Legacy is built through impact, not titles. That belief drives Eve Pappas, vice president of business growth at Hoffman’s Exterminating Company Inc., to shape her team’s growth with an extraordinary combination of vision, grit and human-centered leadership. Her story begins with bugs—not a typical path to success, but one that reveals how passion can transform an industry.
Pappas never viewed extermination as merely a business—it was a calling. Fascinated by bugs in every form, she brought not only technical knowledge but an intense love for the craft to Hoffman’s Exterminating Company. This enthusiasm soon turned into results. Under her guidance, the company expanded dramatically over the past three years, increasing revenue, headcount and customer retention while nurturing a company culture rooted in trust. Through it all, she helped sustain a family-first ethos, ensuring that growth never compromised integrity.
As a Titan 100 Honoree, Pappas exemplifies what it means to be preeminent in her field. Her rise from technician to a senior executive role is a story of discipline and creative leadership. She built Hoffman’s Exterminating Company’s expansion plan not from spreadsheets alone, but by listening—deeply—to customers, employees and community members. This approach led to new service offerings, stronger regional partnerships and a workforce that feels not only valued, but vital to the mission.
Pappas has reimagined what leadership looks like in pest control. While the industry continues to evolve with automation and digital tools, she remains grounded in the human side of the business. She is actively reshaping how technicians are trained, focusing on mentorship and communication as much as on technical skills. By investing in cross-functional learning and prioritizing inclusion, she ensures that the next generation of leaders in her company is ready not just to perform but to lead with empathy.
What makes Pappas especially dynamic is her dedication to keeping her passion alive. Her motivation is fueled by mentorship—sharing lessons with others and witnessing their growth. That contagious excitement energizes her teams, creates unity and inspires new ideas across the organization. For her, wins are sweeter when shared.
Given the chance to instantly master a skill, Pappas wouldn’t choose a technical certification or executive strategy. She would go back in time and offer her younger self the wisdom to trust the process and trust yourself. That impulse—to uplift and guide—is the same trait that has helped her elevate those around her.
Of her many accomplishments, she is most proud of the consistent and sustainable revenue growth Hoffman’s Exterminating Company has achieved. The company has expanded service areas, grown its workforce and increased impact — all while maintaining family-first, community-driven values.
Pappas doesn’t just lead a team—she leads a movement in her industry, showing that kindness, curiosity and confidence can power remarkable change. Her journey is proof that sometimes, great businesses begin with something as small as a bug, and someone brave enough to love it.
