Featured Speakers
Chris Ross
Chris Ross is a successful head football coach and athletic director with a reputation for building highly competitive teams and developing leaders. His varied experiences as a leader in high school, collegiate coaching, and administration has shaped his powerful message on the importance of building a community one interaction at a time. As a keynote speaker, Chris gives his widespread audience a unique insight into how he has grown and developed high functioning teams within a results oriented culture.
- Chris is recognized as one of the top leaders in his profession and a top speaker throughout the country.
- He is a leader in brand transformation and defining and building a results oriented culture.
- Chris has consulted with community leaders, educational institutions, and corporate leaders to help them maximize their potential within their profession and community.
Dr. Ray Perryman
Dr. Ray Perryman is President and CEO of The Perryman Group, an economic research and analysis firm based in Waco, Texas.
He holds a BS in Mathematics from Baylor University and a PhD in Economics from Rice University. He always felt that the BS would have been somehow more appropriate for Economics. He took his first economics course on a coin flip between economics and psychology. If it had gone the other way, there might be some really messed up people in the world. In addition to his earned degrees, Dr. Perryman has received an honorary doctorate from the International Institute for Advanced Studies. After that one, he told his kids they had to start calling him “Doctor Doctor.” They preferred dork, dweeb, nerd, geek, and loser (on a good day).
Dr. Perryman has held numerous academic positions in his career, including ten years as Herman Brown Professor of Economics and five years as University Professor and Economist-in-Residence at Baylor University, as well as five years as Business Economist-in-Residence at Southern Methodist University. He has authored several books and more than 400 academic papers, and has served as President of both the Southwestern Economic Association and the Southwestern Society of Economists. His current academic roles include Senior Research Fellow of the IC2 Institute of the University of Texas and Institute Distinguished Professor of Economic Theory and Method at the International Institute for Advanced Studies.
Dr. Perryman has been called a “genius” by The Wall Street Journal, a “world class scholar” by Business Week, the “unofficial state economist” by The New York Times, “the most quoted man in Texas” by Texas Monthly, “the conscience of Texas” by NPR, and, his personal favorite, “the state’s premiere barbecue connoisseur” by The Dallas Morning News. What his wife calls him can’t be repeated in mixed company.
Bill Hoffman
Bill started in the Pest Control Industry in 1980 after graduating High School as a “summer helper” for a Regional Family-Owned Pest Control Business after years of pumping gas and working on local pig farms in South Jersey.
After 10 years, Bill decided to see what else was out there, and formed his own family business - Hoffman’s Exterminating in 1990, with his own vision, determination, and desire to be the best. Like all small family-owned business, you have to wear all the hats, and find good people, but finding and retaining great team members became our niche, and why we were able to continue to grow over the last 33 years.
Today, Hoffman’s has sales that exceed $13,000,000 with 6 locations serving 5 States and 100 staff members and is listed in the Top 100 Pest Control Firms in the country, winning many awards for excellence, as well as Community Engagement at Pestworld in 2022.
His vision has always been to be the BEST (not biggest) in the industry, while insisting on a family valued environment, keeping both customers and employees for life, by providing “Quality Service with Personalized Care” and giving back until it hurts.
Currently William serves on many boards, to continue giving back to the community where we serve, but also to learn from other leaders.
Such boards, like the Executive Board of the Gloucester County Chamber of Commerce, the Regional Director and Past President of the New Jersey Pest Management Association, Board of Directors for the New Jersey Food Processing Association, Commercial Committee for the National Pest Management Association, Board of Directors for the Tri-State Canine Response Team, and Board of Directors for the Ronald McDonald house, in Camden NJ.
Our niche is our dedication to our People, Customers and Community.
