Rollins strengthened its presence in the Bay area with the acquisition of Campbell, Calif.-based SOS Pest Control and Termite. The deal closed on July 15; terms were not disclosed.
From left, Kemp Anderson, Louie Warman, Carol Williams, Dawn Davis, Margaret Vargas and Matt Whiting. PHOTO: KEMP ANDERSON CONSULTING
SOS was owned and operated by Carol Williams. Carol’s late husband, John Williams, worked for Orkin in the mid-1970s. In 1979, John established SOS.
By day, John gave out his new business cards to anyone he came into contact with and started growing his business one customer at a time. By night, he worked as a security guard for Apple Computer Co., at Steve Jobs’ and Steve Wozniak’s first building location.
In 2001, John showed signs of memory loss and had to retire; he died in 2006. Carol, who ran the office for 20 years, stepped into the role as licensed operator, supervisor, fleet manager, safety and training administrator, equipment buyer and full-time decision maker.
One by one, the Williams kids have joined in to help grow the business. Son Mike Williams has been servicing SOS customers since he joined the team in 1987. Dawn Davis joined the business almost 17 years ago to help run the office, and daughter Margaret Vargas joined the team in 2010. Vargas is an integral part of the business and the local pest control community, having served as president of the Pest Control Operators of California in the Santa Clara Valley district from 2016-18.
Many of SOS’ customers have become familiar friends on the phone. “Helping them overcome their pest problems, giving advice, and soothing concerns has been a pleasure,” says Carol in a press release.
Carol and her team are excited to join the Rollins family and will continue to service their customers under the SOS brand. SOS was represented by Kemp Anderson Consulting.
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