Spotlight Employee: Neil Ayres

Welcome to the Team!

Neil Ayres recently joined the Action Pest Control team as the Branch Manager of our Indianapolis, IN branch. Neil is a 1995 graduate of the University of Oklahoma with a B.A. in Geography. Most recently, Neil was the Facility Manager for the David J. Joseph Company, a scrap metals trading, processing and transportation company. "We're excited to bring in a fresh perspective to our Indianapolis location," said Keith Smith, Regional Director. "Indianapolis is a growing market for us, and Neil's leadership will be a great asset to both our employees and our customers."

Why did you decide to join the Action team?

I really liked discussing the role through the hiring process with Keith Smith and Paula Bazemore. I also liked what I saw looking into the industry and around the website. I was looking for a company that cared for its people and was going to be growing in the future. I also like the idea of killing bugs. :)

What is your first priority in your new role?

I am going to be challenged with learning the industry and the business. After the first few weeks learning about the Indy branch, the first priority is going to be hiring quality people to fill the many open positions at the Indianapolis location.

What have you been most surprised to learn about Action since coming on board?

I have been surprised with the quantity of bed bug issues that are found throughout the region. We've never had a problem at our house, so I was shocked by how prevalent they have become. I also love the K9 team and what they do for our business to help customers find their problem.

What's your favorite bug?

There is something pretty industrious and cool to watch about termites at work. Although they can be devastating to our customer's property, it is interesting to see them at work.

What's your ideal day off?

I love spending a weekend with my family visiting nearby sights and cities. We loved the move to Indy to be able to visit places as a family we have not been before.

Favorite restaurant/favorite food?

My favorite meal at any restaurant was Mo's Chowder in Newport, OR. Picking your fresh crab that just came off the boat and eating within minutes was awesome.

Favorite quote?

"The quality of a person's life is in direct proportion to their commitment to excellence, regardless of their chosen field of endeavor." - Vince Lombardi

Coolest road trip experience?

About 8 years ago, road tripping for a week-long vacation with the family and my mom tagging along from Albuquerque to Vegas. Hoover Dam, Grand Canyon, downtown Vegas and the strip along with red rock canyon were all pretty cool in different ways.

The state still on the bucket list?

I have been to 43 of the 50, I would say Alaska or Maine would be near the top of the list.

What career field would you choose if you weren't in pest management and why?

Rock Star, who wouldn't want that life?

Favorite movie/TV show?

Of all time? Sons of Anarchy for TV show, The Godfather for the movie

Any secret talents?

I play ice hockey and can play the drums a little bit

Family, pets, hobbies?

I have a fantastic wife, we have been together for 19+ years. Three great kids, Jason is 22, Cris is 18 and Rhiannon is 17. A 13 year old terrier named Mara. Two cats around 2-3 years old named Kylo and Armen and a turtle that we have had for 7 years named Luke.