Today we’d like to introduce you to Victoria Ames.
Hi Victoria, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Originally from Dallas, Texas, Victoria Ames began her career in property management, where she regularly encountered pest issues across the properties she managed. What started as a routine part of the job quickly became a genuine interest. She found herself drawn to understanding pest behavior and, more importantly, finding long term solutions that protected both people and property.
That interest led Ames to study entomology at the University of Florida with plans to build a career in the pest management industry. However, when the opportunity to become involved with McDonald Exterminators arose, she made the decision to put her education on hold and pursue the business full time.
Founded in 1959, McDonald Exterminators has earned a reputation throughout Central Florida for honest service, knowledgeable technicians, and lasting customer relationships. Ames was drawn to the company’s strong values and long standing reputation in the community. Today, she remains committed to preserving that legacy while continuing to build on the foundation that has made McDonald Exterminators a trusted name for more than six decades.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Stepping into a company with more than six decades of history meant recognizing that the greatest asset was not just the McDonald Exterminators name, but the people behind it. Rather than trying to reinvent what had already made the company successful, Ames focused on learning from the experienced technicians and long tenured team members whose knowledge had been built over decades of serving Central Florida.
By combining that deep industry expertise with new systems, technology, and a focus on continuous improvement, McDonald Exterminators has been able to strengthen its operations while staying true to the values that built its reputation..
Like many small businesses, McDonald Exterminators faced challenges ranging from labor shortages and rising operating costs to increased competition from national pest control companies with large marketing budgets. Modernizing systems while preserving the personal service customers had come to expect required careful planning and patience.
Through every challenge, one principle has remained constant. The reputation built by McDonald Exterminators over the past six decades is its greatest asset. Every decision is made with the goal of protecting that reputation while positioning the company for the next generation of growth.
Today, McDonald Exterminators continues to serve homeowners and businesses throughout Central Florida with the same values that have defined the company since 1959, honesty, professionalism, and a genuine commitment to helping customers protect their homes and businesses.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
One of the greatest honors for our team was being voted Best Pest Control Company in Bartow for 2026 by the citizens of Bartow. That recognition means more than any award because it reflects the trust our customers place in us every day. We see it as a reminder to continue earning that trust through exceptional service, one customer at a time.
While I may have the privilege of leading the company, the credit belongs to the incredible team that serves our customers every day. Many of our technicians have spent years building relationships throughout the community, and their knowledge, professionalism, and premium treatment are the reason customers continue to trust us with their homes and businesses. Every member of our team is committed to treating customers the way we would want our own families treated by being honest, educating rather than selling, and taking the time to solve problems the right way.
McDonald Exterminators proudly provides professional pest control throughout Lakeland, Bartow, Winter Haven, Lake Wales, Mulberry, Auburndale, Plant City, and communities across Polk County, with service extending into the greater Tampa area. Our team specializes in mosquito control, rat and mice control, rodent exclusion, termite treatments, cockroach control, ant control, flea control, spider control, fly control, wasp removal, and comprehensive residential and commercial pest management.
Any big plans?
Plans for the Future
Looking ahead, our focus is simple. We want to continue growing while never losing the personal service and reputation that have defined McDonald Exterminators since 1959.
We plan to expand our team, invest in ongoing technician education, and advanced treatment techniques and continue growing our residential and commercial pest control services throughout Lakeland, Bartow, Winter Haven, Polk County, and the greater Tampa area. We are excited to further expand our mosquito control, termite protection, rodent control, exclusion services, and preventative pest management programs so we can help even more families and businesses protect what matters most. As we grow, our commitment will remain the same: deliver honest recommendations, premium customer service, and dependable pest control solutions while continuing to earn the trust of every customer we serve.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mcdonaldexterminators.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mcdonaldexterminator
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php/?id=100063519311583
