Jeremy Schreckengost: A Constructive Collaboration
By James Florence, Diamond Certified Program Reporter
BELMONT — With a background in construction, Jeremy Schreckengost didn’t get involved in the pest control industry until a long-time friendship led to a professional collaboration. “My business partner, Ben Kahner, and I have been close friends since we were teenagers,” he explains. “His father owned a termite company, so he grew up in the business, whereas my experience was in construction. At one point, we started talking about starting our own business—one where we’d have the freedom to set our own standards and ideals. Over a period of about three years, these discussions culminated in the founding of Elite Bay Area Termite Control.”
As both the owner of the company and head of its wood repair department, Jeremy employs his construction skills to help customers make the most out of bad situations. “We provide custom repair of termite wood damage, which is pretty unique in our industry,” he says. “I enjoy engaging with homeowners and helping them get the most value out of their wood repairs. For instance, if we have to tear out a section of flooring, I’ll suggest taking advantage of the opportunity to implement structural or energy efficiency upgrades.”
A third-generation resident of the San Francisco Peninsula (where he lives with his wife, Marleena; son, Silar; and daughter, Audrey), Jeremy likes to spend his time outside of work enjoying the natural splendor of the Bay Area. “My weekends are just as full as my weekdays, as I’m usually on an outdoor excursion with my family,” he says. “We live in such a gorgeous area—I’ve been around the world two or three times, and I haven’t found any place that compares.”
In regard to his professional career, Jeremy says adhering to a high standard of quality is a must. “We maintain very high standards, and that’s reflected in the quality of the work we perform. However, we also like to save our customers money by tailoring our work to their specific needs. For instance, a general contractor might opt to knock down a whole room that’s afflicted with termite damage, but we have the patience to go in and conservatively make repairs while keeping the main structure intact.”
When asked the first thing he’d do if he could retire tomorrow, Jeremy says he’d head out on the open road. “I’d probably buy a big RV and do some traveling. Another thing I’ve always wanted to do is buy some land in Booneville and build a cabin. I’ve already helped a friend build one, so hopefully the next one I build will be my own.”
Ask Me Anything!
Q: What are your favorite sports teams?
A: The San Francisco 49ers and the San Francisco Giants.
Q: Talk radio or music?
A: Both—talk radio in the morning, music in the afternoon and evening.
Q: What’s your favorite local restaurant?
A: St. James Gate in Belmont.
Q: Do you collect anything?
A: I collect mementos from projects—mostly relics of old-fashioned construction or samples of wood damage.
Q: Pancakes or waffles?
A: Pancakes.
Read moreRead less
