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.
42episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Leadership, Training, and Retention: Building Technicians Who Last | EP 221
Jan 1500:35:07Tap to summarizeAs the industry heads into a new year, strong leadership and people development matter more than ever.In this episode of the Bug Bux Podcast, Allan Draper sits down with Alan Feuer, Associate Certified Entomologist with over 36 years in the pest control industry, Marine Corps veteran, and former Technical Director at Preventive Pest Control. Together, they dive deep into what it really takes to hire, train, and retain great technicians and why most companies struggle to do it well.Alan shares proven insights from decades of experience building teams, developing leaders, and implementing structured training systems, including the importance of the first 90 days, why interviews rarely tell the full story, and how character and integrity matter more than technical skill. They explore Preventive’s team lead model, leadership pipelines, and how both small and large pest control companies can create accountability, trust, and consistency without losing their culture.This episode also tackles:Why early attrition isn’t always a bad thingHow to train leaders instead of promoting by defaultThe difference between mistakes and character failuresApplying military leadership principles to pest controlWhy owners must take full ownership of results; good and badWhether you’re a one-truck operator or leading a growing organization, this conversation will challenge how you think about leadership, training, and responsibility and give you practical ideas to start building a stronger team in 2026 and beyond.A must-listen for pest control owners who want better people, better leaders, and better long-term results.
Transcribe →Hire for the Soul, Train for the Role: Building a Scalable Pest Control Culture | EP 220
Jan 800:42:18Tap to summarizeIn this insightful episode, Allan Draper sits down with Scott Sandberg, co-founder of RUVA Pest Control, to explore how building the right culture is the key to sustainable growth in the pest control industry. Scott shares the inside story of how RUVA scaled to nearly $3 million in recurring revenue and earned thousands of five-star Google reviews in just a few years, without compromising on company values or employee satisfaction.They dive deep into RUVA’s approach to hiring, emphasizing mindset and attitude over prior experience, and how training the right people can turn them into top-performing technicians and future leaders. Scott also opens up about real-world challenges they faced, including team turnover, onboarding, and developing internal talent, showing why short-term fixes and “warm body” hires can create long-term headaches.Throughout the conversation, listeners will gain actionable strategies for:Attracting and retaining high-quality employees who align with your company cultureTurning your team into a growth engine while maintaining high standards of serviceDeveloping internal leaders to scale operations without losing control or cultureLeveraging employee excellence to drive customer satisfaction and 5-star reviewsWhether you’re a pest control business owner looking to scale, improve retention, or build a high-performing team, this episode is packed with practical insights and lessons learned from the frontlines of a fast-growing, culture-driven company.
Transcribe →Why Community Matters More Than Ever in Pest Control | EP 216
Dec 1100:37:50Tap to summarizeIn this episode of the BugBux Podcast, Allan sits down with industry veteran Harry Bryan, Director of Business Development at Nisus Corporation, who brings over 30 years of pest control and agricultural experience to the table. Together, they explore how the industry has evolved—from smarter customers and better-trained technicians to the rise of online communities and AI tools like ChatGPT.Harry shares practical insights on:How pest control has shifted from chemical-first to sustainability-focused strategiesThe rising value of networking, mentorship, and in-person events like PestWorldWhy new owners should build strong relationships with distributors and suppliersHow to craft your personal “story” when connecting with mentors and peersThe importance of community over competition in growing a successful companyThe episode also dives into Nisus’ major new product launch—the ProShield Pest Control Insulation—and how PMPs can use it to add a powerful, profitable revenue stream while providing more value to customers.Whether you're brand new to pest control or decades in, this conversation will give you actionable steps, fresh perspective, and ideas to take your company to the next level. Tune in and level up!
