Today we’d like to introduce you to Kevin Watford.
Hi Kevin, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
After graduating from Clemson University in December 1991, I spent several years working in retail and the propane gas industry, serving in roles that ranged from sales to management and installation supervision. In 1997, I moved back to Sumter—my wife’s hometown—to work for her father, a large commercial general contractor. The original plan was for me to serve as a superintendent on upcoming projects, but that quickly evolved into managing the construction of a large rental park and later overseeing a residential home‑building division.
My wife worked in the business as well, and by 2005 we felt it was wise for both of us not to rely on the same income source, especially given the economic climate at the time. During my years managing the residential division, I earned my real estate license in 1999 to help list and market the homes we were building. One of the owners of the real estate company suggested that, with my construction background, I should consider a career in home inspection. He introduced me to a friend who operated a home inspection franchise, and that conversation became the start of what would become a 20‑plus‑year career in the industry.
In 2008, the owner offered me the opportunity to purchase half of the company, and I accepted. None of us knew that just 30 days later the nation would enter a financial collapse that would last for years. My dream of growing the company into a larger multi‑inspector operation was suddenly put on hold. With the housing market in steep decline, our focus shifted from growth to survival. Those years brought some dark financial moments—times that tested our marriage, our finances, and even our faith. But through it all, my spiritual advocate—my wife, Alison—remained steadfast in her belief that God would provide, often when my own belief was wavering.
Slowly, things began to turn around. After a few years, growth wasn’t just possible again—it was happening. By 2014, we had added two additional inspectors, and over the next five years our annual revenue grew to more than four times its previous size. At the end of 2019, my partner and I finalized his retirement and exit plan, and I became the sole owner of the company in early 2020. Just weeks later, the pandemic hit, bringing a new wave of uncertainty. But after several difficult months, the housing industry rebounded, and we entered a period of unprecedented demand.
In 2024, an opportunity arose through a longtime friend from church to purchase his pest control company. After reviewing the financials and discussing the future, we reached an agreement, and we acquired Morris Pest Control—a small, family‑owned business with more than 50 years of history and a reputation for excellent service. In our first full year of ownership, 2025, we experienced more than 50% growth and are forecasting similar expansion this year. I never imagined that at nearly 57 years old I would be building another business from the ground up, but here we are—working, planning, and dreaming every day about the right strategies, marketing, and service methods to continue scaling in the years ahead.
We operate with a guiding belief that we call “painting the dark corners.” The phrase comes from the story of Michelangelo painting the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel in the 1500s. When asked why he spent time painting the dark corners that no one could see from the floor, he replied, “Because I would know it—and God would know it.” That philosophy drives everything we do. We strive to do things the right way—not because someone is watching, not because it’s visible, and not because it’s easy—but because excellence is an obligation to two audiences: the man in the mirror and God above.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Economic conditions in two different eras over the last 2o plus years. I have detailed them in my story.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Morris Pest Service, Inc.?
Morris Pest Control is full service Pest Control Company that offers a comprehensive approach for residential and commercial needs. We are currently offering monthly packages that include pest control, termite protection, mosquito control, and yard spraying. Also, we can evaluate moisture concerns in your crawlspace and mitigate as needed. We are large enough to handle any needs that may arise, but small enough to provide the service you expect from a family-owned company. Contact us today for a free evaluation and to set up a maintenance plan.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
Perseverance and faith in God that he will always provide and to have a partner in life and in business that shares that faith and is an encourager and reminds you of them even when your faith may waiver.
Pricing:
- $39/month quartely pest control and annual termite renewal
- $79/month pest, termite and mosquito
- $99/month pest, termite, mosquito, rodent, priority service
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Morrispest.com
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/morrispestcontrolofsumter
