Using Virtual Assistants To Make Your Life Easier: Jake Sheldon

Jul 29, 2024

Hey there, it’s Danny Leibrandt, founder of P Control SEO—where we grow pest control companies using the power of SEO. In this blog, I want to share a fascinating conversation I recently had with a 30-year-old entrepreneur, Jake Sheldon, who’s already accomplished more in pest control than many do in a lifetime. From building and selling multiple businesses to running a virtual staffing agency, Jake’s story is a must-hear for anyone looking to scale fast, delegate effectively, and aim for big exits.

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Starting Young: The Birth of a Marketing Mindset

Jake kicked things off at 19 by experimenting with websites, digital marketing, and Facebook ads. Back then, he was fascinated by the idea of making money online and saw a lot of potential helping home service businesses advertise on social media. Before long, he was introduced to a pest control owner who needed help running Facebook ads and door-to-door sales teams. Jake’s campaigns worked so well that he landed equity in his first pest control business—Pest Works—and never looked back.

The Agency That Took Off Like Crazy

Jake soon launched “Pest Customers Fast,” a marketing agency laser-focused on the pest control niche. He attended industry conferences like PestWorld, built relationships, and delivered tangible results. Thanks to these successes and referrals, his agency quickly ballooned to 368 pest control clients—all running mainly on Facebook ads.

Key Insight: Niche down for rapid growth. By specializing, Jake developed a proven process that was easy to replicate for similar businesses in different markets.

Cracking the Code on Facebook Ads

One hot topic that always comes up: What’s the secret to running profitable Facebook ads? According to Jake, it’s all about two factors:

Audience Targeting: Know your homeowner demographic. For pest control, typically aim for specific ages, genders, or homeowner interests relevant to bug or rodent issues.
Offers That Convert: If you’re only offering $10 off, it won’t cut it. Ads explode when you tie in meaningful discounts, extras (like a free mosquito treatment), or additional service perks.

He also warned that pest control demand can fluctuate with seasons, so plan your campaigns (and vacation schedules) around those highs and lows.

Leads and Delegation: The Secret to Sustainable Business

Jake’s mentor told him the only two things you really need to master in business are leads and delegation. If you have a steady stream of leads, sales will come—especially if you have a compelling offer. And if you learn how to delegate, you’ll avoid becoming your company’s biggest bottleneck.

Pro Tip: Hire out all the tasks someone else can handle—like answering phones, scheduling, or basic bookkeeping—so you can focus on strategic growth.

Why Virtual Assistants Are a Game-Changer

If there’s one recurring theme from Jake’s success, it’s his love of virtual assistants (VAs). He was so sold on the idea of outsourcing repetitive tasks at a fraction of the cost, he ended up purchasing a virtual staffing company: NextGenOfStaffing.com.

Here’s how he recommends using VAs in pest control:

Customer Service: Let someone else pick up the phone while you’re out treating yards.
Sales: Have a sharp VA handle incoming leads, follow-ups, and appointment scheduling.
Admin Tasks: Any busywork—from route planning to invoice filing—can be done remotely.

Many of Jake’s VAs have lived in the U.S. and then moved abroad, so they speak English flawlessly and can handle roles that require phone interaction.

Shifting from Retainers to Equity

Despite running a thriving agency, Jake realized he wanted bigger, long-term opportunities. He switched to an equity-based model, investing time, expertise, and sometimes capital in return for a slice of a pest control company’s ownership. This approach is slower to pay off than monthly retainers—but when a business sells for multiple seven or eight figures, the final payout can be life-changing.

Takeaway: If you’re new to the business world, build up your track record first. Equity deals usually require a proven ability to drive results, not just promises.

Exiting a Company: The Good, the Bad, and the Lessons Learned

Jake’s exited two companies so far, and he’s quick to stress it’s never a smooth ride. It’s time-consuming, stressful, and requires meticulous organization. His biggest piece of advice?

Systemize Everything: Have bulletproof processes, onboarding, and reporting in place.
Don’t Be the Brand: If your personal name is the entire draw, buyers will worry what happens when you leave. Make the business brand-centric and you’ll command a better valuation.

Final Thoughts and What’s Next

Jake is now partnering with two heavy-hitters who’ve each exited for major figures in solar and pest control. They’re all aiming for a nine-figure exit in the next five to ten years. It’s a testament to the power of networking and delivering results—two things anyone can do with the right mindset, perseverance, and willingness to over-deliver on promises.

Want to Learn More?

Check out Jake at NextGenOfStaffing.com for virtual assistant services.
If you’re a pest control owner hungry for more knowledge, he also hosts classes with Jonas Olson at PestControlMillionaires.com.

Thanks for tuning in and reading all about Jake’s journey. If you’re looking to level up your pest control business with SEO, or just want to pick my brain about growth strategies, reach out to me here at P Control SEO. I’m always happy to chat.

P.S. Check out the full episode here: