Business Matters 2020 | Page 18

Spiders, Fire Ants, Wasps, Fleas, and Mosquitoes, to name a few, are more than just nuisances. Their bites can be painful or even fatal under certain circumstances. These types of pests must be dealt with in a timely fashion and in a way that you know that you will not have to deal with them again for a very long time. Let Collins Pest control protect you and your family from these dangerous pests. Working with state agencies is among the other aspects of operations which have changed over the years. “In dealing with Austin, they have started requiring us to do things online,” Jon says. “They want you to do everything online. That’s a little bit more tedious for us because we don’t have a (cell or internet) signal everywhere in Shelby County.” In a business where pests and rodents are the focus of the “kill ‘em all” motto, the crew sometimes has up-close-and-personal encounters with critters. “We’ve seen a lot of spiders, snakes and a few skunks,” Jon says. Looking toward the future, Jon sees growth in counties surrounding Shelby County. “We’re pretty well known in Shelby County, but we’re expanding into the Carthage, Nacogdoches and San Augustine areas,” he says. In addition to operating Collins Pest Control, Chris is pastor at McClelland Community Church. That is a role he’s had with the same congregation since 1991. He says he grew up in that congregation and through a series of unanticipated events became pastor 29 years ago. After taking on the role behind pulpit he earned a masters degree from Louisiana Baptist University. Jon formerly did youth ministry work at McClelland Community Church and is now a pastor on his own at San Augustine’s Mt. Horeb Baptist Church. He was initially called to serve the congregation on an interim basis and was asked to come on in a more permanent role. Chris says faith and religion have been integral parts of both the family’s private life and their business operations. “Really and truly the way we treat people in our business is a reflection of who we are as pastors and Christians, living and trying to walk it out and do right by people,” Chris says. 18 Business MATTERS | 2020 Spring Edition The Collins Family: L-R Ch ris, DeAnna, Hannah, Co ry, Wren, Magan, Jon, Lexi an d Asher. He says in the back of his mind he has a plan to retire from the pest control business and focus on his pastoring duties when he turns 65. But he is not sure he will be able to completely leave the pest control business. “We have too much fun working together,” Chris says. “I’m just blessed to pastor my family and being able to work closely with my family.” The firm can be reached at (936) 598-3045 office; and (936) 590- 0941 cell. For more information also visit their Facebook page.