Mar 22, 2025 | Community News, Company News
The Catoosa County Chamber of Commerce Business Hall of Fame recognizes individuals whose dedication and service have left a lasting impact on the local community. This year, two outstanding leaders—Marilyn M. Helms and Lee Tubbs—have been honored for their significant contributions to business, education, and community service.
Marilyn Helms: A Legacy in Education & Leadership
Marilyn Helms retired in December 2024 after an impressive 25-year career at Dalton State College, where she served as Dean of the Wright School of Business. Her leadership was instrumental in securing AACSB Business Program Accreditation, overseeing a $10 million renovation of Gignilliat Hall, and launching a bachelor’s degree in Logistics and Supply Chain Management.
Beyond higher education, Helms has played a vital role in community health initiatives, serving as Chair of the CHI Memorial Board, where she has been a driving force behind bringing a new hospital to the region. Her dedication to both education and healthcare exemplifies a true commitment to community betterment.
Lee Tubbs: A Pioneer in the Pest Control Industry
A respected leader in the pest control industry, Lee Tubbs founded Enviroguard Pest Solutions in 1997 with a mission centered on quality, integrity, and service. His company quickly became known for its exceptional service and dedication to customer satisfaction.
A former Catoosa Chamber Board Chair, Lee’s impact extended far beyond his business. He recently merged Enviroguard with Northwest Exterminating, ensuring the company’s continued growth and extraordinary service in pest management. His decades of industry leadership also earned him a well-deserved induction into the Georgia Pest Control Association Hall of Fame. At Northwest, we are proud to honor Lee’s legacy and celebrate his contributions to both our company and the communities we serve.
Alongside his wife, Lee has been a fixture in the community, embodying a spirit of service that goes beyond business. Together, they have built a reputation for customer-first values and a commitment to giving back—principles that have guided their success over the years.
A Lasting Legacy
Both Marilyn Helms and Lee Tubbs have profoundly shaped Catoosa County, leaving legacies that will be felt for generations to come. Whether in education, business, or community leadership, their extraordinary contributions have made the region a better place to live and work.
We celebrate Marilyn and Lee’s incredible achievements and look forward to seeing how they continue to inspire and impact the community in the years ahead!
Feb 24, 2025 | Company News
At Northwest Exterminating, our mission is simple: to create healthier living and working environments for homes and businesses. Every team across our organization is dedicated to making a positive impact by offering innovative, green services with extraordinary care.
This year, we are excited to announce that the Cullman team has been honored with the Quality Assurance Team of the Year award for their extraordinary commitment to quality service. The Cullman team achieved remarkable quality scores throughout the year, setting the bar for excellence in the pest control industry.
The team is truly honored to receive this recognition, reflecting the positive and supportive work culture they’ve built, where both customers and teammates are deeply valued. This award celebrates teams that prioritize safety, innovation, and exceptional service—and the Cullman team exemplifies these values while upholding every one of Northwest’s service standards in all that they do.
Joshua Bell, Cullman Service Center Supervisor, couldn’t be more thrilled about the team’s accomplishments. “At Northwest Exterminating, our Service Standards guide us to be extraordinary in every way. The Cullman Team has shown incredible dedication and hard work to embody what it means to be extraordinary. I’m incredibly proud of every team member, both in the field and in the office, for earning this well-deserved recognition.”
The Cullman team continues to set an inspiring example for all of us at Northwest. Their commitment to extraordinary service and dedication to both customers and teammates are qualities we all strive to embody. We are immensely grateful for the impact they’ve made and look forward to seeing their continued success.
Dec 19, 2024 | Company News
At Northwest, we’re all about recognizing the hard work and dedication of our extraordinary teammates, and this year we’re thrilled to celebrate Chad Gilbert, who has been named PCT’s 2024 Residential Teammate of the Year! We sat down with Chad to ask him a few questions about this honor, his journey at Northwest, and his advice for others. Here’s what he had to say!
