David W. Smith/Daily NewsJim Blankenship, owner of Guarantee Pest Control Inc., shows the last thing many bugs will see Friday at his shop.

Business: Guarantee Pest Control Inc.

Location: 860 Lain Ave., Bowling Green.

Type of business: Termite and pest control.

Opened: 1951.

Owner: Jimmy Blankenship.

Employees: Seven.

What issues are affecting your industry: Environmental issues are at the forefront. (We do) constant research to make better products.

What makes your business successful: Doing the job right the first time; constantly training our technicians; giving the best service and value.

How do you handle competition: Most of them are my friends. We try to just out-perform them and offer our customers better quality and service.

What is your advice to someone thinking about starting a business: Be willing to work harder and longer than anyone else. Always make your customer happy and always do the right thing. Owning a business is much more demanding than just having a job.

Specialties: Treating for termites, brown recluse spiders and German roaches.

How did the business get started: Harold Cook left Mack Pest Control of Nashville in 1951 and started Guarantee in Bowling Green.

What is your background: I grew up on a dairy farm in Allen County. My father started with Guarantee in 1957 and I grew up around the business.

What are your biggest challenges as a business: Employee benefits are a must. Also balancing new technology and old. We always want the best products and service. Sometimes new things aren’t as effective as what we already have.

What is you business philosophy: Always do the right thing. The customer decides what the right thing is.

— Each week, the Daily News will profile a locally owned business.