Between 1982 and 1989, Fraker sold his three franchise operations in Illinois and Indiana.  In 1986, he bought Patriot Pest and Termite Control in Phoenix, AZ.  Over the next 10 years, Fraker expanded the business fivefold.  Once a business that primarily serviced residential general pest control accounts, Patriot expanded to include commercial general pest and termite accounts.  In fact, termite treatments now account for 70 percent of the total business.  To maintain this business, Fraker must meet the challenge of termite pressure that is 13 percent above the national average.  “We are dealing with a very persistent species of termite,” Fraker says.  The Heterotermes, or desert termite, of Arizona feed on the wood of dead giant cacti and cholla cacti and can cause serious damage to the sound, dry wood used to build the majority of Phoenix-area homes.  Business at Patriot has also benefited from sound ethics initiated by Fraker.  “The philosophy we work from is to provide quality work and good service for a reasonable fee.  We do not have an interest in a sell, sell, sell mentality,” he states.

 Serving the Industry

             Involvement with local and national pest control associations has been important to Fraker throughout his career.  The current president of the Arizona Pest Control Association (APCA), Fraker served as president of the Indiana Pest Control Association (IPCA) in 1980, and is a member of the National Pest Control Association (NPCA) and the National Home Builders Association. (NHBA).  Since he first joined the Indiana Pest Control Association in the 1960’s, Fraker has seen many changes in the industry.  “Being an association member has helped me stay on top of the issues that impact my business as they develop,” he says.  Fraker sees the camaraderie he has developed with other association members as an important benefit of membership.  “ Sharing ideas and business tips with other pest control operators has helped me improve my business over the years,” he says.  Along with information from fellow members comes the resources of the association itself.  “A membership to the NPCA can give small operators the same access to information the large companies have,” Fraker says.          Fraker found joining an association in a related industry can improve business relations.  “Belonging to a group like the NHBA is mutually beneficial – members gain an understanding of how each industry works, which ultimately helps get the job done the right way.” he says.  Membership may have its privileges, but Fraker feels it’s also important to play an active game role in the associations.  “By serving in some capacity, you can do your part to improve the industry,” he says.  Fraker is doing his part.  He is a registered lobbyist for the APCA and his accomplishments as president of the APCA include coordinating a communications liaison committee to meet with the executive director of the Arizona Structural Pest Control Commission.  The purpose of the liaison committee is to discuss issues and concerns raised by association members.  “These informal meetings have proven very effective in establishing an ongoing dialog between the association and the commission,” Fraker says.              Fraker himself has proven very effective in building a successful career through hard work and industry participation.  He has come a long way from those Saturday mornings tagging along with his father.