Early Life
Gary W. Rollins was born on August 30, 1944. His father, O. Wayne Rollins, co-founded Rollins Broadcasting in 1948, which diversified into other industries. Gary grew up in a family with strong business roots, instilling in him a passion for business and leadership. He graduated with a bachelor's degree in business administration from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga in 1967.
Rise to Success
After completing his education, Rollins joined the family business. He quickly demonstrated his aptitude for leadership and began to rise through the ranks. In the early stages of his career, he was instrumental in the company's diversification efforts, helping it expand beyond broadcasting into the pest control industry. The turning point for Rollins Inc. came in 1964 when the family acquired Orkin, a pest control business with a long history and significant potential. Gary Rollins played a pivotal role in the integration and growth of Orkin, implementing strategies that modernized its operations and expanded its reach. Under Rollins' leadership, Orkin became synonymous with effective pest control services. His focus on customer service, technological innovation, and employee training set the company apart from competitors.
Key Business Strategies
Gary Rollins was the CEO of Orkin until July 2009. He has been its chairman since February 2004 and the CEO of Rollins Inc. since July 2001. He serves on the board of directors of RPC, Inc. Rollins emphasized the importance of brand recognition and leveraged marketing campaigns to make Orkin a household name. He led the acquisition of several pest control companies, expanding Rollins Inc.'s footprint across the United States and into international markets.
Philanthropy
Beyond his achievements in business, Gary Rollins has been deeply involved in philanthropy. In June 2018, Rollins and his wife, Kathleen, made a significant $40 million donation to his alma mater, the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. The College of Business was renamed the Gary W. Rollins College of Business.
