Pest Control Company Celebrates 40 Years

American Pest Management Inc. celebrated 40 years of business with a luncheon at their Manhattan office on September 6th. They received special recognition from the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce President, Jason Smith. Over 100 guests attended, some of whom have been customers since the start of the company in 1979.

“We are so very thankful to the communities we serve that have allowed us to run a successful business for the past 40 years. Our goal is to continue to help keep your home and business healthy and protected for the next 40 years,” said American Pest Management Inc. President Ravi Sachdeva.

American Pest Management Inc. is a local pest control company, started by Ravi’s parents, Avtar and Sudarshan “Sue” Sachdeva. They currently employ over 30 people in the greater Manhattan area and is heavily involved with the community.

“We take pride in the communities we serve because they are also the communities our employees live, work and grow up in. One of our proudest moments was providing free pest control services to 42 homes in need through our ‘Not a Creature was Stirring’ holiday giveaway last year,” said Vice President Travis Aggson.

THANK YOU

A huge thank you goes out to Mr. K’s food truck for providing the event with amazing service and delicious food, to Steve’s Floral for the amazing floral arrangements for the tables, and to the special mascot appearances by Willie the Wildcat, Ducky from the Boys & Girls Club of Manhattan, and American Pest’s very own B.B. who added a little extra fun to the party.

Also, thank you to our sponsors for your continued services that allow us to make what we do possible and the support of the 40th Anniversary celebration. Sponsors include U.S. Cellular, Nisus Corporation, Corteva Agriscience, Crane, ServSuite, Bayer, BASF, The Phone Connection, Star2Star Communications, Champion Teamwear, Winfield United Professional, and Pest Control Supplies.

OUR STORY

In 1982, Ravi joined the company and his wife Elaine began in 1987. Travis Aggson and Robert McElwain came on board in 1996 as part-time employees. Travis and Robert are still with the company today.

Ravi’s father, Avtar, was working as a Quality Control Officer for Food Corporation of India. While there, two professors from Kansas State University visited India to follow a grain donation. They met Avtar at one of the grain storage facilities where he worked. The three of them became friends; I and enjoyed each other’s company. Dr. Schellenberger told Avtar to look them up if he’s ever in the USA. Avtar got a chance to visit his brother and sister who lived in San Francisco and Des Moines respectively. Avtar spent a few days with each of them and their families. After his stay, Avtar took Greyhound from Des Moines to Manhattan, Kan., to visit his friends at Kansas State University.

The fall semester was beginning and he decided to enroll in the Grain Science Department. Avtar arrived in Manhattan with $14 in his pocket. He worked hard and got decent grades working nights as a janitor. It took four-plus years Ravi’s mother, Su, and brothers arrived in Manhattan in 1978. Avtar was granted a “Green Card” and was able to find a job in his field of education. In 1978 the economy was down – double-digit unemployment and double-digit inflation and interest rates through the roof. Avtar could not find a job. He applied at Anti-Pest which at that time was the largest pest control company in Manhattan. He was hired as a Technical Director.

Due to downsizing, Avtar was let go as he was the lowest man on the totem pole. The idea for American Pest Management, Inc. was born. Avtar placed an advertisement in the Yellow Pages to begin his own business. Henry Otto filed all the paperwork and with the help of Sink and Gordon, it was up and running!

Contact Us: If you would like more information about American Pest Management Inc., please visit AmericanPestOnline.com or call 1-800-748-8287.