Transcribe →The least expensive way to turn your customers into referring machines | EP 215
Dec 400:35:47Tap to summarizeIn this episode of The Bug Bux Podcast, host Allan Draper sits down with Reagan Nickl, Vice President of Customer Success at Ask Nicely, to talk about one of the most overlooked growth levers in the pest control industry: customer experience.While many PCOs are focused on marketing, advertising, and new customer acquisition, Reagan shares why the smartest companies are investing their energy in retention, reviews, and referrals. Drawing from her experience helping home service brands across the country, she explains how to build a repeatable “referral flywheel” that turns happy customers into loyal advocates.Allan and Reagan dive into the systems behind a world-class customer experience, how to collect feedback in real time, close the loop with unhappy customers, and empower technicians to create “wow” moments on every service visit. They also unpack how to use customer data to coach teams, boost morale, and make better business decisions.Reagan introduces Ask Nicely’s CARTG framework, breaking down the five pillars of CX success:Collect: Capture feedback consistently and automaticallyAct: Respond quickly and personally to customer inputRecognize: Celebrate your top-performing technicians and teamsTrain: Turn feedback into coaching and development opportunitiesGrow: Use positive feedback to fuel reviews and referralsWhether you’re a small operator looking to improve retention or a multi-location company aiming to scale customer experience, this conversation will help you shift your mindset from chasing new leads to building long-term loyalty.
Transcribe →Thankful, Focused, and Ready for 2026: Allan’s Ultimate Goal-Setting Episode | EP 214
Nov 2700:30:06Tap to summarizeIn this special Thanksgiving episode of the Bug Bucks Podcast, Allan Draper opens up about gratitude, community, and the transformative power of clear goal-setting. Recorded ahead of the holiday but released on Thanksgiving weekend, Allan reflects on the origins of the Bug Bucks community, how it was born during one of the most turbulent times in the pest control industry, and why he’s more grateful than ever for every listener, member, and contributor.Then, Allan dives deep into his personal goal-setting process—shaped since childhood—and shares the exact steps, frameworks, and mindset shifts he uses to set and achieve meaningful goals in both life and business. You’ll hear:Why goal-setting unlocks opportunities you didn’t even know were around youThe 7 areas Allan uses to map out his yearly personal goalsHis seven most powerful hacks for setting and achieving business goalsThe importance of team buy-in, scoreboards, celebrating effort, and identity-based goalsHow to prepare your pest control company for its strongest year yet in 2026This episode is packed with practical direction, personal stories, and strategic insights designed to help you create clarity, inspire your team, and confidently map out your next year. Whether you’re listening on Thanksgiving, Black Friday, or weeks later—this is your moment to recalibrate and level up.And don’t forget: Bug Bucks Plus memberships opened with a locked-in rate through the end of the year. If you’re serious about growth, now’s the time to take advantage.
Transcribe →How Pest Pros Can Thrive Amid New Regulations In Pest Control | EP 213
Nov 2000:40:09Tap to summarizeIn this episode of The Bug Bux Podcast, host Allan Draper sits down with Isabelle Lucero, Technical Sales and Compliance Manager at JT Eaton, to unpack one of the industry’s most pressing topics, the evolving landscape of pesticide and rodenticide regulations.Isabelle, who holds a master’s degree in entomology from the University of Kentucky, shares insights on how new EPA and state-level restrictions are shaping pest control practices across the U.S., what PCOs should be watching for, and how to stay compliant while maintaining effective control strategies.They also discuss the importance of innovation in pest management, from JT Eaton’s new Long Strong Pole to the Trojan Horse, an inventive IPM bait station designed for discretion and versatility.Whether you’re a technician in the field or an owner preparing for the next wave of regulation, this episode offers practical advice, fresh ideas, and a reminder that adaptability is key to long-term success in pest control.Poles here: https://jteatonpmp.com/accessories/dusters-poles/ Trojan Horse here: https://www.jteaton.com/trojan-horse/ Distributor locator: https://jteatonpmp.com/distributor-locator/Regulatory DisclaimersContact your pesticide distributor, the California Department of Pesticide Regulation (CDPR), or your County Agricultural Commissioner for any questions on RUP rodenticide storage, returns or disposal in the state of California.
