Advanced Pest Control

Gene Schuessler had worked in the pest control business for more than 18 years when he decided to branch out on his own and open Advanced Pest Control in 1981.

The business at 821 Progress St. in Cape Girardeau is truly a family affair.

"Our son, Gary Schuessler, and daughter, Deanna Niederkorn, also work here with us," says Dorothy Schuessler, who is Gene's wife and also works in the business.

Some of their longtime customers seem like family, too, says Schuessler.

"We get to talk to so many people that do seem like family to us, and we try to treat them like family," she says.

At age 75, Schuessler says she and her husband have no intention of slowing down.

"I would miss it so much," she says.

Schuessler says the most challenging part about the pest control business -- something that has changed over the past several years -- has been government rules and regulations.

"The laws have gotten so strict on what chemicals can be used, and many have been taken off the market," she explains.

Schuessler says she and Gene have always run their business by the Golden Rule: "Gene always says he wants to treat people like he wants to be treated. If there is a problem, then you've got to fix it."

Advanced Pest Control has grown steadily in its 34 years of business.

"We are so grateful that we've grown so much," says Schuessler. "We have customers from Poplar Bluff to St. Louis to Carbondale. We have 25 employees and just brought a couple more on, so we just keep growing!"