Have you ever wondered what it's like to work for Rentokil, and what a typical day might looks like? Read on to follow in the footsteps of a Rentokil Quality Assurance Expert.
I am delighted to bring you the second installment of our "A day in the life of..." series. After interviewing Francois, a Rentokil Supervisor, I thought it would be fitting to delve further into the Operational side of Rentokil. I sat down with Romeo de Jager, Regional Quality Assurance Expert (Coastal Areas) and Field Biologist, who is based in Port Elizabeth, to talk to us about what his average day looks like.
Q: Tell us a little about yourself
A: This year, on the 3rd of May, I will be celebrating my 21st anniversary with Rentokil.
I started my journey during 2000 as a driver in the Initial division where after I was promoted to an Installer in 2002. I had a clear vision of where and what I wanted to achieve career wise and whilst being actively involved with servicing my Initial customers, attended Pest Technical training and completed my NCPC qualifications whilst working as an Installer.
Those days, there was only one Technician to service the entire customer base in Port Elizabeth. In 2004 I was promoted to a Pest Control Officer where I had to put all my theoretical knowledge into practice. It was the “Real Deal” - attending to customers and getting rid of pest infestations. It was during these times when I started to learn and fully understood what it meant to build strong customer relationships, especially when they expressed their appreciation when infestations were solved. I completed my Senior Serviceman exam as well as my Fumigation Diploma.
Promotions followed me throughout my career and in 2009 I was promoted to Service supervisor for the Port Elizabeth branch, responsible for both Pest and Initial operations. In 2015 I joined the Technical team as a Quality Assurance Expert.
Looking to the future... Over the past six years I have developed a special interest in maintaining high quality standards and customer relationships. I want my long term career goal to build on my six years of experience in quality. I would like to support the business in a bigger sense, but it must be something to do with Technical & Quality.
Q: Which zones have you looked after?
A: I`m responsible for the Coastal Regional branches, which include George, PE and East London.
Q: What does your typical day look like?
A: At home, a cup of coffee is my religiously first thing in the morning at 6:15am. I then make sure I leave in time to be at my first client before or at 7:30am. I want to be out with customers and don't enjoy sitting behind a desk (it's not really my scene), although it is a requirement sometimes. Normally, the first day of the month is about completing monthly deadlines and planning for the month.
After lunch time (and I say lunch time and not lunch because I always get reprimanded by my wife for not enjoying the lunch she makes) I spend time with my customers. Customer centricity is the biggest part of my responsibilities and I love it! On my commute home my brain remains in overdrive reflecting on the day's activities.
Q: What is your favourite thing about working for Rentokil Initial?
A: I'm proud to be associated with the Rentokil Initial brand and being a global company which outperformed all other pest control providers by far. The company produces great innovations and they are moving forward rapidly, but they also give all their employees the opportunity to move with them.
Q: What do you love about our customers?
A: Our customers are the most important people in our business. They are not dependent on us, but we are dependent on them (Kings and Queens of the castle!). They are not an interruption in our day to day work, but are the purpose of it. Our response time is critical. They are not outsiders, but a fundamental part of what we do. We are not doing them a favour by serving them, they are giving us an opportunity to do so.
Q: What do you enjoy most about working with your team?
A: They are the most dedicated and committed bunch of people.
Q: What has been your most memorable call out to a customer?
A: Off hand, I cannot recall any specific moments. Each experience with every customer are different, unique and memorable.
Q: What was your most challenging audit?
A: One of our customers had their YUM and AIB audits on the same day (one was scheduled and the other unannounced). Both of these standards are focussed on food safety but they have different requirements. It was a busy day!
Q: Are there any pests that you are afraid of?
A: Snakes! I love to watch them on TV, but real confrontation, EISH!!!!!!!
I just loved this interview with Romeo. I'm sure you noted that his passion for customers just radiates from him. If you enjoyed learning more about pest control, subscribe to our blog updates for more articles like this to be sent to your inbox.
If you suspect a pest problem, contact our team to arrange a free pest assessment survey of your premises with one of our highly trained technicians.
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