5 questions with Tyler Smith

Smith, an “American Ninja Warrior” competitor, also is a husband and father of four children under the age of 6. PHOTO: PREFERRED PEST CONTROL

If you’re one of the millions of fans of the NBC-TV show “American Ninja Warrior,” you may have been rooting for Tyler “Ninja Bug Man” Smith, a service technician at Preferred Pest Control, Des Moines, Iowa. In 2019, his third year of competing in the event, Smith made it to the third round of the finals in Las Vegas, Nev. He placed sixth out of more than 600 competitors. Recently, he spoke to more than 11,000 kids at an “Exercising Your Character” event in Des Moines alongside Patrick Mahomes, the Kansas City Chiefs quarterback and 2018 NFL MVP from Kansas City, Mo. Smith is one of the few at the top level of “American Ninja Warrior” who still works a full-time job.

1. What got you interested in “American Ninja Warrior,” and what was the application process like?

My journey started like a lot of people’s: sitting on the couch and enjoying the TV show, thinking “Hey, I think I could do this,” but not knowing where to start. I began using trips to the park with my kids as an excuse to swing around on monkey bars or test my grip on makeshift obstacles. A friend let me know that a local gym was putting on a ninja competition, and encouraged me to give it a shot. After winning that competition, I was hooked. I traveled to Minnesota to compete in ninja competitions. I met some guys that had been on the series, and they helped me get plugged in. I was fortunate enough to be selected on my first time submitting an audition tape.

2. What got you interested in becoming a pest control technician?

For two years, I was a personal trainer. I was extremely passionate about fitness and helping people get in shape, but the long and unconventional hours started to wear on me. I was waking up at 4:30 a.m. and working until 7:30 p.m.

At a Bible study five years ago, a friend asked whether I was interested in a job opening at his dad’s pest control company. I was 100 percent not interested — until he explained the hours and that I would be home for dinner each night.

I accepted the offer, and it’s been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I get to be active, solve people’s problems, and work for an amazing family-owned company alongside a group of awesome people.

3. What’s next for your “Ninja Bug Man” status? More public appearances, for example?

No matter how well you do on the show, you always have to reapply. So as of right now (early February) I’m sitting back and waiting to hear whether I’ll be chosen for this upcoming season of “American Ninja Warrior.” It’s been an amazing ride, and I’m super thankful for all the opportunities that the program has opened for me and my family.

4. What is your advice for colleagues who want to pursue something like this, yet still keep their work and personal lives in balance?

It would have been easy for me to say “Well, I’m too busy” or “Most of these guys at the top level don’t have kids, or are training for ‘American Ninja Warrior’ full time.” With some dedication and willingness to learn a new skill, I was able take on my dreams and not be the guy sitting on the couch only wondering if I had what it takes.

5. Is there anything else you’d want PMP readers to know about your experience?

First of all, be proud of what you do. Being the person who takes time to solve problems in the field and gives customers the peace of mind that their homes or businesses are in good hands is an awesome feeling.

Secondly, think of your body as just one of the tools in your toolbox. Doing pest control with a leaky sprayer due to poor maintenance practices is something to which we can all relate. But your body is no different — doing a full day of work if you haven’t taken care of yourself will be miserable, and will ultimately lead to burnout. Find something you love to do, whether it’s riding bikes, playing tennis or rock climbing. Don’t sweat the details: Just find an active hobby you enjoy, and go all in.