Robiar Smith Interviewed by Olivia Friedman, Forbes Business Council Member and Host of Great and Relentless Few TV Show - "Who Robiar Smith? She's not buggin' around."

Speaker A: Welcome to the Great and Relentless Few podcast. Former United States Navy hospital corpsman.

Speaker B: Just haven't been able to see a lot of normal again yet.

Speaker A: As featured on abc, NBC, cbs, Telemundo, and the Fox News Channel. And now your host.

Speaker B: There you go. Speaking of football, we have Michael Montgomery, former Green Bay Packer.

Speaker C: Yes, ma'.

Speaker B: Am. How excited are you to be here? Oh, I'm excited.

Speaker A: You, how are you?

Speaker B: How are you today?

Speaker A: Hi, how are you?

Speaker B: Fine, how are you?

Speaker A: I'm good, thank you. Have a good one and stay safe.

Speaker D: Impacting lives, legacies, making dreams come true. Hello world, and welcome to the Great and Relentless Few podcast. The Great and Relentless Few is a podcast showcasing successful up and coming superstars from all m walks of life that made it against extreme odds, or as some may say, everyone else left them for dead. Tune in and learn more about those that made the cut and earn the

Speaker A: title of Great and Relentless Few.

Speaker B: Yeah, okay. I like that. It was so natural and it's, it's, you know, like a. A day in the life, you know, at your business. I like.

Speaker A: I am always working.

Speaker B: Yeah, yeah.

Speaker A: I love. I want to tell my story, especially in pest control. I feel like I want to give it a facelift if, you know, I feel like it's not in there and black women is not represented. And it's really an amazing trade, but we're just not represented in it. So I just want to like, shout to the mountaintop, like, look, I have my own products. I'm working with the chemist now to come.

Speaker B: Okay, so that's what I was trying to get a better idea.

Speaker D: And uh, now a word from our sponsor.

Speaker B: If you would like to be a guest on the Great and Relentless View show, of course it's by invite only, but if you have someone that has referred you or you want to use us as your referral, just tell us you heard our commercial and we'll proceed from there. So go ahead and shoot us an email at info at Institute of, um, Higher Global Studies or shows that's s h o w s royalpressoffice.com. This segment has been sponsored by transcity Cab of, uh, Huntsville, Madison, Decatur and Athens, Alabama. Thank you so much for your sponsorship, Transcity Cab.

Speaker A: I feel the same way. It is.

Speaker B: It's a lot going on and you know, you're fine. We, um. Go ahead.

Speaker A: No, I completely understand where you're coming from with just right now. It's so much happening personally and professionally.

Speaker B: Mhm.

Speaker A: That it's just. You almost have to say, okay, God, you know, I don't quite get what's

Speaker B: going on right now.

Speaker A: I'm gonna TR that this is for the greater good, but it is, it's

Speaker B: a lot going on.

Speaker A: So same here.

Speaker B: Yeah, I kind of figured that. Yep.

Speaker A: I just keep putting good out, keep manifesting positive.

Speaker B: Yes. That energy. Yeah, it makes a difference. Um, um, you know, just the scope of everything that you're doing. So I'm gonna put some of your information up here.

Speaker A: This is my daughter just waiting.

Speaker B: My name is Michael Montgomery, former NFL player for the Green Bay Packers. I am a current actor and professional

Speaker E: speaker,

Speaker A: But that's the way that I go live. What about Facebook?

Speaker C: We're going to be talking about your new book, Broken.

Speaker B: Hello everyone, and welcome to another episode of the Great and Relentless Few. We have a very special guest today, Robbie Yar. Rabi Yar. Okay, Robbie Yar. All right, awesome. And what we want to do is talk with Robby, uh, a little bit about her pest control company. I just think this is really awesome that it is a woman. Uh, yes, a woman that owns this company. So tell me the name of your company and how you came up with the name and what inspired you to business in general.

Speaker A: So the name of the company is RB Pest Solutions. And why pest control is. Because it's been near and dear to my heart, um, my entire life. My dad, he's been an exterminator. So he taught me to go to school, get education, be a productive member of society. So that's exactly what I did. I went and got every degree that I can think of, uh, that I could financially loan wise, um, take on. And from there I was in the IT field teaching, uh, IT courses, entrepreneur business courses, professional development, just helping people build their business. And while I was teaching a course, I had out of body experience. I'm like, I know these things inside and out. I'm equipped to run my own organization. And so I stepped out on faith and printed up some business cards and continued to take the pest control exam until I passed it over 3, 4 year time span. And the business, uh, started back in 2016.

Speaker B: And so what inspired you to go into business? Um, there's a lot of other things that I'm sure you could have done. I mean, you are, you know, look very sharp and very highly articulate. Uh, even your literature that you send is just really, you know, it's awesome. And then, you know, I'm m also from Chicago. Chicago, uh, native born and raised in the south side of Chicago. So you were introduced to pest Control at a young age by your dad. Um, you never thought in your wildest dreams you would be starting your own pest control company to honor your parents legacy. I'm really huge on legacy. Um, this is definitely trailblazing, uh, in the industry. And so tell me a little bit more about that experience with your dad, um, and how maybe at what stage in your life where you knew you wanted to take this on and continue the family legacy.

Speaker A: So it's funny because, you know, the thing about obtaining education and work experience is that I set off to climb the corporate ladder, and that's what I was in the midst of doing, is taking all my organizational skills, my education background, along with what I learned from home. And I was in the IT field. And something just told me that it's all about legacy. My dad didn't have any sons. It's just me and my sister. So I can't carry on his name as someone else's, uh, corporation, but I can trailblaze one for myself. So that way my children's children's children can be able to understand the hard work and dedication that was instilled in me through him. And so I just felt like, okay, I went off and got all the education, but I felt like I returned back home to my grassroots and was able to pick up a trade that was always in the house, and I was able to merge both the worlds together. And so I feel at home. I'm so excited because I'm able. I feel like I'm on the shoulders of, uh, my dad, and he's just. He's still here. He still helped me train my technicians that come in. But I feel like I'm doing the universe work with what I'm doing now, opposed to in corporate, you know, good job. But this is legacy work.

Speaker B: All right. That's awesome. I like that. What is it like being, uh, a woman in the pest control business? Have you received any pushback or.

Speaker A: I do, I do. I'll show up to some appointments, and they'll say, okay, great. Um, are we expecting someone else? And I'm like, no, I'm here to get rid of your bed bugs. I'm here to get rid of the roaches. Let's walk through the inspection. And they almost just is in odd that it's me opposed to someone else showing up and then also taking on the government contracts and city contracts. Many of the big conglomerates, corporations are, uh, kind of hesitant a little bit because they're wondering, can I m. Take on the work? And so I'm getting it from both sides. So I feel like I'm constantly having to prove that I should have a seat at this table here. But I enjoy what I'm doing. So it doesn't feel like work, if any. I'm gonna, you know, give the pest control industry a facelift. Cause I'm here.

Speaker B: So, um, you have a Bachelor of science. Um, you could have done so many different things, you know. And so with being a woman in the industry, you said that you.

Speaker A: I have three children. One is at Loyola. Four. I'm excited about her.

Speaker B: Awesome.

Speaker A: She's majoring in medicine. And then I have two seniors that, uh.

Speaker B: Yeah.

Speaker A: That are here.

Speaker E: Yes.

Speaker B: That sounds like a beautiful family. So any of the kids aspiring to follow mom and mom's legacy now I

Speaker A: think they're doing the same thing that I did, which is let me go off into the world and see what the world has for me and I'll return back. I'm interested to see who's going to take on the pest control torch. But um, you know, so my fingers are crossed. But I'm trying to set it up where it's more situation. So if they don't want to take on pest control, they can still have a stake in it.

Speaker B: That's exactly what I want for your video. I want to see your business running. I like normal business operations. I wish.

Speaker A: I do have customers here.

Speaker B: That's great. That means business is happening. That's what we want to see. So I see Price Waterhouse, Chicago Public Schools and Chicago Police Department.

Speaker A: I'm sorry, say that one more time. I apologize.

Speaker B: Tell me about those projects. Yeah. Was that really difficult to obtain?

Speaker A: Yeah, so it was more so about the.

Speaker E: When I was.

Speaker A: I'm a business consultant and a technical writer for the Chicago.

Speaker B: Oh, okay. That's still it, right?

Speaker A: Yeah, that's still it. Related. Yes. But right now I am the subcontractor for the city for General Pest control and Gamba. So I'm excited about partnering with.

Speaker B: Awesome. Okay. Well, that's definitely a good start and that's very encouraging for especially uh, other women and you know, in small business owners are considering getting into the business. See you started August of uh, 2016.

Speaker A: Yes.

Speaker B: I'm looking here and it says a male dominated field. Um, so we talked about the trail blazing and then I know that I read a little bit about your, um, your dad. So what I wanted to talk about is the letter B and the name RB Pest Control. So you made sure. I love this. I just. I mean, I really, really love it. Because I have something to do for my grandma. Um, and it's just, you know, there. There's certain people, you know, like you and I, we like continuing the legacy. It's important. Um, and I really like how you added that in there. That's a very nice touch.

