Latest news with #MichaelRodriguez
Entrepreneur
2 days ago
- Business
- Entrepreneur
How Miami's Pest Brothers Got Its Start
For Jose and Michael Rodriguez of Pest Brothers, one of Yelp's Top 100 Local Businesses of 2025, success is about more than getting the job done. Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own. Jose Rodriguez wanted to follow in his father's footsteps and build a career in the pest control industry, so it was a dream come true when his brother, Michael, teamed up with him to start Pest Brothers. Their strong bond set the tone for a thriving business focused on building lasting relationships with customers. "I don't think there are a lot of options where you get to work with your best friend and your biggest cheerleader," Michael says. "For me, that was really the most important thing." Related: Two Industry Leaders Share Their Best Advice for Restaurant Owners – And Reveal the Exact Amount You Can Raise Prices Without Losing Customers It turns out, going into business with your best friend can be your key differentiator. The two exhibit excellent teamwork, which is reflected in their customer interactions and many five-star reviews — securing their spot on Yelp's Top 100 Local Businesses of 2025. "[Customers] find us well-tempered, well-mannered," Michael says. "And the reason for it is we're enjoying what we do and who we do it with. I think that's really the basis for it all. And then from there, good things come." Joined by their brother-in-law, John, each member of the Pest Brothers brings something different to the table, including recruiting, marketing and industry experience. Old-school relationship-building was key to their early growth. The team sponsors golf tournaments for local schools and attends community events to not only create visibility for Pest Brothers but also to honor their roots. "We were sponsors at the golf tournament for [my son's] high school, where we get a lot of leads," Jose says. "We advertise wherever we can because those are the folks who have fed us when we weren't necessarily getting to Yelp's Top 100." Related: This Is What the CEO of Kickstarter Wishes Aspiring Entrepreneurs Knew Still, the brothers knew there was more they could do to boost online visibility. They saw Yelp as an opportunity to attract more leads, and the investment paid off quickly. "We tried out the free trial [of Yelp Ads], and it was an absolute success — almost like we flipped a light switch, and [leads] tremendously started flowing in," Michael says. They received such an influx of attention from homeowners that they decided to stop sending out snail mail advertisements, which can have a low success rate. "Whenever we receive a lead on Yelp, it's about speed to lead," Michael says. "The more quickly we can reach out, the more quickly we can get to that house, service it and win that lead." Its Yelp presence does more than lead generation, however. It also builds trust and helps turn potential customers into loyal, long-term regulars. Especially in the pest control and home service industry, a new customer doesn't always mean one job. Every new lead is a chance to create a recurring customer — and the opportunities are rolling in for Pest Brothers. "These are folks that if you do a good job, they're gonna reward you for a long period of time," Michael says. "In terms of the Yelp leads I saw on our dashboard, views on our page have increased by 576% over the past 30 days [since winning Yelp's Top 100]. You talk about market awareness — that's tremendous. That's viral if I've ever seen it, so it's been awesome for us." Once you have your audience's attention, Jose emphasized how important it is to set clear expectations, such as how long a treatment will take or when the customer will see results. It's this type of transparency that builds credibility, prevents confusion and earns five-star reviews. When mistakes inevitably happen, the brothers acknowledge them with grace, reaching out personally to customers to make things right. "If somebody calls you, you can definitely rectify their issue as soon as you can," Jose says. "That's literally the whole point of being a small business, [being] able to do that." Related: She Created the Dance Studio She Was Looking For. Now, It's a Nationwide Brand. After building Pest Brothers from a two-man operation into one of the most trusted pest control companies in the Miami area, co-founders Michael and Jose share what's helped them succeed in the competitive home service industry: Lead with trust. Customers extend trust when they let you into their homes and workplaces. Be reliable, show up when you say you will and treat every space with respect. Customers extend trust when they let you into their homes and workplaces. Be reliable, show up when you say you will and treat every space with respect. Invest in relationships. Repeat customers and referrals are the lifeblood of a service business. Learn people's names, remember their concerns and treat every job as an opportunity to strengthen the connection. Repeat customers and referrals are the lifeblood of a service business. Learn people's names, remember their concerns and treat every job as an opportunity to strengthen the connection. Use tools to work smarter. From routing software to online reviews, technology can save time, improve efficiency and help you better serve customers. Leverage different platforms and tools to stay organized, respond faster and build your reputation. From routing software to online reviews, technology can save time, improve efficiency and help you better serve customers. Leverage different platforms and tools to stay organized, respond faster and build your reputation. Stay adaptable. Every job is different. Be ready to adjust your approach and keep learning new methods to stay competitive and efficient. Every job is different. Be ready to adjust your approach and keep learning new methods to stay competitive and efficient. Build a reputation that lasts. Home services are about more than solving a specific problem. They're about creating peace of mind. When people know you genuinely care about their home or business, they'll trust you for years to come. Watch the episode above to hear directly from Michael and Jose Rodriguez, and subscribe to Behind the Review for more from new business owners and reviewers every Wednesday. Editorial contributions by Jiah Choe and Kristi Lindahl Ready to break through your revenue ceiling? Join us at Level Up, a conference for ambitious business leaders to unlock new growth opportunities.
