For some, working at a Pest Control and Wildlife company is just reduced to simple applications of pesticides, getting rid of annoying insects and wild animals, and covering up holes in the foundation. It is a profession that is commonly misunderstood, but for Maxwell Frederiksen, Branch Manager at Abra Kadabra’s Mound location, it’s more than that.
For Max, being a professional at an Environmental Services company represents an intersection of science, wildlife appreciation, problem-solving, and many more.
Over the past four years, Max has climbed up the professional ladder and developed into a respected leader at Abra Kadabra. He’s solidified his role as a passionate advocate for education, environmental stewardship, and team-building.
In this blog, we explore Max’s world through his personal interests and professional achievements. Unravel his naturalistic instincts as a leader and how it contributes to Abra Kadabra’s success as one of the best Pest and Wildlife service providers in Minneapolis and nearby cities.
Beyond Wildlife
Max has always been interested in exploring and understanding the natural world. Max’s lifelong curiosity has been to learn about the environment and the creatures that inhabit it.
“I like anything wildlife or animal-related,” he says, his tone filled with genuine enthusiasm. Max’s passion for wildlife goes far beyond just a casual interest, and he’s the kind of person who lights up at the sight of a rare bird, marvels at the intricate web of a garden spider, and takes joy in observing the smallest details present in nature.
The outdoors is Max’s world; we’re just living in it.
For him, the way to connect with the world on a deeper level is to always be in touch with nature. Whether it’s birdwatching, wildlife photography, or tracking animals in the wild, Max sees these things with a solid purpose.
“Every outing is an opportunity to learn something new,” he says. Max always brings his camera and ventures into local forests and wetlands to take photos of diverse creatures that many people overlook. Doing these things fuels his love for wildlife and sharpens his skills, which he also applies in his job at Abra Kadabra.
While some people find his interests in specialized fields of biology intimidating and obscure, that doesn’t stop him from going on a deeper level in these things, because he’s too passionate about it. “Entomology and herpetology are particular areas of fascination for me,” Max explains.
These fields are mostly focused on the study of of insects, reptiles, and amphibians, and he considers it as beyond just academic disciplines. For him, it is a living and breathing example of nature’s complexity.
Understanding these creatures isn’t about mastering textbook knowledge but appreciating how each species plays a role in the delicate balance of ecosystems. “Everything in nature is connected,” he says. “When you take the time to learn about one species, you inevitably learn something about the bigger picture.”
To further his knowledge and skills in the wildlife world, Max earned the Associate Certified Entomologist title through the Entomological Society of America, which is a significant achievement since it requires mastering complex concepts in insect biology, behavior, and ecology.
This certification isn’t just another line on his résumé but a testament to the dedication and resourcefulness of his profession. For his colleagues, Max is often seen as a source of knowledge and guidance, not just because of his title but because of the depth of his understanding. “It’s not about knowing everything,” he says. “It’s about being curious enough to keep learning.”
Through Max’s expertise, he can bridge the gap between science and practical application in his role as branch manager at Abra Kadabra. This dual perspective allows him to approach pest management as a niche discipline.
“My job doesn’t just involve solving pest issues; it’s about understanding behaviors, ecosystems, and the delicate balance of nature,” he explains. His work is not only about removing pests but also preserving the health of the surrounding environment, a balance he views as equally important to sustainable pest management.
With these passions coming altogether, Max can exemplify his approach to balancing life and work by applying the principles that he knows at work – Whether he’s identifying a rare species in the wild or crafting a pest management strategy for a client, Max brings the same level of care and attention to detail.
An Adventurous Family Life
Work-life integration is the most underrated technique for achieving a healthy relationship professionally and personally. It’s a work-life strategy that works for Max. In fact, outside of his job, Max is as devoted to his family as he is at work. Max is married with two children, Daniel, 15, and Griffin, 5.
“We enjoy going out and looking for and photographing wild snakes,” he says.
Each time Max can find the time to go outdoors with his family, he grabs it. He finds spending time outdoors as more than just a recreational activity; it is an educational experience that allows them to connect with nature and with one another.
“We’ll look for different snake species, identify them, photograph them, and then let them go,” Max explains. His approach teaches his children not only about wildlife but also about respect and responsibility for the environment.