Speaker A: Yes. That was. That was a secret way that I could keep my dad's last name. How am I going to carry on this man's name? It's my first name and his last name, and I just did as a bug, because, you know, very clever.

Speaker B: You know, I didn't know how to really maneuver that. And I was thinking, you know, I'm going to take a screenshot here of what I'm showing of you now.

Speaker A: Okay.

Speaker B: And I'm going to share again. I want to show this. I love this photograph of you. So, uh, I'm going to share. I'm going to show this photo because I. I love it. Okay.

Speaker A: Is it with the spray can?

Speaker B: Yes. How'd you know?

Speaker A: Everyone loves that spray can. I call her baby girl. That's my.

Speaker B: That's my baby girl. Awesome.

Speaker A: Um, you'll be so exound on how long you just follow your gut, pay attention to the things around you that you can really just trailblaze and create a lane for yourself that's a little unconventional and. And be you. Like, I'm in pest control. I still am. I'm still who I am. I'm still girly. I love my want to look cute, but at the same time, you know, you don't let that. You still can have a seat at the table. You deserve to be where you want

Speaker B: to be, you know, and that's important that the young ladies hear that. Um, because I know I had thought about, you know, being an electrician, auto, um, mechanic, all those things. I'm like, I need to know these things anyway. And I tell you what, when I showed up there for that training, I walked right back out. All that grease and oil and the dirty rags and the tires and the noises. I'm like, okay, this is not for me. So I guess that's just it. It's not for every woman. So you have to, um. You have to be great to pull this off. You've been doing this for five years, and you're definitely relentless, and you're trailblazing. So that's one of the reasons why, um, when your, um, PR person sent your information, um, like, okay, yes, we definitely want her. And they were like, oh, it's just because she's from Chicago.

Speaker A: I thought you Were being biased.

Speaker B: I'm not biased, I promise. And so they started reading. They're like, wow, that's cool about the B in the company name. And so I'm like, yeah, exactly. So, uh, we definitely wanted to get you on the show. So if you had words of encouragement, uh, to give people right now, uh, during COVID um, especially in business as well, uh, maybe give us some words of encouragement for humanity in general as well as small business. You know, a lot of people aren't very faithful right now. Their business is doing well and they're just not really feeling it. And a lot of people are wondering what they're gonna do. What would you suggest to them at this point? They've been in three years and everybody says that's when you're considered to actually have succeeded, see, to last that long, you know, four or five years. So you've already. So what would you say to those people?

Speaker A: So what I would say is that if you created a mission and a vision, you always go back to it to revamp and restructure and pivot when you. It's really a navigating point. So it's a gps.

Speaker B: What is that? You, you seem to have a high level of business expertise. And here's why I say that, you know, in going from, you know, local business, you know, okay, we'll say really, really small businesses are like mom and pops to local businesses are a little bit larger, you know, to medium sized businesses to large sized businesses. And then, you know, the huge, huge, massive, you know, corporations. I've been inside all of those in some capacity or another, usually marketing. And I tell you what, those are the type of things that the, um, top, top leaders taught me. What got you through year one, first of all, what got you there is not what's going to keep you there.

Speaker A: Exactly.

Speaker B: And what worked in year one, like you said, may not work in year two.

Speaker A: Mhm.

Speaker B: Worked in year two, may not work in years three and four. And if you're trying to get to five, you may have to do something different. So I think that's really, really great advice because a lot of people look at the big business that's going on. They thought their business models, of course, they survived a lot, but they thought those same business models were going to continue to stand and remain resilient. And look what happened. Look at some of the big names that have shut down. They're gone forever. And they've been here, some of them, for hundreds of years.

Speaker A: Yeah, yeah, yeah. You definitely have to always go back to the drawing board to figure out what your customer is asking from you. I didn't set out to open up a retail store with the pest control company, uh, but I noticed it was a section in all the franchise stores and I'm an expert in license. Why would I not have my own retail space for my clients to come? So now I can. You can come to me if you

Speaker B: want pest control services or if you

Speaker A: feel you can do it yourself. I can walk you through as a licensed technician to a pod, uh, if you need to. So I didn't set off to open up a retail store, but I paid attention to what my customers needed. And then I work backwards to see how can I better suit them and streamline my business by offering their products and services.

Speaker B: Now I noticed that your people are wearing masks. Um, do you have. And thank you for that. Do you have a directive or any type of. Because since we don't have a national, you know, mandate or any type of real true national. I don't want to sound like federalism talking about federalism now, um, but I think in times of crisis that's important. So what are you, um, what do you go by? How do you know what to do? Did you contact the uh, Department of Health or, you know, what happened? How do you know what to do outside of, you know, keeping the flat surfaces clean and. Because I was, uh, interviewed by Laura Coates, um, the CNN senior, uh, legal consultant. And she and I were talking about that, um, on the air and it's like, you know, it's tough. You know, I talked about some of the things that people can do. I talked about violet, you know, the uh, Covid seeking robot. But let's face it, how many people can afford a violet in their business? So we need some more practical things. We talked about UV lighting and things of that nature. And so. Mhm. How do you know what to do? Where are you getting your direction from? Because I see your people wearing masks. I think I saw somebody with gloves. So how do you know what to do?

Speaker A: So we are licensed through the Illinois Department of Public Health. So which means that we are on the front line. We're essential workers. Your health, your public safety and your safety is our top priority. How we do business, how we apply our insecticide. So once we were getting alerts, um, from city to state, we were able as pest control through the National Pest Management Association. I'm a member of that nationally, even though I am certified locally. So we're able to kind of go to the drawing board with The Illinois Department of Public Health to see what can we do, especially during a time like this. Now, of course, because of shutdown, restaurants in a lot of places shut down. So they were not getting pest control.

Speaker B: Right.

Speaker A: So we're licensed through the Illinois Department of Public Health. We had to get extremely creative on, okay, we have an increase in Rona, but we can't have an increase in rodents.

Speaker B: Right.

Speaker A: So we don't want to. So even though there was an increase of Rona going on, we were trying to make sure there was not an increase of rodents.

Speaker B: I love that. Oh, that's awesome. And then I took it to the next level, so you know where I'm going here. Are you planning on franchising?

Speaker A: That's the turnkey situation that I was talking about. I have been, uh, presented. Anytime pest control companies are coming to you to see if you're ready to sell, then it's like, okay, I'm on to something. So, um, I definitely want to make sure if my children do not decide to get into pest control, which. Fingers crossed. But I can turn it into a turnkey situation, which I can be able to franchise and sit on the board and be able to do that. So, yes, that is happening.

Speaker B: Okay, well, um, we started talking about Illinois state and public health. Um, it kind of got me. Like, I was intimidated. Like, that sounds complicated. So are you willing to be, like, a consultant? Do you consult as well on, um, your business in case other people want to partner? There can be millions of dollars saved and millions of dollars made, and, um, by knowing this little secret. I would love to share that with you.

Speaker A: Oh, thank you.

Speaker B: I feel like it was something that was divinely given, and since everybody didn't have it, I didn't. Obviously, it's not something God wants everybody to have, but with you wanting to, uh, franchise, I can show you ways of avoiding all those extra fees. Um, and then, you know, doing what you need to do in a slightly different way, the way Starbucks and Home Depot did.

Speaker C: Oh, wow.

Speaker A: Sharing.

Speaker B: I, um. Because I think this was.

Speaker A: So much for coming in, sir. My apologies for that. No, I'm still. I'm still on. But I just want to thank you.

Speaker B: Oh, no, you're good?

Speaker A: Oh, I'm good.

Speaker B: You've got a couple minutes? Yeah.

Speaker A: Okay. Is everything taken care of?

Speaker C: Okay.

Speaker B: Okay. And congratulations on your establishment.

Speaker A: Uh, thank you. I appreciate it. Thank you so much.

Speaker B: I recommend people over here.

Speaker A: Do you?

Speaker B: I will.

Speaker A: Oh, you will. Okay. Okay. I appreciate that. Thank you. Make sure you take a card, and it looks like you're buying some products. So if you have questions while applying it, then give us a call.

Speaker B: I'll call you back.

Speaker E: Yeah, yeah.

Speaker A: And we'll walk you through it.

Speaker E: Okay.

Speaker A: Okay. Thank you. What's your name?

Speaker E: Bill.

Speaker B: You pay him all the time.

Speaker A: Bill. You're Bill? Uh, I'm Robbie. Thanks a lot. Yes, sir.

Speaker B: Oh, that's a beautiful name for a beautiful lady.

Speaker A: Thank you, sir. Thank you.

Speaker B: Okay. Thank you.

Speaker A: I had a customer coming. I just wanted. I like to say hi to the customers and thank you.

Speaker B: I like that.

