Today we’d like to introduce you to David Oliphant.
Hi David, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
Hi! I’m David A. Oliphant Jr. 35 years old and a resident of Houston, Tx. My mother, Foranshia Corner gave birth to me on December 15, 1987 at Hermann Memorial Hospital. We lived on the south side of town. Not long after I was born, my mother was diagnosed with Lupus and that played a huge role in my life today. Not only does it take a strong and courageous human being to get thru a situation like that but the will power to keep going even on her most painful days. She had a never quit attitude to hold on to. No kid wants to see their mother suffering and have to be admitted to a nursing home because she needs 24 hour monitoring. Afterwards visits became part of my daily routine. Apparently, my mom being sick was a task my dad couldn’t take on with a little help. This made me a person that likes to look after others and help them feel comfortable in their most uncomfortable moments. My mom worked at Weiner’s Clothing store and went to school for dental assistant, so you can say that helping others is something I got from her.
My grandparents Lilton Sr. and Nancy Corner practically raised me in my earliest years on earth, the grandson of a preacher and preacher’s wife is definitely quite the story to tell. I was instilled was a lots of mannerism, respect, and spiritual values. My grandma did have to bring out the switches from time to time but she did a wonderful job filling as my mother. My grandpa is a super hero. This man can build whatever out of a piece of wood, rebuild any kind of motor, rewire anything, and cook some food. Also, my mom’s brother, Lilton Jr. A 18-wheeler truck driver played a father figure role in my life showing me the ropes along with how finances works. Dirt bikes and cars was our thing and also building ramps were at the top of the list of things to do besides him using the kid as I was to flirt with women. The dreams and talk about running our own business one day with my little cousins, DeMarco Corner and Devon Wise had growing up sounded over the top. Now look at them managing Two Brothers LLC, the smile I had when I saw the ground breaking for them two brothers. At the age of 12 to 13, I decided to go live with my dad on the North side. As life has its twist and turns, my mother passed away at the age of 34, after a 12 years fighting with Lupus. At that very moment my world was turned upside down. I thought since I had only one parent left, our bond would have gotten stronger but it didn’t. I became that rebel and lost kid as if I didn’t have the right guidance and upbringing. My 6th and 7th grade year was a blur but the following year 8th grade football was a blessing in disguise to keep me grounded at times. My dad and I never really had the greatest relationship. Even though I tried to see eye to eye with him, it just wasn’t ever going to get there. Unfortunately, his addiction to certain things interfered with our relationship. I would then go to live with my grandparents Calvin and Betty Haskin, who gave me a decent upbringing in church considering I was a little rebel at that time. My grandma worked for the City of Houston and Grandpa worked laying tile. Along with my aunt Constance who has always been there for me especially during my transitioning phases in between career choices. When my Uncle Skip would visit, he and I would play pool (Billards) giving me that competitive edge and learn to take a loss and keep moving forward. Life was ok and this was the start of the journey thru my late teens. While trying to figure out what I wanted to do with my life and who I wanted to spend it with was challenging considering I still hung around with the wrong crowds. I didn’t want to finish high school so I opted out for home school and then left for Job Corps. These bad crowds followed me and temptations led me to make some life changing troubles for myself.
At the age 17, I left the nest to start a life of my own with my significant other and to face a whole life which I had no idea what is waiting ahead. As I worked warehouse and restaurant jobs, I completed medical assistant certification and soon found out that wasn’t the life I wanted to pursue. At the same time, I needed a partner that was more supportive and show genuine interest in seeing me complete my goals. Also, having a father figure in your life is important no matter who it was. Although, I don’t have kids. I myself was a step parent at one time and that kid(s) needed that love I showed them. The feeling of having someone who looks up to you is an amazing feeling and drives you to the mountain tops and beyond. At age 18, I became a big brother to my sister Kaylee Oliphant. If I made it threw her crying sessions anything is possible. Hopefully, one day she’ll look back and say,” my brother did all this for me because he didn’t want me to experience some of the things he went thru”. My best friend, Joe Garcia was an inspiration to me because a lot of the things that were holding me back. He constantly reminded me of the damage it was doing. I appreciate and thank him for staying on me and pointing out the things that when help me grow. Never did I take it the wrong way, I stored that information until I realized it for myself.
