When most people think of pest control, they picture technicians tackling termites, spiders, or rodents. But for John Thompson, a branch manager with EcoShield Pest Solutions in Oklahoma, “going above and beyond” recently meant something entirely different—stepping onto the mats of a local jiu-jitsu gym and teaching a kids’ class on the spot.

It happened during a routine service call at Raptor Jiu Jitsu in Edmond, Oklahoma. Thompson, who manages many of his branch’s commercial accounts, had just wrapped up his work when the gym owner approached with an unusual request: their kids’ instructor couldn’t make it. Could John step in?

“The kids’ instructor wasn’t going to be there, and he asked me if I could step in,” Thompson recalled. “That’s one of my favorite things to do—coach martial arts, especially with kids. So I jumped on it.”

Trading his EcoShield uniform for a borrowed gi, John quickly found himself leading warm-ups, drills, and technique lessons. Within minutes, the gym was buzzing with energy as kids laughed, learned, and pushed through the exercises. The moment didn’t just inspire the students; it also drew the attention of the adults on the sidelines.

“I looked up and noticed the adults had actually stopped their training,” John said. “They were just watching, smiling, and enjoying how much fun the kids were having. Some of them even signed their kids up afterward. It turned into something bigger than just filling in. It really helped the gym.”

For John, that moment wasn’t a coincidence... it was the natural extension of a lifelong passion. His father introduced him to martial arts when he was just a child, and it’s been a defining part of his life ever since. Over the past 12 years, John has advanced to a third-stripe brown belt in jiu-jitsu, all while coaching kids in Kansas City and Oklahoma. It’s also something he now shares with his own son, who has started competing in kickboxing and is preparing for his first match.

Beyond the mats, John sees martial arts as a philosophy that shapes how he leads at EcoShield. “With jiu-jitsu, it’s all about going with the flow. No matter what happens, you take it as it comes and respond in the right way. We do that a lot here. Whether it’s jumping in to help a branch or staying calm under pressure when something unexpected comes up.”

That same mindset—adaptability and respect—guides how he serves customers and leads his team. “Always treat everyone how you want to be treated,” he said. “Treat every home like it’s your own. Treat every business like it’s your own livelihood. That mindset changes the way you work. It makes people feel valued.”

To John, going above and beyond isn’t only about solving problems; it’s about building connections and making a lasting difference. “We’ve got plenty of competitors, but not all of them treat people like family,” he said. “That’s what sets us apart. That’s what makes me proud to do what I do.”

At EcoShield, stories like John’s highlight that “above and beyond” moments don’t always involve pests. Sometimes it’s fixing a sprinkler, sometimes it’s stepping in during a crisis—and sometimes it’s sharing a lifelong skill in an unexpected place. No matter the form, they reflect the heart of EcoShield: showing up, serving others, and creating lasting impact.