BRIAN GOLDMAN, CEO of Providence-based Big Blue Bug Solutions, was recently named the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Small Business Person of the Year. Goldman was recognized at the SBA’s Rhode Island Salute to Small Business Awards Luncheon on May 2. Goldman, a former television sports anchor and reporter, has worked at the family-owned extermination company for close to 14 years, the last six as its CEO.
What does being named Small Business Person of the Year mean to you? I truly believe this award is not about an individual but about our entire team. For almost 90 years, our company has built a reputation for taking care of our customers and our employees. We always felt if those two things were in place, then everything else would work itself out. … I’m just so proud of our team for what we have accomplished and to now be recognized on a national level.
You used to be in sports broadcasting. What prompted the change to working for and leading Big Blue Bug Solutions? The company was started by my grandfather, and then my father did an incredible job building the brand. I always thought that I would go into the family business. However, my father pushed all his children to go see what else was out there in the world. He thought it was important to have that experience.
I have always loved sports and pursued a career in sports broadcasting. It was a lot of fun, but the idea of being able to continue our family legacy and build upon an amazing foundation is what brought me home. Ironically, the tools I learned in broadcasting have helped me as a leader more than I could have ever imagined. My father was right.
What sort of support have you and Big Blue Bug Solutions given to the community over the past 12 months? Over the years, we have always tried to do a lot for the community, but we did not want the attention for it. That was not the reason we did it. However, a few years ago, some employees approached the leadership team and said that they would really enjoy being a part of giving back to the community. It was amazing to see the kindness and generosity of our team members. We created a Positive Action Committee made up of employees. They take part in charity walks, building homes, fundraisers and so many more activities.
What new initiatives is Big Blue Bug Solutions working on and hoping to launch? We are hoping to continue to build on certain charity endeavors that we have done over the years. Operation ROVAC [Remember Our Veterans at Christmas] was started by our now-retired Vice President Tony DeJesus. The size of our donations have increased so much that it is spreading beyond just Rhode Island and into other states.
We have also been working with other organizations like United to Beat Malaria. Over the last 20 years, the malaria mortality rate has been cut in half. Hopefully, we can continue to make an impact on an international level. These are some great organizations and there are so many more that we will continue to work with for the foreseeable future.
