In 1990, armed with little more than a truck, a family to support, and a burning desire, Jerry embarked on an entrepreneurial journey that would blossom into The Bug Doctor, a trusted name in pest and termite control. Leaving behind his previous venture in dog house construction, Jerry rediscovered his deep-seated passion for nature and, perhaps surprisingly, bugs. He envisioned a pest control service that prioritized quality and customer care, a stark contrast to the impersonal approach often found with larger corporations. Inspired by his in-laws and recognizing the abundant pest challenges in Ocala and Summerfield, Florida, Jerry set his sights on this bug-rich locale. With a simple sprayer and an unwavering optimistic attitude, “the Bug Doctor” began to lay the foundation for what is now a thriving business.
Many dismiss the “American Dream” as outdated, but Jerry’s story serves as a powerful counter-narrative. The path to establishing a successful pest control and termite control business was far from easy. There were moments of intense hardship, times when the very survival of the company hung in the balance. However, Jerry’s unwavering determination and strong faith proved to be formidable assets, capable of overcoming any obstacle. If you had the time, Jerry could captivate you for days with stories from those early years and even from more recent experiences – tales that range from skin-crawling infestations to laugh-out-loud encounters, often all within the same story. Navigating the world of pest control meant facing diverse reactions from clients, from warm welcomes to less enthusiastic receptions. Yet, fueled by his love for his family and a peculiar fascination with the “little creepy crawling guys,” every challenge became worthwhile for this dedicated bug doctor.
Interestingly, the journey didn’t begin with the moniker “The Bug Doctor.” Jerry’s initial experiences were, in a sense, a trial by fire, a “thrown to the wolves” introduction to the industry. He met his wife, Renee, in Baltimore, Maryland, a city where “city bugs” reign supreme. While Florida is often considered a haven for pests, termites, and insects of all kinds, urban pests present a unique set of challenges. Baltimore’s oversized rats and cockroaches with seemingly enormous legs provided Jerry with a rapid and intense immersion into the realities of pest control. It was amidst these urban infestations that Jerry’s passion for pest and termite management, a passion that might seem unusual to some, truly ignited. These early encounters in Baltimore solidified his path to becoming the dedicated “bug doctor” his clients know today.
