Insight Pest Solutions Canada

What began as a small team knocking on doors has grown into one of Canada’s largest residential pest control companies. Brendan Quinlan, co-founder of Insight Pest Solutions Canada, Richmond, B.C., attributes success to a simple but powerful idea: personal connection. Quinlan said that by focusing on door-to-door (D2D) sales and educating homeowners on prevention rather than just control, the company has built a strong and loyal customer base.

Quinlan’s pest control industry journey started while he was a college student in Canada, when he was recruited for a D2D sales role in Florida. That opportunity led him to launch and grow two pest control companies, both of which he eventually sold. With that experience under his belt, Quinlan returned to Canada and began applying that same D2D model in a new market.

In 2020, Quinlan and his wife, Jessica, founded Insight Pest Solutions Canada. The company quickly gained traction, expanding its services across the country. From the beginning, their strategy centered on building trust through direct, face-to-face interactions with customers. Rather than focusing solely on closing sales, the company emphasizes education, helping homeowners understand pest behavior and the long-term benefits of preventive services.

A key principle guiding the company is managing expectations. “The most important thing [with D2D sales] is that the consumer is being properly educated and the way that it’s being sold is the way it’s being serviced,” said Quinlan. “The classic issue with door-to-door is that it’s overpromised and underdelivered. So, one of our ethos is underpromise, overdeliver.”

Education plays an especially important role in Canada, where harsh winters often lead homeowners to question the need for pest control services. To address this, the company has tailored its offerings to suit year-round needs. Winter services focus heavily on preventive measures such as exclusion work, as well as the use of dusts and gels for interior treatments. By clearly communicating these benefits, the company helps customers see pest control as an ongoing investment rather than a seasonal expense.

Today, Insight Pest Solutions Canada employs up to 500 sales representatives who canvas neighborhoods across the country. Quinlan emphasizes that success in door-to-door sales doesn’t happen overnight — it requires time, consistency and a genuine effort to build customer relationships.

Operating in Canada also comes with stricter regulations around D2D sales compared to the United States. Quinlan views this as a positive, noting that higher regulatory standards help improve the quality and transparency of sales practices. In turn, this elevates the reputation of the industry and ensures customers receive a more honest and reliable experience, he said.

The company’s growth has extended beyond Canada. Insight Pest Solutions recently expanded into Australia, opening its first branch in Melbourne and a second in Brisbane in 2025.

In addition to pest control services, Quinlan is involved in Vantage Marketing Canada, a sister organization that recruits and trains students for D2D sales roles. With a background in teaching, Quinlan sees this as an opportunity to continue mentoring others. He trains individuals in sales, leadership and pest control, blending his academic roots with real-world experience.

Ultimately, Quinlan’s approach highlights the value of education, integrity and human connection in building a successful business.

Editor’s note: Insight Pest Canada is a separate entity from Insight Pest Solutions based in the U.S.

The author is assistant editor of PCT magazine.