New manager Kody Kelman steps up to the plate at Goldfields Pest Control

While normal daily routines may be on pause, not even COVID-19 can stop weeds and creepy crawlies from overrunning gardens, homes and workplaces.

And Goldfields Pest Control’s new business manager is determined to continue servicing the Kalgoorlie-Boulder community.

Kody Kelman started at the pest control company almost two months ago after deciding to leave the mining industry for a new challenge.

Mr Kelman said he had been considering the joining John and Vanessa Rees-owned venture for several years and was excited finally to be part of the team.

“The owners of the company have been good friends of mine for about 20 years and we had discussed me coming on-board before, but the timing wasn’t right,” he said.

“Then the opportunity came up and they were looking for someone, and I was looking for a change.”

Mr Kelman said the couple had owned Goldfields Pest Control for 25 years and he admired the way the business had contributed to the community in that time.

“The way they give back to locals and the community and not-for-profit organisations, the amount of free work they do is massive, and it was understated before I got here just how much they do,” he said.

“Hopefully we can continue that on for people who are needy or who are in not-for-profit situations.”

Mr Kelman said he was also hoping to help the business take on new clients and introduce additional services.

“We have slashers and mulchers that fit on the front of Bobcats and we are doing a heap of weed control along the pipeline for APA,” he said.

“We are branching out into working with mining companies, but we still service the local community — we are still doing the domestic and commercial stuff.

“We are spreading our wings, and it is exciting times.”

Mr Kelman said one thing that would not change was the business’ earworm of a jingle.

“The song is a massively popular thing and won’t be going away any time soon,” he said.

“The song was half the reason I jumped on-board.”