Connor’s Pest Protection makes charitable giving a family tradition.
For Connor’s Pest Protection, business is a family affair. The family-owned enterprise traces its roots back 70 years. For that entire time, the family has made it part of its mission to give back to the communities the company serves.
“We try to help out wherever possible,” says Eddie Connor, who manages operations for the Springfield, Va.-based company. “A lot of people helped us, and we love to give back.”
It’s a tradition that dates to H&H Exterminators, the company started by Connor’s grandfather in 1944.
“Ever since I was little, I saw them donating — food drives to the Rotary Clubs,” Connor says. “Whether it was manpower or monetary donations, we’ve always done this. It’s something ingrained in us to serve.”
Connor learned that early in life.
“I grew up in the business,” says Connor, who used to accompany his father, Ed Connor Sr., on his Saturday inspection routes. “I’ve done odds and ends ever since I was 10. I ran my own pest control routes when I was 16.”
Several organizations have been long-term recipients of the company’s generosity. In early May, Connor’s supported 22 organizations. But there are new ones every year. Connor’s contributes money to many of the organizations it supports, but often the giving comes in a different form.
“We set aside budget to gear up for this sort of thing,” Connor says. “We have new charities that come on board. Maybe we can’t do a lot for them;
we try to help them in some way, shape or form.”
One of the company’s long-time beneficiaries has been the Livestrong Foundation, which supports cancer research. Not only does the company donate money, Connor has ridden in a Livestrong bicycle race for many years.
“Cancer has affected our family and the families of our friends,” Connor says. “We believe in giving to these areas to help out.”
Connor’s also supports the organizations that are near and dear to their employees’ hearts, which might mean buying popcorn from a Boy Scout troop or sponsoring a softball team. That giving sentiment has carried down to the Connor’s employees, who often donate their time to various charitable activities such as Coats for Kids and Toys for Tots drives. Charitable work has created goodwill in the community, and while there’s no proof, it might even help with business — but that’s not the reason why the company is giving.
“We don’t do it for the publicity; we just like to give back,” Connor says. “If we get something out of it, OK, great. That’s just a bonus. We’re proud to do it.”
While the company supports many groups annually, there’s a constant flow of organizations requesting some sort of aid. Connor, along with father, Ed Sr., the owner of the firm, and Connor’s sister Robin, the general manager, try to meet monthly to consider new requests. Sometimes it’s a request for a silent auction or raffle. In that case, Connor’s might donate a year’s worth of mosquito control or another service. The company also does construction and will donate repair services through that division sometimes.
Charity work is something in which Connor believes every company, no matter the size, should be involved. Money is always welcome but in-kind donations might be equally important.
“We can all give back,” he says. “We like to think outside the box. If we can’t make a financial contribution, maybe we can donate services or time.”
Connor’s beneficiaries
Connor’s Pest Protection has a distinguished record of community service and leadership. The company provides money or services to
22 organizations and considers others:
- American Cancer Society
- American Lung Association
- Arlington Knights of Columbus “Holy Mackerels” Swim Team
- Braddock Road Youth Club
- Fairfax Baptist Temple Academy
- Fannie Mae’s Help the Homeless Program
- Habitat for Humanity
- Inova Fairfax Hospital
- Lake Co-Op Preschool
- Lake of the Woods Fire & Rescue
- Lake of the Woods Lions Club
- LIVESTRONG
- Loudoun County Snow Swimming League
- Pioneer Baseball League
- Ronald McDonald House Charities
- Rotary Club of Annandale
- Toys for Tots Foundation
- Vienna Stars Girls Softball
Jacobs is a contributor to PMP. Contact him via wnepper@northcoastmedia.net.
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