Yahoo
26-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
How the Middle-Class Can Protect Their Paychecks From Inflation in 2025
Many households are feeling the pinch at the grocery store, gas pump and beyond, as the price of everyday goods has increased by 2.5% since last year. However, with a few small shifts, it's possible to stay ahead of rising costs. Discover More: Read Next: From reviewing spending habits to parking savings into a high-yield savings account, here are ways the middle class can protect their paychecks from inflation in 2025. One of the most effective ways to stay ahead of rising costs is to have a clear understanding of your spending habits. When consumers review their expenses, they can identify unnecessary expenditures and make more informed financial decisions. 'Audit your subscriptions,' said Michael Rodriguez, certified financial planner (CFP®) and an advice-only financial planner at Equanimity Wealth. 'Most people forget half of what they're signed up for.' 'You can also reduce takeout without giving up convenience by batch-cooking or prepping meals for busy nights,' he added. 'And sharing streaming or family plans with relatives or friends can cut costs without losing access.' Find Out: In an inflationary environment, saving money isn't about putting money aside; it's about where that money lives. 'Save money from every paycheck,' said Melanie Musson, a finance expert at Clearsurance. 'Even if you only save $100, you'll build a savings account, and you'll know you have an extra $100 every month if inflation drives prices up. If you can save more, that's even better.' Consumers should prioritize high-yield savings accounts or certificates of deposit (CDs) that offer stronger returns than traditional bank accounts. Even small differences in interest rates can add up over time. 'Don't let all your cash sit in a traditional savings account,' Rodriguez said. 'Consider high-yield savings, I-Bonds, or even short-term Treasuries if you want to keep it safe but get a bit more return. 'Invest consistently. The cost of waiting can be greater than short-term inflation. Time in the market still beats timing the market.' Automating transfers on payday can help build consistency, and creating separate savings buckets for emergencies, big purchases and future goals adds structure and clarity to financial planning. When inflation hits, essentials like food and household goods are often the first to rise in price. By adopting more strategic purchasing habits, consumers can reduce costs without compromising quality or convenience. 'If inflation happens, things like food, energy and shelter will be affected the most,' said Lucia Lu, a senior business consultant at Nextpins. 'The good thing to do? Purchase in bulk.' 'Non-perishable items and household essentials such as paper towels or canned items cost less when purchased in bulk. To reduce costs on things like fresh vegetables, look into cheaper alternatives like frozen versions or store brands without giving up on quality.' When inflation rises, cutting back doesn't have to feel like a loss. By making thoughtful adjustments, consumers can reduce spending in ways that are both sustainable and satisfying. 'Cutting down doesn't have to mean sacrificing your quality of life,' Lu said. 'Try cooking at home more often, as it's typically more affordable than takeout or dining out. Reducing your grocery bill doesn't require eating less, just being smarter with meal planning and buying in-season produce.' Lu added, 'Another easy win? Use a cashback credit card to offset some everyday costs.' Managing money during inflation doesn't have to be overwhelming. There are plenty of apps designed to simplify the process. Budgeting tools like Mint, YNAB (You Need a Budget) and Rocket Money help track spending, spot trends and stay on target. For saving and investing, apps like Acorns and Digit automate small contributions that add up over time. Cashback and rebate apps, such as Rakuten, Ibotta, or Fetch, can also help consumers stretch their dollars further on everyday purchases. 'I like You Need a Budget for people who want structure and a fresh start,' Rodriguez said. 'It's great for building more awareness around spending. Empower is another one I recommend to clients who want to track net worth and cash flow in one place without overcomplicating things.' More From GOBankingRates These Cars May Seem Expensive, but They Rarely Need Repairs This article originally appeared on How the Middle-Class Can Protect Their Paychecks From Inflation in 2025
Yahoo
14-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
I'm a Financial Expert: 6 Smart Ways To Build Wealth If You Just Started Your Career