How did you feel when you found out that you won PCT’s Residential Teammate of the Year award?
Chad: I was honestly very surprised and shocked! It felt really good that Northwest recognized me and took the time to send my application to represent the company and team. I’ve always looked to give my best at everything I do, but I never expected to be highlighted like this.
What made you choose to be a part of Northwest initially?
Chad: I was looking for a company that genuinely cares about their people. At Northwest, it’s not just about getting the job done. It’s about growing with each other and making sure everyone feels valued, both teammates and customers. Northwest’s vision for growth has always been a big factor for me too, there’s always room to learn and enhance in my role. Northwest offers that, and I’m grateful to be here.
What is your favorite Northwest Service Standard and why?
Chad: Definitely Customers First. Our customers count on us to deliver extraordinary service every single day. If we didn’t have them, Northwest wouldn’t be here, plain and simple. Customers First standard also honors our teammates too – because delivering extraordinary service takes extraordinary people to keep Customers for Life. When you put customers first, you’re also lifting everyone on the team to do what’s right.
What advice would you give others looking to join our industry?
Chad: I’d say, treat everyone the way you want to be treated, whether it’s customers, teammates, or anyone you interact with. This industry is all about relationships, so kindness and respect go a long way. Also, don’t get comfortable in one position, keep pushing yourself to grow. Growth might be uncomfortable at times, but that’s where you can find strength.
Outside of work, what do you enjoy doing?
Chad: I love attending festivals and cosplay conventions – it’s a great way to unwind and meet people with similar interests! I also film videos for my friend’s tribute bands, which is a fun creative outlet for me. It’s different from what I do day-to-day, and it gives me a chance to be involved in something artistic and community focused.
Where do you see yourself in the next five years?
Chad: I’d like to step into a safety role within quality assurance. I really enjoy helping people and making sure everyone has the tools they need to do their best work, all while being safe for their team, family, and community. I would love the opportunity to support teammates, encouraging them and supporting their growth so they too can find a path and home at Northwest.
Chad’s dedication to his work, team, and community truly exemplifies what it means to be a Northwest teammate. Congratulations again, Chad, and thank you for all that you do to make Northwest a place of extraordinary service and opportunity!
May 11, 2023 | Company News
Each year, the National Pest Management Association celebrates women in the industry with the Impact Awards. In 2023, Northwest saw four of our teammates nominated and four of our teammates be honored with this Award.
The Impact Awards honor and celebrate exceptional women at all levels within the pest management industry, in any role, including management, technical/service, sales, or office staff. What is unique about Northwest’s four recipients is that each joined the Northwest Family from an acquisition. We are thankful for teammates like Andrea, Chrystal, Stephanie, and Mercedes for all they do to make Northwest, Northwest. Below we share more about what makes each of these four honorees extraordinary!
Andrea Arrieta, Region 12
Andrea joined the Northwest Family in 2021 and is currently the Regional Administrator for our South Florida region. Andrea personifies the Northwest Service Standards of Initiative, Open to Growth, and Embrace Change. When joining the Northwest team, she took on an interesting, dual role throughout a brand and company transition. She took on this challenge with grace, learning and shaping procedures to support her Northwest team and customers. She is patient, helpful, and understanding, consistently looking for opportunities to make processes better. Andrea completed Northwest’s Leadership Experience in 2023.
Teammates from across the region look to her for guidance and coaching. She has embraced her new role, with teammates from across the region celebrating all she has done and continues to do for others around her. She is an extraordinary addition to the Northwest Family!
Chrystal McCoy, Team Support Center
Chrystal joined the Northwest Family in 2021. She was in the pest control industry for over 20 years prior, developing a wealth of knowledge, relationships, and industry experience. Previously in an Office Manager role, Chrystal had a vast understanding of service software and office procedures that the Northwest team quickly wanted to elevate and celebrate. She embraced a new role, Operations Support Specialist, in 2022, which allowed her the unique opportunity to split her talents between operations, information technology, and accounting needs. Chrystal completed Northwest’s Leadership Experience in 2023.
