro saw something different.In this episode of the Bug Bux Podcast, Allan Draper sits down with the owner of Mega Bee Rescues & Pest Control to break down how he transformed a specialty service into a thriving recurring revenue engine.Learn:How bee removals lead to pest control customersThe science behind bee colonies and relocationsWhy proper pricing mattersLessons from removing 18 active hives in a single projectHow to create a service customers never want to leaveIf you're in pest control, this episode will change how you think about specialty services.👉🏼 https://www.skool.com/bugbux
Transcribe →The 2026 Benchmarks Every Pest Pro Should Know (and the Google Review Changes Nobody's Talking About)
1w ago00:34:23Tap to summarizeTaylor returns to break down fresh numbers from Applause's 2026 State of Home Services Benchmark Report, covering the new standards for technician performance like daily visit volume, reservice rates, routing efficiency, and Google review benchmarks. From there the conversation shifts to reputation, and why Google has changed its stance on review solicitation. Thousands of home services companies have watched real reviews disappear from their profiles overnight. Additionally, a new Google Maps update now lets customers leave reviews anonymously.👉🏼 https://www.skool.com/bugbux
Transcribe →Why You'll Never Feel "Balanced" (And That's Okay) | EP 248
2w ago00:33:48Tap to summarizeMost entrepreneurs don't struggle because they aren't working hard enough—they struggle because they feel like they're constantly falling short.In this episode, Allan Draper sits down with Aaron O'Brien, owner of Pro Strike Pest Solutions, to talk about the reality of building a pest control business while raising a family. They dive into work-life balance, entrepreneurial guilt, communication with your spouse, staying present with your kids, and why gratitude may be your greatest competitive advantage.If you've ever felt like you're failing at business, family, or both, this conversation is for you.In this episode:Why "work-life balance" is the wrong goalThe power of focused imbalanceHow Aaron structures his days around familyEntrepreneur guilt and overcoming the feeling of never doing enoughThe Gap vs. The Gain mindsetPractical habits for staying grateful while building your business👉🏼 https://www.skool.com/bugbux
Transcribe →Why Your "Why" Matters More Than Your Revenue | EP 247
3w ago00:39:34Tap to summarizeThis week, Allan Draper welcomes back the original Bug Bux co-founder, Solomon Earhart, for one of the most honest conversations we've ever had on the podcast.After building Arusa Pest Control into one of the fastest-growing companies in the industry and achieving an eight-figure exit, Solomon found himself facing something no one saw coming. Behind the success was burnout, overwhelming pressure, depression, unhealthy coping mechanisms, and the realization that chasing growth at all costs came with a price.In this episode, Solomon opens up about the mistakes that nearly cost him everything, his journey through sobriety, therapy, rebuilding his life, and how his definition of success has completely changed. Allan also reflects on the pressures business owners face and why the pest control industry needs to have more honest conversations about mental health, relationships, and purpose.If you've ever felt overwhelmed by the pressure to grow, questioned why you're chasing success, or struggled silently while trying to build your business, this episode is for you.In this episode:Solomon's journey from eight-figure exit to personal rock bottomThe dangers of ego-driven entrepreneurshipBurnout, anxiety, addiction, and rebuilding after failureWhy business owners need stronger support systemsHow redefining success changed Solomon's lifeAsking yourself the most important question: Why are you doing this?This isn't just a conversation about business—it's a conversation about becoming the kind of person who can build something meaningful without losing yourself in the process.https://www.skool.com/bugbux
Transcribe →The Hidden Cost of Reacting Too Fast | EP 246
4w ago00:39:55Tap to summarizeIn this episode of the Bug Bux Podcast, Allan Draper sits down with John Speed, founder of Kilauea Pest Control in Hawaii, to talk about what it really takes to build an exceptional company.John shares the lessons he's learned growing one of Hawaii's most respected pest control businesses—from creating an award-winning workplace culture to surrounding yourself with great people and learning from other industry leaders.The conversation dives into why the best leaders don't react emotionally, how to give feedback that actually improves performance, why explaining the "why" matters more than giving instructions, and how networking with high-level operators can completely change the trajectory of your business.Whether you're trying to get out of the truck, build a stronger leadership team, or create a company your employees never want to leave, this episode is packed with practical takeaways you can implement immediately.In this episode:• Why great leaders pause before reacting• Building a "Best Place to Work" culture• Hiring and retaining rock-star employees• The importance of peer groups and networking• Leading through trust instead of micromanagement• Giving constructive feedback that motivates• Why your people, not your systems, are your greatest competitive advantageLessons from Hawaii's first PCT Top 100 pest control companyIf this episode challenged the way you think about leadership, share it with another business owner or someone on your team who needs to hear it.https://www.skool.com/bugbux
