How a 100-Year Family Business Evolved Through Generations of Challenges

On The Boardroom Buzz, the Blue Collar Twins interview Ralph Citarella Jr., president of Bayonne Exterminating, about the company’s 100-year history and his path into the family business. He explains the firm was founded in 1926 by Harry Albert and purchased by his grandfather on May 1, 1945 after World War II, then grown by Ralph’s parents through added employees and involvement in the New Jersey Pest Management Association (NJPMA). Ralph describes leaving the business during his parents’ divorce, bartending after graduating from TCNJ in 2002, and returning at 26 as a managing partner with a goal to reach $1M revenue, learning from early mistakes like building his own website. He discusses industry professionalism, regulation, consolidation, succession issues, his NJPMA leadership roles, earning board-certified entomologist credentials, current operations (six technicians, $1.4M revenue), marketing limits, customer mix, and prioritizing family and sustainable growth.

Century Old Company OriginsDad Returns And ExpandsWhy Stay In New JerseyRalph Jr Early Work YearsComing Back At 26First Big Goals And MistakesTrade Associations And Compliance Industry Future And ConsolidationCorporate Buyout FalloutLegacy Reputation PressureMentors And Association SupportRunning The Business DailyContent Marketing Next Step

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• Grow, sell, or exit your service company with Potomac: https://www.potomaccompany.com

Connect with the hosts:

• Blue Collar Twins – Jason & Jeremy Julio: https://bluecollartwins.com

Connect with Paul:

• Paul Giannamore – Managing Director & M&A advisor at Potomac: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulgiannamore