5 questions with Sam Barry

Sam Barry

This month, we check in with Sam Barry, marketing director of Triangle Pest Control. In January, the Raleigh, N.C.-based company launched its Triangle Cares outreach program.

1. What was the impetus behind Triangle Cares?

We started this program because our owner, Donnie Shelton, is so passionate about the local community and showing them that we care. Our core values are Growth, Ownership, Respect, Integrity, Service and Excellence (GO RISE), and we show that in everything we do. This was a natural extension of showing that to not only our customers and employees, but to our community.

2. How are team members chosen?

Team members are actually not chosen at all! Our team members, and sometimes their families, choose to participate in this completely voluntary program for the greater good.

3. How are projects chosen?

The monthly projects are chosen by our entire team. We sent out a survey at the end of last year and really listened to what our team members are passionate about. Based on that survey, we worked to make sure we could participate in as many of their projects as possible throughout this year. We have a group of people with diverse interests and passions, and it is important to listen to all their ideas.

4. What has Triangle Cares done so far, and what’s in the pipeline?

Our first Triangle Cares event took place in January, when our team packed 130 lunches for the Raleigh Rescue Mission, a non-profit organization supporting those experiencing homelessness. For February, our volunteers will work at the Wake County Animal Shelter and support the local adoptions of cats, dogs and small pets. For March, Triangle will host a blood drive with the American Red Cross in the parking lot of our new office, located at 3501 US-64, Apex, N.C., from noon to 5 p.m. It will take place March 22, and we invite any Pest Management Professional readers who are in the area and are able to donate, to please stop by and join us.

5. Now that the Triangle Cares program has launched, do you have any advice for other pest control companies that would like to launch something similar?

Definitely: If you are going to start a community outreach program like this, make sure you have someone who is dedicated to it specifically. To fully commit to a community project, you need someone who has eyes on it at all times and loves this work. Also, it was beneficial that the program idea started with Donnie and came from the top because if you don’t have buy-in on a new program from everyone, you cannot truly excel at it.

Remember, community work is not always easy, but it is always worth it.

Triangle Pest Control purchased enough groceries to pack 130 lunches for the homeless. PHOTO: TRIANGLE PEST CONTROL

Team member volunteers made packing the lunches a group effort. PHOTO: TRIANGLE PEST CONTROL