Exploring Life & Business with Conrad Shadel of Piedmont Wildlife Control

Today we’d like to introduce you to Conrad Shadel.

Hi Conrad, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I grew up in Pennsylvania, and some of my best memories are trapping with my dad and grandfather. My dad has been in this industry for decades and really paved the way for me—he’s been both my mentor and inspiration.

That said, wildlife control wasn’t my original plan. I originally worked in advertising, and served in the Army. All of those experiences shaped me in different ways, but as I started building a family with my wife, I began thinking more about what I wanted for our future.

We always loved visiting North Carolina and knew one day we wanted to make it home. In 2023, we finally made the move to the Triangle. It felt like the perfect fit— a great place to raise a family.

In 2024, I officially launched Piedmont Wildlife Control. From day one, it’s been just me running the business, wearing all the hats—sales, fieldwork, accounting, and everything in between. It’s grown quickly, and I’m grateful for the trust local homeowners, schools, and even businesses have placed in me.

Looking back, I’d say my journey has been about carrying on my dad’s legacy, solving problems for people in tough situations, and building something lasting for my wife and kids. That’s what keeps me going every day.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t been a perfectly smooth road. Starting a business from the ground up is never easy.

One of the biggest challenges has been the whole process of building and growing a business—getting the word out, building trust, and proving yourself to customers who are putting their homes and peace of mind in your hands. Thankfully, I’ve had my father as a mentor. Having his experience to lean on has been a huge advantage.

On the tough days, what keeps me going are my faith, my wife’s encouragement, and the goals we’ve set for our family. Each step forward—even the small ones—reminds me why I’m doing this.

As you know, we’re big fans of Piedmont Wildlife Control. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Piedmont Wildlife Control is really about helping people deal with those unexpected, stressful moments when wildlife shows up where it doesn’t belong. I handle everything from bats in attics and squirrels in walls to groundhogs under decks and the occasional skunk that wanders into a store. No two calls are the same, and that’s part of what makes the work interesting.

What I do goes beyond just removing the animal. I take the time to figure out how they got in, why they picked that spot, and what kind of damage they might have caused. From there, I’ll remove the problem animal, seal up entry points, make repairs, and clean things up so you’re not left with a recurring problem. My goal isn’t just a quick fix—it’s making sure you can relax knowing the issue is solved long-term.

What sets me apart is experience and approach. Between what I’ve learned working with my dad and my own years in the field, I’ve seen just about everything. Add to that being veteran-owned, local, and community-focused—I want people to feel like they can call me when they need help and know they’ll be taken care of.

Honestly, what I’m most proud of is the trust I’ve been able to build with customers. A bat flying around a bedroom at 3 a.m. or a snake in the house is stressful. If I can walk in, handle it, and leave you with peace of mind, then I’ve done my job.

At the end of the day, Piedmont Wildlife Control is about solving problems, protecting homes, and treating every customer like a neighbor. That’s the reputation I want people to know me for.

Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
For me, risk is really about weighing the potential reward against the downside and having a plan in place. With this business, the risk was giving up the stability of a traditional job and trusting that I could build something from the ground up. Luckily, I had the guidance of my dad, a lot of personal experience, and the support of my wife to help make those decisions a little less scary.

I think calculated risks are part of growth. If you never step outside your comfort zone, you don’t get the chance to build something meaningful. Starting Piedmont Wildlife Control, moving to a new area, and taking on a career that’s completely your own—that’s been risky, but it’s also been incredibly rewarding.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.piedmontwildlifecontrol.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/piedmont.wildlifecontrol
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Piedmont-Wildlife-Control/61559778856215/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/piedmont-wildlife-control
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@PiedmontWildlifeControl
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/piedmont-wildlife-control-timberlake
• Other: https://www.piedmontwildlifecontrol.com/blog