Speaker A: So we specialize in commercial and residential properties. We do pest control such as gp, which is general pest. That's your, your roaches, your insects. Mosquitoes. We do termite services, termite inspections, bed bug services. And we do wildlife trapping and exclusion for our raccoons.

Speaker B: And our.

Speaker A: Yes, we do trapping and exclusion and we do release them. We have a group that we release them to that are safe. So we do not release them until like a different location because they're territorial. But so we do have a center that we hook up with and we

Speaker B: kind of work with.

Speaker A: Um, and so yeah, we do all, we do daycares, restaurants, multi housing units, um, any infrastructure control on that property.

Speaker B: Okay, and do you have uh, are you. Well, we don't want specifics, but have you tapped into government contracts yet?

Speaker A: Yes. So right now I'm in the process of completing the 8A, um, government certification.

Speaker B: Mhm.

Speaker A: I have every other certification locally I can have through the city, through Cook county and that whole thing. I'm a wbe ambe I have certification. So we're okay on that end. But now we're trying to tackle the national.

Speaker D: Um.

Speaker B: Okay. What do you think your next level is? What do you think the next level is for you?

Speaker A: So right now at this point we have the pest control services. We're working on pest control software and products M and retail. So at that point anyone that can, that's where the franchise opportunity, it's a turnkey situation. You can literally open up. And now it depends depending on where you are. And you'll have the pest control company, the retail, the software and the products all in one shop. So it's a one stop shop for the community to come in and shop and where you're located. And I think that business model in pest control has not been done before.

Speaker B: What is the software for? Is that for other people wanting to do the business or what is the software for? Explain that to me.

Speaker A: So the software part, what I notice is um, um, for multi housing, what I Kind of noticed being in the, uh, by me having an IT background is that I've been looking for software in pest control that caters to the actual technician and what the company needs. What I've noticed is that it's room for software to be developed. And so from there what I've been doing is I've been teaming up with people because I have been able to dedicate myself 100%. But I think it will be great for pest control companies to really get a software built from an actual exterminated. Because we would actually know, um, opposed to you sitting down and someone tell you what pest control companies need. You have an actual exterminator now that has an IT background that can. That knows exactly what that technician and what should be in the notes for the Illinois Department of Public Health to continue to make it safe. And so it's software. I recognize the need a need for it and so I think, you know, I feel excited about what we're building,

Speaker B: what we're trying to do. That's wonderful. Um, so I, um. The Chief Information Officer of the Year, uh, through sim, because I'm from Chicago and worked with all the different companies there, um, they're having their award ceremony pretty, uh, soon where I was nominated. I'm a nominee. Let's just, you know, nominated, meaning. Okay, we're gonna see who's really gonna win. I think they have. But the whole point is that I was the only African American female, um, uh, that was picked up as a candidate, uh, for 2020. And so that being said, um, when you talk about your next level, you talk about the software. Have you considered any, uh, form of artificial intelligence or have you looked at that as an addition or, um, one of the features?

Speaker A: Yes. So, um, we have a test coming up, uh, this month that I'm taking. And it's just another form of me, um, another branch of extermination that I'm trying to get into, which is food processing. Because I think that the way agriculture is and how pesticides are being used in our food is, that's something I want to get off into. And so that's where the biometric comes in. We're now creating actual equipment where if something runs across something, then they can alert, um, pest control technicians that this is where the activity is. Now. This is something that is out. However, this is a brand that I kind of want to tap into. And so I think food processing, agriculture, which is something that we all should try to learn how to do because we don't know what direction this is going into, um, I would like to be part of that, um, on the end of just creating innovative hardware to help us continue to grow our agriculture in a safe way.

Speaker B: Okay, that sounds wonderful. Um, so where do you go from here? You have the software, uh, in your mind for your next level. What should we expect to see from your business in the next couple years? Because you're at year four. What happens after you hit year five and surpass that, what should we look for? And what type of goals do you have for your business within the next couple years?

Speaker A: So at this point, or moving forward, the goal is to have an RB pest solution be a household name.

Speaker B: Mhm.

Speaker A: And so from there it can be so many blocks within your house or your community that you can walk in and shop for pest control products and that you can get amazing pest control services from a young generation of, uh, new exterminators.

Speaker B: Mhm.

Speaker A: Um, from the business standpoint, the goal is to create a software and create a retail and a pest control service space for up and coming pest control owners who don't know that. Okay, I have an idea to be a pest control company or an exterminator, but how do I get from point A to point B? And so I want to be that company that can hand you over on a platter. Everything you need to succeed.

Speaker B: Huh.

Speaker A: In this field. So it's consulting.

Speaker B: Consulting again. Okay, right. So I, that, that's what I'm hearing a lot of. And then let me ask you, what sort of, um, business networking groups are you with? Or women's women, uh, you know, woman CEO groups, um, who do you connect with, uh, to discuss, you know, these type of details? Are you, you said you were in technology. Are you with stem, Chicago or uh, aitp? Are you with any of the, you know, the computer societies or anything like that?

Speaker A: No, as of right now, I am not. For these past four years, it's been straight extermination. However, Pestworld is coming up October 12th, 19th. And so Pestworld is a yearly event that all exterminating companies from across the world and many different exhibits we get together and we have to do it virtually this year, but we get together, um, and show, share products and services and ways that we can succeed in pest control. And within that, they just started a women's national Pest management for women. Because women are getting more into the field now. Um, it's not many African American women, so I would like to definitely, I think they're like 80 to 100 members now. And so I'm looking to be a part of that and offer some of what Chicago is doing on our end and represent what we're doing, what RB Pest Solutions is doing. So that's coming up.

Speaker B: So this is, uh, really interesting. Um, I've really enjoyed the interview. I have a couple more questions I'm m going to ask and we're going go ahead and wrap up maybe in about the next five minutes. The woman with fresh solutions. No bugging around here. Robre Smith is on the top of her bug game. No, not female Terminator. Female exterminator. Robre Smith. My staff was like, so try to, you know, we want to get that household name. So if they start calling you the Terminator, then, hey, maybe you're the bug Terminator.

Speaker A: Uh, you know what? At this point, my inbox and DM is full of pictures. I am the pest. Or when I go to parties now I'm no longer Robbie. I'm the pest expert. Everybody want to show me what is this bug? And I'm like. And I spent a whole hour in the corner talking about roaches at a party. So this is just my life at this point. But again, I'm, um. So I wouldn't picture doing anything else. I'm so happy. I'm doing what I love.

Speaker B: That's wonderful. And it definitely comes across, uh, well, like some of your crew in the shot and some of your staff. Yes. I would like them to be part of it as well. Oh, hi. Is that your daughter?

Speaker A: Yes, yes. So my daughter works with me. And this is Hector.

Speaker B: So he helps you run the business?

Speaker A: Yes, yes.

Speaker B: Tell me about yourself, Hector.

Speaker E: So my name is Hector Perez. I've been with this amazing company for several months now. Um, I've actually learned a lot of knowledge just answering phone calls and interacting with customers. One thing I can say is just interacting with Robby and then just kind of just following her footsteps. She shines knowledge and everything just by being around her.

Speaker B: So awesome. But you don't. It doesn't bother you having a female boss?

Speaker E: No, actually, I enjoy it.

Speaker B: Say some insight into that because there's a lot of, um, uh, you know, men that I hear all the time saying. No, it's actually, you know, cool. She's very organized. It makes my life easier. So do you sort of feel that way with Robbie?

Speaker E: Yeah, I mean, she is on top of her business from the minute she walks into the building all the way to the minute she walks out. She has, you can tell that she really has a passion for what she does.

Speaker B: Yes.

Speaker E: And she's actually, if I can say so in my own words, she's setting the bar for other exterminators. So I'm just really fortunate to be involved in the business that she has.

Speaker B: Wonderful. Thank you so much, Rhett. And what's your daughter's name?

Speaker C: Maya.

Speaker B: Uh, hi, Maya. How are you?

Speaker C: I am good.

Speaker B: Good. What does that say on your shirt?

Speaker C: Black girls stay winning.

Speaker B: I like that. I totally like that. And so let me ask you, uh, what is it like with your mom running the business? You know, Hector helps out and makes sure that he takes care of, you know, his responsibilities. Mom, you know, gets the place open and gets going. Um, everybody makes sure the customers. So what is your job?

Speaker C: I'm just kind of here. I think I'm a little bit like her shadow in a way. I do whatever she wants me to. Right now I'm m working on the software with her, so just making sure

Speaker B: that we can just level up and

Speaker C: get off of paper. Um, but I think it's really nice. It's actually been eye opening for me. My own, um, outlook on a lot

Speaker A: of things is different.

Speaker C: Just like, what I want to do in m life. Like, I'm just now a, um, high school graduate, so.

Speaker B: Congratulations.

Speaker C: Thank you. But seeing this business grow and, like, shadowing my mom, it makes me have more of an entrepreneur mindset than a lot of my peers.

