The Business of Rodent Control

Authentic Business Adventures Podcast

Kari Warberg Block - EarthKind On Value Beyond the Basic Use of a Product: "And a funny side story to that, when the product first got on the market, we were known as, having a product that saved marriages." Mice are seemingly everywhere. This is especially true if you live or work near a field or open space for the rodents to expand their population. But what if you're not interested in the typical chemical and lethal options for dealing with these pests? Kari Warberg Block, founder of EarthKind, discovered a problem, didn't like the available options for dealing with that problem, created a better solution and built a business on that solution. That alone in the story many entrepreneurs have lived to tell. Kari's story, though built around a dirty subject, has no lack of great insights and valuable stories for you. Kari shares her journey from dealing with a stubborn mouse infestation on her farm to developing a groundbreaking non-lethal pest control product. Inspired by her father's work as an entomologist, Kari set out to create botanical repellents that deter pests without harming them. Her products, Fresh Cab and Stay Away, are now available in over 35,000 stores across the U.S. We'll explore the intelligence of rodents, the environmental impact of traditional pest control methods, and Kari’s strategic approach to business growth and maintaining cash flow. Kari opens up about the personal sacrifices and challenges she faced, including a federal court battle and the intricacies of EPA registration. Listen as Kari explains how she found a need, created a product, built a business and now makes the world a little bit better. Enjoy! Visit Kari at: https://www.earthkind.com Podcast Overview: 08:29 The rodent problem. 12:11 Mice destroyed 400 tomato plants surprisingly. 16:09 Failed remedies, discovered barkless tree mystery. 25:35 Proven success despite initial skepticism and competition. 29:25 Rodents relocated from factory to racetrack concessions. 35:27 Debt-free growth through savvy cash flow management. 41:28 New CEO manages; leader focuses on strategy. 46:59 Dad transitioned to successful, people-focused businessman. 50:21 Compassion and conflict drive truth and excellence. 54:50 Report mistakes to improve, not blame others. 01:02:49 Know customers; seek referrals for success. Podcast Transcription: Kari Warberg Block [00:00:00]: Then they'll come in your house and, you know, garage door's open. They're like, oh, let's go. Garage door's open and run-in, and they'll be able to find dog food or warmth. And people don't even know when they've invaded the house until it's too late because they're so sneaky. James Kademan [00:00:17]: You have found Authentic Business Adventures, the business program that brings you the struggle stories and strengths and successes of business owners across the land. Downloadable audio episodes can be found On the podcast link found at DrawOnCustomers.com. We are locally underwritten by the Bank of Sun Prairie, Calls On Call Extraordinary Answering Service, as well as The Bold Business Book. And today, we're welcoming slash preparing to learn from Kari Warberg Block, the founder of EarthKind. And Keri, I am excited to talk to you because you are venturing into an area of business that I didn't even know existed. So I'll just have you tell the people what EarthKind is, and we'll get this party started. Kari Warberg Block [00:00:58]: Well, great. I'm happy to be here with you and, appreciate appreciate everything here. I'd love love to share this story. We're an innovator in the category of pest control. Before my company came along, 98% of everything sold to control a pest was a poison or a kill method. Being a mom, having kids, having pets, that didn't sit so well with me when when it was my job to control pests on our farm. So I invented a brand new way to control pests that w...