By Keisha Hill, From Jamaica Gleaner

Company has acquired its 14th location worldwide

The Guardsman Group, a security services firm and technology provider, having secured the pest control franchise for Orkin products in 2010 under an exclusive distribution deal with the American company, has now begun to diversify its operations by expanding into other Caribbean islands.

The rebranded portfolio, Orkin Caribbean, now includes Jamaica, Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands, with plans to operate in St Lucia following the acquisition of the franchise late last year. Orkin also seems set to follow in the footsteps of Guardsman Limited, according to André McLean, general manager for overseas markets. Orkin will also follow suit into Barbados and St Vincent.

“There is a lot more to be done that involves the growth and development of both entities, the Guardsman family and Orkin Caribbean. The drive is to have an international component and reach involving the franchise. Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands were previously operated by Orkin, however, the franchise was acquired by Guardsman that operates Orkin here in Jamaica,” McLean said.

McLean said the objective is to leverage the Orkin brand outside of the continental United States and this continues to be a work in progress. The franchise acquisition five years ago marked Orkin’s 14th location worldwide and its first-time entry into Jamaica. “It is not a cut-and-paste situation. There is a Caribbean flavour and, hence, a different approach has to be used. We have to be mindful that what will work in one country will not work in another, so we are ensuring that we use a dynamic approach,” he said.

Orkin Caribbean offers maximum protection from pests, using the most advanced equipment in the industry. Their specialists are the best qualified to help protect homes and businesses against a wide range of pests. The unparalleled services for helping to keep pests in control include assessing unique situations and individual needs, identifying the root problems, prescribing the right treatment and designing a customised plan to help safeguard properties against pests.

Orkin provides pest control services and protection against termite damage, rodents and insects to over two million customers in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean, the Middle East, Asia and the Mediterranean from over 500 locations.

Orkin Caribbean will cover pest control in residential, commercial, hotel and hospital pest control needs. McLean told The Gleaner that there is a big opportunity for pest control in these areas and persons are becoming far more informed and aware of pests and methods of controlling them.

IMAGES:
The transition team that changed Orkin Puerto Rico and Orkin St Thomas from being owned and operated as companies of Orkin assigned to the South Florida Division, to now being owned and operated as franchises by Guardsman Group. From left are Greg Saladino (Orkin regional manager, South Florida), Vinay Walia (Guardsman Group co-managing director), Tom Luczynski (group vice-president, Orkin International development, and franchising), Henry Valbuena (branch manager, Orkin Puerto Rico and Orkin St Thomas), and André McLean (general manager, overseas markets, Guardsman Group).-Contributed Photos

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