PMP Industry Insiders

Hosted by Brought to you by Donnie Shelton and Dan Gordon

Business Marketing

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Episodes

318

Latest episode

Oct 2026

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About the show

The PMP Industry Insiders podcast helps pest control and lawn care professionals grow their businesses. Every week, hosts Donnie Shelton and Dan Gordon talk with the biggest players in the pest control and lawn care markets about what’s changing in the industry and take listeners to the front lines of what the future holds.

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60 recent

October 29, 2026Episode 31836 min

Episode 297: Profitable But Broke: When the P&L Says 'Yes,' But the Bank Says 'No'

This week, Dan and Donnie discuss how a pest or lawn company's profits can be reflected in P&L statements while cash is tied up in accounts receivable, vehicle financing, and other balance sheet items. They cover key strategies for managing cash flow, including creating weekly forecasts, being disciplined about debt usage, and paying yourself from cash rather than profit. Finally, they explain that cash is the most critical metric and running out of it will put you out of business immediately. Hosts: Dan Gordon, PCO Bookkeepers & M&A Specialists: https://pcobookkeepers.com/ Donnie Shelton, Triangle Home Services: https://trianglehomeservices.com/ Sponsors: Coalmarch: https://www.coalmarch.com/podcast PestSure: https://www.pestsure.com/ Voice for Pest: https://www.voiceforpest.com/podcast Forshaw: https://www.forshaw.com/ PestPac by WorkWave: https://www.pestpac.com/pmpindustryinsiders

October 22, 2026Episode 31741 min

Episode 296: The $3M Pest Company That Doesn't Make Any Money

This week, Dan and Donnie explain how two companies can have similar revenue but vastly different economic results. They discuss how pest and lawn owners often overlook inefficiencies while pursuing revenue targets. Additionally, they explore the most important KPIs for profitability and Donnie's recent experience implementing a price increase. Hosts: Dan Gordon, PCO Bookkeepers & M&A Specialists: https://pcobookkeepers.com/ Donnie Shelton, Triangle Home Services: https://trianglehomeservices.com/ Sponsors: Coalmarch: https://www.coalmarch.com/podcast PestSure: https://www.pestsure.com/ Voice for Pest: https://www.voiceforpest.com/podcast Forshaw: https://www.forshaw.com/ PestPac by WorkWave: https://www.pestpac.com/pmpindustryinsiders Peer Groups: https://www.pmpindustryinsider.com/peergroups Insiders Conference: https://www.pmpindustryinsider.com/conference

October 15, 2026Episode 31644 min

Episode 295: Structure Before Scale: How Recon Is Building for Growth

This week, Austin and Bo Graham of Recon Pest Services share how they’ve grown their Nebraska-based pest control business from door-to-door sales into a company pursuing growth through organic expansion and acquisitions. They discuss how implementing EOS, defining clear ownership and leadership roles, and building accountability have helped them strengthen their culture, manage operations across state lines, and navigate the challenges of acquisition integration. Guest: Austin Graham, CFO & Visionary & Bo Graham, Sales & Marketing Manager & Integrator, Recon Pest Services Hosts: Dan Gordon, PCO Bookkeepers & M&A Specialists: https://pcobookkeepers.com/ Donnie Shelton, Triangle Home Services: https://trianglehomeservices.com/ Sponsors: Coalmarch: https://www.coalmarch.com/podcast PestSure: https://www.pestsure.com/ Voice for Pest: https://www.voiceforpest.com/podcast Forshaw: https://www.forshaw.com/ PestPac by WorkWave: https://www.pestpac.com/pmpindustryinsiders Peer Groups: https://www.pmpindustryinsider.com/peergroups Insiders Conference: https://www.pmpindustryinsider.com/conference

October 8, 2026Episode 31434 min

Episode 294: From CEO to Exit: Build Value & Go to Market

In part 2 of 2 about Dan's new book, "From CEO to Exit: The Ultimate Payday for Pest and Lawn Care Operators," Dan and Donnie review how to build business value before an exit using the 4 Cs framework (human capital, structural capital, customer capital, and social capital). They also outline a systematic approach to exit planning involving discovery, preparation, and decision phases, and they delve into the challenges of the due diligence process. Hosts: Dan Gordon, PCO Bookkeepers & M&A Specialists: https://pcobookkeepers.com/ Donnie Shelton, Triangle Home Services: https://trianglehomeservices.com/ Sponsors: Coalmarch: https://www.coalmarch.com/podcast PestSure: https://www.pestsure.com/ Voice for Pest: https://www.voiceforpest.com/podcast Forshaw: https://www.forshaw.com/ PestPac by WorkWave: https://www.pestpac.com/pmpindustryinsiders Peer Groups: https://www.pmpindustryinsider.com/peergroups Insiders Conference: https://www.pmpindustryinsider.com/conference

October 5, 2026Episode 31517 min

Top Takeaways From September - Insiders Rewind

Welcome to Insiders Rewind - Recapping September This month, we are looking back to: Ep. 285 - What's Really Driving the Pest Market? Ep. 286 - Building a Purpose-Driven Company Ep. 287 - The Multi-Million Dollar Question: Is Your Estate Plan Ready Ep. 288 - Is Your Inventory Costing You Money? A HUGE shout to our sponsors! Coalmarch: https://www.coalmarch.com/podcast PestSure: https://www.pestsure.com/ Voice for Pest: https://www.voiceforpest.com/podcast Forshaw: https://www.forshaw.com/ PestPac by WorkWave: https://www.pestpac.com/pmpindustryinsiders Peer Groups: https://www.pmpindustryinsider.com/peergroups Insiders Conference: https://www.pmpindustryinsider.com/conference Hosts: Dan Gordon, PCO Bookkeepers & M&A Specialists: https://pcobookkeepers.com/ Donnie Shelton, Triangle Home Services: https://trianglehomeservices.com/ We’d love to hear from you. Drop a comment, leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, and connect with us on social media @PMPIndustryInsiders.

