Willie and Kathleen Payne had a goal: Start their own pest control business. Starting a new business can be a risky, intimidating, and daunting undertaking. For something like a pest control business, there must be a need for the service and the means to get the job done. “Termites are definitely a huge problem due to the climate in Southern California,” says Jason Payne, president and COO, Payne Pest Management. “It’s ideal climate for drywood and subterranean termites; it’s one of the few locations in the US that has both species of termites.”
CHOOSING THE BEST TOOL
Despite adverse economic conditions, the Paynes opened the doors of their new Southern California pest control business on May 15, 2006; however, they still had a lot of road miles to cover in order to meet customer needs. It was essential for Payne Pest Management to have a vehicle—and Chevrolet’s Silverado was ready to work. “We service condominiums, hotels, major motion picture studios; our partnership with GM Fleet is invaluable,” says Jason Payne.
A fleet of reliable vehicles makes managing a business less stressful; the focus comes off maintenance and downtime worry and can instead be devoted to other aspects of the business. The Paynes’ decision to enter into a beneficial marriage with GM Fleet—specifically Chevrolet Fleet and Commercial—was a no-brainer. Chevrolet’s support—both the company and the vehicle—allows Payne Pest Management to focus on growing its customer base, serving current customers, and increasing revenue.
BIG INVESTMENT, BIG PAYOFF
Starting a fleet is a large investment and has the potential to make or break a new business, so the Paynes needed reliable fleet vehicles—vehicles they wouldn’t have to worry about—for their business. They also needed competitive financing. “Access to credit is a challenge for many businesses as they launch and this was true for us in 2006,” says Willie Payne, chairman and CEO, Payne Pest Management.
Walt McGrath, Chevrolet fleet and commercial sales specialist, met with the Paynes and listened to what they needed. “Payne Pest Management, throughout the year, has different needs for its fleet. When the company needs a vehicle, it pretty much needs it right away,” says McGrath. “Payne Pest Control will contact me and I’ll do a complete upfit: tool boxes, racks, and whatever systems they need. Everything’s delivered to the company’s location, including decals and logos.”
Such a level of commitment to service allows Payne Pest Management to think about its fleet secondarily and its customers primarily. “All of our Chevrolet vehicles are dependable and it’s nice to know that I don’t have to worry about our vehicles performing while on the job,” says Willie Payne. “This allows me to focus on growing my business.”
A LASTING PARTNERSHIP
Two major questions come into play when choosing a vehicle for a fleet: Is the vehicle backed by the manufacturer and is the vehicle the right choice for the job? “Reliable” is on the top of the list for “right-choice” vehicles. “It’s better for our image and better for our employees if they’re driving around in a vehicle they know is reliable and that they can feel good about driving,” Jason Payne says. “The Chevrolet Silverado fits that mold perfectly.”
Chevrolet Fleet and Commercial offers support for Payne Pest Management’s fleet; it also offers superior customer service. “What’s been so great about our relationship with GM Fleet—I pick up the phone, make a phone call, and that’s done. That’s one less thing for me to worry about,” says Jason Payne. “We’ve had such great success with the reliability of the Silverado, with the integrity of the people we’ve dealt with. That’s why we don’t want to change. We’ll stay with GM.”
FROM HUMBLE BEGINNINGS
Since opening its doors for business, Payne Pest Management has grown to be one of the largest pest control companies in the US. The company now has offices in San Diego, Irvine, Los Angelis, and Phoenix, Arizona. After nine years, Payne Pest Management has grown its family to 45 employees and—while increasing its fleet to 45 Chevrolet vehicles—more than 200,000 miles on that first Silverado.
“Since Walt and the Chevrolet commercial vehicle team treated us with respect when we needed it the most, our business partnership continues to grow today.”
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
GM Fleet has you covered. Find out more about the Chevrolet Silverado, GM Fleet, and other GM products and services, visit www.gmfleet.com.
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MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS: FEBRUARY 2016 ISSUE
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