8 Powerful Lessons from Yardline Pest Control’s First Year (And How You Can Apply Them)

Starting a pest control business isn’t easy — but Yardline Pest Control proved that with the right mindset, tools, and strategy, even a rookie company can soar. Recently recognized by FieldRoutes as their 2025 Rookie of the Year, Yardline’s founder, Sam Rankin, shared some valuable insights from his first year in business that every pest control owner should hear. 
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👉 Read the full original post here: 8 Lessons and Insights From Yardline Pest Control’s First Year (FieldRoutes)
🔗 https://www.fieldroutes.com/blog/8-lessons-insights-yardline-pest-control-first-year

Here are the top lessons that growing pest control companies should consider:

1. Start With a Big Vision

Rankin set up Yardline with clear end goals in mind, even thinking about how the business might be positioned for a future sale or partnership. Planning for long-term success from day one helps guide strategy and decision-making. 
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2. Integrity Matters

Doing the right thing isn’t just good ethics — it builds trust with customers and clients. Yardline focuses on strong moral leadership, believing that good will ultimately supports business success. 
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3. Recurring Revenue Is a Game Changer

Consistent cash flow is essential. Yardline emphasizes recurring services rather than one-off jobs to help stabilize income and fuel growth. 
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4. Never Stop Learning

Rankin’s attitude is to be “the dumbest person in the room” — meaning he’s always learning from others. Whether through networking, mentorship, or industry content, ongoing learning accelerates growth. 
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5. Relationships Drive Referrals

Networking and quality service create natural referral pathways. Yardline leveraged relationships and referrals — including customers from the founder’s other business — to build momentum fast. 
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6. Leverage Data for Better Decisions

Smart use of software and data tracking gives businesses a competitive edge. Yardline credits accurate data and tech tools with helping them forecast and scale. 
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7. Ask the Right Questions

Avoiding assumptions and asking detailed questions saves time, improves service quality, and builds customer trust. This principle is vital in pest control, where accurate problem assessment is key. 
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8. Your Team Is Your Superpower

No business succeeds alone. Yardline highlights the importance of hiring talented people and trusting them to bring your vision to life. 
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Final Thoughts

Yardline’s first year demonstrates that strategy, integrity, recurring revenue models, and a strong team build the foundation for long-term success in pest control. Whether you’re just starting or scaling, these lessons offer a roadmap worth following.

Don’t forget to check out the full article on FieldRoutes for even more insights.

🔗 https://www.fieldroutes.com/blog/8-lessons-insights-yardline-pest-control-first-year