What's the Buzz: Get to Know Justin Kendall, ACE
Justin Kendall, ACE
Franchise Owner
Pestmaster
Richmond, VA
How did you get started in the industry?
I got roped into doing door-to-door pest control sales in February 2005.
What’s the most unusual item in your office?
Currently, a roll of toilet paper. (I had a runny nose.)
Did you have any mentors along the way? Who are they, and how did they impact your career path?
I have had so many people that I have learned things from over the years, but to name just a few: Aaron Seever at Bulwark Exterminating taught me more than how to crush it on the doors—he taught me life lessons and business lessons. Without him, I probably wouldn’t have come back to the industry after several years in the military and as a government contractor. Scott Steckel at Plunkett’s had a huge impact on me as he introduced me to and got me involved in the pest management associations. Jack Neuhaus at Massey Services has been a longtime friend and guide in the space as well. Lance Tullius helped me get into mergers and acquisitions advisory, where I eventually started my own practice and provide sell-side advisory.
What’s the biggest learning experience you’ve had?
Buying into a franchise. There were a lot of things that I had to learn the hard way.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
Another mentor, Brian Heywood, once told me this: “Keep a journal of all the life lessons and business lessons learned and reflect on it at least annually.” If I had done this, I probably wouldn’t have to keep relearning the same lessons.
What’s the worst advice you’ve ever received?
If it’s 100% natural, it’s 100% safe.
What life skill do you wish you were better at?
I am currently working on improving my emotional intelligence.
What’s the best compliment you’ve ever received?
From family, that I’m “an amazing husband and father,” but professionally, it was very rewarding to hear that working with me to sell the pest control company was the best business decision they ever made.
Describe yourself in three words.
Protector, traveler, entrepreneur.
What keeps you awake at night?
Business ideas. If you’re an entrepreneur, too, you know what I mean.
What is the most important lesson life has taught you?
Time is your most valuable resource. Spend it where it counts.
What was one of the best parties you’ve ever been to?
Tony Robbins’ birthday party. I got to hang out with lots of celebrities. It was the opposite of a P. Diddy party. We actually raised $18 million to stop child trafficking.
If you could learn to do anything, what would it be?
Speak every language fluently.
What’s one thing you had to learn the hard way?
Prioritize authenticity over approval. Once you stop living for others’ validation, life becomes lighter, freer, and more fulfilling. You can never please everyone anyway.
Which words or phrases do you most overuse?
My kids have got me saying, “Bruh.”
What’s a book that has stuck with you?
Besides the Bible? Atomic Habits by James Clear.
Finally, what do you want to be when you grow up?
If I told you, I’d have to kill you.
