American Pest Acquires Arrow American Pest & Termite Control - PCT Magazine

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — With the goal of providing a network of support for current black pest control owner/operators and promoting black ownership of pest control firms, Black Ownership Matters (BOM) has been launched.

The organization was formed organically in summer 2020 when a group of like-minded individuals and organizations from across the country came together with the goal of supporting black economic advancement in the field of pest management.

As Black Ownership Matters President Jason Payne explained, "Significant inequality in this industry, and all industries, has created a racial wealth gap that we all are struggling to close. In order to help close this gap, our goal is to promote black ownership of pest control companies and advancement in the industry by providing financial guidance, business resources, employee development, mentorship and community support."

During the past eight months, Black Ownership Matters has been meeting virtually to build the organization from the ground up, including developing its mission statement and focus, and electing leaders. The group came up with the following three strategic goals:

1. To identify current black owners in the pest management industry and support their business growth through mentorship and access to resources.

2. To promote the career advancement of black industry professionals and support upward mobility in their careers through additional education, certifications, licensing, etc. BOM views this step as the catalyst for many to begin their path to ownership.

3. To engage in outreach to the black community at large to inform them of the critical role pest management plays in the lives of all people — and why this is a great industry to be employed in — and to discuss potential business ownership opportunities available in the field.

In addition to President Jason Payne (CEO of Payne Pest Management, San Diego) the Black Ownership Matters leadership includes:

• Wayne Golden, First Vice President + Owner, GSquared Consulting

• Dr. Hamilton Allen, Second Vice President + Florida Regional Technical Director of HomeTeam Pest Defense

• Faye Golden, Treasurer + Director of Government Affairs, Cook's Pest Control

• Sterling Barbour, Secretary + Vice President Veterans Advocacy Group of America (VAGA)

• Dr. Sonja Thomas, Advisor + Extension Specialist, Pesticide Safety Education, Alabama Cooperative Extension

• Ashley Clark, Director + Vice President, Allenstrategic Communications

• James Steed, Advisor + Owner, Neighborly Pest Management

Black Ownership Matters is currently adding membership and building industry support. The organization recently launched its website, www.blackownershipmatters.org, which includes additional details about the group and its goals, as well as information on how to support BOM through involvement and patronage.