Speaker B: Well, we knew that was coming. Definitely have an entrepreneurial mom. So what do you guys think? What do you think, Hector? Tell me what you guys think. All right. That's awesome. Well, thanks a lot, guys, for stepping in and, uh, spicing up the video a little bit while we're just talking all business. So it's always good to have a little bit of fun, too. And thank, uh, you guys so much for, uh, being guests on the show. Um, welcome to the family. You made the cut. Now you're a member of the great and relentless few. Well, thank you guys so much. Uh, maybe some words of encouragement. You say you just graduated high, uh, school. Give me your name again.

Speaker C: Amaya.

Speaker B: Oh, Amaya. Oh, not Maya, but Amaya. Okay, Amaya, what would you have to say to teenagers right now just getting ready to graduate high school? And maybe they're thinking things are looking pretty grim. Maybe they didn't have a prom. What sort of inspiration do you have that you like to share with them?

Speaker C: Um, I would say not. I would say not stress too much about just the college application process and all of that. I get it can be stressful and overwhelming, but you'll end up where you're supposed to be.

Speaker B: Oh, off the old block, huh? Huh. How about you, Hector, from your perspective? I mean, you're still working and everything. Um, and I saw you with your mask on and you were all, like, doing your work and all that. So what do you have to say to the people that are, like, unemployed right now, still looking for work? What words have been inspiration or hope do you have for them? Uh, should it be about their passion? Should they be trying to find something they like or may have to find something where they can survive in the meantime? So what would you say would be a good tactic for if you need work right now, just to feed your family? How could they plan towards their future? Uh, and finding something that they might actually like or find pleasant?

Speaker E: Um, my personal advice would be finding something that motivates you and then just use that to keep going through it day by day. I know every day is not gonna be the best, and there may be times when you hit rock bottom, but it's just to keep that overall goal in mind and then just keep working towards it. And slow progress is better than no progress.

Speaker A: Come on, Hector.

Speaker B: All right. And so. All right, Robbie.

Speaker C: So

Speaker B: where to next? Um, what's the true. And I want you to give me the biggest dream that you can ever dream. The biggest, biggest, biggest. What is the cream of the crop? Where is the top, top spot that you see RB solutions in about 10 years or 20 years, what do you expect it to be?

Speaker A: I see a headquarters along with different branches throughout the United States. Where in that headquarters, I have my sales floor and I have my customer service floor with my different region specialists and customer service where people can call into your 800 number. And from anywhere in the United States, depending on where you are, you can get pest control services and from with an affordable price, with great customer service. And you can walk minutes away from your home into one of our retail locations. That is the biggest dream ever is to have headquarters with different branches.

Speaker B: I like that. And then how can we reach you? Um, like online phone numbers, social media.

Speaker A: M. So we're located www.rbpestsolutions.com and also on all social media platforms. You can go to R B pestsolutions and you can put it into Instagram, social media, uh, Twitter, excuse me, Instagram and Facebook. And once you put that in, everything pops up with us. We're on there tips that we offer some of our technicians. And so, you know, um, that's where to find us. We're a phone call Away or for our retail store, you can come into 8243 South Cottage Grove here on the south side of Chicago in Chatham, and you can visit our retail store for your products.

Speaker B: Okay, awesome. What's the phone number again?

Speaker A: 312-217-9605.

Speaker B: One more time.

Speaker A: 312-9605.

Speaker B: All right, awesome. Well, this has been a wonderful interview. Um, just to give you an idea, um, what I'll be doing is sending you guys, like, a really, really nice promo, uh, video. I'll send you the two quotes. Um, when we send the quotes, we'll show you exactly how, uh, our little thing should be at the bottom. So we'll just send you everything you need. We just, uh, recommend. And for you, I'm going to give you a full year. Normally I only give about three months because, you know, you have to sort of get a feel, you know, for a business owner first. Uh, because it's, you know, it's a win, win situation because you're putting our name out there as well.

Speaker C: Oh, boy.

Speaker E: Stop.

Speaker B: It's just, it has to itch at the wrong time, doesn't it? Knows, like, hey, I want attention here. So, um, so it's like, um, I'll send you everything you need. And then of course, you get your great and relentless few. Uh, badge. It's going to be transparent. We have a transparency for a light background and one for a dark background. Um, and then for people who want to actually get the T shirt, that's like the next level. So what we do is we send everybody a digital T shirt. Um, and then we have a way to take your, uh, photo or a picture of you and put superimpose the logo on you as if you are wearing, um, the T shirt. So that's what we do on the basic level. And then eventually we're going to go back and circle back because right now it's tough. We are skeleton crew. Uh, we're going to double back and, uh, even the people that just have the basic program, we're not going to like, not send them a T shirt. We're going to double back around. But that's probably going to be between, uh, eight and 16 more weeks. So it's going to be a while until we can try to get our crew back together. It's been kind of. Okay. Awesome. Well, thank you guys. Um, I feel like we need to be clapping and stuff. This was pretty awesome. You guys have a great day. And, uh, thank you so much for your time. And it takes between, uh, five and seven business days to get your promo video. And we'll have a long one and a short one. And the short one is going to have your photo in that. So we'll send you a link for the demo and you can tell us if there's anything that you want to change and we'll update it there and then, uh, send you the link and then a way for you to Download it from YouTube.

Speaker A: Okay, sounds good.

Speaker B: Awesome. All right, have a great one.

Speaker A: Appreciate you.

Speaker B: Oh, no problem. Thank you for being again.

Speaker A: Alrighty.

Speaker B: Bye. Bye. Bye. Okay, now I know you're doing like I'm doing like. We're, uh, definitely it people. You guys take care.

Speaker A: All right.

Speaker D: Impacting lives, legacies, making dreams come true. Hello world, and welcome to the Great and Relentless View Podcast. The Great and Relentless View is a podcast showcasing successful up and coming superstars from all walks of life that made it against extreme odds, or as some may say, everyone else left them for dead. Tune in and learn more about those that make the cut and earn the

Speaker A: title of, um, great and relentless few.

Speaker E: Football.

Speaker B: There you go. Speaking of football, Michael Montgomery, former Green Bay Packer.

Speaker C: Yes, ma'.

Speaker B: Am. How excited are you to be here? Oh, I'm excited.

Speaker A: How are you?

Speaker B: How are you today? Hi, how are you?

Speaker A: I'm good, thank you. Have a good one and stay safe.

Speaker B: Just haven't been able to see a lot of normal again yet.

Speaker A: Want to make sure my video, uh, can you see me properly on the.

Speaker B: Yeah, you look great and I see your logo and everything there. So I've got one more photo of yours to open, uh, companies that I might want to talk about, especially woman owned and. Am I biased? I'm totally biased. And I think this is God's way of telling me, it's okay, daughter, it's part of the process. Just hang in there. I know what I'm doing. I know what's best for you. Yeah, um, I feel the same way.

Speaker A: It is. It's a lot going on and you know, people.

Speaker B: Uh, no, you're fine. We, um, go ahead.

Speaker A: No, I completely understand where you're coming from with just right now. It's so much happening personally and professionally.

Speaker B: Mhm.

Speaker A: It's just, you almost have to say, okay, God, you know, I don't quite get what's going on right now. I'm gonna trust that this is for the greater good, but it is, it's a lot going on. So same here.

Speaker B: Uh, yes, it's kind of craziness and so I feel like, like maybe People like you and I. God is telling us to just stand still and do little things right now. It's almost like he's busy working on other things, um, and doesn't want us to get in the way. So I don't know what that means. We better just stay where we are and keep doing what we're doing and sort of see what happens. Yeah, I kind of figured that.

Speaker E: Yep.

Speaker A: I just keep putting good out. Keep manifesting positive.

Speaker B: Yes. That energy. Yeah. It makes a difference. I try.

Speaker A: I try my best to, you know,

Speaker B: like, okay, I'm getting a vision now about what I can do with this now. Okay. I like that. It was so natural. And it's. It's, you know, like a. A day in the life, you know, at your business. I like. Yeah, yeah, I love.

Speaker A: I want to tell my story, especially in pest control. I feel like I want to give it a facelift, you know, I feel like it's not in there and black women is not represented. And it's really an amazing trade, but we're just not represented in it. So I just want to, like, shout to the mountaintop, like, look, I have my own products. I'm working with the chemist now to come out.

Speaker B: Wow. Okay. So that's what I was trying to get a better idea, um, of, um, you know, just the scope of everything that you're doing. So I'm going to put some of your information up here.

Speaker A: This is my daughter just waiting.

Speaker B: My name is Michael Montgomery, former NFL player for the Green Bay Packers. I am a current actor and professional

Speaker E: speaker,

Speaker A: But that's the way that I go live. What about Facebook?

Speaker B: We're going to be talking about your new book, Broken. Hello, everyone, and welcome to another episode of the Great and Relentless Few. We have a very special guest today. Her name is Rovire Smith. Is that how you pronounce it?

Speaker A: Robbie Yar.

Speaker B: Ravi Yar. Okay, Robbie Yar. All right, awesome. And what we want to do is talk with, uh, Robby a little bit about her pest control company. I just think this is really awesome that it is a woman. Uh, yes, a woman that owns this company. So tell me the name of your company and how you came up with the name and what inspired you to go into business in general.

