The POTOMAC Experience: Ken Fox’s Journey from TV Host to Building a commercial Pest Control Empire

Hi, my name is Ken Fox. I’m the founder and former CEO of Presto Pest Control, which is located just outside of Philadelphia, in Telford, Pennsylvania.

I wanted to be a disc jockey, and then I wanted to be a news reporter, and a news anchor. I studied that field in college, was a graduate from Temple University in the radio, television, and film department. And throughout college, one of the things I did is that I worked in local Philadelphia area radio stations.

Also, when I was going to college, I used the downtime during the summer to work for local pest control companies. I enjoyed the work, enjoyed the money I made, and enjoyed meeting the people. I enjoyed helping the people too, but, I got to know the industry. I always thought, you know, I can do this someday.

After graduating from college, I hosted back in 1985 a local teenager dance show, much like American Bandstand. When I was walking down the street — I was just on for a few weeks — people would recognize me, and I was kind of taken aback by that, you know, it came out of nowhere. And it wasn’t like hordes of fans, but I was recognized now and then. “Aren’t you the guy on that show?”

When I left and continued to concentrate solely on my business, the fame was fleeting. Within weeks, somebody recognizing me was few and far between.

My employer thought I was positively crazy. I mean, absolutely nuts. I was leaving a white collar, nice job. “For a young guy, you’re leaving all this to become an exterminator?” I can still hear him today. I thought, well, let me give it a go, and as luck would have it, it worked out.

Through these years, I met Paul. After doing a little bit of research, I knew about Paul’s company, being in the industry. But I looked beyond that and I started talking with people that did business with Paul — stellar reviews. This is the guy to go to.

Then I got a chance to meet Paul and Franco, and we started the discussions. With the big players, as they call them, they start giving me offers right away, and they advised me, “Don’t jump at the first one.” And, you know, “Just take your time, we know what we’re doing.”

I cannot thank them enough. We found a perfect partner for my business that got it, that understood it. I was at ease for my employees that I really cared deeply about. I knew that my personal future was secure. I knew that the company was going to be in good hands as I handed my baby over to them.

And everything worked out well. It could not have happened without Paul — without the resources, the contacts, and the experience, and the smartness, and the people skills that he has. Without Paul, none of this would have been possible. We would not be talking here today.