John W. Rollins Sr. (1916 – 2000) was an American entrepreneur, businessman, and philanthropist who, along with his brother O. Wayne Rollins, co-founded Rollins, Inc., a leading provider of pest control and facility services. The company operates through several well-known brands, including Orkin, the largest pest control company in the United States.
Born in Ringgold, Georgia, John W. Rollins grew up in a family with a strong entrepreneurial spirit. He and his brother Wayne were heavily involved in various business ventures throughout their lives, including automobile sales, radio and television stations, and truck leasing.
In 1948, John and Wayne Rollins founded Rollins Broadcasting, which later became one of the largest privately-owned group broadcasters in the United States. The brothers continued to diversify their business interests and entered the pest control industry in 1964 when they acquired Orkin Exterminating Company.
The acquisition of Orkin was a significant milestone in the Rollins brothers' careers and marked the beginning of Rollins, Inc. Under their leadership, the company expanded rapidly through a series of acquisitions and organic growth. Rollins, Inc. went public in 1968, further fueling its expansion and solidifying its position as a leader in the pest control and facility services industry.
Throughout his life, John W. Rollins was also known for his philanthropic activities. He supported various causes, including education, health care, and the arts. He established the John W. Rollins Foundation, which has donated millions of dollars to various charitable organizations and initiatives over the years.
John W. Rollins Sr. passed away in 2000, but his entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to excellence continue to shape Rollins, Inc. Today, the company remains a family-run business, with members of the Rollins family involved in its leadership. Rollins, Inc. continues to grow and provide high-quality pest control, facility services, and other solutions to customers across the United States and around the world.
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