Hi Tech Termite Control of the Bay Area, Inc.

John Williams: Termite Tech

By James Florence, Senior Writer

HAYWARD — When asked how he got into termite control, John Williams says it was an offshoot from his background in property maintenance and renovation. “My father owned a lot of rental properties when I was growing up, and I used to help him repair and renovate them. During the course of my work, I saw a lot of termite damage and gained some experience dealing with it, so when it came time for me to choose a career path, termite control seemed like a good choice. About five years into my career, I joined Hi-Tech Termite and worked for them in Orange County before transferring to the Bay Area to manage their Fremont office. In 2002, the CEO decided to slow down the operation, so he sold me the Bay Area branch and I’ve been running it ever since.”
Today, as owner of Hi Tech Termite of the Bay Area, Inc., John says he enjoys just about every aspect of his job. “I like fielding customer calls, scheduling inspections…basically the entire process from start to finish. It’s very rewarding to serve our local clientele and leave their homes termite-free.”
A resident of San Leandro, John says relocating to the North Bay from Southern California has been a positive experience overall. “I like the diversity of the Bay Area. Also, the customers are a little more educated and have a better understanding of termites and the methods used to deal with them. Of course, there are also a lot of termites up here, which is unfortunate, but that’s why we’re here.”
Outside of work, John enjoys hobbies like cooking and reading, as well as outdoor activities like fishing and camping. He also likes volunteering his time to working with under-privileged youth. “I’m a board member of an inner-city charter school in Southern California,” he explains. “I also mentor young men whose fathers aren’t around and try to be a positive role model for them.” Additionally, John likes to keep up with his son, Micah, who is currently attending college to be an architect.
In regard to a professional philosophy, John espouses the importance of customer courtesy. “I treat every customer’s home like it was my grandmother’s home,” he says. “After all, you’re going to wipe your feet before you go into your grandmother’s house and treat it with respect and pristine care. That’s a philosophy I pass on to my entire staff to ensure our customers always feel taken care of and treated with the utmost courtesy.”
When asked the first thing he’d do if he were to retire tomorrow, John says he’d devote more time to the other ventures he’s involved with. “I still have a lot of ties to Southern California—besides being a board member of a charter school, I’m part-owner of a restaurant down there, so I would probably be more active with those things. Of course, before that, I’d take a few days to sleep in and recuperate.”
Ask Me Anything!
Q: What’s your favorite sports team?
A: The Los Angeles Dodgers.

Q: Do you have a favorite TV show?
A: I like home renovation shows like “Flip This House” and “Fixer Upper.”

Q: What’s your favorite season?
A: Winter—the termites are less active so I get a little more time to spend with family and friends.

Q: Do you collect anything?
A: I don’t know if you’d call it a collection, but I’m into old-school cars and I have a cherry 1967 Chevrolet Caprice.

Q: Who’s your favorite movie villain?
A: Darth Vader.