Meet Robert Schmidt | Owner & Operator
We had the good fortune of connecting with Robert Schmidt and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Robert, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
When I started my pest control business, my goal was simple: to provide a higher standard of service that larger companies often overlook. I saw how many pest control providers rushed through appointments, offering only temporary fixes instead of addressing the root causes of pest problems. I believed homeowners and businesses deserved better—detailed inspections, tailored treatments, and long-term solutions they could count on. I built my company around the principles of thoroughness, honesty, and genuine care for every property. It wasn’t just about eliminating pests; it was about giving people peace of mind, protecting their homes, and building lasting relationships in the community.
Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Starting Cardinal Pest Control came from a simple but strong belief: people deserve better service than what many larger companies offer. I noticed how often pest control was treated like a quick checklist rather than a true solution, and I wanted to change that. What sets my business apart is our focus on thoroughness, our ability to tailor services, and providing lasting results.
Getting to where I am today wasn’t easy. Like any small business owner, I faced challenges—earning trust, building a client base, and competing against larger, well-known companies. But I stayed committed to quality over quantity. I built my business one honest interaction at a time. Word-of-mouth and social media reviews from happy customers has been the foundation of our growth.
The biggest lessons I’ve learned are to stay consistent, never cut corners, and truly care about the people you serve. What I’m most proud of is the trust we’ve earned in our local community.
What I want the world to know about Cardinal Pest Control is that we are not just another pest control company. We are a company built on values—honesty, precision, and genuine care. We don’t treat our customers like numbers; we treat their homes like our own.
Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend was visiting the area for a week, we’d have to spend time outdoors hiking through Mount Baldy’s Ice House Canyon. Not only is it the most beautiful trail in SoCal, but it builds up the appetite for the perfect spot to stop for lunch—Claro’s Italian Markets.
After that, I’d recommend catching a minor league Quake’s Baseball game, heading down PCH from Laguna to San Diego, or walking a few laps around the peaceful Bonelli Park in San Dimas.
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
The first shoutout would be to the God who gave me the opportunity to own a company. Whether it’s the people who He’s placed strategically in my life, the resources He’s given to start, or the peace during the challenging times— Christ deserves my ultimate shoutout!
I also believe that an old friend/mentor of mine, Jared Vieyra, deserves a shoutout. He taught me a lot about business ethics and discipline and a young age, which helped me get to the point of owning a successful business.
Website: https://www.pc-cardinal.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cardinal.pc?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61566922659486&mibextid=wwXIfr&mibextid=wwXIfr
Image Credits
All pictures are my own. There is one picture of my wife and I
Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