Back at home, the Frederiksen household is something of a mini zoo. “I’ve got four dogs,” Max laughs, “but most of my pets are the smaller invertebrates and reptiles.” The list includes tarantulas, spiders, a turtle, and more than a dozen snakes. For Max, these animals are more than just pets; these pets extend his passion for understanding and caring for wildlife.
Max’s source of inspiration is his family. A fuel he uses for motivation and keeps him focused and committed to doing his best each day. “I want to provide a stable and fulfilling childhood for my kids,” he shares.
However, Max also recognizes the importance of balance. “Being happy at work impacts the rest of your life, and being happy at home impacts your performance at work,” he says. For him, maintaining a healthy balance between professional responsibilities and personal time is crucial for long-term success.
Max as a Leader
Our team had the great opportunity to talk about Max’s day-to-day operations and his leadership role as the Branch Manager of Abra Kadabra’s Mound location.
Max has responsibilities beyond pest control. “I lead the day-to-day operations of the pest management division and help oversee other parts of the company,” he explains.
His duties include managing scheduling, analyzing data, and developing protocols and procedures to improve field operations. However, what Max enjoys most about his role is the opportunity to educate. “A big part of my job is managing the ongoing education of all staff on pest management, biology, and other related topics,” he says.
Education is something Max takes seriously, not only because it improves performance but also because it creates a culture of curiosity and respect within the company. “I make it a point to talk to everyone who comes into the office and check in with them,” he says. “Even if I’m not their direct supervisor, I want to make sure they feel good about their work and role in the company.”
Max’s approach to leadership is centered on support and growth for his team and the company as a whole. “I want to set the groundwork for us to grow massively,” he says. “It’s exciting to think about what we can achieve together.”
A Day in the Life of Max at Abra Kadabra
A typical day for Max involves a mix of problem-solving, team management, and client interactions. He might spend the morning analyzing data to improve service efficiency, training a new technician in the afternoon, and responding to customer inquiries.
“It’s a dynamic job, and that’s part of what I love about it,” he says. The variety keeps him engaged and allows him to apply his wide-ranging skills.
Max always finds time to connect with his team, no matter how busy the day gets. “Even if I have a lot on my plate, I check in with everyone I can,” he says. “It’s important to me that they feel supported.”
Environmentally-friendly Pest Control
Max’s passion for wildlife and conservation naturally influences his approach to pest control. He’s aware of the potential environmental impact of his work and takes steps to minimize it.
“There’s an important distinction between professional pest control and homeowner pesticide use,” Max explains. “Abra Kadabra uses targeted applications that focus specifically on pest behaviors. We’re not just broadcasting pesticides indiscriminately.”
This method ensures effective pest management and protects pollinators and other beneficial species. For Max, it’s a way of aligning his work with his values. “I want to make sure we’re solving problems for our clients without causing unnecessary environmental harm,” he says.
Max’s Abra Kadabra Vision
As Abra Kadabra grows, Max envisions plans for the company and how his role contributes to it.
“I see us opening other branches within the Twin Cities metro area and eventually expanding to other big cities in the Midwest,” he says. “Who knows? Maybe we’ll even go nationwide someday.”
This vision isn’t just about the company’s success—it’s about creating employee opportunities and setting a new standard in the industry. “We’ve set the groundwork to build something special,” Max adds.
For Max, growth also means continuing to learn and improve. His perfectionist tendencies drive him to deliver the best possible results, whether developing new protocols, mentoring his team, or tackling a challenging pest problem. “I just want to do a good job,” he says simply.
Wrapping It Up
Max is not just a branch manager; his love for wildlife, leadership, and continuous learning is truly inspiring. As the company moves forward, Max’s vision, expertise, and leadership will undoubtedly play a key role in shaping its future.
This article is the fifth part of our employee spotlight series, where we get candid with Abra Kadabra’s personalities and uncover their stories. Stay tuned for more.
If you have any pest and wildlife-related concerns, feel free to call us at 763 – 363 – 4375 or schedule an appointment.
We appreciate your support for Abra Kadabra Environmental Services. We won Gold Minnesota’s Best under the Pest Control Category.
