Thrifty Exterminating Prides Itself with Prompt Service

Nobody wants to wait when pest problems arise. Thrifty Exterminating understands and that’s why the business prides itself with prompt service. 

“Most people don’t call you right back. But when we get a call, we call immediately,” said Linda Carroll, who established the Great Kills business with her husband, Tommy, back in 1975. “We offer great customer service, fair pricing, nice personalities, and we never rip anyone off.”

Carroll believes so strongly in customer service, she recalled a tactic she used in the earlier days of the business and before cell phones. She explained that she would bring rolls of quarters when the family went out for dinner and used that change to make calls from pay phones.

“You’re in a service business. You need to call your customers back. It’s so important to call them and also to thank them,” she said.

While that quality customer service is so important, the affable businesswoman is thankful to celebrate 25 years with the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce since the organization has enabled her to make quality connections throughout the borough. 

“I meet people all the time and I tell them, ‘You have to get involved.’ It takes two, three and four years,” said Carroll. “Most people think they’re going to join an organization and suddenly make money. That’s not going to happen. You have to get involved, donate your time, and get on committees. People need to see your face and introduce you to others. It’s a full-time job.

“I attribute the Chamber for allowing me to meet different people that I would never have met. I also got involved and I joined all the committees that I possibly could with the Chamber,” said Carroll, who served as a board member at the Chamber and an ambassador to take new members under her wing and introduce them to fellow members. 

Carroll said it was that involvement that played a role in the success of the family business, which also contains her son Todd, daughter Kimberly Matteo, and longtime family friend Janet Magnusen.

“It’s very important to me because that’s the only way people can get to know you and trust you,” she said. “I tell (new businesses) that you have to get out there constantly. There are always new people.”