Transcribe →The Communication Advantage: The Small Things That Separate Great Pest Control Companies | EP 245
Jul 200:29:38Tap to summarizeMost pest control companies offer the same products. So why do some businesses earn loyal customers while others lose them?In this episode, Allan Draper sits down with Ben Riches, founder of Apex Pest Solutions, to discuss how communication has become one of his company’s biggest competitive advantages. From answering every phone call to following up after every service, Ben shares the systems that have helped his company grow from zero to nearly 850 customers.They also dive into leadership, consistency, building systems, and the books that have shaped Ben as an entrepreneur.https://www.skool.com/bugbux
Transcribe →Stop Doing Everything Yourself | Scaling Systems, Leadership & Growth | EP 244
Jun 2500:38:44Tap to summarizeWhat can a CPA teach a pest control owner about scaling a business?In this episode of the Bug Bux Podcast, Allan Draper sits down with Brandon Sizemore, co-founder and COO of Mint Pest Control, for a conversation packed with real business insights, operational lessons, and mindset shifts every PCO needs to hear.Before helping build one of the industry’s fastest growing companies, Brandon spent 12 years as a CPA working with organizations like the Arizona Cardinals and the Salvation Army. Now, he’s applying those same systems, processes, and financial principles to pest control growth.This episode goes far beyond accounting.Allan and Brandon dive into:Why most business owners struggle to get out of the truckHow systems and documentation create scalable companiesThe mindset shift from employee to entrepreneurWhy pest control is one of the best businesses in the worldLeadership, delegation, and building customer experiences that lastThe importance of mentorship, community, and learning from failureHow Bug Bux and networking can accelerate your growthWhether you’re a solo operator trying to grow or leading a multimillion dollar company, this episode is full of practical lessons you can apply immediately.This isn’t just an episode you listen to once… it’s one you’ll want to revisit with a notebook in hand.
Transcribe →Premium Pricing, Better Customers & Bigger Profits with Luke Lewis | EP 243
Jun 1800:34:13Tap to summarizeWhat happens when a former FBI intelligence analyst enters the pest control industry with zero experience?In this episode of the Bug Bux Podcast, Allan Draper sits down with Luke Lewis, founder of Native Pest Management, to talk about building one of the fastest-growing pest control companies in the country.Luke shares how he went from working in the FBI to launching Native Pest Management in 2015, growing it into an Inc. 5000 company five years in a row and landing #63 on the PCT Top 100 list.The conversation dives deep into:The biggest pricing mistakes new PCOs makeWhy cheap pricing attracts the worst customersHow premium pricing improves company cultureWhen and how to raise prices without losing customersBuilding a high-quality brand in competitive marketsThe importance of paying technicians wellWhy many pest control owners are afraid to grow profitablyIf you’re trying to scale your pest control company, improve profitability, or position your business as a premium service provider, this episode is packed with practical insights you can apply immediately.
Transcribe →The Real Weight of Building a Pest Control Business | EP 242
Jun 1100:23:04Tap to summarizeIn this solo episode of the Bug Bux Podcast, Allan Draper opens up about the emotional side of building a business that most owners never talk about.From difficult employees and angry customers to growth pressure, burnout, and feeling overlooked in an “unglamorous” industry, Allan shares a reminder every entrepreneur needs to hear.What you do matters.Whether you’re running a million-dollar company or just thinking about starting your business, this episode is about purpose, leadership, family, employees, customers, and pushing through the hard seasons that come with entrepreneurship.If you’ve been feeling discouraged, overlooked, or questioning whether the grind is worth it… this episode is for you.
Transcribe →Pest Control Sales & Marketing Secrets | EP 241
Jun 400:31:15Tap to summarizeWhat does it actually take to scale a pest control company past $1M?In this episode of the Bug Bux Podcast, Allan Draper sits down with Andrew Peluso, founder of Pesty Marketing, to break down the marketing systems, sales processes, and leadership mindset that separate struggling operators from high-growth pest control companies.They dive into:• When pest control companies should hire a marketing agency• Google LSA tips that can instantly improve lead flow• Why response time can make or break your marketing• The real reason most companies waste expensive leads• How better sales systems lower customer acquisition costs• What operators need in place before scaling• Leadership lessons from some of history’s greatest business mindsIf you’re trying to grow your pest control company from $1M to the next level, this episode is packed with practical strategies you can implement immediately.
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