A self-proclaimed pest-control industry nerd, Wally Melendez looks forward to his daily challenges, even after 25 years in the business. “You just never know what’s going to come up,” he says. “Whenever someone calls and says, ‘You’re not going to believe this,’ I say, ‘Try me. I’m all ears.’ Whatever it is, I’ll figure it out.”
Name: Wally Melendez
Residence neighborhood: Father Blanchet Park
Business name: A&R Pest Solutions,
Contact: 360-314-6115. www.aandrpestsolutions.com and on Facebook
Age: 48
Professional background: I am entering my 25th year in the pest-control industry. Each year, we are required to take courses to keep us updated on changes in the industry. Our primary concern is customer safety and not jeopardizing people and their pets.
How you got started in your business: I had been job-hopping in my early 20s and applied for an “entry-level” position with a national pest company. I knew after the first week that it was an industry for me and have been doing it since then.
Personal/business philosophy: When you understand that your customers have a need and call on you to help them, make every effort to solve their problem. Take the time to explain what you are doing so they are in agreement. Educate your customers.
Most rewarding part of job: When a customer thanks me for helping them. I get hugs from my customers. How awesome is that?
Most challenging part of job: Not being able to solve a problem on the first visit. The business name ends with “Solutions” and there is always a solution; it just takes time to solve some problems. I prefer instant results. And green services? There’s no such thing that’s effective. I carry safety data sheets on products and educate the customers on industry standards and proper guidelines.
Toughest bug: Odorous ants (“sugar ants.”) They have colonies in the millions which can stretch miles long. There’s no silver bullet.
One thing you’d like people to know about your work: The years of dedication and training it takes to become an expert in the industry. Also, the A & R in my business name are my grandchildren’s initials!
Your favorite travel destination: My wife and I love going to California and exploring wineries. There are so many small ones that have amazing wine.
Best feature of my Clark County community: We are a large town with a small-town heart.
What would make your community a better place: An In-N-Out Burger!
Favorite restaurant/pub/coffee shop/store: I love Don Taco, Loowit Brewery, Dutch Bros. and Chuck’s Produce.
Hobbies: I enjoy golfing and riding my 2003 Harley FXDL.
Most enjoyable book/play/movie/arts event in past 12 months: I took my grandkids to see “Big Hero 6” and was so surprised at what a great movie it is. I even went back and saw it again.
Something you’d like to do this year/within five years: Grow my business enough to hire more people and share this wonderful industry with the next generation.
One word to describe yourself: Motivated.
Person you’d most like to meet: I wish I could have met Ronald Reagan.
Working in Clark County, a brief profile of interesting Clark County business owners or a worker in the public, private, or nonprofit sector. Send ideas to Kay Richardson:
kay.richardson@columbian.com; fax 360-735-4598; phone 360-735-4550.
