Chicago's First Black Woman Led Brand Displayed at Home Depot

Robiar Smith, CEO of R.B. Pest Solutions in Chicago, has made history by being the first Black woman to have her insect spray product, insect Strike, displayed on Home Depot shelves.

Robiar, a graduate of Chicago Public Schools, began her career in the corporate sector after earning degrees in business and information technology. However, in 2016, she went on an extraordinary trip.

She sought help from her father, Michael Benton, a pest control professional with 40 years of experience in Southside Chicago. Michael has always fostered his daughter's interest in pest control. Robiar received her extermination certification in 2017, and shortly after, she established R.B. Pest Solutions.

Robiar’s entrée into the usually male-dominated pest control profession was fueled by her corporate expertise and educational basis. She created every part of her company, from websites to logos. Her tale underlines the importance of Black women's representation in this sector, as she feels that "we [Black women] can be in this space and dominate it as well."

R.B. Pest Solutions has grown to become the Midwest's fastest-growing pest management company in only seven years. Robiar debuted her product, Bug Strike, and was recognized at important events such as the BET Awards.

Government, city, commercial, restaurant, and facilities contracts were among those won by the business. R.B. Pest Solutions has grown beyond Chicago into Indiana, and a third site within the city is in the works.

Robiar’s objectives go beyond commercial success; she wants to inspire young Black females to work in pest control, making an enduring imprint. Smith sees her accomplishments as heavenly confirmation that she is on the correct track, saying, "They let me know I'm doing the right thing."