Griffin History
Griffin Pest Control was founded by Linden L. Griffin, Sr. in 1929. Mr. Griffin, Sr. began his career in pest control as a chemical salesman for Peterman’s Ant Food and Roach Bait. His customers consisted of restaurants and bars throughout Detroit and its various neighborhoods. As he went door to door with his products, owners would ask him to demonstrate how to use them. Since he was actually applying the chemicals himself, he began to charge for this service and Griffin Pest Control was born.
Griffin Pest Control’s deep commitment to customer service simply follows the pattern established early by Mr. Griffin, Sr. Restaurants preferred to have treatments done after they closed or before they opened. So, he and his wife, Irene would go together and treat eight or ten facilities between 2am and 7am. Many of these customers were located in ethnic neighborhoods and the owners did not speak English. By asking current customers to write him a recommendation - Armenian, Greek, German, Cyrillic, etc. – he expanded his business.
His attention to detail, concern for customers, and reliability fostered confidence, and soon he was servicing the Detroit Public School system and Hillsdale College. Linden Griffin, Sr. was born in Hickory Corners and grew up in Augusta, Michigan. In 1945, deciding to return to his roots, he moved his family to Galesburg, Michigan.
Linden Griffin, Jr. having grown up under his father’s watchful eye and educated at Western Michigan University and Purdue University, has continued his legacy. Linden Griffin, Jr. and his wife Joyce purchased the business in 1973. Combining his father’s values, modern technology, and guaranteed services has positioned Griffin Pest Solutions to be a leader in pest management.
Commitment to Sustainability
Griffin Pest Solutions has been and continues to be a leader in the pest control industry when it comes to the increasingly popular “green” movement. Griffin Pest Solutions was a pioneer in Integrated Pest Management (IPM) 27 years ago. Today, IPM is the standard at Griffin. The IMP philosophy, extensive training, and superior business practices has helped us earn our GreenPro certification from the National Pest Management Association.
Griffin Pest Solutions environmental concerns extend beyond the use of pesticides. The company has made significant changes over the past few years to reduce the amount of fuel consumption used by service vehicles, reduce paper usage and provide a better working environment for its employees. In the building of our corporate headquarters in 2006, Griffin Pest Solutions made extensive efforts to preserve the wetlands located on the property.
Griffin Pest Solutions is also active with the U.S. Green Building Council and is working towards earning its LEED Green Associate certification.
Community Involvement
Griffin Pest Solutions has a long-standing commitment to community involvement, focusing on the enhancement of the communities in which we work and live. Throughout the nine decades of our existence, our dedication to public interest work has stood side by side with our commitment to provide the highest quality pest management services.
Through corporate contributions and donated pest management services, Griffin Pest Solutions has supported local organizations such as the Boys & Girls Club of Kalamazoo and The Kalamazoo Gospel Mission
News & Announcements
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