All-Star Franchisees: Stormy Weston of Mosquito Joe

Growing up in sunny Arizona, Stormy Weston never had to worry much about mosquitoes, but after moving to Texas five years ago she grew to resent the pests that kept her and her family confined to the indoors to avoid being bitten.

The Weston family finally turned to a mosquito control service in their area, Mosquito Joe*, last year. The results sold Stormy on more than just the Mosquito Joe product.

Weston opened her own Mosquito Joe location serving the Greater Fort Worth this year, just as Zika fears hit an all-time high in the high risk Dallas-Fort Worth market.

What was your perspective about franchising prior to joining Mosquito Joe?

My parents were business owners so I was familiar with the challenges that come with entrepreneurship and have always wanted to own my own business. I had looked into the idea of investing with a franchise before, but I got more interested after learning Mosquito Joe was a franchise. I thought franchise concepts were all going to be really expensive, but once I started looking into it, I found there are lots of opportunities for someone who’s just starting out.

What is the top thing you think people don't understand about franchising?

Franchising isn’t just restaurants; there are many kinds of businesses in the franchising segment. I also think that franchisees can rely too much on brand recognition. Much of your success is driven by your local marketing plan. Getting involved with your community can really help build your business.

How has being a franchisee changed your life?

I have really enjoyed seeing my efforts with Mosquito Joe build a future for me and my family. Franchising has given me the opportunity to build a business that contributes to my local community and offers the perfect balance between national brand recognition and corporate support with my individual drive to succeed.

Why did you pick Mosquito Joe?

My family and I were customers of Mosquito Joe first and we loved the service. Being happy customers made me think that others would enjoy the service in our area as well. The company was clearly growing and once we looked in to becoming franchisees ourselves we just really felt this was an opportunity to get in on the ground floor of a growing industry.

What types of other brands did you look at?

We took a hard look at other mosquito control franchises, but we just felt that Mosquito Joe offered the best package overall both for us as business owners and as a service for the community.

Why should someone buy a Mosquito Joe?

Mosquito Joe has a great business model, with an amazing corporate team who are really focused on running an excellent franchise company.

What advice would you have for someone looking to become a franchisee?

Get involved in your community and know your market! Put together a local marketing plan that reaches your area. And be prepared to operate at a loss until you’re able to build up a customer base.