Revolution National Pest Council (RNPC), located in Carson, was founded in 2017 by Tova and Sterling Barbour. We sat down with the Barbours to celebrate their business's new status as an EmployABILITY Champion and what that means to them.
How did you start your business?
“I’m a Vietnam veteran,” said Sterling. “After I got out of the service, about 35 years ago, I started my career in the pest control industry. Then in 2017, Tova and I wanted to give people a way to learn a new career, so we started RNPC to provide training in the pest control industry. We were thinking especially of veterans who leave their time serving our country and are looking for their second career, but we know that people are looking for second chances for a variety of reasons, and our training program is open to anyone interested in pest control as a career. We’re very proud of our program and proud to say that we had the first pest control apprenticeship approved by the United States Department of Labor.”
What is your mission as an organization?
Tova said, “Well, our official statement is, and I’m paraphrasing here: RNPC provides a comprehensive career training program that helps a diverse population meet their goals. We work to build strong relationships with the candidates, other companies and the communities we serve. The training we provide helps address our clients' needs for finding qualified people in the pest control industry. We work to make sure our trainees learn industry standards with emphasis on good business practices, project management, and opportunities for professional development.
“But what I tell people is that we started this business because we wanted to provide people with training in a career that gives them a sustainable income in a high-growth industry so that they can provide for and take care of their families and have opportunities to grow. And we really want everyone to know this opportunity is available to them. This grant is such a blessing for us and will help us further our mission!”
How did you find out about the EmployABILITY Business Grant?
“We actually heard about it from people at the Department of Rehabilitation. We’ve been working with them for about five years. I tell other businesses to get in touch with the Department of Rehabilitation all the time. We’ve told other small business owners we know to apply for the grant, but even when the grant is gone, the Department of Rehabilitation has great resources for businesses,” Sterling said.
How will the EmployABILITY Business Grant affect your business in the next year?
“We’re very excited about how this grant is going to affect our business! The EmployABILITY Business Grant is going to help us expand our training programs, so we can offer it to even more people and help them get started on the next chapter of their lives,” said Tova.
Sterling said, “This grant helps us grow our business while giving us the opportunity to support veterans with disabilities even more as they work towards their next career. These are dedicated, hardworking folks who are making the most of their second chance. We are honored to offer programs that empower veterans with disabilities to not only become specialists in the industry, but also to start their own businesses in it.”
How do you plan to use EmployABILITY Business Grant funds to grow your business?
“We’re going to create an expanded training program for 20 individuals with disabilities. During the 10-week program, the trainees will learn all aspects of the pest control industry. Along with that, the training will include instruction on soft skills, like interviewing skills, resume building, and money management. We’re also going to buy some upgraded equipment. We’re also going to hire three new employees with disabilities. And we’ll provide funds for transportation assistance for the program participants.”
For more information on Revolution National Pest Council, visit revolutionnationalpestcouncil.com.
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