Jeff Zalinski is a respected entrepreneur and owner of PestNow of Central Virginia, a pest control company that has become a household name in the Greater Richmond area.

 

Seven years ago, Jeff opened the first franchise branch of PestNow in the region, and since then, he has been providing exceptional pest control services to businesses and residents alike. Through his leadership and commitment to excellence, Jeff has grown his franchise business to become a reliable provider of pest control services in the community. His passion for customer service and attention to detail have earned him a reputation as a trusted service provider in the industry.

 

From Military Officer to Entrepreneur

Jeff is a man who has dedicated his life to serving his country and his community. Following his military service as an infantry officer, Jeff began a new career in the pest control industry, now more than 20 years ago, with PestNow in the D.C. metro area.

 

People don't usually wake up one day and decide they want to work in the pest control industry, Jeff points out. But for him, although he was single when he started with PestNow, it proved to be a great opportunity to support his family.

 

"I soon realized that this was an industry that was not affected by economic downturns or global events because there will always be a demand for pest control services,” Jeff explains.

 

Due to Jeff's excellent work in the company, he was quickly promoted to management. Then, about seven years ago, Jeff informed the owners of PestNow about his intention to relocate. The owners saw this as an opportunity to expand their business and proposed that Jeff establish the first franchise of PestNow serving the greater Richmond area.

 

Serving the Greater Richmond Area with Excellence

Jeff has a sign in his office that reads, "Do what you say you're going to do, and be where you say you are going to be." This motto has been a guiding principle for Jeff since his days in the military academy, where his tack TAC officer instilled the saying in him. Jeff believes that the message reflects his commitment to providing prompt and dependable service to his customers.

 

Interestingly, Jeff's childhood experiences doing odd jobs such as painting houses and building decks in his small hometown in Pennsylvania have also contributed to his strong work ethic. He remembers people teasing him by saying they would call his mother — who is Italian — if he didn't do a good job. Today, Jeff's mother works with him on the administrative side of the business, adding a touch of irony to the story.

 

Jeff places great value on connecting with his clients and being present in the community. He emphasizes that in Richmond, the community holds great importance, and people anticipate being greeted and engaged with genuine interest. For him, customer service is a top priority, and he believes it makes a significant impact in the city.

 

Being accountable and taking ownership of any mistakes is also essential for Jeff, as he takes great pride not only in his business but also in his community. Jeff understands the effort his team puts in daily and is thrilled when their hard work is recognized by friends, family, and residents alike. It's rewarding for him to see the impact of the team's dedication to serving the community with excellence.

 

Jeff and his business partners share a common bond as veterans, and they have become an important resource for other former service members in the area. Jeff notes they are very involved in Richmond's Tech for Troops initiative, which provides veterans with laptops and training to help them navigate the digital world.

 

Jeff takes pride in being a part of Richmond's close-knit community, where word of mouth plays a significant role in business. He believes that taking a personable approach to business is vital in this environment, and he exemplifies this by regularly participating in local activities. From playing poker on Friday nights to being actively involved in NGOs, Jeff and his family believe in giving back to the community that supports their business.

 

As the face of PestNow in Richmond, Jeff is also actively involved in various business activities, including seminars and networking events. He attaches great importance to building relationships with his clients and wants them to know that they can count on PestNow as a reliable resource for their needs.

 

Jeff believes that leading by example inspires others, and he sets a high standard for his team to follow. Jeff derives enormous personal satisfaction from giving back and is driven by the fact that the more successful his company is, the more of an impact he can have on the region. For Jeff, being involved and maintaining strong relationships with clients is not just a business strategy, but a way of life.