Speaker A: So the name of the company is RV Pest Solutions. And why pest control is. Because it's been near and dear to my heart, um, my entire life. My dad, he's been an exterminator, so he taught me to go to school, get education, be a productive member of society. So that's exactly what I did. I went and got every degree that I can think of, uh, that I could financially loan wise, ah, take on. And from there I was in the IT field teaching, uh, IT courses, entrepreneur business courses, professional development, just helping people build their business. And while I was teaching a course, I had out of body experience. I'm like, I know these things inside and out. I'm equipped to run my own organization. And so I stepped out on faith and printed up some business cards and continued to take the pest control exam until I passed it over a three, four year time span and the business started back in 2016.

Speaker B: And so what inspired you to go into business? Um, there's a lot of other things that I'm sure you could have done. I mean, you are, you know, look very sharp and very highly articulate. Uh, even your literature that you send is just really, you know, it's awesome. And then, you know, I'm also from Chicago, from the west side, so. West side. And, um. Roby R. Smith, Chicago, uh, native, born and raised in the south side of Chicago. So you were introduced to pest control at a young age by your dad. Um, you never thought in your wildest dreams you would be starting your own pest control company to honor your parents? Legacy. I'm really huge on legacy. Um, this is definitely trailblazing, uh, in the industry. And so tell me a little bit more about that experience with your dad, um, and how maybe at what stage in your life where you knew you wanted to take this on and continue the family legacy.

Speaker A: So it's funny because, you know, the thing about obtaining education and work experience is that I set off to climb the corporate ladder. And that's what I was in the midst of doing, is taking all my organizational skills, my education background, along with what I learned from the home. And I was in the IT field. And something just told me that it's all about legacy. My dad didn't have any sons, uh, it's just me and my sister. So I can't carry on his name as someone else's, uh, corporation, but I can trailblaze one for myself. So that way my children's children's children can be able to understand the hard work and dedication that was instilled in me through him. And so I just felt like, okay, I went off and got all the education, but I felt like I returned back home to my grassroots. I was able to pick up a trade that was always in the house, and I was able to merge both the worlds together. And so I Feel at home. I'm so excited because I'm able. I feel like I'm on the shoulders of my dad, and he's just. He's still here. He still helped me train my technicians that come in. But I feel like I'm doing the universe work with what I'm doing now. Opposed to in corporate, you know, good job. But this is legacy work.

Speaker B: All right, that's awesome. I like that. And so you, um. What is it like being a, uh, woman in the pest control business? Have you received any pushback or.

Speaker A: I do. I do. I'll show up to some appointments, and they'll say, okay, great. Are we expecting someone else? And I'm like, no, I'm here to get. Get rid of your bed bugs. I'm here to get rid of the roaches. Let's walk through the inspection. And they almost just is in awe that it's me. Opposed to someone else showing up and then also taking on the government contracts and city contracts. Many of the big conglomerate corporations are, uh, kind of hesitant a little bit because they're wondering, can I take on the work? And so I'm getting it from both sides. So I feel like I'm constantly having to prove that I should have a seat at this table here. But I enjoy what I'm doing, so it doesn't feel like work. If anything, it's just like, okay, well, let me pull my sleeves up and show them that m. I'm gonna, you know, give the pest control industry a facelift because I'm here.

Speaker B: She says, I'm here, and I'm not going anywhere. So you guys are gonna have to deal with seeing me around. Okay, so, um, you have a Bachelor of science. Um, you could have done so many different things, you know? And so. So with being a woman in the industry. You said that. How many children do you have?

Speaker A: I have three children. One is at Loyola. I'm excited about her.

Speaker B: Awesome.

Speaker A: She's majoring in medicine. And then I have two seniors that

Speaker E: are here.

Speaker A: Yes.

Speaker B: That sounds like a beautiful family. So any of the kids aspiring to follow mom and mom's legacy, now, I

Speaker A: think they're doing the same thing that I did, which is let me go off into the world and see what the world has for me, and I'll return back. I'm interested to see who's going to take on the pest control torch. But, um, you know, so my fingers are crossed, but I'm trying to set it up where it's more of a turn situation. So if they don't want to take on pest control, they can still have a stake in it.

Speaker B: Right? Okay. Yeah. And you can let everybody know around you. This is, that's exactly what I want for your video. I want to see your business running because I'm thinking about possibly featuring you somewhere else. So I like the normal business operations. I wish. That's great. That means business is happening. That's what we want to see. So I see Price Waterhouse, Chicago Public Schools and Chicago Police Department.

Speaker A: I'm sorry, say that one more time. My apologies.

Speaker B: Tell me about those projects. Yeah. Was that really difficult to obtain?

Speaker A: Yeah, so it was more so about the, When I was a business consultant and a technical writer for the Chicago.

Speaker B: Oh, okay. That's still it, right?

Speaker A: Yeah, that's still it. Related. Yes, yes.

Speaker B: And so have any of them reached out to you to have you do their extermination contract?

Speaker A: But right now I am the subcontractor for the city for General Pest control and Gamba.

Speaker B: So I'm excited about partnering with, being

Speaker A: a subcontractor for that.

Speaker B: Awesome. Okay. Well, that's definitely a good start and that's very encouraging for especially, uh, other women and, you know, and small business owners are considering getting into the business. See, you started August of 2016.

Speaker D: Yes.

Speaker B: I'm looking here and it says a male dominated field. Um, so we talked about the trail blazing. Um, and then I know that I read a little bit about your, um, your dad. So what I wanted to talk about the letter B and the name RV Pest Control. So you made sure. I love this. I just, I mean, I really, really love it because I have something to do for my grandpa. Um, and it's just, you know, there's certain people, you know, like you and I, we like continuing the legacy. It's important. Um, and I really like how you added that. That's a very nice touch.

Speaker A: Yes. That was, that was a secretly way that I could keep my dad's last name. He didn't have sons. So I'm like, how am I going to carry this man's name? So it's my first name and his last name and I just did RD and turned it as a bug because, you know, everything.

Speaker B: Clever. Very clever. Yeah. I, I, that, that is amazing. I am looking at doing something for my grandfather. I just didn't really, you know, I didn't know how to really maneuver that. And I was thinking, you know, I'm gonna take a screenshot here of what I'm showing of you now.

Speaker A: Okay.

Speaker B: And I'm gonna share again I want to show this. I love this photograph of you. So, uh, I'm gonna share, and I'm gonna show this photo because I love it. Okay.

Speaker A: Is it with the spray can?

Speaker B: Yes. How'd you know?

Speaker A: Everyone loves that spray can. I call her baby girl. That's my baby girl.

Speaker B: Awesome.

Speaker A: Um, you'll be so as sound on how when you just follow your gut, pay attention to the things around you that you can really just trailblaze and create a lane for yourself that's a little unconventional and be you. Like, I'm in pest control. I still am. I'm still who I am. I'm still girly. I love my want to look cute, but at the same time, you know, you don't let that. You still can have a seat at the table. You deserve to be where you want

Speaker B: to be, you know? And that's important that the young ladies hear that. Um, because I know I had thought about, you know, being an electrician, um, auto mechanic, all those things. I'm like, I need to know these things anyway. And I tell you what, when I showed up there for that training, I walked right back out. All that grease and oil and the dirty rags and the tires and the noises. I'm like, okay, this is not for me. I guess that's just it. It's not for every woman. So you have to, um. You have to be great to pull this off. You've been doing this for five years, and you're definitely relentless, and you're trailblazing. So, um, that's one of the reasons why, um, when your, um, PR Person sent your information, um, like, okay, yes, we definitely want her. And they were like, oh, it's just because she's from Chicago. I'm like, no, that's not. They're like, you're from Chicago, too. I'm like, no, that's not.

Speaker A: You were being biased.

Speaker B: I'm not biased, I promise. And, uh, so they started reading. They're like, wow, that's cool. About the b. The company name. And so I'm like, yeah, exactly. We definitely want to get you on the show. So if you had words of encouragement to, uh, give people right now, uh, during COVID and all the chaos and the uncertainty, um, especially in business as well, uh, maybe give us some words of encouragement for humanity in general as well as small business. You know, a lot of people aren't very faithful right now. Uh, their business is doing well, and they're just not really feeling it. And a lot of people are wondering what they're gonna Do. What would you suggest to them at this point? They've been in three years and everybody says that's when you're considered to actually have succeeded last that long, you know, four or five years. So you are. So what would you say to those people?

Speaker A: So what I would say is that if you created a mission and a vision, you always go back to it to revamp and restructure and uh, pivot when you. It's really a navig. Navigating point. So it's a gps.

Speaker B: So yeah, I noticed that you seem to have a high level of business expertise. And here's why I say that. You know, and going from, you know, local business, you know, okay, we'll say really, really small businesses are like mom and pops to local businesses are a little bit larger, you know, to medium sized businesses to large sized businesses. And then, you know, they huge, huge, massive, you know, corporations. I've been inside all of those in some capacity or another, usually marketing. And I tell you what, those are the type of things that the um, top, top leaders taught me. What got you to through year one? First of all, what got you there is not what's going to keep you there.

