Long Island Small Business Owner Magazine

If they ever change the format of the dictionary from words to photographs, Steve Free's picture will most definitely define success. For over twenty five years Steve's company, "The Bug Stops Here," has been providing exterminating services from Manhattan to Montauk. Steve Free is proud of his accomplishments and by all means he should be.

As a young man coming out of Brooklyn, Steve will tell you there was a time in his life when he had no direction. It was a time, as each one of us experience, where we leave childhood behind and are expected to start a family, get a job and become successful. Steve Free wanted more! "My father taught me about integrity," say Steve of his father, a 30 year veteran Police Officer. "There's a right way and a wrong way to do things," Steve continued. "Guess it was time for me to choose the right way and leave the wrong way behind," Steve continued.

To look at Steve Free you could never imagine one without direction. Yet Steve will tell you that there was a time in his life that he needed guidance. A mentor. Someone to care. That caring individual that came into Steve Free's life was named "Uncle Walter." "Uncle Walter took me under his wing,"says Steve. "He taught me the Pest Control business from the ground up." Uncle Walter became Steve's mentor. A man that to this day brings fond memories to Steve Free mind, fresh as the day they occured. I could tell from listening to the way Steve described Uncle Walter of the respect and admiration that he had for this man. Steve Free had found his mentor, teacher and coach. The young man from Brooklyn was blessed with an opportunity to learn a trade. A trade that would eventually grow into one of the most successful Pest Control firms in the Long Island, New York area, "The Bug Stops Here."

Steve is a believer in "giving back." He is, as anyone who knows him will tell you, a true networker. When I asked him to define "Networker" he responded with "One who gives of themselves to help others." "One who believes he can help himself or herself by helping others", he continued. Helping not only other business people, but youth is a passion that Steve does not take lightly.

"I was taught at a young age the value of integrity", says Steve. "At this point in my life it really is not about the money", he says as he relaxes in his seat. "Now don't get me wrong", he says. "I work to get paid just like everybody else", he continues. "It's just at this point in my life my focus has changed and my priority list is in a new order". "I want something on my tombstone besides he worked, he lived, he died", says Steve.

Steve Free is not a man who sits back and waits for things to happen. If he believes in you or your cause he can be your greatest supporter. Cheat the public or don't do what you say you're going to do and Steve launches into Pest Control mode. "It's simple", says Steve. "Just do what you say you're going to do", he continues. It really is a great philosophy if you think about it. Make no promise you can't keep. This is how Steve Free's business was able to grow to the level it enjoys today. Customer's want to do business with The Bug Stops Here. Steve Free is still hands on after all of these years. He services his monthly accounts from Manhattan to Montauk and he loves what he does. It's a great thing when you love what you do. It shows in the way you do business.

Steve helps young people who find themselves in transition. "Been there, done that", says Steve. "It's not about bringing on a slave", he says. "It's about training someone to be independent, get certified and move ahead." Life is not easy and neither is Steve Free. This is a man who has worked for all he has. His reputation preceeds him anywhere he goes.

Serving his community is another thing that Steve Free does not take lightly. A board member for the Long Island Advancement of Small Business (LIASB), as well as numerous other Small Business advocacy organizations, Steve makes sure that not only his voice, but those whom rely on him are heard as well. Steve Free is a man that listens and reacts, rather than just sit back and be part of the crowd. In the Long Island Networking circles he is known as a man who get's things done. I for one find inspiration in this man's motivation and desire to help others.

Go to the internet or the phone book (what's a phone book?) and you can find many who offer the services that an exterminating company would offer. Take the time to talk to the President of The Bug Stops Here and you will most definetly notice the difference. What you will find is a man who stands behind his company. You will find a man who cares about his customer. You will find a man who will offer a fair price and a guarantee. A guarantee that no matter how, where or why you deal will him or his company you will get what you paid for. You will find satisfaction and the peace of mind that comes with the fact that your pest control needs are under control by one who knows how to rid your home or business of the pests which infect them. He does this in a safe manner according to law and code.

Steve Free is the true definition of a businessman, father, husband, networker and Long Island Small Business Owner of the Week. Steve Free and his company The Bug Stops Here can be contacted at (631) 642-2903 or on the internet at www.thebugsstophere.com .