People, plays and products: A look inside Nisus’ growth

Rockford, Tenn.-based Nisus has been focused on sustainable solutions since its founding in 1990. The company’s inaugural product, Bora-Care , remains a stalwart for pre- and post-construction of structures, thanks to its patented formula combining penetrants and glycols to control termites and other wood-destroying insects and fungi.

Since launching Bora-Care, Nisus has continued to grow by embracing its roots: solving age-old problems by developing solutions that work for users and the environment. Today, Nisus provides dozens of effective, environmentally friendly products for professional pest management and other sectors across the United States and seven international markets.

Running with ‘the rock’

In October 2021, Nisus handed off the ball to Lee Barrett, promoting him to president and CEO. Barrett is a beloved pest control personality who has been with the company for more than a quarter-century. Under Barrett’s leadership, Nisus has fortified its commitment to a “people-first” culture. The company continually invests in expanding its family of proven industry veterans, production capabilities and capacities, and arsenal of sustainable solutions.

“The opportunity to lead such an outstanding company is an honor. I realize our people (clients and coworkers alike) drive our success,” Barrett says.

Barrett is a warm, inspiring, gifted-yet-humble leader. He never mentions that in a former life, he played college ball and later was a running back in the Canadian Football League (CFL). When someone mentions this fact, Barrett downplays his glory days and instead shares how proud he is of his “Nisus Nation” team.

“Lee leading Nisus is great for the industry. He embodies all that is good in pest control,” Kim Kelley-Tunis, ACE, BCE, PCQI, noted at the 2022 Pest Management Professional (PMP) Growth Summit, six months after Nisus promoted Barrett while Kelley-Tunis worked for Terminix International.

“Lee listens intently to everyone, regardless of their position or perspective,” Kelley-Tunis continued. “He empowers clients and teammates to identify all opportunities for growth, to group-think solutions, and co-develop plans to advance the ball for all.”

People first

Barrett’s appointment has helped draw and retain many of the “Who’s Who in Pest Control.” Here are just a few of Nisus’ blue-chip teammates:

Dr. Jamel Sandidge, BCE

Serving the pest control industry for 27 years, this renowned industry researcher and speaker joined Nisus in 2019 and leads the professional pest management technical team while spearheading the development of product protocols and services.

Kim Kelley-Tunis, ACE, BCE, PCQI

As Nisus’ VP of regulatory and technical services, she possesses more than 30 years of experience in the field and is the NPMA’s 2017 Woman of Excellence Award recipient.

Harry Bryan

Promoted in 2022 to director of business development, he was recently awarded the Tennessee Pest Control Association’s Lifetime Achievement Award. “Harry wants all PMPs to succeed, and he will do whatever he can to help make that happen,” says Barrett.

Julie Payne-Kelso

Nisus’ marketing director joined in late 2023, bringing more than 20 years of experience directing content development and production for major operations.

Safety and sustainability

At Nisus, protecting public health and property goes hand in hand with protecting the environment. Working diligently the past few years, Nisus recently earned its Responsible Care certification through the American Chemistry Council (ACC), which requires meeting standards that far exceed industry and federal requirements for chemical manufacturing.

“The effort of our entire company made this achievement possible,” Barrett states. “Special thanks go to Karson Guardado, our director of quality and design, who also champions our Responsible Care initiative.”

Playbook expansion

Nisus continually invests in expanding its family of sustainable pest management solutions. Here’s a look at their strategy:

Play 3: Organic Product Development

Dual Strike

Nisus’ latest cockroach bait is engineered with powerful attractants to excel in high-competition environments and combat pesticide resistance.

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DominAnt Bait Station

The trusted DominAnt Bait now is available in an improved DominAnt Bait Station, exclusively through Veseris, which allows more ants to feed and transport bait back to their colonies.

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Bac-Azap BOV (Bag-on-Valve)

This revolutionary update to Nisus’ odor encapsulation solution delivers a fine mist for broader coverage and ensures up to 100 percent product utilization.

Gearing up for growth

Nisus recently completed an expansion and renovation of its headquarters. Plant Manager Andy Mallicoat says in 2024 alone, Nisus also added a new Niban production line, a new cockroach bait production line, a new liquid solutions filling line, and a second-shift production team.

“We are constantly gearing up for continued growth,” Barrett says. “We have made significant investments in hiring and promoting proven people, adding production capabilities, and bolstering manufacturing capacities. Our talent roster, sustainable solutions portfolio and growing family of clients have never been stronger, and the best is yet to come. Life is great for Nisus Nation.”