GERWIN MARCA: LEADING THE WAY HE LEARNED IN PEST CONTROL

From pest control technician to service manager at Viking Pest Control

Six and a half years after joining the industry by chance, Gerwin Marca is now a service manager at Viking Pest Control, helping train and develop the next generation of technicians. "I came into the industry by chance," he says. After applying for numerous jobs, he got a call from an HR representative who was interested in his resume and invited him to interview. That conversation launched his pest control career.

"I fell in love with the industry."

BUILDING A FOUNDATION: FROM PEST CONTROL TECHNICIAN TO LEADER

Gerwin started as a technician in New Jersey, but his role soon expanded beyond his daily route. By taking on responsibilities in training, quality improvement, and workplace safety, he developed the skills to mentor technicians, strengthen service standards, and collaborate across teams. Those experiences helped prepare him for leadership and ultimately led to his promotion as service manager for Viking's Pennsylvania branch. "Now I can teach those qualities that I've learned as a technician to my technicians."

STICKING WITH IT: OVERCOMING A TOUGH FIRST CALL

Not every day was easy. A few months into the job, Gerwin was called to a commercial account with a dead raccoon in the wall. It was a challenging call for someone so new to the field. "That was the first time I almost wanted to quit, but I stuck through because I loved the job." Instead of letting that moment push him out, Gerwin used it to build resilience. Now, as a service manager, he understands what his newer technicians go through when they hit their first tough call, and he can help them push through it.

His proudest moment as a technician came when he inherited an account that was expected to be cancelled. By building trust and consistently delivering results, he retained the customer for the next five years.

WHAT IT TAKES TO SUCCEED AS A PEST CONTROL TECHNICIAN

Gerwin believes the best technicians are open, thorough, and attentive listeners. Building strong relationships with customers and taking the time to understand their needs are key to delivering excellent service and earning long-term trust. Today, he looks for those same qualities as he mentors and develops the technicians on his team.

MORE THAN SPRAYING: PEST CONTROL CAREER PATHS AND GROWTH

Gerwin believes one of the biggest misconceptions about the industry is that the work is simple. In reality, success requires a strong understanding of science and problem-solving. The profession is evolving rapidly, with advanced tools and emerging technologies reshaping how technicians diagnose and address pest issues. For those willing to keep learning and adapt to new methods, the industry offers continuous opportunities for growth and professional development.

That growth goes beyond the technical work. Gerwin says the industry offers career paths that extend well beyond field service, including opportunities in sales, management, technical support, safety and marketing.

For Gerwin, connecting with others in the industry has made the biggest difference. "I learned a lot more in those three or four days at the Academy than in the five years I'd been working in the industry. There are so many people to hear their stories, and you get to really love the industry for more than just the pest control itself." That commitment to learning has shaped every stage of Gerwin's career, from technician to trainer to service manager, and continues to guide how he leads others today.

START YOUR OWN PEST CONTROL CAREER

Gerwin didn't go looking for pest control. It found him. Six and a half years later, he's a service manager teaching the next generation of technicians what he learned on the route. Your next application could be the one that starts it all. Search pest control technician jobs and start your own career story.