Dr. Bobby Corrigan
Dr. Corrigan has been active in urban pest management for over 30 years. He serves a consultant who specializes in urban rodent pest management on a national and international scale and also as a rodent control consultant for several cities around the USA. Dr. Corrigan has published over 160 technical articles in pest control and has authored or co-authored four textbooks and several book chapters. He has lectured in 46 states and 12 countries around the world. He has appeared in Time Magazine, The New York Times, National Geographic, The CBS Sunday Morning Show, The New Yorker Magazine, and multiple international radio shows and on-line magazines. In the autumn of 2016, he will be appearing in the Morgan Spurlock (Director/Star of Super Size Me) Documentary: Rats!! In 2005, Dr. Corrigan was awarded the EPA’s IPM Award for his novel approaches to pest control and food safety, and in 2011 he received The City of New York’s Distinguished Service Award for innovative research addressing the control of rats in New York City. Dr. Corrigan was inducted into the Pest Management Hall of Fame in 2008. Dr. Corrigan ran a pest control route in NYC for three years to save money for his college education. He holds an A.A.S degree in pest control (State University of New York); a B.S (Urban and Industrial Pest Control) from Purdue University, and his Masters and Ph.D. degrees in rodent control also from Purdue.
Business Academy
Chris Psencik - McFarlin Stanford
Tracy Wallingford - McFarlin Stanford
Chris Psencik - McFarlin Stanford
Chris leads the Landscape and Construction Management Coaching Practice with emphasis on Sales Execution. Chris has twenty years of Professional Green Industry experience, driving business development efforts for large firms and has been consistently awarded accolades for his achievements within those organizations. He has the credibility
Chris leads the Landscape and Construction Management Coaching Practice with emphasis on Sales Execution. Chris has twenty years of Professional Green Industry experience, driving business development efforts for large firms and has been consistently awarded accolades for his achievements within those organizations. He has the credibility and confidence to highlight where companies need to improve their sales and customer relationship management activities. Chris provides coaching and feedback on existing sales strategies and focuses efforts on refining sales process in order to drive desired revenue targets. Chris believes that consummate sales professionals are the face of an organization that must take ownership for doing whatever it takes to drive a brand – No Excuses!
Liz Helton - McFarlin Stanford
Tracy Wallingford - McFarlin Stanford
Chris Psencik - McFarlin Stanford
With over twenty years of experience in financial services, plus four years running her own residential construction business, Liz Helton leads our Bookkeeping & Financial Solutions Practice. Liz focuses on processes to streamline and automate the financial mechanisms of Green Industry clients. She believes that sound business decisions c
With over twenty years of experience in financial services, plus four years running her own residential construction business, Liz Helton leads our Bookkeeping & Financial Solutions Practice. Liz focuses on processes to streamline and automate the financial mechanisms of Green Industry clients. She believes that sound business decisions cannot be made without accurate and timely financial statements, so she focuses on the numbers while allowing our clients to spend more time doing what they do best. Liz’s goal is to save our clients both time and money, and she loves to watch their businesses grow as a result of incremental financial successes. She holds our clients accountable for training their team members and adhering to best practices.
Liz earned a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Duke University and a Masters in Accounting from Rice University. She is a Certified Public Accountant.
David Garza - McFarlin Stanford
Tracy Wallingford - McFarlin Stanford
Tracy Wallingford - McFarlin Stanford
With over 25 years of HR executive experience, a bachelor’s degree in Engineering with a Field of Study in Organizational Behavior and Leadership, and a master’s degree in Management, David brings a depth of expertise to McFarlin Stanford clients. As a U.S. Army officer, he was an advocate for helping organizations achieve success through
With over 25 years of HR executive experience, a bachelor’s degree in Engineering with a Field of Study in Organizational Behavior and Leadership, and a master’s degree in Management, David brings a depth of expertise to McFarlin Stanford clients. As a U.S. Army officer, he was an advocate for helping organizations achieve success through their people. As an Executive Coach for McFarlin Stanford, he helps clients gain the alignment, engagement, resilience, and optimization of their teams to achieve their business vision, purpose, and strategy. Guiding clients through the transactional and transformational aspects of human resources and employment-related matters, David helps clients balance risk and achievement with their people and talent.
