6 strategic projects to position your pest control business for a strong 2026

6 Tasks to start the year strong

January is the perfect time to pause, plan and position your pest control company for a strong year ahead. Before the busy season hits, owners have a small but powerful window to get strategic projects done — the kind that will reduce chaos, sharpen your team and drive growth all year long.

I always say: Your business will only grow to the extent that you build the systems to support that growth. Right now, you have the space to work on the business instead of constantly reacting to it.

Key takeaways

• Systematize for growth: Business growth is limited by the systems you build; use the Q1 window to work on the business rather than in it.
• Document and define: Creating SOPs and clarifying team roles reduces inconsistency and makes accountability possible before the chaos of peak season.
• Proactive financials and hiring: Review pricing and forecast staffing needs early to ensure your revenue reflects current costs and your team is onboarded before a crisis hits.

1. Establish or refresh your core values

If your company doesn’t have clearly defined core values, or if they’re outdated, now is the time. Core values guide hiring, coaching, accountability, customer service and culture. Without them, you’re managing personalities instead of principles. With them, your team knows how to make decisions when you’re not in the room.

The goal: Create three to six core values with definitions your team can actually live out.

2. Document processes by department

The busy season exposes every weak process in your business. By documenting standard operating procedures (SOPs) now — including sales, service, office, billing, routing and training — you eliminate guesswork and inconsistency. Your team becomes empowered and onboarding becomes easier.

The goal: Identify three to five processes per department and document them completely by March.

3. Clarify every team member’s role

A common issue I see is where everyone is working hard, but not everyone is working on the right things. Clearly defined roles reduce confusion and make accountability possible. This is especially critical before you start hiring or delegating more responsibilities.

The goal: Update your org chart and create role descriptions that outline expectations, key performance indicators (KPIs) and responsibilities.

4. Set your pricing for the New Year

If you’re waiting until April or May to review pricing, you’re already behind. Material costs, labor and overhead have changed. Your revenue goals have changed. Your pricing must reflect reality, not last year’s numbers.

The goal: Review service profitability, adjust pricing and communicate changes to your team by the end of Q1.

5. Build or update your training programs

Your technicians, customer service representatives (CSRs) and salespeople need more than product knowledge. They need consistency, communication skills and confidence. A structured training program reduces callbacks, boosts customer satisfaction and increases close rates.

Sales training is especially critical; too often, salespeople are thrown in front of prospects to “figure it out,” costing you time, money and missed opportunities.

The goal: Create or revise training modules and establish a 30–60–90-day training path for technicians, CSRs and sales team members.

6. Determine your hiring needs early

Hiring during the busy season puts you behind. Hiring now gives you time to onboard properly, not while you’re in crisis mode. Map out the roles you’ll need to fill, the timing and the training support required for each.

The goal: Forecast what your staffing needs might be for 2026 and begin recruiting proactively.

If you spend Q1 working on these foundational pieces, you’ll roll into busy season with a confident team, clear systems and the ability to scale without stress. If you need support in any of these areas, I’m always here to help.

Spencer Bachman is a second-generation pest management professional and owner of the Pest Control Business Coach consulting firm based in Canton, Ga. You can reach her at Sheri@PestControlBusinessCoach.com.