Podcast

07: It All Adds Up: Turning Challenges Into Opportunities With Christopher Harkins

May 02, 2023
1 min read
07: It All Adds Up: Turning Challenges Into Opportunities With Christopher Harkins
Episode Overview

Oftentimes it’s the little things that lead to big wins or major setbacks. That’s a lesson that’s served Christopher Harkins of Pitbull Pest Control well over his five years and counting in the industry. Setting the right expectations – and re-leveling them if necessary – learning from successes and missteps, providing employees with autonomy and accountability, and more are discussed in this episode of the Field Famous podcast. 

  • 4:36 Evolution from retail to “utility” technician to Regional Operations Manager 

  • 9:09 Pitbull’s recent expansion into new territories and the challenges of serving multiple states 

  • 12:27 Reducing call-backs to save time and trim expenses 

  • 18:45 Customer acquisition strategy and related challenges in the COVID era

  • 22:15 Turning daily challenges into new opportunities – lessons learned on the job

  • 28:48 The importance of autonomy, self-accountability, and empowerment 

  • 32:25 Home inspections … yay or nay 

  • 38:23 Rapid fire Q&A 

Useful links from this week’s show: 

Christopher Fasano
Christopher FasanoDirector, Demand Generation

Check out more episodes

The Opportunity Engine: How to Transform Strengths Into Spinoff Businesses

The Opportunity Engine: How to Transform Strengths Into Spinoff Businesses

Chase and Leah Hazelwood reveal how they transformed internal departments into standalone ventures. Learn their blueprint for capitalizing on operational strengths, building sustainable systems for scale, and designing a workplace culture that top talent refuses to leave.


The Reputation Gap: Fixing the Customer Alignment Disconnect

The Reputation Gap: Fixing the Customer Alignment Disconnect

HomeShield Pest Control's Zachariah Boardman shares a strategy to bridge the gap between sales, service, and support, improving customer retention and reputation.


Baking Experience Into SOPs: Setting Your Business Foundation

Baking Experience Into SOPs: Setting Your Business Foundation

JD Jaramillo of Friendly Pest Solutions joins the FieldRoutes Pest in Class podcast to discuss scaling a business with SOPs and technology.


The Technician Performance Trifecta: Recognition, Rewards, and Retention

The Technician Performance Trifecta: Recognition, Rewards, and Retention

Taylor Olson, CEO of Applause, joins FieldRoutes’ Pest in Class podcast to explain how automated scorecards and real-time recognition are redefining technician performance.


Why Owners Need Other Owners: The Real Benefit of Networking

Why Owners Need Other Owners: The Real Benefit of Networking

Thomas Harris of Uinta Pest Solutions shares his journey from solopreneur to thriving CEO. Hear strategies you can use to build a powerful network, drive referrals, and scale your company.


 Put Your Numbers in Timeout: Building a Call Center People Want to Be Part Of

Put Your Numbers in Timeout: Building a Call Center People Want to Be Part Of

Steve Short, vice president of sales and marketing at Fox Pest Control, joins Pest in Class to discuss building a healthy call center culture.


About the Show

The Pest In Class podcast from FieldRoutes is your destination for hearing insight, inspiration, and stories from fellow pest control industry leaders and entrepreneurs. Pest In Class host Amanda Salvatore will interview a new leader each episode as FieldRoutes celebrates the success of its customers while delivering software solutions to help them along their growth journey.

FieldRoutes helps field service companies simplify, scale, and grow.