Hydrex Pest Control of the North Bay, Inc.

Felipe Montanez: Diligence and Dedication

By James Florence, Diamond Certified Program Reporter

PETALUMA — Years ago, Felipe Montanez was working in a tire shop and ready for a change of pace, so when he came across an advertisement for a career in pest management, he was immediately intrigued. “In particular, I was drawn by the increased independence and sense of ownership that came from taking care of people’s homes,” he says. Within just a few years of entering the field, Felipe progressed from the ground floor to upper management—a streamlined trajectory he attributes to due diligence. “At every step of the way, I just took the initiative to learn and do as much as I could, so when opportunities presented themselves, I was in a position to take advantage of them. I definitely feel like I’ve earned it.”

Today, as operations manager of Hydrex Pest Control of the North Bay, Inc., Felipe says his favorite part of his job is interacting with customers. “One thing I really enjoy is filling in when one of our technicians is out, because it gives me a chance to be in the field and talk face-to-face with our customers. When I ask how their service has been, they typically respond with glowing reviews, which makes me proud of our team.”

Originally from Washington, Felipe came to the Bay Area on a wine tasting excursion and liked it so much that he decided to permanently relocate. Today, as a resident of Rohnert Park, Felipe says he continues to enjoy all that the North Bay has to offer, including good wine, open spaces and scenic views.

Outside of work, Felipe spends much of his time with his wife, Linda, and their two-year-old son, Braydon. Additionally, he enjoys following his favorite Bay Area sports team, the Oakland Raiders. “As a Raiders season ticket holder, I’m very invested in the team, so it’s a big deal for me.”

In his life and career, Felipe espouses the importance of intense dedication. “When I was in the Air Force, my squadron had a saying: ‘Motivated, dedicated, can’t be stopped.’ That’s stuck with me ever since, and I’ve applied it in both life and work. Basically, in any task or goal that I undertake, I fully invest myself and strive to perform to the best of my ability.”

When asked the first thing he’d do if he could retire tomorrow, Felipe says he’d head to an exotic destination. “I haven’t thought a lot about retirement, but if I were to retire tomorrow, I would probably surprise my wife with a trip somewhere. She’s a big fan of Thailand, so I’d take her there on vacation.”

Ask Me Anything!

Q: What’s your favorite TV show?
A: “Gold Rush” on the Discovery Channel.

Q: If you could time travel, would you go to the past or the future?
A: The future—unlike the past, I can’t read about it.

Q: What’s your favorite thing to do on a rainy day?
A: Fire up my Xbox and play some video games.

Q: What was your favorite video game as a child?
A: “Mike Tyson’s Punch-Out!!”

Q: What’s your favorite winery?
A: I have two favorites: Kunde Family Winery in Kenwood and Domaine Chandon in Yountville.