Meet Korey Keels

We recently connected with Korey Keels and have shared our conversation below.

Korey, thank you so much for making time for us. We’ve always admired your ability to take risks and so maybe we can kick things off with a discussion around how you developed your ability to take and bear risk?

I stopped waiting to feel ‘ready.’ I’ve learned that readiness often comes after we take action, not before it. Once I realized that clarity and confidence tend to develop through experience, I became more comfortable making informed decisions even without perfect certainty. Over time, that mindset helped me build resilience, adapt quickly, and approach risk as a strategic step rather than a leap of faith.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

I’m the Owner and President of Raven Termite & Pest Control, a family-operated company that has been serving the central Maryland area for over a decade. I’ve been in the pest control industry for more than 20 years, and after working hands-on in the field for many years, I purchased the business from my former supervisor when he was ready to retire. It felt like the right moment to carry the torch and build something our community could truly rely on.

At Raven, we handle everything from general pests and rodents to termites and wildlife, and we’re known for our science-based, eco-friendly pest control solutions. What sets us apart is our relationship-driven approach—fast responses, fair pricing, and genuine accountability. Our customers trust us because they know we’re committed to solving problems thoroughly and keeping their homes and businesses pest-free.

We’re also deeply connected to our community. We regularly donate our time and resources to local youth organizations, and we’re currently sponsoring a free NFL football giveaway as a way to give back to the families who support us.

Looking ahead, we’re expanding our coverage area and rolling out more advanced, engaging training for our team to ensure results stay strong, consistent, and dependable. At the heart of it all, our mission is simple: deliver high-quality service, support our community, and protect the spaces people value most.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Looking back, the three qualities that had the biggest impact on my journey were confidence, preparation, and the support of the people around me.

Confidence allowed me to take steps I might have otherwise second-guessed—like purchasing the business and growing it beyond where it started. It didn’t mean I had all the answers, but it meant trusting myself enough to learn, adapt, and make decisions even when the path wasn’t completely clear.

Preparation was equally important. Success in any field—especially one as technical as pest control—comes from doing your homework. I relied heavily on hands-on experience, continuous training, and understanding both the science and the business side of the work. Preparation is what makes confidence sustainable.

And honestly, support from friends and family was the backbone. Entrepreneurship can be demanding, and having people who believe in you, encourage you, and help you stay grounded makes all the difference. Their support kept me focused and motivated during the toughest moments.

My advice for anyone early in their journey:

Build your confidence through action. Start small, take manageable risks, and let your wins—no matter how minor—stack up. Confidence grows through doing.

Prepare relentlessly. Learn your craft, ask questions, stay curious, and commit to ongoing improvement. Preparation creates momentum and lowers the fear of uncertainty.

Lean on your support system. Surround yourself with people who want to see you succeed. Don’t be afraid to ask for guidance or encouragement—no one builds something meaningful alone.

Together, those three things helped shape my path, and they’re just as essential for anyone starting out today.

What’s been one of your main areas of growth this year?

Over the past 12 months, my biggest area of growth has been learning to delegate more responsibility to my team and clearly define roles across the company. As the business has continued to grow, I realized that trying to personally oversee every detail wasn’t sustainable—and more importantly, it wasn’t allowing my team to fully step into their strengths.

By clarifying expectations, responsibilities, and decision-making authority, I’ve seen our operations become more efficient and our team more confident and empowered. It’s helped everyone work with greater focus and accountability, and it’s created more space for me to think strategically about the future of the company rather than staying stuck in day-to-day tasks.

This shift has strengthened our workflow, boosted morale, and ultimately improved the level of service we deliver to our customers. It’s been one of the most meaningful and necessary improvements I’ve made as a leader.

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