I’ve experienced all types of work to be successful and find my path in this world. I’ve worked 5 years in the restaurant business, 8 years in the warehouse setting, and 4 years in the office setting. All jobs had there ups and downs especially the oil industry during layoff periods. There is nothing like starting your own business to control your own income instead of someone else higher up. My first business was Alanzo’s Lawn Care that I started in 2017 but this Texas heat quickly won that battle just after a year and a half. Those conversations with Mitchell Watts Jr., about starting a business and facing challenges had set in. He to, started his journey with the words I spoke. My words were, I’m tired of working for someone else that dictates all my income. Being the CEO of Exclusive Sanitation Services has been a stressful but a rewarding time in my life. It all started in 2020 during Covid-19 being a germaphobe has always been one of my pet peeves. A few months in I started to become concerned about death, germs, being laid off, or possible hours being cut short. So I decided to do some research on how to get certified, business name and logo, how to advertise, what equipment I needed to start, and the best products to use. I started doing jobs straight out of my car with no hesitation. Safety of myself and others was my main focus so I targeted that corner of the market. Cleanliness is right next to first responders. One of the first tactics to take is to take preventative measures in order to control and eliminate the source of the problem. I was always a clean person even as a kid, never did my elders have to tell me to clean my room. So you say, having an obsessive cleaning disorder came natural having this a hidden gift that I can share with the city and across the world. I had so many supporters especially my Aunt Roxie as well as worried people when I first started out and I really appreciate them all. I have to give a special thanks to Ayesha, for helping me with all the technology aspects that surround my business because I’m very old fashion when it comes to computers. Without her, I can’t say how the beginning of this dynasty would have started.
One of my biggest if the biggest influencers is my Uncle Howard, Mr. Haven’t punched a clock since before I was born. I received a phone call late December of 2020 where then said “Nephew, I saw your post. Are you doing pest control? And I responded “No Uncle I’m spraying for Covid-19. Uncle Howard then said,” Nephew I just paid an exterminator $250.00 and he was done in about 1 hour. As soon as we hung up I started doing my research and next thing I knew I was ordering the study books from Texas A & M Pest Control Program. In my younger years science and biology was my favorite classes. At times, things were definitely challenging seeing that I needed multiple licenses for different categories of pests. Although I don’t like bugs, I’m also not afraid of them so this to was another hidden gift of mine to help others with my services. The next step was rebranding, ordering equipment, and purchasing a truck fell in line shortly after and the process started. My Grandpa, Calvin was there every step of the way helping design my from spray system for pest control. I then changed my business name to Exclusive Sanitation and Pest Control Services. Being that I traveled back and forth to the country as a kid bugs were something that came with nature. At the beginning, I did some free jobs just to show others that my work speaks for itself. I’ve had slow and busy week but I’ve found out that during those down moments, you can use them wisely. There are more ways than one to advertise and word of mouth goes along way. A lot of people think running a business is easy but they forget about the arriving early to set up, evaluate the job, creating an invoice, filing, keeping up with multiple agreement clients, and more. I couldn’t just go out and spend like crazy because 25-35% of your earnings should be going back into your business or expanding. People start a businesses for so many reasons such as: something they love to do, what market is booming, a family tradition, their partners idea, or simply by accident. I went from 1 client a week to 3 or 4 a week, while still working my day job. I feel mine was something I love to do mixed with simply by accident because it was simple. I already did and maintained on a daily basis just at my own place. Now, I have the opportunity to share this with the world and make money while I’m doing it is golden. I’m still not where I want to be but I see the growth stretching further and further. With God’s grace, my dedication, and my circle of supporters, anything is possible. I know there is a long way to go and I am proud to say that my mom’s legacy still lives on as it did not end in an obituary. I am very honored that now, you can read about her and her son she gave birth to in Voyage Houston Magazine. Thanks to all my supporters, and Raymond (Jack of all trades) Contreras for always willing to help along this journey. And a special thanks to Rose Ortiz for thinking of me and allowing me to tell my story.
Website: www.exclusivesanitationandpestcontrolservices.com
Instagram: @exclusive_sanitation
Facebook: Exclusive Sanitation and Pest Control Services.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
No, it hasn’t been a smooth road. I hit bumps and had to take detours to get here where I am today.
Testing was the first challenge because I’m not a fan of multiple choice. Second, goes to advertising because I’m very old school when it comes to technology. And third, goes to staying consistent thru the storms.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m an exterminator of many kinds. I started off disinfecting homes and places of business by spraying the interior 360 degrees with a fogger. And I ended up adding pest control as well.
I’m known for killing viruses and pests. I’m proud of being in business for 3 years now. Going the extra mile for clients by doing something extra that will help them out, in the long run, is what sets me apart.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
Starting out I suggest a plan, taking your time, and being consistent. Also, give out the type of service and quality you would want if the roles were reversed.
Pricing:
- disinfectant spray treatment (house) starts at $125.00
- disinfectant spray treatment (apartment) starts at $75.00
- pest control (house) starts at $75.00 interior and $75.00 Exterior
- pest control (apartment) starts at $50.00
- Disinfectant & Pest control (business) starts at $ 100.00
- Combo specials
– Interior and exterior pest control starts at $120.00
– Interior and exterior pest control, plus sanitation treatment starts at $160.00
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.exclusivesanitationservices.com/
- Instagram: @exclusive_sanitation
- Facebook: Exclusive Sanitation and Pest Control Services