Tracy Wallingford - McFarlin Stanford
Tracy Wallingford - McFarlin Stanford
Tracy Wallingford - McFarlin Stanford
With over 20 years of corporate and start-up leadership experience and a master’s degree in Executive Coaching and Organizational Behavior, Tracy brings a unique perspective to McFarlin Stanford clients. From her early days in advertising to executive roles in marketing, she has been an evangelist for testing, measuring, learning, and app
With over 20 years of corporate and start-up leadership experience and a master’s degree in Executive Coaching and Organizational Behavior, Tracy brings a unique perspective to McFarlin Stanford clients. From her early days in advertising to executive roles in marketing, she has been an evangelist for testing, measuring, learning, and applying the results to increase short terms gains and long-term value. Her engagements as an Executive Coach for McFarlin Stanford are similarly goal-oriented, helping clients tap into the actions, attitudes and authenticity of their teams to see new possibilities for their individual and company success. Giving clients both the “tough love” of a head coach and the encouragement and positive reinforcement of a head cheerleader, Tracy focuses on asking the right questions and creating a safe place where clients can unlock the answers within themselves and discover the ways that they can achieve – and exceed – their goals.
Cassie Krejci - Rentokil Intial
Cassie Krejci - Rentokil Intial
Cassie Krejci - Rentokil Intial
Dr. Cassie Krejci is the Head of Science & Innovation, North America at Rentokil Initial, where she works with a team of specialized scientists to drive the development of new technology for Rentokil teams around the world. Cassie received her Ph.D. in entomology from Texas A&M University, a Master of Science degree in Agriculture from T
Dr. Cassie Krejci is the Head of Science & Innovation, North America at Rentokil Initial, where she works with a team of specialized scientists to drive the development of new technology for Rentokil teams around the world. Cassie received her Ph.D. in entomology from Texas A&M University, a Master of Science degree in Agriculture from Tarleton State University, an Executive Leadership Certificate from the Carlson School of Management at the University of Minnesota and is a Preventative Controls Qualified Individual by the FSPCA. Cassie is a board-certified entomologist, and her specialties include integrated pest management, vector control, and insecticide formulations. Additionally, Cassie serves as the President of Pi Chi Omega, the international fraternity for pest control professionals. Cassie lives in Texas and loves teaching others the science of pest management, both live and on social media as @CassieTheBugDoc.
Seth Garber
Cassie Krejci - Rentokil Intial
Cassie Krejci - Rentokil Intial
Seth Garber has been an active member of the pest control community since 2008. A
former owner/operator himself, Garber is now considered to be one of the top consultant in the industry and has developed unique, innovative methodologies to help pest control companies grow strategically and intentionally. With expertise in sales, marketing,
Seth Garber has been an active member of the pest control community since 2008. A
former owner/operator himself, Garber is now considered to be one of the top consultant in the industry and has developed unique, innovative methodologies to help pest control companies grow strategically and intentionally. With expertise in sales, marketing, service operations and accounting, Garber has been featured in multiple publications, is a frequent
speaker at industry events and has received numerous awards for sales, service and
leadership.
Pest Academy
Cassie Krejci - Rentokil Initial
Bill Hoffman - Hoffman's Exterminating
Cassie Krejci - Rentokil Initial
Dr. Cassie Krejci is the Head of Science & Innovation, North America at Rentokil Initial, where she works with a team of specialized scientists to drive the development of new technology for Rentokil teams around the world. Cassie received her Ph.D. in entomology from Texas A&M University, a Master of Science degree in Agriculture from T
Dr. Cassie Krejci is the Head of Science & Innovation, North America at Rentokil Initial, where she works with a team of specialized scientists to drive the development of new technology for Rentokil teams around the world. Cassie received her Ph.D. in entomology from Texas A&M University, a Master of Science degree in Agriculture from Tarleton State University, an Executive Leadership Certificate from the Carlson School of Management at the University of Minnesota and is a Preventative Controls Qualified Individual by the FSPCA. Cassie is a board-certified entomologist, and her specialties include integrated pest management, vector control, and insecticide formulations. Additionally, Cassie serves as the President of Pi Chi Omega, the international fraternity for pest control professionals. Cassie lives in Texas and loves teaching others the science of pest management, both live and on social media as @CassieTheBugDoc.
