Doug Foster

As a father, he was always home each night for dinner so we could be together. Ever present and involved, taking Autumn to swim practice through the week at 4:30 a.m. and weekends of travel baseball tournaments for Brandon. He continues to be there for his 7 grandchildren with long hours of swim meets, soccer, cheer competitions and hockey.

Over the summer, while Doug was in college he worked for Dave Burt (original owner of Burt’s Termite & Pest Control). After graduating from Purdue University in 1979 with a degree in Urban Entomology, he and his wife moved to Chicago and Doug worked for Smithereen Pest Control. After a few years Doug and Cindi moved a little closer to home where he worked for Arab Termite & Pest Control in Greenwood, Indiana. In 1985, Doug found his way back to Columbus, Indiana and they purchased Burt’s Termite & Pest Control from Mr. Burt, just weeks after his son Brandon was born. Doug and Cindi started to run the business out of their small home while raising their spirited 3-year-old little girl and newborn son. Doug continued to grow his knowledge in business, pest control and to get to know his customers. Eventually moving the business to a large, commercial building in Columbus with 14 employees, including his wife and children.

We love him for his positivity, big ideas and very corny marketing ideas! He seems to always have a way with customers, even the ones just having a bad day! Always calm and never flustered, showing excitement and love of his career! Doug is a regular contributor to PMP and PCT magazines, IMPA board member and past president in 2019. He is always willing to help others with questions or advice.

Doug eats, sleeps and breathes pest control, with proper PPE of course . He is always looking to try new things i.e. different products, equipment, and new ideas on how we approach pest control on a daily basis. We truly believe that’s what has led to a lot of growth in the business, always educating (adapt or die). He often quotes a past President saying, “Readers are leaders” and encourages his kids by passing along some of his favorite business books! Doug truly loves his staff and treats them like family. He is caring and compassionate. Adored by homeowners, business owners, and realtors alike for his friendly attitude and hard work ethic every day. How many 67-year-old business owners do you find in the field, on hands and knees crawling crawlspaces, checking rodent stations and doing roach clean outs? I can’t think of a better person that exemplifies a better work ethic and true pride in his work than Doug. That is what true leadership looks like and we are so thankful that he is our dad!