Speaker A: Exactly.

Speaker B: And what worked in year one, like you said, may not work in year two.

Speaker D: Mhm.

Speaker B: Worked in year two, may not work in years three and four. And if you're trying to get to five, you may have to do something different. So I think that's really, really great advice. A lot of people, they thought their business models, of course they survived a lot, but they thought those same business models were going to continue to stand and remain resilient. And look what happened. Look at some of the big needs that are shut down. They're gone forever. And they've been here, some of them, for hundreds of years.

Speaker A: Yeah, yeah, yeah. You definitely have to always go back to the drawing board to figure out what your customers is asking from you. I just set out to open up a retail store with the pest control company, but I noticed it was a section in all the franchise stores and I'm an expert in license. Why would I not have my own retail space for my clients to come? Uh, so now I can. You can come to me if you want pest control services or if you feel you can do it yourself. I can walk you through as a licensed technician to a POD if you need to. So I didn't set off to open up a retail store, but I paid attention to what my customers needed. And then I work backwards to see how can I better suit Them and streamline m my business by offering their products and services.

Speaker B: Now, I noticed that your people are wearing masks. Um, do you have. And thank you for that. Um, do you have a directive or any type of. Because since we don't have a national, you know, mandate or any type of really, you know, true national. I don't want to sound like federalism. Talking about federalism now, um, but I think in times of crisis, that's important. So what do you, um, what do you go by? How do you know what to do? Did you contact the, uh, Department of Health or, you know, what happened? How do you know what to do outside of, you know, keeping the flat surfaces clean? And. And because I was on. I was, uh, interviewed by Laura Coates, um, the CNN senior legal consultant. And she and I were talking about that, um, on the air. And it's like, you know, it's. It's tough. You know, I talked about some of the things that people can do. I talked about Violet, you know, the, uh, Covid seeking robot. But let's face it, how many people can afford a violin in their business? So we need some more practical things. We talked about UV lighting and things of that nature. And so how m. Do you know what to do? Where are you getting your direction from? Because I see your people wearing masks. I think I saw somebody with gloves. So how do you know what to do?

Speaker A: So we are licensed through the Illinois Department of Public Health. So, which means that, uh, we are on the front line. We're essential workers. Your health, your public safety and your safety is our top priority. How we do business, how we apply our insecticide. So once we were getting alerts, um, from city to state, we were able as pest control through the National Pest Management Association. I'm a member of that nationally, even though I am certified locally. So we're able to kind of go to the drawing board with the Illinois Department of Public to see what can we do, especially during a time like this. Now, of course, because of shutdown, restaurants in a lot of places shut down. So they were not getting pest control.

Speaker B: Right.

Speaker A: So we're licensed through the Illinois Department of Public Health. We had to get extremely creative on, uh, okay, we have an increase in Rona, but we can't have an increase in rodents, right? Because, I mean.

Speaker B: Well, with that. Wait a minute. Let me capture that again. You said we may have an increase of Rona, because that's what I call it as well. You know, we're from Chicago. We even abbreviate the same. This is killing Me? Yes. But I'm loving that stuff. So, you know, you said there can be an increase of Rona, but we don't want an increase of rodents. Say that again.

Speaker A: Yes. So we don't want to. So even though there was an increase of Rona going on, we were trying to make sure there was not an increase of rodents.

Speaker B: I love that. Oh, that's awesome. Okay, we're gonna have to capture that. That's gonna be on your intro. I love something like that. We're gonna make it nice, uh, production video. Um, so here's a question for you, and I'm loving your interview, by the way. So I did something out in California. Um, I think it was between, you know, 2000, 2004, something like that, because I was an active duty in the Navy, and I came across a business concept, and then I took it to the next level. So you know where I'm going here. Are you planning on franchising?

Speaker A: That's the turnkey situation that I was talking about. I have been, uh, presented. Anytime pest control companies are coming to you to see if you're ready to sell, then it's like, okay, I'm on to something. So, um, I definitely want to make sure if my children do not decide to, you know, get into pest control, which, you know, fingers crossed. But I can turn it into a turnkey situation, which they can. I can be able to franchise and sit on the board and be able to do that. So, yes, that is happening.

Speaker B: Okay, well, um, let me ask you, uh, are you. Because when you started talking about, you know, Alabama State. I mean, I'm sorry, Illinois State and public health, um, it kind of got me. Like, I was intimidated. Like, I don't. That sounds complicated. So are you willing to be, like, a consultant? Do you consult as well on, um, you know, your business in case other people want to partner with you or something like that or use, you know, your brand? So what I'd like to do is set, uh, up a time to chat with you on about. About some other alternatives.

Speaker A: Excuse me.

Speaker B: Um, you're fine. Set, uh, up a chat with you to learn, um, about some other alternatives. That's okay. We can do it again.

Speaker A: My allergies.

Speaker B: My apologies.

Speaker C: Yeah, I'm good.

Speaker A: I'm good.

Speaker B: I've been having bad allergies this winter or this fall as well. What is that? I don't get that. The pollen's gone or most of it. So what's really going on? Yeah, um, but what I'd like to do is schedule an appointment with you, uh, so that I can speak with you about some of the other alternatives to franchising, things that are very similar. Um, I figured out a secret reading between the lines of Home Depot and Starbucks, and what I learned was worth millions. Oh, you can change. You gotta learn.

Speaker A: No, you say you. I'm sorry, I was. You say. What did you learn?

Speaker B: I learned the ways around franchising because, you know, we'll talk about it, uh, on a call, but. Okay. Um, the franchising, what they get, what they're trying to get you to do is each state that you go to, you almost. It's like getting a state license. How many places, you know, states that you want to be, and they want you to buy that license. And some of them require city, county licenses as well, so. And it can get really, really expensive. So there can be millions of dollars saved and millions of dollars made. And, um, by knowing this little secret, I would love to share that with you.

Speaker A: Oh, thank you.

Speaker B: And then, uh, the only thing I ask is that you not tell anybody else. That's horrible. Unless you're. Unless you're grooming them, uh, as a partner with you. Because it's not something. I feel like it was something that was divinely given, and since everybody didn't have it, I didn't. Obviously, it's not something God wants everybody to have, but with you wanting to, uh, franchise, I can show you ways of avoiding all those extra fees. Um, and then, you know, doing what you need to do in a slightly different way, the way Starbucks and Home Depot did.

Speaker E: Oh, wow.

Speaker A: Sharing information.

Speaker B: Yeah. So, um, let me see what time it is before we go. Um, I don't. Wait a minute. If I. How much time do you have?

Speaker A: Um, however much time you need.

Speaker B: Let me see who else is scheduled. If I don't have anyone else scheduled, I'm gonna go ahead and ask, uh, you a few more questions because I don't see. I don't see anything else happening right now. Um, because I think this was.

Speaker A: So much for coming in, sir. My apologies for that. No, I'm still. I'm still on, but I just want to thank you.

Speaker B: Oh, no, you're good?

Speaker A: Oh, I'm good.

Speaker B: You've got a couple minutes. Yeah.

Speaker C: Okay.

Speaker A: Is everything taken care of?

Speaker B: Everything's taken care of. Okay.

Speaker A: Okay.

Speaker B: And congratulations on your establishment.

Speaker A: Thank you. I appreciate it. Thank you so much.

Speaker B: I recommend people over here.

Speaker A: Do you? I will. Oh, you will. Okay. Okay. I appreciate that. Thank you. Make sure you take a card, and it looks like you're Buying some products. So if you have questions while applying it, then give us a call.

Speaker B: I'll call you back. Yeah, yeah.

Speaker A: And we'll walk you through.

Speaker E: Do it.

Speaker A: Okay. Thank you. What's your name?

Speaker E: Bill.

Speaker B: Oh, yeah. You pay them all the time.

Speaker A: Bill. You're Bill? Uh, I'm Robbie. Thanks a lot. Yes, sir. Thank you, sir. Thank you.

Speaker E: Okay.

Speaker B: Thank you.

Speaker A: I had a customer coming. I just wanted. I like to say hi to the customers and thank you.

Speaker B: Of course. I like that. And we'll put some little pieces, you know, in there too. Um, so, yeah, I don't really. I don't see much else is going on. I think I was supposed to have a day off, um, today, uh, or half a day. So it's looking like half a day. Okay. Yeah. So for the second, you're my last person here. So everything else is early this morning, all the different time zones. Okay, well, let me go ahead and showcase, uh, some things about you. Okay. Now we can go ahead and do a more in depth video if you have like another 15 minutes.

Speaker D: Okay, sure.

Speaker B: What I would like you to do at this point is, um, talk about your services that you offer. Do you have someone there that's willing to be on camera that you're okay with?

Speaker A: Sure.

Speaker B: Is that okay? You have your crew there? They don't mind being on camera?

