General Exterminating Co. Enhanced By SCORE Advice, Donna Reese
Donna is active in business and community affairs. She currently chairs a fundraiser for Erie Homes for Children and Adults. Recently named Global Erie person of the year, she also works at the Erie City Mission. She is a vocal support of SCORE encouraging other owners to utilize the free, confidential service.
Donna accepted advice from Larry and others to sell her ownership in another unrelated company and concentrate on enhancing and branding the core pest control business. When she had trepidations about undertaking some market initiatives, Larry introduced her to SCORE counselor Tony Ciampa. Based upon his experience, he outlined tactics that gave Donna great confidence which ultimately enhanced the business. Competition in the pest control business has become formidable.
Donna Reese, owner of General Exterminating Co. became aware of SCORE in a circuitous fashion. As a woman small business owner, she was accepted into the Athena Power Link program thereby able to take advantage of an experienced advisory team. One of the advisors was SCORE counselor Larry Brown. Involved in ownership of the 87-year old company for 20 years, Donna accepted advice from Larry and others to sell her ownership in another unrelated company and concentrate on enhancing and branding the core pest control business. When she had trepidations about undertaking some market initiatives, Larry introduced her to SCORE counselor Tony Ciampa. Based upon his experience, he outlined tactics that gave Donna great confidence which ultimately enhanced the business. Competition in the pest control business has become formidable. Donna estimates that 20 years ago, there were 4 Erie firms involved - now there are more that 20. She has met this challenge by expanding her business to offer options other than the traditional services, providing do-it-yourself products though on-line shopping and a diagnostic service. In a downward economy, the firm has been able to maintain stable employment. Donna has established herself as a media "go to" person for expert comments such as advice on dealing with a local bed bug outbreak. Beyond her business,