Ed Keenan said founding his pest control company, Pestgon, in Oceanside, Calif., came out of a necessity to support his family. “It started, as everything else in life, because of need,” said Ed. “Six kids, up to our nose in debt, and a wife who said, ‘I know you can do better.’ That moment changed everything.”
Ed built his pest control company from a $1,000 route he bought from a “one-armed sprayer” in Vista into a dominant commercial operation across Southern California. “I didn’t know what I was doing, but I just got lucky — and worked hard. Country clubs, property managers, golf greens — we earned every account.”
When the time came to sell his business, Ed knew the stakes were high. “Being a pest control man doesn’t make you a businessman. You can’t do it all. That’s why we called Kemp Anderson Consulting.”
Kemp Anderson Consulting performed, Ed said. “Step by step. We had attorneys, accountants, bankers — but not like the help Kemp’s team gave. Without them, we wouldn’t have done it.”
Kemp Anderson guided Ed and his family through every stage of the transaction. From building the business case to managing final buyer meetings, they led with integrity, humor, and experience.
“Kemp introduced us to the right people, rehearsed with us, made sure we were ready. We’re grateful.”
Today, Ed is 91. His legacy is intact. His family is secure. And the business he built from grit and grit alone has been passed on with purpose. “If you’re thinking about selling,” Ed says, “call Kemp. They’ve done a wonderful job.”