Speaker A: No, they don't. They don't mind.

Speaker B: Can you ask them to come over to where you are so I can get, um, them in the shot?

Speaker A: Sure. Give me one more much.

Speaker E: Put that pressure.

Speaker B: That you can't bring.

Speaker E: That's where the. Okay. Okay.

Speaker A: Yeah.

Speaker B: So that's where this is where the dishes go. This goes where the dishes go.

Speaker E: Yeah, yeah. So like, let's say you're going to want to little bit just a little

Speaker A: cool.

Speaker E: And then your balance comes out too.

Speaker A: Okay, well, you ratchet. He's with the customer now. So I have one coming and I

Speaker B: have a couple coming M. Okay, that's fine. So tell me a little bit about your services. Um, like commercial residential.

Speaker A: Uh, so we specialize in commercial residential properties. We do pest control, such as gp, which is general pests. That's your rodents, your roaches, your insects, mosquitoes. We do termite services, termite inspections, bed bug services. And we do wildlife trapping and exclusion for our raccoons. And our. Yes, we do trapping and exclusion. And we do release them. We have a group that we release them to that are safe. So we do not release them into like a different location because they're territorial, but so that we Hook up with and we kind of work um and so yeah we do all we do daycares, restaurants, multi housing units. Um any infrastructure we can do we can complete Pest control company. I mean pest control on that property.

Speaker B: Okay. And do you have uh, are you. Well we don't want specifics but. But have you tapped into government contracts yet?

Speaker A: Yes. So right now I'm in the process of completing the eight um, government certification.

Speaker B: Mhm.

Speaker A: I have every other certification locally I can have through the city, through Cook county and that whole thing. I'm a wbe ambe I have the certification. So we're okay on that end. But now we're trying to tackle the national um.

Speaker B: Okay, well that's definitely something that we can talk about and I think so far I'm gonna have about two people between now and uh. About this time in 2021. I try to feature one business per year and I really think that you are a great candidate on Forbes for this. Um. Are you seeing. Yeah, that would be awesome. I have an article that I'm going to be writing on pretty that has to do with women in non traditional uh, roles uh, and their businesses and that I'm going to mention a couple people but I definitely want to showcase you. So um, what do you think your next level is? What do you think the next level is for you?

Speaker A: So right now at this point we have the pest control services we're working on pest control software and products and retail. So at that point anyone that can. That's where the franchise opportunity, it's a turnkey situation. You can literally open up and now it dependent on where you are and you'll have the pest control company, the retail, the software and the products all in one shop. So it's a one stop shop for the community to come in and shop and where you're located. And I think that business model in pest control has not been done before.

Speaker B: So what is the I'm um. What is the software for? Is that for other people wanting to do the business or what is the software for? Explain that to me.

Speaker A: So the software part what I notice is um. Any you two don't go anywhere um for multi housing. What I kind of noticed being in the uh, by me having an IT background is that I've been looking for software in pest control that caters to the actual technician and what the company needs. But I've noticed is that it's room for software to be developed. And so from there what I've been doing is I've been teaming up with people because I haven't been able to dedicate myself 100%. But I think it would be great for pest control companies to really get a software built from an actual exterminator, because we would actually know. Um, opposed to you sitting down and someone tell you what pest control companies need, you have an actual exterminator now that has an IT background that can. That knows exactly what that technician and what should be in the notes for the Illinois Department of Public Health to continue to make it safe. And so it's software. I recognize the need, a need for it. And so I think, you know, I feel excited about what we're building, what

Speaker B: we're trying to do. That's wonderful. Um, so I, um, the Chief Information Officer of the year, uh, through sim, because I'm from Chicago and work with all the different companies there, um, they're having their awards ceremony, uh, pretty soon where I was nominated. I'm a nominee. Let's just, you know, nominated, meaning. Okay, we're gonna see who's really gonna win. I think they have m. But the whole point is that I was the only African American, um, female, uh, that was picked up as a candidate, uh, for 2020. And so, that being said, um, when you talk about your next level and you talk about the software, have you considered, uh, any form of artificial intelligence? Or have you looked at that as an addition or, um, one of the features?

Speaker D: Yes.

Speaker A: So, um, we have a test coming up this month that I'm taking, and it's just another form of me, um, another branch of extermination that I'm trying to get into, which is food processing. Because I think that the way agriculture is and how pesticides are being used in our food is. That's something I want to get off into. And so that's where the biometric comes in. We're now creating actual equipment where, you know, if something runs across something, then they can alert, you know, um, pest control technicians that this is where the activity is now. This is something that is out. However, this is a brand that I kind of want to tap into. And so I think food processing, agriculture, which is something that we all should try to learn how to do because we don't know what direction going into. Um, I would like to be part of that, um, on the end of just creating innovative hardware to help us continue to grow our agriculture in a safe way.

Speaker B: Okay, that sounds wonderful. Um, so where do you go from here? You have the software, uh, in your mind for your next level. What should we expect to see from your business in the next couple years because you're at year four, what happens after you hit year five and surpass that, what should we look for? And what type of goals do you have for your business within the next couple years?

Speaker A: So at this point or moving forward, the goal is to have an RV pest solution, be a household name. M. And so from there it can be so many blocks within your house or your community that you can walk in and shop for pest control products and that you can get amazing pest control services from a young generation of new exterminators.

Speaker B: Mhm.

Speaker A: From the business standpoint, the goal is to create a software and create a retail and a pest control service space for up and coming pest control owners who don't know that. Okay, I have an idea to be a pest control company or an exterminator, but how do I get from point A to point B? And so I want to be that company that can hand you over on a platter. Everything you need to succeed, huh. In this, um, field. So it's consulting.

Speaker B: Consulting again. Okay, Right. So that's what I'm hearing a lot of. And then let me ask you, what sort of business, um, networking groups are you with? Or women's women, uh, you know, women CEO groups. Um, who do you connect with, uh, to discuss, you know, these type of details? Are you, you said you were in technology. Are you with stem, Chicago or uh, aitp? Are you with any of the, you know, the computer societies or anything like that?

Speaker A: No, as of right now, I am not. For these past four years, it's been straight extermination. However, Pestworld is coming up October 12th. 19th. And so Pestworld is a yearly event that all exterminating companies from across the world and many different exhibits we get together and we have to do it virtually this year, but we get together, um, and share products and services in ways that we can succeed in pest control. And within that, they just started a women's national Pest management for women because women are getting more into the field now. Uh, it's not many African American women, so I would like to definitely, I think they're like 80 to 100 members now. And so m. I'm looking to be a part of that and offer some of what Chicago is doing on our end and represent what we're doing, what RV Pet Solutions is doing. So that coming up.

Speaker B: So this is, uh, really interesting. Um, I've really enjoyed the interview. I have a couple more questions I'm m gonna ask and we're going Go ahead and wrap up maybe in about the next five minutes. But I wanted to read to you the quotes, um, that we sent you. Um, it says, the woman with fresh solutions. No bugging around here. Roby R. Smith is on the top of her bug game. Um, I think you might like this one. No, not female Terminator. Female exterminator. Roe V R. Smith. My staff was like, oh, that's so lame. I'm like, well, it's not really. It's gonna go over in the right forums to get a lot of attention. That's the answer.

Speaker A: I love both of them. Do you have to pick just one?

Speaker B: The female Terminator. No, not the female Terminator. Female exterminator. So try, you know, you want to get that household name so you. If they start calling you the Terminator, then hey, maybe you're the bug Terminator.

Speaker A: Uh, you know, at this point my inbox M&DM is full of pictures. I am the pest. Or when I go to parties now I'm no longer Robbie. I'm the pest expert. Everybody want to show me what is this bug?

Speaker B: And I'm not.

Speaker A: And I spent a whole hour in the corner talking about roaches at a party. So this is just my life at this point. But again, I'm um, so I wouldn't picture doing anything else. I'm so happy. I'm doing what I love.

Speaker B: That's wonderful. And it definitely comes across. Uh, well now did you want to,

Speaker A: did you want to talk to the employees because they are available?

Speaker B: Yes, I would like some of your crew in the shot. Um, and some of your staff. Yes, I would like them to be part of it as well.

Speaker A: Okay, yeah, let me know when you're ready because just whenever.

Speaker B: Yeah, you can go on, guys.

Speaker A: Now do they stand on the.

Speaker B: And let me get your email address while I um. Oh, hi. Is that your daughter?

Speaker A: Yes, yes. So my daughter works with me. And this is Hector. He's so amazing. I love Hector.

Speaker B: So he helps you run the business?

Speaker A: Yes, yes.

Speaker B: Tell me about yourself, Hector.

Speaker E: So my name is Hector Perez. Uh, I've been with this amazing company for several months now. Um, I've actually learned a lot of knowledge just answering phone calls and then interacting with customers. One thing I can say is just interacting with Ravi and then just kind of just following her footsteps.

Speaker C: She.

Speaker A: Mhm.

Speaker E: Shines knowledge and everything just by being around her.