Ryan Neff - MGK
Bill Hoffman - Hoffman's Exterminating
Cassie Krejci - Rentokil Initial
Ryan Neff is the west coast technical field specialist at MGK. He holds an M.S. in Entomology from Texas A&M University and a Ph.D. In Entomology from the University of California, Riverside. After graduate school Ryan went on to work with a large pest control company in Lodi, California, where he developed training programs for technicia
Ryan Neff is the west coast technical field specialist at MGK. He holds an M.S. in Entomology from Texas A&M University and a Ph.D. In Entomology from the University of California, Riverside. After graduate school Ryan went on to work with a large pest control company in Lodi, California, where he developed training programs for technicians and helped troubleshoot issues with commercial food processing accounts across the state. Ryan has been with MGK since April 2019 and resides in Livermore, California. Ryan provides support to those in the residential, commercial, and agricultural industries through technical advice, insect management protocols, and field-based research.
Bill Hoffman - Hoffman's Exterminating
Bill Hoffman - Hoffman's Exterminating
Bill Hoffman - Hoffman's Exterminating
Bill started in the Pest Control Industry in 1980 after graduating High School as a “summer helper” for a Regional Family-Owned Pest Control Business after years of pumping gas and working on local pig farms in South Jersey.
After 10 years, Bill decided to see what else was out there, and formed his own family business - Hoffman’s Exterm
Bill started in the Pest Control Industry in 1980 after graduating High School as a “summer helper” for a Regional Family-Owned Pest Control Business after years of pumping gas and working on local pig farms in South Jersey.
After 10 years, Bill decided to see what else was out there, and formed his own family business - Hoffman’s Exterminating in 1990, with his own vision, determination, and desire to be the best. Like all small family-owned business, you have to wear all the hats, and find good people, but finding and retaining great team members became our niche, and why we were able to continue to grow over the last 33 years.
J.B. Howell - MGK
Bill Hoffman - Hoffman's Exterminating
Bill Hoffman - Hoffman's Exterminating
J.B. Howell is a Technical Field Specialist for MGK Insect Control Solutions. He received his B.S. in Entomology from Texas A&M University. Prior to working at MGK, J.B. was the staff Entomologist at the Houston Museum of Natural Science. He then spent time overseas as a civilian contractor Vector Control Specialist for the United States
J.B. Howell is a Technical Field Specialist for MGK Insect Control Solutions. He received his B.S. in Entomology from Texas A&M University. Prior to working at MGK, J.B. was the staff Entomologist at the Houston Museum of Natural Science. He then spent time overseas as a civilian contractor Vector Control Specialist for the United States Military. He returned to work as Technical Director for Holder’s Pest Control in Houston. J.B. began work with MGK in April of 2009 as the South Central Territory Manager. In 2016 moved to MGK’s Technical Team where he currently works on internal projects, training, field testing and customer support.
Jackie Thornton - Alvin Pest Control
Heather Patterson - Control Solutions
Heather Patterson - Control Solutions
Jackie Thornton is a second generation Pest Control professional that resides in the Houston/Galveston region.
EXPERIENCEOriginally licensed in pest control in 1980
Texas Certified Applicator since 1982 in Pest and Termite categories
Became an Associate Certified Entomologist in 2012 through the Entomological Association of America AWARDS
Jackie Thornton is a second generation Pest Control professional that resides in the Houston/Galveston region.
EXPERIENCEOriginally licensed in pest control in 1980
Texas Certified Applicator since 1982 in Pest and Termite categories
Became an Associate Certified Entomologist in 2012 through the Entomological Association of America AWARDS AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTSServed as President of the Greater Houston Pest Control Association in 2004 & 2012
Current Secretary on the Texas Pest Control Association
Speaker for the National Wildlife Control Association Expo in 2021 & 2022
Served on the NPMA Technical & Technology Committee
Heather Patterson - Control Solutions
Heather Patterson - Control Solutions
Heather Patterson - Control Solutions
Patterson brings a unique background and pest management experience earned while working 10+ years on her family-owned golf course and cow-calf operation in Florida. These experiences lead Patterson to the University of Florida where she received her Bachelors & Masters degrees in Entomology with a specialization in Urban Pest Management.
Patterson brings a unique background and pest management experience earned while working 10+ years on her family-owned golf course and cow-calf operation in Florida. These experiences lead Patterson to the University of Florida where she received her Bachelors & Masters degrees in Entomology with a specialization in Urban Pest Management. During her time as a student, she conducted research on critical pests of our industry, including bed bugs, cockroaches, and mosquitoes.
