Why Avoiding Debt Made Byron Barnes the Youngest Millionaire Pest Control CEO artwork
The Boardroom Buzz: Grow, Sell, or Exit

Why Avoiding Debt Made Byron Barnes the Youngest Millionaire Pest Control CEO

  • S4E244
  • 50:00
  • June 11th 2026

Explore Byron's inspiring story of taking over his family's pest control business at 22, navigating debt, and growing it to a $5 million company through innovative micro acquisitions, branding, and community-focused culture. Discover his insights on leadership, managing growth, and using modern tools like AI to enhance customer service.

In this episode:

  • Byron shares how he took over his family's pest control company at age 22 after his father's passing
  • The challenges of transforming an insolvent business into a thriving enterprise
  • His unique approach to micro acquisitions and organic growth strategies
  • Building a strong brand with branded trucks and local marketing efforts
  • The importance of customer service and community engagement in business success
  • His perspective on using AI responsibly for customer interactions and marketing
  • Lessons learned about managing people and cultivating a positive work culture

Ready for boardroom-level help with your own business?

• 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

The Boardroom Buzz: Grow, Sell, or Exit

Boardroom Buzz is the straight-talk playbook for owners who built their service businesses from the crawlspace up and want to master the next move—whether that’s doubling down on growth or preparing for a life-changing exit.

Hosted by Jason & Jeremy Julio—“The Blue-Collar Twins” who turned a service-truck start-up into a multimillion-dollar success—and mentored by veteran deal-maker Paul Giannamore, the show turns boardroom finance into stories you’d swap over a tailgate. Expect 40-minute deep-dives that unwrap one real transaction and one valuation lever you can pull today, plus quick “Market Pulse” riffs that flag shifts every operator should watch.

If you’re a majority or significant-minority owner eyeing the $5 M–$100 M revenue range, tune in for gritty war stories, step-by-step tactics, and the confidence to choose your own endgame. New episodes every Thursday. Presented by POTOMAC M&A.