Great Wall Termite Control

Andy O’Hara: From Carpentry to Termite Control

By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource Reporter

For Andy O’Hara, an early career in carpentry served as a catalyst to a lifelong livelihood in the termite control industry. “Prior to getting into termite control, I was a residential carpenter doing remodels and additions,” he remembers. “At a certain point, I got connected with a termite company that was looking for a carpenter to perform termite-related repair work. I enjoyed the work right away, mostly because of the variety—every job was different and had unique challenges.”

Not long after getting into termite repair work, Andy made moves to advance his position in the industry. “I decided to get my applicator’s license, which allowed me to apply treatment materials as I did my repairs,” he recounts. “Next, I got my field rep license, which allowed me to write reports and make recommendations for remediation and repairs based on the conditions I saw in the home. Eventually, I was promoted to a department manager at the company I worked for, which put me in charge of a team of employees. After a while, I decided to make a change and go to work for Great Wall Termite Control. I was longtime friends with some of the guys there, so it seemed like a good transition.”

Today, as service manager of Great Wall Termite Control, Andy says his favorite part of his job is working with his team. “I really enjoy training our staff members and seeing them improve. When they improve, the company as a whole improves, so it’s very rewarding to see the progress of both.”

A resident of Monterey County (where he lives with his partner, Christina, and their two sons), Andy spends his time outside of work on a variety of active pastimes. “I enjoy outdoor activities like fishing, archery and riding dirt bikes,” he details. “I also coach my 10-year-old son’s soccer team and work on projects around my home.”

In regard to a professional philosophy, Andy recounts a valuable adage he learned from his father. “When I was young, I used to help my dad with projects that he was working on,” he explains. “Whenever I would try to rush something, he would reprimand me and tell me that any job worth doing is a job worth doing right. I’ve kept that in mind ever since and I teach it to my employees. Don’t cut corners or try to rush things—take your time and do it right the first time. You should never walk away from a job unless you know you put in 100 percent of your effort.”

When asked the first thing he’d do if he were to retire tomorrow, Andy says he’d head out on an epic road trip. “I would buy an RV and travel around North America. The first stop would be the Canadian Rockies, which I’ve heard is a really beautiful place.”

ASK ME ANYTHING!

Q: What’s your favorite local restaurant?
A: Lemongrass Seafood Bar & Grill in Moss Landing.

Q:What was your favorite Halloween costume when you were growing up?
A: Dracula.

Q: What’s your favorite thing to eat for dessert?
A: Ice cream.

Q: If you could time travel, would you go to the past or the future?
A: I would go back to the 1950s. The music, hot rods, diners and graffiti—it was just a cool time.

Q: What’s your favorite holiday?
A: Thanksgiving. It kind of kicks off the winter holiday season and I like to eat.