Get to Know Amanda Forrestall
Amanda Forrestall
President
Pest-End, Inc.
Plaistow/NH/USA
How did you get started in the industry?
I got started in the pest industry at a very young age. When I was just 3 years old, my parents purchased Pest-End, and that’s when my journey in this industry began.
Did you have any mentors along the way? Who, and how did they impact your career path?
I’ve been fortunate to have several mentors who significantly influenced my career path. Initially, my mom and aunt played pivotal roles as mentors when I first began working in the office. Their guidance, expertise and insights into the inner workings of the business were invaluable in shaping my understanding of the industry.
As I grew older, I discovered mentorship in friends who were committed to community service. Their dedication and leadership qualities served as a source of inspiration, guiding me not only in my professional pursuits but also in understanding the importance of giving back to the community. Moreover, my involvement with NPMA has been instrumental in expanding my network of mentors and colleagues. Through NPMA, I’ve had the privilege of connecting with experienced professionals who have generously offered their guidance and expertise. Building these relationships has provided me with a reliable support system and a wealth of professional advice.
What’s the biggest learning experience you’ve had?
A standout pivotal moment was navigating the challenges of running a business during the pandemic. This period drastically elevated the expectations regarding adapting swiftly and mastering new protocols and policies. It emphasized the critical need to rapidly acquire and implement new skills and strategies to ensure the business’s survival and success amidst unprecedented circumstances.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Cherishing small victories as they pave the way for greater achievements. This underscores the significance of acknowledging the incremental steps toward our goals, reminding us that they collectively form the foundation for success.
What life skill do you wish you had cultivated or were better at?
Effective communication and patience.
What are you most excited about these days?
Watching my team succeed and exceed the goals they set truly excites me professionally. Personally, watching my kids discover their passions in sports and activities gets me excited.
What’s the best compliment you’ve ever received?
The most meaningful compliment is when someone acknowledges me as a good mom. I am blessed to have three children, Aubrey (8), Dylan (6), and Easton (4). They remind me to laugh, and seeing the world through their eyes is pure magic.
Describe yourself in three words?
Organized, kind and relatable.
What would your superpower be?
Definitely to be able to teleport.
What was one of the best parties you’ve ever been to?
It was undeniably my 40th birthday celebration—it was a remarkable gathering where I found myself surrounded by a diverse mix of friends and family, each representing a significant part of my life over the past four decades.
What is your guiltiest pleasure?
Air popped popcorn, a glass of wine and a Hallmark movie.
If you could learn to do anything, what would it be?
To fly a plane.
What’s one thing you had to learn the hard way?
The importance of expecting the unexpected. As someone with a Type A personality who thrives on planning and structure, I’ve faced situations where unforeseen events disrupted my meticulously laid-out plans.
Describe your perfect day.
Waking up to the sounds of the ocean, surrounded by my family. We would spend the day outside enjoying each other’s company. As the day ended, we would watch the sunset.
What is the weirdest way you’ve been injured?
I broke my arm falling over the handlebars of a bike.
What’s your pet peeve?
Disorganization drives me crazy!
Which words or phrases do you most overuse?
I say “apparently” way too much.
What entertainment are you bingeing right now?
Books! I am always reading something, from professional development to suspenseful novels to autobiographies.
Where was the best vacation you’ve ever taken?
My trip to Ireland and London. My husband, Brian, proposed while we were in London, and it was perfect.
And finally, what do you want to be when you grow up?
I’m not sure yet, but I am having a great time still trying to figure it out.