If you're like most early career professionals, building wealth sounds like a challenge future you will tackle. Right now, you're in survival mode: How will rent get paid? How will you impress your boss? Unfortunately, building wealth is not something one can put off. That's because money compounds with time. And the earlier you start accruing it, the wealthier you'll eventually become. Read Next: Learn More: GOBankingRates spoke with Michael Rodriguez, CFP, founder of Equanimity Wealth, to discover smart ways early career professionals can get on the right path to building wealth. This one might sound fairly obvious — but the key word here is 'actively.' 'If your income is capped, your growth will be, too,' Rodriguez said. Avoid complacency by always searching for additional opportunities to earn a buck. Rodriguez suggested learning a skill set outside your 9-to-5 job (like blogging, tutoring or personal training) to bring in additional funds. Not only do additional skills translate to extra money by way of freelance gigs and lucrative side hustles, but they make you a more valuable employee, which ultimately can benefit you in hiring and salary negotiations. And if your specific skill set gets sharp enough, that side hustle may one day become your main hustle. Check Out: Most early career professionals aren't rolling in the dough. But because of compound interest, the earlier one starts investing, the more time their money has to grow. So try to consistently invest even just small amounts of money where you can. 'If your employer offers a 401(k) match, contribute at least enough to get the full match — think of it as free money. If you don't have access to a 401(k), a Roth IRA is a great option if you're in a lower tax bracket right now,' Rodriguez said. And don't sleep on index funds. They're low-cost and diversified, and they don't require extensive knowledge of the stock market. High-interest debt should be eliminated as quickly as possible. This is because debt compounds and will cancel out a large chunk of your earnings the longer you put it off. And the higher the interest rate, the worse off you'll be. Rodriguez recommended credit card debt be the first you tackle (if you carry it). Inevitably, freeing up monthly debt payments will give you more money to invest down the line. Additionally, paying down debt in a timely manner is key to keeping your credit score healthy — something that can save you hundreds of thousands of dollars over your lifetime. Think of automation as an idiot's guide to good habits. Or, at the very least, it means one less thing you have to think about each month. Rodriguez recommended setting up automatic transfers to your savings and investment accounts right after payday — perhaps before you even have an opportunity to see the money hit your account and are tempted to spend it. Ultimately, you want your net worth increasing over time, and small but consistent savings is key to making this happen. On the reverse side, don't forget to put routine bills on autopay so you aren't stuck paying unnecessary late fees. 'When your income increases, it's tempting to 'reward yourself' with a new car or pricier apartment. That's totally normal–but don't let your spending rise faster than your savings,' Rodriguez said. In fact, one major key to building wealth is keeping your expenses low as your income rises. Money saved can be put toward your emergency fund or investments that then compound over time. While Rodriguez acknowledged it's okay to splurge and enjoy life every once in a while, he advocated prioritizing long-term security over short-term upgrades. Don't be afraid to live below your means. For example, getting a roommate is often one of the most financially savvy moves one can make in their early years. Saving money because an article on the internet told you to do it is not going to create the same motivation that personalizing your goals will. 'Saving 'just because' is hard. Saving for a future home, early retirement or financial freedom feels different,' Rodriguez said. When you're clear on what you're working toward, you'll be more likely to stay on track. So ask yourself what you want your life to look like and how your money can help get you there. More From GOBankingRates 3 Luxury SUVs That Will Have Massive Price Drops in Summer 2025 10 Unreliable SUVs To Stay Away From Buying 5 Cities You Need To Consider If You're Retiring in 2025 This article originally appeared on I'm a Financial Expert: 6 Smart Ways To Build Wealth If You Just Started Your Career Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
10-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Afternoon Briefing: City could force Uber and Lyft to hike driver pay
