Rebekah humbled to be a finalist
Aburgeoning Horsham pest-management leader is in the running for a prestigious Professional Women in Australian Pest Management Excellence Award.
Rebekah Pfeiffer is among six finalists for the 2021 accolade, which honours a woman within the industry who ‘has not only shown outstanding leadership but has dedicated their time and energy in making notable contributions to development and growth within the industry’.
Ms Pfeiffer said she was humbled to be a finalist.
“It’s actually a little awkward for me as I prefer to sit in the background,” she said.
“I love what I do and the team I work with so it’s nice they have nominated me. They are an awesome crew of individuals.”
Ms Pfeiffer was first exposed to the pest-management industry about eight years ago and became directly involved five years ago, after taking up a position at Bug R Off Pest Busters in Horsham.
“My role is extremely varied, from office manager, franchising officer and being a licensed termite and timber technician,” she said.
“This year, after much encouragement from ‘Australia’s most experienced dog trainer’ Steve Austin to bring our termite-detection dog training in-house, I now do this also.”
Ms Pfeiffer has completed scent-detection training with dogs – an intensive course – and has now trained her first termite-detection dog.
“Missy was my first detection dog and has been a model student,” she said.
“I can now not only train the Bug R Off detection dogs, I can also deliver another option to the pest-control industry – providing more affordable options for companies looking to purchase detection dogs.”
Ms Pfeiffer said the business had also diversified product testing options.
“After attending a large chemical company’s trial site in January, we set up our own here locally, allowing us to trial products in our climate and conditions,” she said.
“This is beneficial so when clients ask how we know products work we can actually say we have tested them in our own climate to ensure the best outcome for their individual circumstances.”
Ms Pfeiffer said she loved her job, particularly the variety it offered.
“I love being able to go out on the job with my husband Steve Olver, do the office work and train dogs,” she said.
“I love the interaction with clients and the service we provide, which the whole team is passionate about.
“I also love the people I work with and the encouragement and challenges at times, along with the personal growth it allows me.”
In nominating Ms Pfeiffer for the award, her colleagues shone a light on her support of other technicians to achieve their licences; her knowledge of systems; constant attempts to grow and upskill; and her passion for canine detection training.
They said Ms Pfeiffer led by example, was a strong communicator and was focused on expanding the business through franchising.
She also supported another female employee to gain her Certificate III in Business certificate.
Positive
Ms Pfeiffer said pest management was a male-dominated industry, so she was pleased to be able to help women play greater roles.
“Whatever I do I always try to have a positive impact on those around me, whether directly or indirectly,” she said.
“When I go to work I try to improve the business, the environment and self-growth, which is often done by contributing to the industry in a positive way.
“Steve and I are passionate about what we do and why we do it.”
Bug R Off Pest Busters is no stranger to awards, having won the ‘Australian Pest Manager of the Year 2020’ accolade.
Ms Pfeiffer said the excellence award winner was due to be announced during an annual AEPMA – Australian Environmental Pest Managers Association – conference in September, however the conference had been postponed for a second year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The award winner will be announced on social media.
“There are five other extremely worthy nominated ladies and just to be alongside them is an achievement,” Ms Pfeiffer said.
“I need to say thank-you to Steve, who has been biggest supporter, and also my children and those around me.
“Every single person who I have contact with in some way has an imprint on who I am or have become.
“I will forever be grateful to those who have been part of my journey to this point.
“Regardless of the outcome of this award, I will continue to look at how I can continue to grow and give back to the industry and even our community.”