Cook's began in 1928 by John L. Cook in Decatur, Alabama, as North Alabama Termite Control. The termite control industry was just beginning and had no trade magazines or specialized equipment. Tools had to be adapted for use in the developing industry.

Providing protection from "little white ants," later known as termites, was the focus of John Cook's business. He was a pioneer in the industry, and as the years progressed, his conviction deepened as he saw a definite need for protecting residential and commercial buildings.

At his death in 1950, his son John R. Cook, Sr. assumed leadership of the company. With a degree in Architecture from Georgia Tech, he decided to turn from building buildings to building a business. In addition to termite protection, he added pest control and changed the name to Cook's Pest Control.

John Cook and his wife Jo have stressed basic themes in building Cook's Pest Control, including honesty, courtesy, respect, and customer satisfaction. Their philosophy of providing quality service and a good place to work has been the foundation of the company.

Leadership    (back to top)

• John R. Cook, Sr. became President at the death of his father in 1950.
• To provide for the continuation of the Company, he stepped down as President in 1995, but retained his position as Chairman of the Board. He remains very active in the Company. In 2004 he became Chairman-Emeritus and Jo Cook became Secretary-Treasurer-Emeritus.
• In 1995 John Cook, Jr., formerly Vice-President of Marketing, became Vice-Chairman of the Board of Directors. In 2004 he became Chairman of the Board and Lyn Cook became Secretary-Treasurer.
• Also in 1995, Jim Aycock was appointed President and CEO. Having served as Executive Vice-President since 1978, his leadership skills and knowledge of the industry made him well-suited for the position.

Development of District Offices    (back to top)

• For 24 years, the Decatur office operated as the only branch, but in 1952, another branch was opened in Huntsville, AL , then in 1955 in Florence, AL.
• Cook's expanded into Tennessee when it opened the Shelbyville office in 1970.
• The first office in Georgia opened in Rome in 1975.
• More district offices have been added at an average of one every two years.
• Presently you can find Cook's located in over 20 cities in Alabama, Tennessee, and Georgia.

• Began as a display for the Decatur Office Open House in 1968
• From 1969 to 1980 was located in the back of the Cook's Warehouse and open by appointment only
• Present facility (5,000 square feet) built in 1980
• Available to the public 7 days a week free of charge
• Includes over 100 displays, including exhibits of insects, minerals, shells, animals, reptiles, birds and wildlife
• Exhibits are changed yearly to accommodate frequent visitors
• The Museum averages 30,000 visitors a year
• According to a geologist from Chattanooga who toured the museum, it is "probably one of the top ten Natural Science Museums in the country."
• John R. Cook, Sr. said, "God has given us this museum to show off His creation."

—>>  Click here to learn more about the Museum!

Lookie, Lookie, Lookie, Here comes Cookie! (back to top)