Transcribe →How to build success without regret | EP 212
Nov 1300:28:06Tap to summarizeIn this solo episode, Allan Draper dives deep into one of the most misunderstood parts of entrepreneurship — sacrifice. Drawing from his own early experiences building Proof Pest Control and lessons from his upcoming book, Allan challenges the idea that sacrifice means loss.He explains why true sacrifice only happens when we trade something of greater value for something lesser, and how entrepreneurs can protect what matters most — faith, family, and personal growth — while still building thriving companies.Allan also shares a personal story about missing time with his young children in the early days of his business and the lessons that moment taught him about priorities, planning, and balance.This episode is a reminder that success doesn’t come from giving up what’s most important — it comes from staying disciplined, keeping your priorities in order, and viewing every challenge as an investment in future freedom.Whether you’re in the grind of startup life or scaling your business, this conversation will help you refocus on what truly matters and find motivation in the journey ahead.
Transcribe →Family, Grit, and Growth | EP211
Nov 600:38:02Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Allan Draper sits down with Davin, the 21-year-old owner of Redline Pest Control, a fast-growing, family-owned company out of Arizona. Davin shares how his early experiences in solar and carwash sales fueled his passion for entrepreneurship — and how he turned those lessons into a thriving pest control business.From running services out of the back of his Audi to building a trusted brand with his dad, Davin talks about the grind, the setbacks, and the rewards of building something from scratch. Allan and Davin dive into topics like door-to-door sales, working with family, and finding business partners who strengthen your weaknesses.Whether you’re just starting your entrepreneurial journey or looking for inspiration to push through the early challenges, this episode is packed with insight, grit, and real-world lessons.
Transcribe →Real Pest World: The Legacy Blueprint | EP 210
Oct 3000:31:49Tap to summarizeJoin your host, Allan Draper, and the guys on the final night in the Real Pest World house in Orlando. With the "The Real Pest World Orlando" officially wrapped, the crew is both tired and motivated as they share their closing thoughts, highlights, and the powerful connections they've solidified.This episode isn't just a recap; it's a look ahead. They dive deep into the philosophy of "The Real Pest World"—moving beyond competition to foster a community where "you can't compete with us, we want you to win." Learn about the three core pillars for the future:Freshman Focus: Continuing to welcome new, hungry PCOs into the fold.Charity & Give Back: Ensuring the event remains about more than just business.Learning & Collaboration: Creating structured opportunities for intimate peer-to-peer and vendor workshops.They also reveal the exciting destination for next year's event, Dallas, Texas, and outline the application process. Don't miss this one to hear how this unique brotherhood is setting the tone for the pest control industry and building a legacy that will truly last.Apply for The Real Pest World 2026 House Here: https://therealpestworld.com/
Transcribe →15 Pest Business Owners, One House, $100M in Combined Revenue | The Real Pest World Begins | EP 209
Oct 2300:39:39Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Allan Draper hosts a special edition of The Bug Bux Podcast—recorded live from The Real Pest World House in Orlando during PestWorld 2025.Joined by 15 pest control owners representing over $100 million in combined revenue, all coming together under one roof to collaborate—not compete.The group opens up about why they created the Real Pest World experience, the shift from secrecy to shared growth in the industry, and how genuine relationships are accelerating innovation across pest control companies of every size. From late-night strategy sessions to charity competitions and deep discussions about personal purpose, this episode captures the energy, honesty, and brotherhood shaping the next generation of pest pros.They talk about how collaboration beats competition, how vulnerability and trust are transforming company culture, and why giving back is becoming a cornerstone of modern pest control leadership. Whether you’re just starting your business or leading a multi-million-dollar operation, this conversation will leave you inspired to connect, contribute, and grow alongside others in the industry.
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