The Preferred Pest Control Team

andy-smith-preferred-pest.Andy Smith

As Preferred Pest’s Co-Owner and Director of Sales & Human Resources, Andy spends most of his time going to businesses and residences to identify what pests they are dealing with and provides customers with a quote to take care of any pest issues. He specializes in servicing hospitals and maintaining large systems that control insects and rodents for over 1 million square feet of facilities. Andy is studying to become an Associate Certified Entomologist, and he is Quality Pro Certified and a Certified Pesticide Applicator in the State of Iowa.

At Preferred Pest, Andy appreciates the variety of different challenges the job brings and seeing the results our team provides to homeowners and businesses. He likes living and working in the Des Moines area because it is an up-and-coming city that always has new activities and fun things to do around town.

brian-smith-preferred-pest.Brian Smith

Our team’s Co-Owner and Director of Operations, Brian, is responsible for training employees, overseeing maintenance and day-to-day operations, maintaining customer relations and overflow sales. During his time at Preferred Pest Control, Brian has been instrumental in transitioning our bed bug infestation treatment methods from heat treatments to a more efficient and effective solution. He has served six years on the Iowa Pest Management Association Board, and has been the president of the organization for the last two years. Brian has completed BedBug University Boot Camp (a 3-day course in New Jersey), and he is Quality Pro Certified and a Certified Pesticide Applicator in the State of Iowa.

What excites Brian most about his job is giving customers a sense of relief and peace of mind by providing effective pest solutions. When he is in the field, he likes to meet new people and get to know Preferred Pest Control’s customers. In his free time, Brian has fun playing basketball, running and biking. That’s why one of his favorite things about Des Moines is the great bike trails and how they connect you to different suburbs and local restaurants. 

zach-carlson-preferred-pest-controlZach Carlson

Born and raised in central Iowa, Zach loves to golf, watch TV or movies, and cycle every now and then. While being outside in nice weather is a great perk of the job, the ability to help people every day is the most enjoyable part of working at Preferred Pest. During football season, you can catch Zach cheering on the Green Bay Packers. 

jim-howe-preferred-pest-controlJim Howe

Jim grew up as the youngest of nine children on a farm outside of Charles City, IA, and brings great family values and hard-work ethic to our team. He likes working for a local company with friendly coworkers that truly take care of their customers. Outside of the office, Jim enjoys being with his family, participating in church activities, camping, fishing and cheering on the Minnesota Vikings in the fall!

jon-andorf-preferred-pest-controlJon Andorf

Originally from Des Moines, Jon chooses to stay in the area because it’s a wonderful place to raise kids and allows him to stay close to family and friends! At Preferred Pest, Jon admits he has learned a lot about the value of hard work and likes helping Des Moines families solve their pest problems. After hours, Jon spends his time with family and friends, plays sports, tries his hand at construction projects and watches his favorite TV shows. 

jordan-kruger-preferred-pest-controlJordan Kruger

Jordan was raised in Clear Lake, Iowa, and currently resides in Des Moines. He's really fond of the "small city" aspect of Des Moines and likes that there's always plenty of activities going on in the metro area to keep him entertained. When he's not exterminating pests, Jordan prefers to spend his spare time running, playing ultimate frisbee, reading and attending his local church. 

micah-seuferer-preferred-pest-controlMicah Seuferer

Growing up near Indianola, the Des Moines area has always been home for Micah. He loves working for Preferred Pest because he gets to work outside and help people. Outside of work, Micah likes to play Ultimate Frisbee, volleyball and cheers on a local soccer team called the Wolverhampton Wanderers. 

justin-sleeth-preferred-pest-controlJustin Sleeth

Justin was born and raised in Des Moines. His favorite part about working for Preferred Pest Control is that he gets to help people. In his free time, Justin enjoys the outdoors, hunting, fishing and kayaking. Justin isn't a big sports guy but loves cheering on whatever team his kids are playing for. 

cory-fitzsimmons-preferred-pest-controlCory Fitzsimmons

Cory grew up in Pella, Iowa and has never been too far from Des Moines. He currently lives in the Des Moines area and loves participating in community activities. He is also an assistant coach for the Ankeny High School cross country team and plays in Central Iowa Ultimate leagues when not out helping local customers. Cory's favorite part of working for Preferred Pest Control is being able to help people solve their pest problems while also getting to work outside. 

tanner-dzon-preferred-pest-controlTanner Dzon

Tanner Dzon grew up in Clearwater, Florida and now enjoys living in Iowa. He is part of a large family, being the second oldest of five, and family means everything to him. Tanner enjoys spending his free time fishing and playing video games, and he is always excited to check out new restaurants in the Des Moines area.

Ryan Meyers

Ryan grew up in Dallas Center Iowa and currently lives in Minburn with his wife and three boys! His favorite part about working for preferred pest control is being outside and helping people. In his free time Ryan enjoys spending time with family and being outdoors hunting, fishing, and playing basketball!

Nathan Joy

Nathan lives in Huxley, Iowa with his wife and two children. Hard work and a friendly smile are essential qualities in providing an amazing customer experience, which is why Nathan enjoys being a part of the Preferred Pest Team. Most folks get nervous when the great outdoors finds its way into their homes. Nathan has the privilege to come alongside folks in their communities and provide knowledge and problem-solving solutions to set their minds at ease. In his spare time Nathan enjoys running errands with his kids, spending time with family, jogging, and attempting to increase his knowledge of gardening and home improvements!

Nicholas Clark

Hey! I'm Nicholas, I'm a very laid-back individual that spends most of my off time doing family outings or sporting events so with that being said, GO CLONES!

Ben Davis

Ben was born and raised in Urbandale, Iowa. He has continued to live in Central Iowa because it is a great place to raise a family, and he enjoys living close to family and friends. Ben’s favorite part about working at Preferred Pest is travelling around the metro to help people. In his free time, Ben enjoys spending time with family and friends, playing frisbee golf, cheering on the Green Bay Packers, and attending his local church.

brad-smith-preferred-pest.Brad Smith

Preferred Pest Control was founded by Brad Smith in 1985, and he dedicated his expertise to the business for almost 40 years before retiring in 2022. Some of his proudest entrepreneurial accomplishments incuded earning an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and the BBB Torch Award for Ethics.

As an Iowa State University graduate Entomologist, Brad used his pest knowledge as a frequent resource for media interviews, expert witness testimony for court trials, identifying pests found by customers and training Preferred Pest Control technicians in updated extermination techniques. Throughout his years in the pest control industry, Smith was a member of the Polk County Bed Bug Task Force and former president of the Iowa Pest Management Association.