Today we’d like to introduce you to Chris Hatfield.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Chris. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Well, the quick version is much like any other entrepreneurs story I’d imagine. I was working 50+ hours a week as a Service Manager for another Company running all the day to day operations of 40+ employees. The owner did not live in Houston and would come every other month or so just to check in and make sure everything was running smoothly. His focus was on volume, having the most customers even if it meant slacking on quality and for someone like me who strives to be the best at whatever I am doing it started to take its toll on me. Around 2016 the owner decided to bring the son’s into the family business. It was at that time I realized that I had reached the highest possible position I would ever reach within the company. Being only 32 years old I decided that was not the future I wanted. So I started planning to venture out and open my own Pest Control company. At the same time my friend and now business partner Ben Kelly was relocating to Houston from Nashville where he ran a chain of Cell phone repair stores. He was looking to get away from that industry and with his knowledge of QuickBooks and IT he decided to come aboard.
In Nov. of 2016 I officially resigned with the plans to launch Sleep Tight Pest Control Jan. 1, 2017. With a strong background and training in Bed Bugs and with Houston consistently ranking in the top 20 cities for them I wanted to focus my company on providing cost effective, results driven treatments. I had seen over the years how families were unable to pay the $1500 and up price tag most companies charge, and knew I could create a treatment option that was effective but budget friendly. Continuing to ignore the problem is why the city infestation continues to grow!
Jan.1, 2018 was our one year mark. We currently service many local businesses, and residential homes for General Pest Control, as well as provide inspection and treatment options for numerous people dealing with the Bed Bug epidemic. With a focus on educating our customers, effective treatment options, and striving for great customer services we have established deep roots in the City we love.
Our goals going forward are to continue to educate customers or anyone who contacts us with questions (even if they don’t use us for service) and keep true to our small family style business mindset.
We are Sleep Tight Pest Control, and we “put your pest problems to rest!”
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I don’t honestly believe anyone that has gone out on their own has had a smooth road. I think that is what holds so many people back from doing it!
Faced with a 2 year “non compete” from my previous employer with some fall off after year one, it made where and how I was able to acquire my customers from very tricky. I had built up 6 years of direct relationships with almost all of Houston’s Multi Family industry management and regional contacts and having to steer clear was a challenge but it actually made me focus on areas in the city that were not getting the attention they needed. I was restricted to stay outside of Harris County so focused on Fort Bend, Montgomery, Galveston, and the surrounding counties. I reached out to friends in radio (Craig @ Black Coffee Radio), I ran ads in the yearly School Districts sports programs. And most of all I’ve done a lot of old fashioned door to door interaction. I just got out and talked with people.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Sleep Tight Pest Control – what should we know?
I am the CEO, and CA (Certified Applicator) for the company.
I handle phones, inspections, treatments, I am involved in every aspect of the company. We specialize in Commercial and Residential general pest control services, rodent services and have extensive knowledge on Bed Bugs.
I am most proud that we have remained true to helping people with pest issues. We have done free inspections, extra trips to problem customers at no charge, and made ourselves available in any way we can. I think concentrating on resolving a customer’s issue over the profit of return is what makes us stand apart from others.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
People over profits. Don’t get me wrong this business was started hopefully as a way to provide for our families. But at the end of the day making sure we take care of anyone that calls upon us to service their home or business is our top priority.
Pricing:
- General Pest Control starting at $69 + tax monthly, $99+ tax bi monthly, $129 + tax quarterly all plans include in-between warranty retreat if needed
- Bed Bug’s = $50 inspection (deducted from treatment cost), treatments starting at $499 with 30 day conditional warranty
- Rodent baiting and exclusion starting at $199
- One time General Pest Treatment $129
- Exterior Power Spray for Fire Ants, Seasonal Invaders starting at $59
Contact Info:
- Address: 14019 SW FRWY #301-201
Sugar Land, Tx 77478 - Website: www.sleeptighthouston.com
- Phone: 281-815-4750
- Email: services@sleeptighthouston.com
- Instagram: @sleeptightpestcontrol
- Facebook: sleeptighthouston
- Other: www.liftheavybarkloud.com
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