Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Adam Carace, Co-Owner and CEO of Pest-End, located in Plaistow, NH, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

Pest-End is a full-service pest control and wildlife company. We service all commercial and residential customers in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, & Rhode Island.

Tell us about yourself

I am a second-generation owner of Pest-End. I started in the business when I was about 3 with a magnifying glass and ants. Seriously though, I have worked at Pest-End in about every capacity starting in high school. I am motivated by trying to provide the best service possible to my customers. I believe customer service has taken a big hit over the past couple of years in our world, but Pest-End strives to provide excellent customer service any chance we get. I also believe working well with all of our team members helps keep me motivated each day.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

The first year that the business was purchased from my parents by my sister, my wife, and myself, we debuted on the Inc. 5000 and the PCT Top 100, which is the list of the 100 highest revenue-grossing companies in the country.

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

The work/life balance. As a business owner, work never really stops. You have flexibility with your hours every day, but you are also always working. With two young kids, you always have to pay attention to ensure that you are giving everyone the proper amount of time that is needed. This was very hard as my kids started to get a little older, and I could not give most of my attention to my business any longer. With my wife and I both owning the business, we need to work together to make sure we are available for our kids and their activities.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

  1. Do your research. Make sure you are in an area that needs the business you are trying to start. Make sure you are fully aware of what you need in terms of skills and monetarily to ensure that you can make it at least 3-6 months without any income. Also, check with the town/s that you are trying to work in to make sure there are no regulations that will hold you back.
  2. Do not be prideful. Ask for help whenever you are unsure. Make friends with other local businesses or join a local Chamber of Commerce to meet similar people.
  3. Be open and honest. If you have employees, customers, vendors, or any other contacts that are involved in your business, always be open and honest with them. Even if what you are telling them is not the best, it is better to let them know as soon as you can.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Owning a business is not easy. Just because you are good at your job right now does not mean you can run a business based on that job. There are a lot of commitments, both financially and with your time, that you may not understand that come with owning a business. Also, nothing is ever perfect. Take joy in the wins and learn from the losses.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.pestendinc.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pestendinc
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pest_end_inc/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pest-end-inc/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

Turn your craft into recurring revenue with Subkit. Start your subscription offering in minutes and supercharge it with growth levers. Get early access here.