Our Story at a Glance
Since our founding in 1929, Franklin Pest Solutions has grown from a single family-run operation into a trusted, multi-generational pest-control leader. Along the way we’ve built on the pioneering spirit of our sister company Rose Pest Solutions and the Dold family legacy, and today we operate across Indiana, Southwest Michigan & Louisville, Kentucky with the same commitment to integrity and community.
1860s: The Early Roots
It all began in the mid-1800s, when scientist Solomon Rose developed an early pest-control product (known at the time as arsenic) and during the Civil War, was commissioned by the U.S. Army to help protect soldiers in tent camps from rat infestations.
Circa 1900s: Expansion Takes Off
By the turn of the 20th century, Solomon’s son Daniel Rose carried the legacy onward. Under his leadership, Rose Pest Solutions expanded from New Jersey to San Francisco, with Chicago as its headquarters.
1929: Franklin Pest Solutions Is Founded
Amid the Great Depression, Franklin Pest Solutions was established. Though food was scarce and economic times were tough, the business persevered—because pests don’t take a break.
Early 1930s: A New Branch of the Family Business
Shortly after, in around 1930, Daniel Rose sold the Chicago franchise of Rose to C. Norman Dold (the grandfather of today’s leadership). While Rose remains one brand, Franklin became the Indiana, Michigan & Kentucky arm—proudly unique in its own right.
Only one other Rose franchise remains today in Troy, Michigan.
1940-1970s: Second-Generation Leadership
Through the mid-20th century, Robert J. Dold (C. Norman’s son) took over leadership within the Chicago branch and reinforced the importance of relationships, integrity, health protection, and service quality.
1970s-80s: Regional Growth
During the 1970s and 80s, Robert J. Dold expanded the business by acquiring several regional companies—Hammond Pest Control; Franklin Pest Solutions in Michigan City; Cochnower’s Pest Control in Lafayette; Burr Pest Control; and General Pest Control in New Albany—thus cementing the company’s footprint in Indiana. Franklin Pest Solutions
In 1984 Robert served as President of the National Pest Management Association, establishing his reputation as an industry “people-person,” and his wife Judy held the same presidential role later on.
2000s-2010s: Third Generation & Digital Era
In 2000, the third generation joined the family business—Robert and Judy’s son Bob Dold became active in leadership.
By 2010, both Rose and Franklin streamlined their brands, phasing out multiple company names, and embraced the digital age—focusing on web engagement, social media, digital advertising, and new technology.
By 2015 the companies solidified corporate partnerships, introduced mascots (Rosie the Rodent and Zippy the Honeybee) for community outreach, and further anchored their presence in the neighborhoods they serve.
Looking Forward: Still Family-Driven, Still Community-Focused
At Franklin Pest Solutions, we remain a family-run business dedicated to protecting homes and businesses with integrity, professionalism, and care. Operating from locations in Hammond, Michigan City, South Bend, Lafayette, Indianapolis, and New Albany, Indiana, we continue to serve our communities with the same spirit that began nearly a century ago.
Thank you for trusting us as your pest-control partner—we look forward to many more decades of service.
