Early Life
Gary W. Rollins was born on August 30, 1944, and grew up in Atlanta, Georgia. His father, O. Wayne Rollins, co-founded Rollins Broadcasting. From a young age, Rollins was exposed to the family's entrepreneurial ventures, which instilled in him a strong work ethic. He graduated from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga in 1967 with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree.
Rise to Success
Rollins began his career at Orkin, a pest control company founded by his father. He worked his way up the ranks and eventually became CEO of the company in July 2001. He also served as Chairman of Orkin from February 2004 until July 2009. In 2001, Rollins became the CEO of Rollins Inc., a position he held until 2022. Under his leadership, Rollins Inc. acquired and integrated many companies, expanding its services globally. A key strategic move was the acquisition of Orkin in 1964, transforming the company's focus towards pest control.
Key Business Strategies
Rollins's success has been driven by a commitment to strategic acquisitions, technological innovation, and a focus on customer service. He expanded the company's reach through strategic acquisitions and organic growth. Rollins emphasized the importance of brand recognition, implementing marketing campaigns and investing in technology to enhance service delivery. Rollins Inc. has invested in advanced pest detection tools and data analytics, as well as environmentally friendly pest management solutions.
Philanthropy
Gary Rollins and his wife, Kathleen, made a significant $40 million donation to the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga in 2018, which led to the College of Business being renamed the Gary W. Rollins College of Business. Rollins has made significant contributions to various charitable organizations and is known for his philanthropic efforts. He has committed over $85 million in lifetime giving.