Welcome to Episode 5 of the Preferred Shares Podcast.
Lawrence Hamtil, of Fortune Financial Advisors, and Douglas Ott, of Andvari Associates, were the primary researchers for this episode.
In this episode
Immigrating to the Unites States
Pest control on the family farm
Experimentation with poisons
Winning early clients
Lucky breaks
Family squabbles
The first leveraged buyout
Rapid, sustained growth
Reflections on seemingly unstoppable industry dynamics
Episode resources
Q3 2023 Letter: Introducing Rollins, Douglas Ott, 11/7/2023
Orkin Exterminator Company Gives You Surety Bonded Guarantee, The Atlanta Constitution, Vol 80 Iss 330, 1948
Chain Store Exterminator, Fortune, Vol 45 Iss 5, 1952
Termite Swarming Is a Warning—Call Orkin for Free Inspection, The Atlanta Constitution, Vol 82 Iss 271, 1950
Otto Slays 'Em on TV, Broadcasting Telecasting, 1955
So you think there are bugs in your approach?, Sponsor, 1956
Spot removes a stigma, Television Age, 1957
Otto the Orkin Man, TV ad, 1950s
Additional reading
Along with the resources above relating to episode 3, below are some pieces we’ve written independently that we think you’d like:
Peter Lynch’s Blossoms in the Desert, Lawrence Hamtil, 9/20/2018
British American Tobacco: Identity Crisis, Devin LaSarre, 12/10/2023
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Disclaimer
All opinions expressed by Preferred Shares hosts and guests are solely their own opinions and do not reflect the opinions of their respective employers. This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be relied upon as a basis for investment decisions. None of the information contained in the podcast or this web site constitutes a recommendation that any particular security, portfolio of securities, transaction, or investment strategy is suitable for any specific person.
Clients of Andvari and Fortune Financial may maintain positions in the securities discussed in this podcast. Furthermore, from time to time, the Hosts may hold positions or other interests in securities mentioned in the Podcast and may trade for their own accounts based on the information presented. The Hosts may also take positions inconsistent with the views expressed in its messages on the Podcast.
The Rat Man: Otto Orkin and the Birth of the Modern Pest Control Industry