The power of representation in pest management ownership

After a ground-breaking 2025, which also marked its fifth anniversary, Black Ownership Matters (BOM) is focusing on growth and the power of representation in pest management ownership in 2026.

“We are always growing and expanding our brand,” says BOM President Joe Campbell, VP of operations for ABC Home and Commercial Services of DFW, Frisco, Tex. “As the world and everything around it is changing, it is important for us to redefine who we are and remember the goal of what made us want to make an impact in the professional pest management industry in the first place.”

Key takeaways

• Strategic expansion: BOM is focusing on more frequent community service actions and monthly online business discussions.
• Wayne C. Golden scholarship: A $1,000 scholarship is available to support small pest management business owners, with applications opening Oct. 1, 2026.
• Professional pipelines: The revived mentorship program has already helped over 30 members elevate their positions in the industry.

Advocacy and networking in D.C.

One of BOM’s most popular events is a formal dinner that happens during the National Pest Management Association’s (NPMA’s) Legislative Day. The event will take place in Washington, D.C., from March 15-17, and dinner is set for the evening of March 16.

The dinner’s guest speaker this year is Steven Johnson, a small business coach and minority business expert. To purchase dinner tickets, visit BlackOwnershipMatters.org.

The Wayne C. Golden Leadership and Action Scholarship

At last year’s Legislative Day dinner, BOM developed the concept of the Wayne C. Golden Leadership and Action Scholarship to support small pest management business owners. Through the NPMA Foundation, this $1,000 scholarship has an application period of Oct. 1, 2026, to Nov. 30, 2026.

The winner will be announced in January 2027; learn more at NPMAPestWorld.org/foundation. It’s a great way for people to learn about the career and impact Golden, the 2024 winner of the NPMA’s highest honor, the Pinnacle Award, has had on the pest control industry—especially for his work in lifting up minority companies. As president of GSquare Consulting, Golden is still very active in BOM in an advisory role.

Mission and mentorship

Supporting minority owners and marginalized groups is a mission that BOM has always felt is necessary in the industry and the organization wants to make sure its impact is felt far and wide. “We are always conscious of how our brand is viewed; we want to make sure everyone knows that BOM has a place for everyone,” Campbell points out.

This year, BOM is focused on engaging members more frequently through community service. Campbell adds: “Instead of having just two main events for the year, we want to have more community service actions. As an organization, we want our members to make a difference not just for our businesses, but also by serving the communities we live in.”

To that end, BOM has revived its mentorship program, which already has helped more than 30 members in the pest control industry elevate their businesses and positions in the industry by connecting them with mentors who are trailblazers themselves.

2026 business series schedule

BOM has unveiled its 2026 Business Series schedule. Each online, one-hour event focuses on a specific topic where participants can speak candidly and learn from one another. Meetings take place online at 8 p.m. Eastern:

• Jan. 13: Dr. Jamel Sandidge, BCE, national director of technical services for Nisus, led a lively conversation about where the industry is headed this year.
• Feb. 10: Dr. Sonja Thomas, an extension specialist for Auburn (Ala.) University, is moderating a discussion about what National Pesticide Safety Education Month means to pest management professionals.
• March 10: NPMA Legislative Day prep: Key Talking Points for 2026
• April 14: Spring Pest Surge: Selling Value vs. Price During Peak Season (Ants, Termites, Mosquitoes)
• May 12: Marketing and brand building: Digital marketing strategies for Pest Control in 2026
• June 9: Leonard Wood’s six-month leadership check-up
• July 14: Financial planning and cost control: Fuel, fleet and equipment management
• Aug. 11: The future of pest control: AI, smart traps and digital tools
• Sept. 8: Building a trusted brand and leveraging reviews, referrals and reputation
• Oct. 13: Getting ready for PestWorld: Industry trends
• Nov. 10: Business succession and long-term strategies
• Dec. 8: Year-end reflection and 2027 outlook

Everyone is welcome to these events. Learn more at BlackOwnershipMatters.org.