‘Businesses That Are Good for Veterans To Open or Start’: How a Quick Google Search Led Adam Cook to Pestmaster

Pestmaster, the 61-unit pest management concept under the Threshold Brands umbrella, has risen to the top of the industry as a great opportunity for veterans. Adam Cook, a former combat engineer for the U.S. Army, is a shining example of this.

“I was medically discharged from the military, and I knew I wanted to do something business-related after that,” Cook explained. “I just didn’t know what. I was very lost; I had planned to be in the military my whole career, and the medical discharge really disrupted those plans. So I just started Googling ‘businesses that are good for veterans to open or start.’ One of the things that was always at the top of the list was Pestmaster.”

Cook joined the military right after graduating high school. Since childhood, he either wanted “to be a ninja turtle or join the military.” Seeing that the ninja turtle path was less than attainable, he went to the Army as a combat engineer. Cook spent time in Europe and Iraq, providing convoy and checkpoint security and building ribbon bridges that would unfold in water for quick transportation.

After five years of service, in 2007, he was medically discharged. Shortly after, Cook found himself working in VA hospitals, conducting peer support groups for other veterans.

Transition to business

“I was helping others transition back into civilian life,” he said. “I had a lot of trouble with the transition, and the VA really helped me to get back on track, set goals, and find something meaningful. I wanted to return the favor and help other veterans do the same. It was a really good process; I really enjoyed it.”

While working with the peer support groups, Cook began searching for business opportunities that would allow him to be outside and have a more flexible schedule. Over the next two years, he would conduct independent research, speak with the Pestmaster corporate team and have conversations with his wife about the prospect of opening a business.

“It was a two-year journey from the very first phone call until we were signing the paperwork,” he said. “We wanted to make sure that not only did they want to work with me, but I also wanted to work with them. It’s a big commitment, and you want to make sure that there is a good fit all around.”

Military skills applied

Now, Cook carries a good bit of his military history with him in everyday business operations. As part of a Pestmaster government contract, he services the building where he previously conducted VA peer support groups. He continues to use his goal-setting skills developed in military mission planning to ensure he is setting attainable goals in his current business.

Cook says his current goal is to continue to grow. While this currently looks like growing within the existing Pestmaster business, he is not opposed to expanding with other concepts, as well.

“If I can grow my business to the point where I can enjoy more time with family and friends, that’d be awesome,” he said. “I don’t want to always be focused on chasing the dollar. I want people to know our name and call us because we’re the best in the area.”

To other veterans, Cook says franchising is certainly something to consider.

“I knew that I needed a team, and many veterans need a team. We’ve always said, ‘a soldier without a purpose is a useless soldier,’ and with a franchise team, we have a purpose,” he explained. “We have each other to talk to, and we have a common goal of problem-solving, making money and reaching our goals. I know many people are on the fence about franchises, but yes, I would recommend franchising.”