Good afternoon, Chicago. Rideshare companies like Lyft and Uber could soon be forced to pay Chicago drivers more if an ordinance up for debate Thursday moves ahead, a change the companies say would cause the cost of rides to skyrocket for passengers. Ald. Michael Rodriguez, 22nd, said his measure would make sure rideshare drivers make more than minimum wage and get paid when they wait for and drive riders. But critics and the companies say the legislation will raise costs and could even put many drivers out of work. Here's what else is happening today. And remember, for the latest breaking news in Chicago, visit and sign up to get our alerts on all your devices. Subscribe to more newsletters | Asking Eric | Horoscopes | Puzzles & Games | Today in History Federal prosecutors announced today that they will retry state Sen. Emil Jones III on bribery charges after a jury in April deadlocked on all counts, leading to a mistrial. Read more here. More top news stories: Lawyers for R. Kelly claim wrongdoing by prosecutors, say imprisoned singer's life in danger $23.5M lawsuit settlement reached for family of technical surveyor killed in fall from Hyde Park scaffolding Illinois lawmakers ended their spring legislative session without finding a way to plug the gaping $771 million budget gap facing the region's mass transit systems next year. Thousands of jobs hang in the balance. Read more here. More top business stories: Apple unveils iOS 26 and a new 'liquid glass' design I-65 fiery truck crashes ignite conversation about tolling, expanding highway The longtime Sky star jokingly acknowledged her quiet exit in a Players Tribune column today as she formally announced her retirement from the WNBA — nearly three years after playing her final game for the Sky in September 2022. Read more here. More top sports stories: Column: Why Chicago Cubs star Pete Crow-Armstrong is content with just being himself How Chicago White Sox's Luis Robert Jr. is working to get going at the plate: 'I'm open to the suggestions' Anthony Mateos, who lives in Evanston and has just completed his junior year at Evanston Township High School, has compiled and published a terrific book titled 'Who We Are: Stories From the Chicago StreetWise Community.' Read more here. More top Eat. Watch. Do. stories: Steve Carell will speak at Northwestern University's 2025 commencement Sly Stone, leader of funk revolutionaries Sly and the Family Stone, dies at 82 The Marines that deployed to Los Angeles on orders from President Donald Trump have not yet been called to respond to the city's immigration protests and are there only to protect federal property, the Marine Corps commandant said. Read more here. More top stories from around the world: Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth faces sharp questions from Congress on deploying troops to Los Angles and Pentagon chaos President Donald Trump pushes ahead with his maximalist immigration campaign in face of LA protests
Chicago Tribune
10-06-2025
- Business
- Chicago Tribune
Afternoon Briefing: City could force Uber and Lyft to hike driver pay
Good afternoon, Chicago. Rideshare companies like Lyft and Uber could soon be forced to pay Chicago drivers more if an ordinance up for debate Thursday moves ahead, a change the companies say would cause the cost of rides to skyrocket for passengers. Ald. Michael Rodriguez, 22nd, said his measure would make sure rideshare drivers make more than minimum wage and get paid when they wait for and drive riders. But critics and the companies say the legislation will raise costs and could even put many drivers out of work. Here's what else is happening today. And remember, for the latest breaking news in Chicago, visit and sign up to get our alerts on all your devices. Subscribe to more newsletters | Asking Eric | Horoscopes | Puzzles & Games | Today in History Federal prosecutors announced today that they will retry state Sen. Emil Jones III on bribery charges after a jury in April deadlocked on all counts, leading to a mistrial. Read more here. More top news stories: Illinois lawmakers ended their spring legislative session without finding a way to plug the gaping $771 million budget gap facing the region's mass transit systems next year. Thousands of jobs hang in the balance. Read more here. More top business stories: The longtime Sky star jokingly acknowledged her quiet exit in a Players Tribune column today as she formally announced her retirement from the WNBA — nearly three years after playing her final game for the Sky in September 2022. Read more here. More top sports stories: Anthony Mateos, who lives in Evanston and has just completed his junior year at Evanston Township High School, has compiled and published a terrific book titled 'Who We Are: Stories From the Chicago StreetWise Community.' Read more here. More top Eat. Watch. Do. stories: The Marines that deployed to Los Angeles on orders from President Donald Trump have not yet been called to respond to the city's immigration protests and are there only to protect federal property, the Marine Corps commandant said. Read more here. More top stories from around the world:
