Neighbor News
Local Native and Corporate Executive Honored
Executive Returns to area to help small businesses achieve growth through mentoring and sound business practices.
2017 CROWN LEADERSHIP AWARD WINNER
Wayne Golden
Accomplished executive is widely praised for mentorshipthroughout the pest control industry.
Spend just a few minutes talking to Wayne Golden, and it’s easyto see why anyone would want him on their team. Golden brings wisdom that comes from working 44 years in just about every facet imaginable in the pest control industry, which includes responsibility for a $280 million operating budget and $60 million in annual national sales. But beyond operational and management expertise, Golden is a people-person who takes tremendous pride in helping others succeed.
While Golden has had a long, distinguished career, in many ways, he has been a behind-the-scenes contributor, heavily focused on operations and content to let others have the spotlight. But those who work with Golden recognize his talents, including his ability to adapt to change — whether that change involves people or processes. Colleagues and co-workers refer to Golden as a natural leader, someone folks will follow.
He’s helped many industry professionals reach their potential. “I began to develop my management style while I was a regional manager because I was dealing with people from all different parts of the country,” he recalls. “One thing I understood was the sales process. You teach people to do a job and explain to them they can make a good living. And if you treat them with respect they will respond.”
Now in the twilight of his professional career (he is set to retireJanuary 1, 2018), Golden has left his stamp on the pest controlindustry in many ways, perhaps the most important being as a mentor to many next-generation industry leaders
WHAT’S NEXT?
After 40-plus years in pest control, Golden is looking forward to his upcoming retirement. It will give him more time to spend with his wife Grace and visit family throughout the Northeast. He plans to continue supporting minority-owned businesses through his newly formed GSquare, LLC Consulting Firm based in the King of Prussia area and serve on various community boards, especially those centered around youth development. So, while Golden’s pest control career might be winding down, his passion for helping others reach their potential remains as strong as ever.
