Today we’d like to introduce you to Zach Colander.
Solutions Pest & Lawn, founded in 1958, was the first do-it-yourself pest control store in the country. It was started as a local pest control company when they saw an opportunity to sell the same chemicals professionals use directly to homeowners. Solutions have changed hands many times over the years being owned by some of the largest agrochemical companies in the world (Bayer, Adama, Chem China) but is now a family owned local company. In 2011 Zach Colander purchased Solutions from Adama and has expanded operations opening up 3 more Houston locations as well as stores in Tyler, New Orleans, and Atlanta. They are now the only direct to consumer pesticide company in the USA and educate people on how to use professional pesticide products safely and effectively.
Has it been a smooth road?
We have been very fortunate to be in an inelastic demand curve business. No matter the ups and downs of the normal economy, if someone sees a roach they are going to do everything they can to kill it. Pesticides, in general, have a bad connotation and our most difficult job is educating people that when used properly pesticides are a safe and effective tool that is necessary to society. Without pesticides, our food chain could not support the number of people in this country.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Solutions Pest & Lawn – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
Our motto is “ask us how, then do it yourself”. We pride ourselves on being able to educate people on how to use professional products. Typically our retail customers are referred to us by box stores where they have tried everything, ortho, raid, spectracide, etc. We take the time to ask the questions that need to be asked to properly diagnose the issue.
Pesticides work best with targeted application in specific areas and at times of the day. There are tips and tricks that we share our experience selling to exterminators that we can teach homeowners. As a company, we always want to help. When someone comes in with pests it is a traumatic experience. Our goal is to normalize the issue, let people know it is fixable, and then educate them on pest treatment as well as integrated pest management (IPM) which is pest control without chemicals to prevent future infestations.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
Houston is one of the most diverse cities in the country. I am originally from a small town in Vermont and seeing all these different cultures has been amazing. One thing we have come to realize is that no matter your background we have at least one thing in common, we all HATE bugs. The food is some of the best in the country.
Like most of a commute, my least favorite thing about Houston is the traffic and the never-ending construction just to keep up with the cities explosive growth. A 15-minute drive can turn into an hour if you leave at the wrong time.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.solutionsstores.com
- Phone: 800-479-6583
- Email: zach@solutionsstores.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/solutionsseabrook/
- Other: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tBSqnBGM9cY
Getting in touch: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
