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Dean Cautivo: Prescribing Protection

By Caitlyn Stair, Diamond Certified Research Reporter

For Dean Cautivo, every termite inspection is an opportunity to help a homeowner protect one of the biggest investments they’ll ever make. By identifying hidden threats and educating clients about their options, he provides the peace of mind that comes from knowing a property has been thoroughly evaluated.

Dean’s path to the termite control industry began with a desire to leave behind the repetitive nature of his previous job. “I worked in biotech as a manufacturing technician for almost 10 years, but I wanted to branch out and do something different,” he recalls. “My friend Chester [Hiu] had started Great Wall Termite Control and he told me about the opportunities in the termite industry, so I decided to give it a shot.”

After completing the necessary training and passing his licensing exam, Dean became a Branch 3 field inspector—essentially a specialist who deals with wood-destroying organisms in residential and commercial properties. Today, he says his favorite part of his job is using his expertise to educate clients and help them protect their homes. “I like showing people how to prevent future problems and create conditions that are less likely to attract termites. It’s almost like being a house doctor—I inspect the home, identify the problem and prescribe the proper treatment.”

Dean was born and raised in the Bay Area and currently lives in San Jose, but his local roots were briefly interrupted when he moved to the Philippines to attend nursing school. However, his credentials didn’t fully align with the requirements for practicing in the United States, which would have required him to return to school for additional coursework. Although he ultimately followed a different career path, Dean says nursing and termite control share a similar focus on careful evaluation and providing appropriate treatment.

Outside of work, Dean pursues a variety of creative and athletic interests. “I’m a skateboarder and I produce music, make beats, and play guitar,” he details. “I also like art, going to music festivals and playing basketball when I have the time.”

When it comes to a guiding philosophy, Dean believes in giving his full effort to everything he does. “If you’re going to do something, make sure you do it to the best of your ability,” he affirms. “You always want the person you’re taking care of to receive quality treatment. I try to give 100 percent so I know I did my best and don’t have any regrets afterward.”

Ask Me Anything!

Q: What’s your favorite sports team?
A: The Golden State Warriors

Q: What’s your favorite local restaurant?
A: Ramen Nagi in Santa Clara

Q: If you could immediately travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?
A: Somewhere in Europe.

Q: Are you an early bird or a night owl?
A: An early bird.