#13 The Pest Control Business: Why It’s NOT About Killing Bugs | Kevin Citarella

In this episode, Nicole Alicea sits down with Tampa City Councilmember and Tucker Hall president Bill Carlson to explore the lessons government can draw from the business world. They discuss the importance of mentorship, the differences in financial management between the two sectors, the adversarial nature of politics, and the significance of relationships in governance. Carlson emphasizes the need for efficient government spending, the challenges of serving diverse communities, and the impact of rapid urban development on affordable housing. The discussion also highlights the role of entrepreneurship in empowering communities and the importance of the arts in economic development. Carlson shares insights from his transition from business to government and reflects on the future of artists in a changing economy. Keywords: Bill Carlson, government, business, entrepreneurship, Tampa, public service, community, economic development, affordable housing, mentorship

In this episode, we sit down with Eric Parker, a Special Operations combat veteran with nearly 30 years of experience in high-threat security environments. His career spans military service, private security contracting with Blackwater in Iraq and Afghanistan, and federal service with the Diplomatic Security Service. Eric shares firsthand stories from operating in war zones, leading protection teams for high-level officials, and working in some of the most dangerous environments in the world. From rescuing government leaders in extreme conditions to navigating constant high-risk situations, this conversation offers a rare, behind-the-scenes look at elite security operations. We also explore what happens after the mission—transitioning from combat to civilian life, building a business, and the mental and emotional challenges many veterans face. Today, Eric is the President of Vault Management Group and founder of Select International Training Institute, where he trains executive protection professionals and provides high-level security services. This episode is a powerful