September 25th 2023.
Meet Robiar Smith, a proud native of Southside Chicago and the CEO of R.B. Premium Products, which produces the popular bug spray product called Bug Strike. Her product is the first and only Black woman-owned pest control product to grace the shelves of Home Depot stores, making it a truly remarkable achievement.
Growing up, Smith's parents instilled in her the value of education and hard work. She followed their advice, earning multiple Business and Information Technology degrees while climbing the corporate ladder. However, in 2015, Smith felt the need for more and decided to enter the pest control industry after the encouragement of her father, Michael Benton, who had been a pest control technician in Chicago for decades. She took the extermination exam and passed it after a few attempts, and with that, R.B. Pest Solutions was born.
“When we started the company, and we’d go out on jobs, people were surprised to see me actually doing the work,” she told the Chicago Defender. Over seven years, R.B. Pest Solutions has become the fastest-growing pest control company in the Midwest, securing government, city, commercial, restaurant, and facilities contracts. They’re expanding beyond Chicago into Indiana and planning a third location in the city.
Moreover, Smith launched R.B. Premium Products, including the bug spray, Bug Strike, which is now available at Home Depot. This made her the only Black woman-owned product to be stocked at Home Depot, and it even gained recognition at the BET Awards. For Smith, this partnership with Home Depot is more than just business; it’s about leaving a legacy and inspiring young Black girls from urban areas. She’s also passing on her knowledge to her daughters, ensuring that they can continue to nurture the business.
Despite the challenges in a male-dominated industry, Smith's determination to create a seat at the table has inspired others. She’s proud to support her community by partnering with local vendors and businesses, creating opportunities for them to thrive.
“The representation drives me, and as a result, these accolades confirm that I’m doing God’s work. They let me know I’m doing the right thing,” she said.
To find out more about their products and services, feel free to visit their official website at TheRBPremiumProducts.com. Additionally, be sure to follow them on Instagram @R.B.PestSolutions to stay up to date with their latest news and updates.
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