Speaker B: So awesome. But you don't. It doesn't bother you having a female boss?

Speaker E: No, actually I enjoy it.

Speaker B: Say some insight into that because there's a lot of, um, uh, you know, men that I hear all the time saying. No, it's actually, you know, cool. She's very organized. It makes my life easier. So do you sort of feel that way with Robbie?

Speaker E: Yeah. I mean, she is on top of her business from the minute she walks into the building all the way to the minute she walks out. She has. You can tell that she really has a passion for what she does.

Speaker B: Yes.

Speaker E: And she's actually, if I can say so in my own words, she's setting the bar for other exterminators. So I'm just really fortunate to be involved in the business that she has.

Speaker B: Wonderful. Thank you so much, Rhett. And what's your daughter's name?

Speaker C: Maya.

Speaker B: Uh, hi, Maya. How are you? I am good. Good. What does that say on your shirt?

Speaker C: Black girls stay winning.

Speaker B: I like that. I totally like that. And so let me ask you, uh, what is it like with your mom running the business? You know, Hector helps out and makes sure that he takes care of, you know, his responsibilities. Mom, you know, gets the place open and gets going. Um, everybody makes sure the customers. So what is your job?

Speaker C: Um, I'm just kind of here. I think I'm a little bit like her shadow, in a way. Um, I do whatever she wants me to. Right now, um, I'm working on the software with her, so just making sure

Speaker B: that we can just level up and

Speaker C: get off of paper. Um, but I think it's really nice. It's actually been eye opening for me. My own outlook on a lot of things is different. Just like, m. What I want to do in life. Like, I'm just now high school graduates, so being with.

Speaker B: Congratulations.

Speaker C: Thank you. But seeing this business grow and, like, shadowing my mom, it makes me have more of an entrepreneur mindset than a lot of my peers.

Speaker B: Well, we knew that was coming. We have an entrepreneurial mom. So what do you guys think? What do you think, Hector? Tell me what you guys think. Um, should we call her the female bug? Terminator. That would just call her the female Terminator. What do you guys think?

Speaker A: What you think?

Speaker E: That would just be the starting point, like her mindset and where she wants to develop this business. This is just like the study.

Speaker B: So give me an idea. If this is, uh, just out the gate, give me a concept or a phrase. Where you think it's headed if anything comes, uh, to mind? Well, both of you, I'm not gonna let you off.

Speaker C: What was the first one that you said earlier? I kind of like that one.

Speaker B: Or the terminator one, the bug. Terminator. Yeah, it's kinda. I guess what we'd have to do is try to figure out a way to get the company name into it. So we have our. Is it RB or rnb? Right, That's RB Here. So, uh, RB Pest Control. What can we do with that to make it really, really sassy?

Speaker A: Um, I mean, again, we like the first. I like both of them. Um, but if I had to choose, it would be the first one. The second one is more catchy. I can see how that one will not leave people's minds, which is what you want to do.

Speaker B: Yeah, that's what people were telling, like, oh, now we'll never forget her name. Because, uh, you know, it's like, no, not Female Terminator. Female exterminator. Roe V. R. Smith. And they're like, oh, it's in there. They were laughing. They're like, okay, I will never get that on my nose. Where is she located? I'm like, Chicago. So now you know. Wow. All right. That's awesome. Well, thanks a lot, guys, for stepping in and, uh, spicing up the video a little bit while we're just talking all business. So it's always good to have a little bit of fun, too. M. And thank, uh, you guys so much for, uh, being guests on the show. So, uh, Robin, before you go, um, welcome to the family. You made the cut. Now you're a member of the great and relentless you. So when you hear it, uh, on the promo, you're gonna hear an echo. And of course, it's not gonna be me speaking. It's a guest. Okay? We all have our place. We have to know our place. I'm not an announcer. The men do it so wonderfully. Okay, well, thank you guys so much. Does anybody have anything that you want to add? You know, any kind of bloopers or anything funny that has happened in the industry, or maybe some words of encouragement? You say you just graduated high, uh, school. Give me your name again. Amaya. Oh, Amaya. Oh, not Maya, but Amaya. Okay, Amaya, um, what would you have to say to teenagers right now just getting ready to graduate high school? And maybe they're thinking things are looking pretty grim. Maybe they didn't have a prom. What sort of inspiration do you have that you'd like to share with them? M. Um,

Speaker C: I would say not. I would say not stress too much about just the college application process and all of that. I get it can be stressful and overwhelming, but you'll end up where you're

Speaker B: supposed to Be off the old block, huh? Huh? How about you, Hector, from your perspective? I mean, you're still working and everything. Um, and I saw you with your mask on and you were all, like, doing your work and all that. So what do you have to say to the people that are, like, unemployed right now, still looking for work? What words of inspiration or hope do you have for them? Should, uh, it be about their passion? Should they be trying to find something they like or may have to find something where they can survive in the meantime? So what would you say would be a good tactic for if you need work right now, just to feed your family? How could they plan towards their future, uh, and finding something that they might actually like or find pleasant?

Speaker E: Um, my personal advice would be find something that motivates you and then just use that to keep going through day by day. I know every day is not going to be the best, and there may be times when you hit a rock bottom, but it's just to keep that overall goal in mind and then just keep working towards it. And slow progress is better than no progress.

Speaker A: Come on, Hector.

Speaker B: All right. And so. All right, Robbie.

Speaker C: So

Speaker B: where to next? Um, what's the true. And I want you to give me the biggest dream that you can ever dream. The biggest, biggest, biggest. What is the cream of the crop? Where is the top, top spot that you see RV solutions in about 10 years or 20 years, what do you expect it to be?

Speaker A: I see a headquarters along with different branches throughout the United States. Where in that headquarters, I have my sales floor and I have my customer service floor with my different region specialists and customer service where people can call into your 800 number. And from anywhere in the United States, depending on where you are, you can get pest control services. And with an affordable price, with great customer service. And you can walk minutes away from your home into one of our retail locations. That is the biggest dream ever is to have headquarters with different branches.

Speaker B: I like that. And then how can we reach you? Um, like online phone numbers, social media.

Speaker A: M. So we're located www.rbp pestsolutions.com and also on all social media platforms. You can go to R B, pestsolutions, and you can put it into Instagram, social media, uh, Twitter, excuse me, Instagram and Facebook. And once you put that in, everything pops up with, you know us, we're on there tips that we offer some of our technicians. And so, you know, um, that's where to find us. We're a phone call away. Or for our retail store, you can come into 8243 South Cottage Grove here on the south side of Chicago in Chatham. And you visit our retail store for your products.

Speaker B: Okay, awesome. What's the phone number again?

Speaker A: 312-217-9605.

Speaker B: One more time.

Speaker A: 312-217-9605.

Speaker B: All right, awesome. Well, this has been a wonderful interview. Um, just to give you an idea, um, what I'll be doing is sending you guys, like, a really, really nice promo, uh, video. I'll send you the two quotes. Um, when we send the quotes, we'll show you exactly how, uh, our little thing should be at the bottom. So we'll just send you everything you need. We just recommend, uh, and for you, I'm gonna give you a full year. Normally I only give about three months because, you know, you have to sort of get a feel, you know, for a business owner first. Uh, because it's, you know, it's a win, win situation because you're putting our name out there as well. Oh, boy.

Speaker C: Stop.

Speaker B: It's just, it has to itch at the wrong time, doesn't it? Knows, like, hey, I want attention here. So, um, it's like, um, I'll send you everything you need. And then of course, you get your great and relentless few badge. Uh, it's going to be transparent. We have a transparency for a light background and one for a dark background. Um, and then for people who want to actually get the T shirt, that's like the next level. So what we do is we send everybody a digital T shirt. Um, and then we have a way to take your, uh, photo or a picture of you and put superimpose the logo on you as if you are wearing, um, the T shirt. So that's what we do on the basic level. And then eventually we're going to go back and circle back because right now it's tough. We are skeleton crew. Uh, we're going to double back and, uh, even the people that just have the basic, basic program, we're not gonna, like, not send them a T shirt. We're gonna double back around. But that's probably gonna be between, uh, eight and 16 more weeks. So it's gonna be a while so we can try to get our crew back together. It's been kind of cool. Okay, awesome. Well, thank you guys. Um, I feel like we need to be clapping and stuff. This was pretty awesome. You guys have a great day. And, uh, thank you so much for your time. And it's takes between, uh, five and seven business days to get your promo video, and we'll have a long one and a short one, and the short one is going to have your photo in that. So we'll send you a link for the demo, and you can tell us if there's anything that you want to change, and we'll update it there and then, uh, send you the link and then a way for you to Download it from YouTube.

Speaker A: Okay, sounds good.

Speaker B: Awesome. All right, guys, have a great one.

Speaker A: Appreciate you.

Speaker B: Oh, no problem. Thank you for being a great again.

Speaker A: All right, Bye.

Speaker B: Bye. Bye. Okay, now, I know you're doing, like. I'm doing, like, uh, definitely it people. Uh, you guys take care, all right.