[ Ventura County Star 9/3/00 ]

This column often profiles new and particularly innovative businesses in Ventura County. Here's a firm that has purposely remained small but has been consistently successful over the past 23 years.

Conejo Valley Termite & Pest Inc. has been in the business of eradicating those pesky termites since 1978. Based in Newbury Park, the firm is owned and operated by two partners- father and son, Ray Sobrino, senior and junior.

The only other member of the working term is Ray Sr.'s wife, Esther. She serves as secretary-bookkeeper.

"Our son has been working in the business most of his life, beginning at age 6 when he distributed promotional fliers door to door," Ray Sr. said.

The company uses a rather new method of controlling dry wood termites. They use structural borate treatments. This is a dehydration process that effectively irradiates termites without the need for occupations to move out temporarily, bag or remove food, or board pets, Sobrino said.

"Most of our customers in recent years have requested borate treatments he noted. However, the firm also provides other type of treatment if customers request them, such as tent fumigation or spot treatments.

Ray Sr., 56, started this business soon after he discharged from the Army. He served as a sergeant during the Vietnam War. While looking for the right career niche, a friend told him about opportunities in the pest- control field. He took some educational courses and has been actively involved in this industry ever since.

His son 29, joined him in the business as a partner soon after graduation from Cal Lutheran University in Thousand oaks.

The firm has been doing well over the years. It's very seasonal work, with the summer being the most active season.

The company has a Structural Pest Control Operators license, issued by the state Consumer Affairs Department.

The Sobrinos work the Los Angels Area and San Fernando Valley as far as Long Beach. Staying small is important to their long- established reputation for “personalized service” with customers.

For more information call Conejo Termite & Pest at (800) 446-4408