Chrystal’s software understanding has been leaned on heavily throughout several brand transitions in 2022 and 2023. She embodies the Northwest Service Standards of Honor Our Teammates, Communication, Embrace Change, and Initiative. She is consistent, supportive, and a problem solver. All who know her know she is someone they can rely on. She is always looking for ways to improve herself and others around her. Chrystal makes a difference with every project she supports, and Northwest is made better with her as a teammate!
Stephanie Hill, Region 12
Stephanie joined the Northwest Family in 2021. She has previously held leadership positions within the Rollins Family of Brands and currently serves as Northwest’s Regional Director. Stephanie took on the opportunity to grow the Northwest brand with an acquisition in South Florida. With Stephanie’s PhD in Urban Entomology, she brings a firm technical understanding while also being a leader who is supportive, growth-focused, and attentive. Stephanie completed Northwest’s Leadership Experience in 2023.
Stephanie leads Northwest’s Region 12 teammates through the various procedural, operational, and brand changes with a steadfast consistency and confidence that all appreciate. She is an extraordinary example of WOW with Pride and Professionalism, Embrace Change, and Celebrate. Northwest is thankful for Stephanie’s care for others and continued leadership.
Mercedes Moreno, Region 12
Mercedes joined the Northwest Family in 2021 and is currently the Office Manager for our Miami Gardens Service Center. Mercedes has been and continues to be an integral part of MiamiGarden’s success. She consistently looks for ways to bring her team together and work toward the common goal of a successful service center. She leads by example, offering her kindness and patience to those around her and to those who need it most. She is also a 2023 Northwest Leadership Experience graduate. Her teammates are quick to recognize not only how she embraces any type of change but also how she takes the time to help those around her with it too. Mercedes is an extraordinary example and embodiment of Northwest’s Service Standards, Servant’s Heart, Open to Growth, and Embrace Change.
No matter who is asked, every teammate will agree that she is a joy to work with! Northwest is grateful for the consistent commitment and professionalism Mercedes brings to the Northwest Family.
To learn more about the National Pest Management’s Association’s Impact Award winners from across the United States, including Northwest’s four extraordinary teammates, you can read more at the NPMA’s website.
Mar 17, 2023 | Company News, Good Deed Team, Teammate Celebration
The Northwest Family is ecstatic to announce that Mike Wells, Tennessee Service Professional, has accepted the 2022 Outstanding Service Professional award for the Tennessee Pest Control Association. Mike currently works for the Northwest Hermitage office as a Service Professional and has worked with Northwest for over 7 years.
Mike is an extraordinary asset to the Northwest Family. He’s an active member of the Northwest Good Deed Team, known within his team for supporting others and creating Customer for Life experiences, and has completed the Supervisor in Training leadership program. Mike is also certified and licensed in Wildlife Management, a certification he sought and upkeeps on his own due to his love of animals. Most importantly, Mike is a teammate who everyone can count on and always goes the extra mile! It’s incredible to see his talents and passion recognized by other organizations, as every member of the Northwest Family is inspired by him and his commitment to service.
Mike has previously received the Northwest Teammate of the Year Award three separate times. He was also the runner up to the NPMA (National Pest Management Award) Residential Service Professional of the Year (2022) Award.
Mike accepted the Outstanding Service Professional award amongst his managers and peers, including Regional Manager Blake Harston, Managers Billy Cox and Clinton Ford, and peers George Simpson and Blake Southerland, all Northwest teammates.
Talking to any of Mike’s managers, anyone would quickly realize how extraordinary Mike is, not only to his customers, but also to his teammates and community. We are thankful to have a teammate like Mike and are honored to have how great he is to be recognized by the Tennessee Pest Control Association. Congratulations, Mike!
