Jacob: Vice President of Operations for Ecolab’s Pest Elimination Business
ARMY VETERAN TO PEST CONTROL LEADER
For many military members, the transition from the service to civilian life can feel daunting. Finding a career that offers purpose, structure and growth opportunities isn’t always easy. That’s why pest control has become such a natural fit for so many former service members—it’s an industry where leadership, problem-solving and discipline matter every single day.
Jacob Kulzer is living proof of that. After serving 24 years in the U.S. Army and the Minnesota Army National Guard, he never pictured himself in pest management. Yet nearly 12 years later, Jacob has built a fulfilling career protecting public health and safety while leading teams to success.
Today, he serves as Vice President of Operations for Ecolab’s Pest Elimination Business in the U.S. and Canada. In this role, Jacob oversees a vast network of professionals who help businesses in industries like food processing, healthcare and hospitality maintain pest-free environments. But his path to leadership didn’t happen overnight. Jacob credits his success to lessons learned in the military.
A CAREER BUILT ON LEADERSHIP AND LISTENING
Jacob began his pest control career as a Regional Operations Manager, eager to apply the leadership and organizational skills he developed in uniform. He quickly realized that many qualities from his military background were just as critical in pest control.
But one skill stood out above the rest: listening.
“Part of what’s helped me to be successful in my roles is that I’m a good listener. Listening to my team, soliciting feedback, listening to our customers—then taking that feedback and turning it into action—that’s how we get better.”
Jacob adds, “It's something I learned in the Army: take priorities from above and input from below, then make it work for everyone. Those lessons are just as important in this role.”
That approach became the foundation of Jacob’s leadership style. By paying attention to what his teams and customers needed, he developed solutions that worked in the real world. Over time, this ability to turn input into action helped Jacob rise through the ranks to his current role as Vice President of Operations.
THE BEST PART: PEOPLE AND PURPOSE
What Jacob enjoys most about his work today isn’t just the variety, it’s the people and the impact.
“There’s something different every day,” he says. “We service everything from homes and farms all the way up to the most complex businesses and manufacturers. Everything’s a challenge.”
He especially values the relationships:
“I love our customers and learning about what they do—helping them keep their businesses pest-free, healthy and safe is something I take pride in. And I get to work with really great teams. That combination makes the work exciting and meaningful.”
WHY PEST CONTROL IS A NATURAL FIT FOR VETERANS
Jacob believes veterans have a unique advantage in pest management because the work requires many of the same qualities valued in the military:
- Operational Structure & Coordination: Running a pest control operation often involves coordinating teams, resources and timing to eliminate threats efficiently.
- Adaptability & Problem-Solving: Just like in the military, every day brings new challenges that require quick thinking and flexibility in the face of unexpected situations.
- Core Values: Principles like duty, respect, integrity and loyalty aren’t just military ideals—they’re essential in an industry focused on protecting people, businesses and public health.
For Jacob, pest control is more than just a job—it’s a career with purpose, stability and opportunity. If you’re a veteran, or anyone seeking a meaningful career with variety and growth potential, Jacob’s story shows what’s possible.
READY TO START YOUR NEXT MISSION?
Your service prepared you for more than you know. Bring your leadership, adaptability and sense of purpose to an industry that protects communities every day. The pest control field is growing, and it needs skilled problem-solvers like you!
Learn more about military hiring programs and career opportunities at pestcontroljobs.com/hiring-programs/military.