October 1, 2026Episode 31332 min

Episode 293: CEO to Exit: Hope Is Not An Exit Plan

In part 1 of 2 about Dan's new book, "From CEO to Exit: The Ultimate Payday for Pest and Lawn Care Operators," he and Donnie discuss key exit planning concepts, including three gaps to consider: the wealth gap (difference between needed income and current assets), the value gap (improving multiples), and the price gap (potential versus current sale value). They also talk about misconceptions around multiples and understanding adjusted EBITDA. Hosts: Dan Gordon, PCO Bookkeepers & M&A Specialists: https://pcobookkeepers.com/ Donnie Shelton, Triangle Home Services: https://trianglehomeservices.com/ Sponsors: Coalmarch: https://www.coalmarch.com/podcast PestSure: https://www.pestsure.com/ Voice for Pest: https://www.voiceforpest.com/podcast Forshaw: https://www.forshaw.com/ PestPac by WorkWave: https://www.pestpac.com/pmpindustryinsiders Peer Groups: https://www.pmpindustryinsider.com/peergroups Insiders Conference: https://www.pmpindustryinsider.com/conference

September 24, 2026Episode 31235 min

Episode 292: Second-Gen Journey: Building, Partnering & Staying

This week, STL Pest Control GM Zach Isenmann talks to Dan and Donnie about his experience joining his father's company, the challenges and growth they faced, and the decision to partner with private equity firm Perennial Services Group. He explained the transition process, the benefits of additional support and resources, and the post-transaction status of the company's culture and operations. Guest: Zach Isenmann, General Manager, STL Pest Control Hosts: Dan Gordon, PCO Bookkeepers & M&A Specialists: https://pcobookkeepers.com/ Donnie Shelton, Triangle Home Services: https://trianglehomeservices.com/ Sponsors: Coalmarch: https://www.coalmarch.com/podcast PestSure: https://www.pestsure.com/ Voice for Pest: https://www.voiceforpest.com/podcast Forshaw: https://www.forshaw.com/ PestPac by WorkWave: https://www.pestpac.com/pmpindustryinsiders Peer Groups: https://www.pmpindustryinsider.com/peergroups Insiders Conference: https://www.pmpindustryinsider.com/conference

September 17, 2026Episode 31136 min

Episode 291: Lawn Care Marketing: What’s Working Now—and What’s Not

This episode features Liam Sunstrum, owner of Yard Dawgs in Western Canada, discussing his company's rapid growth and marketing strategies. Liam tells Dan and Donnie how his company tripled from 4,000 to 12,000 customers over the past year by expanding to five new markets and implementing an advanced tech stack—including HubSpot, Claude AI, and RealGreen—and he details his Facebook and SMS marketing efforts. Guest: Liam Sunstrum, Owner, Yard Dawgs Hosts: Dan Gordon, PCO Bookkeepers & M&A Specialists: https://pcobookkeepers.com/ Donnie Shelton, Triangle Home Services: https://trianglehomeservices.com/ Sponsors: Coalmarch: https://www.coalmarch.com/podcast PestSure: https://www.pestsure.com/ Voice for Pest: https://www.voiceforpest.com/podcast Forshaw: https://www.forshaw.com/ PestPac by WorkWave: https://www.pestpac.com/pmpindustryinsiders Peer Groups: https://www.pmpindustryinsider.com/peergroups Insiders Conference: https://www.pmpindustryinsider.com/conference

September 10, 2026Episode 31023 min

Episode 290: Getting Paid: Managing Commercial Pest A/R

In this episode of the PMP Industry Insiders Podcast, Dan and Donnie discuss how to avoid being an unpaid bank by managing commercial credit terms. Dan explains the cash flow challenges of commercial accounts receivable and the importance of calculating Days Sales Outstanding (DSO). They discussed strategies such as setting payment terms, using ACH or credit cards, and having a structured collection process. Hosts: Dan Gordon, PCO Bookkeepers & M&A Specialists: https://pcobookkeepers.com/ Donnie Shelton, Triangle Home Services: https://trianglehomeservices.com/ Sponsors: Coalmarch: https://www.coalmarch.com/podcast PestSure: https://www.pestsure.com/ Voice for Pest: https://www.voiceforpest.com/podcast Forshaw: https://www.forshaw.com/ PestPac by WorkWave: https://www.pestpac.com/pmpindustryinsiders Peer Groups: https://www.pmpindustryinsider.com/peergroups Insiders Conference: https://www.pmpindustryinsider.com/conference

September 7, 2026Episode 30915 min

Top Takeaways from August | Insiders Rewind

Welcome to Insiders Rewind — Recapping August This month, we are looking back to: Ep. 285 - What's Really Driving the Pest Market? Ep. 286 - Building a Purpose-Driven Company Ep. 287 - The Multi-Million Dollar Question: Is Your Estate Plan Ready Ep. 288 - Is Your Inventory Costing You Money? A HUGE shout to our sponsors! Coalmarch: https://www.coalmarch.com/podcast PestSure: https://www.pestsure.com/ Voice for Pest: https://www.voiceforpest.com/podcast Forshaw: https://www.forshaw.com/ PestPac by WorkWave: https://www.pestpac.com/pmpindustryinsiders Peer Groups: https://www.pmpindustryinsider.com/peergroups Insiders Conference: https://www.pmpindustryinsider.com/conference Hosts: Dan Gordon, PCO Bookkeepers & M&A Specialists: https://pcobookkeepers.com/ Donnie Shelton, Triangle Home Services: https://trianglehomeservices.com/