Today we’d like to introduce you to Robiar Smith.
Robiar, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
If you would have told me years ago I’d be an owner and certified technician in the pest control industry, I would have laughed. I pursued a bachelor’s degree and two master’s degrees, and climbed the corporate ladder to become an Information Technology and Entrepreneurship Business Professor. I also pursued a profession as technical trainer/writer, creating training manuals for clients such as the Chicago Police Department and Chicago Public Schools. I went from these prominent positions to killing rodents, bedbugs and bidding for pest contracts with major corporations in Chicago.My journey has come full circle; my father has been an exterminator and entrepreneur all of my life and never held down a 9-5. I can remember watching him get up everyday and hustle. I have amazing parents. We wasn’t rich at all however, I never wanted for anything.
I’m the youngest of 2 girls. My dad didn’t have boys, as a result I represent the R and he’s the B of R.B. Pest Solutions. It was important for me to carry on his name and legacy of hard work, perseverance and not be a victim of circumstance. As a women owning a pest control company in Chicago, I am proud to say my business is certified as MBE (minority owned) and WBE (women owned) by the state of Illinois. Never judge a book by it’s cover. Black women and women in general can do it all; from being successful in corporate to being successful in a blue collar field such as pest control trade. We are ENOUGH!
I have 3 amazing teenage daughters, Amaiya, Imani and Amari and an amazing husband, Ahmand; my family helps me run the business efficiently. I wouldn’t be able to do it without them. My dad, Michael Benton (the B of R.B.) is the heartbeat of my company and successfully trains our new technicians.
Has it been a smooth road?
It’s extremely challenging being a minority woman-owned pest control company; not just locally, but nationally. It’s unheard of. Daily we are competing with conglomerate companies which makes it difficult to land contracts. However, account by account, we are building our name by providing my father’s 38 years of experience and great customer service and as a result, we have taken on major clients. Also, I have very little time for a personal life. Lol… This business is my life and I LOVE it!
Tell our readers more … what are you proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others?
We provide a cleaning component with our pest control service. We are not in and out of your unit in five minutes. 75% of pest control is sanitation conditions. We educate our clients while servicing them; providing education and pointers along the way. When we leave, our clients are equipped with the necessary tools to keep the pests away.
We take pride in servicing our clients within 24 hours of their initial call and many companies don’t offer a quick turnaround time along with the cleaning component. What sets us apart is quick appointments with experienced techs, pest control tips with cleaning components involved, great follow up service, and an extraordinary family story. We don’t leave you hanging once you are serviced. We follow up until your pests are gone!
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
There’s so much opportunity here for everyone to thrive, but I don’t care for the politics and alliances built to keep small businesses small. We have to change this.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.rbpestsolutions.com
- Phone: 312.217.9605
- Email: workorders@rbpestsolutions.com
- Facebook: R.B. Pest Solutions
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago 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.
