Our 2025 CEOs to Watch are forward-thinking leaders transforming family businesses across generations and industries. Some are building values-driven enterprises from the ground up, others are modernizing multigenerational companies. Some are family members, others are not. But they’re all united by a shared commitment to creating inclusive, purpose-driven cultures that blend innovation and tradition.
They also have another trait in common: the ability to balance long-term vision with day-to-day execution, ensuring their companies remain competitive while staying grounded in the family’s values.
Ross Treleven
Sprague Pest Solutions | CEO & President | Fourth Generation
Ross Treleven’s career mirrors the legacy and evolution of Sprague Pest Solutions, a company with roots dating back to 1926. Since joining the company in 1998 as the fourth generation, Treleven has immersed himself in every facet of the business, ascending through roles from technician to sales, branch management and executive leadership. This comprehensive experience has equipped him with a profound understanding of Sprague’s operations and culture.
Under Treleven’s leadership, Sprague has achieved significant milestones. As president, he spearheaded the development of the company’s internal operations center, enhancing efficiency and service delivery. He also led the company’s expansion into new markets, including California, Arizona, Idaho and Montana, solidifying Sprague’s presence across the Western United States.
Treleven turned Sprague’s Seattle branch into a high-performing office and integrated the company’s Colorado acquisition (its ninth office and largest expansion ever), which directly led to Sprague’s strategic decision to focus 100% of its business on commercial customers. Later, he developed the company’s operations center, led its expansion into California, Nevada and Arizona and helped develop Sprague’s core principals.
“Ross’s leadership style is characterized by collaboration, inclusivity, and a focus on community engagement,” says Niki Campbell, Sprague’s director of marketing. “His dedication to both professional excellence and social responsibility makes him a model for sustainable leadership in today’s business environment.”
One of the most tangible measures of Treleven’s impact is the company’s remarkable growth in team size. Under his leadership, Sprague has nearly doubled its workforce and maintains above 10% growth year-over-year. This growth reflects not only the company’s expanding geographic footprint, but also Treleven’s commitment to building a strong, people-first culture that attracts and retains top talent.
“There is a high sense of obligation – some to the family, but a lot to the people of Sprague,” Treleven says. “These same people, who I fell in love with in 2000-2004 while I worked in the Spokane office, are now 330 strong and they rely on Sprague to help them support and grow their lives, families and careers. I am the steward of the business and I take that job very seriously.”