Nov 1, 2022 | Company News
Northwest Exterminating will now have the opportunity to serve the south Florida community with the acquisition of 7 Hulett Environmental office locations. The seven Florida offices are located in Naples, Bonita Springs, Fort Myers, Miami, Miami Gardens, Pompano Beach, and Broward, Florida. The Florida offices and teams will operate as Northwest in 2022. The entire Northwest team is excited for the opportunity to not only grow in the south Florida area, but more so to work with the extraordinary teammates and customers.
Hulett Environmental has serviced the Florida areas since 1968, focusing on healthy home solutions for their customers. This focus aligns perfectly with Northwest’s dedication to creating healthier living and working environments for homes and businesses as the Green Leader in the Southeast. Hulett Environmental will continue to operate their five Florida office locations. The Northwest goal is to continue to create the extraordinary experiences our customers and teammates expect and deserve.
Northwest Exterminating currently provides rodent control, pest control, drywood and subterranean termite control options, bed bug control, and mosquito control to Florida residents and businesses. To learn more about Northwest Exterminating services, service standard, or team in south Florida, please visit www.callnorthwest.com/southflorida.
Aug 30, 2022 | Company News, Teammate Celebration
Northwest Exterminating recently hosted its inaugural Teammate Appreciation Day across its 50+ Service Centers! Each Service Center Manager put together a surprise celebration for their office to honor their teammates in all that they do for each other, for Northwest, and for our communities.
Each manager was responsible for organizing fun activities and food for their team, with some opting for hibachi grill catering, raffle tickets, food trucks, and more! Teammates were also gifted their yearly Northwest t-shirt. While each team gets together regularly throughout the year, dedicating a day and time to truly say thank you was important because Northwest wouldn’t be Northwest without our extraordinary people.
Each manager had a blast spending time with their team and having the opportunity to show their appreciation for all that they’ve done so far in 2022. A small but meaningful way to show gratitude, the entire Northwest Team is looking forward to hosting Teammate Appreciation Day each year for more fun and quality time.
May 12, 2022 | Company News, Teammate Celebration
With our mission to create healthier living and working environments, every Northwest team strives to make a difference for their customers through innovative green services and extraordinary care. To ensure this standard of service is achieved, each of our Northwest teams are consistently evaluated by our own internal process. While every team takes great pride in their fieldwork, paperwork, customer service, vehicle, equipment, and personal appearance, it was the Canton team that received the Quality Assurance Team of the Year award after extraordinary quality scores all year.
Our Canton Team is grateful for this honor, as they have made it a priority to create a positive working atmosphere to ensure they honor their customers and teammates. This award is meant to recognize teammates who keep safety, innovation, and service top of mind, and the Canton team certainly embodies this and each of Northwest’s 24 service standards.
Being proud is an understatement when describing how Daniel Frangione, Canton Service Center Supervisor, feels about the team receiving this award. “Our Northwest Service Standards provide a blueprint to being extraordinary. The Canton Team has put in the hard work and dedication to represent the standard of what an extraordinary Team is. I am extremely proud of each one of our team members in the field and in our office for achieving this award. Thank you, Canton Team,” stated Daniel when asked about the award.
The Canton Team displays many qualities that benefit all our Northwest teammates, and they have become a Service Center that we can all look to for inspiration. We are so grateful for the efforts Canton put into place for their customers and teammates!
Dec 22, 2021 | Company News, Good Deed Team
Our Canton Service Center found a new way to give back to the seniors in their community this holiday season. When they heard that the Cherokee Recreation & Parks Agency was collecting donations of socks and blankets for the Cherokee County Nursing Centers, they knew this would be the perfect opportunity to serve as a team.
Our team was able to collect and donate two baskets worth of items. While it may seem like a small way to support this cause, we are proud of our team for always continuing to look for way to make a difference.
The holiday season can be tough on many people, but these small acts can help make someone’s day. We are so grateful for our Canton Service Center joining together to collect donation items, especially when it is for such an extraordinary cause.
