Franchisee Spotlight: Andrew Fisher of Mosquito Joe

Longtime friends Andrew Fisher and Jason O’Neill are teaming up in business, expanding Mosquito Joe in Atlanta. In April, Fisher and O’Neill will open doors to Mosquito Joe serving East Atlanta.

Fisher has been looking into business ownership opportunities for a decade. The Army veteran wanted to invest in a business concept that gave back to his community and was closely tied to the military community. With Mosquito Joe being ranked as a top franchise for veterans and Atlanta one of the worst communities for mosquitoes in the country, the business was a natural fit for Fisher.

Longtime friend Jason O’Neill has moved to Atlanta to join the team as Fisher’s operations manager.

What were you doing before partnering with Mosquito Joe?
Andrew: I am originally from Texas and earned my bachelor’s degree in management from Texas A&M. I also served in the Army for four years. I worked for nearly 20 years in retail loss prevention for various large brands. My wife and I moved to Atlanta about ten years ago for my job in retail loss prevention with Nieman Marcus. About four years ago I left Nieman Marcus for a position at Gap and have been doing that up until recently, when I left my job to focus on business ownership full-time.

Jason: I am also originally from Texas and also graduated from Texas A&M, though with my bachelor’s degree in psychology, which is where I met Andrew’s wife, and we’ve all been friends since. I have been doing communications consulting for the past decade, mainly with nonprofits, and I’m also a life and wellness coach. I am new to living in Atlanta, moving here to join Andrew’s Mosquito Joe team, though I’ve been visiting Atlanta for over a decade, usually multiple times a year, to see family and friends.

How did you learn about Mosquito Joe, and what made you ultimately decide to commit?
Andrew: I’ve been looking for an entrepreneurial opportunity for 10 years, it’s something I’ve always wanted to do. I’ve researched every available resource for information on business ownership opportunities and that’s how I found franchising. I thought franchising would be a great fit to get into business ownership, but with a proven model and existing business plan.

I narrowed my options down to franchise concepts and began searching major business publications for franchise brands that were growing quickly and were rated as being very veteran-friendly. Atlanta is consistently one of the worst mosquito cities in the country and the younger generation puts a high value on experiences. We’re excited to rid residents yards of pests so they can enjoy outdoor experiences with family and friends. We haven’t had Zika cases that have originated here yet, but West Nile and other mosquito-borne diseases have always been a concern in this area.

What’s next for you and your business? Do you have any development/expansion plans?
We are planning expansion and to purchase additional territories. The goal is to purchase a second territory in the area in the summer and a third in the fall.

As we expand and grow, we’re also focused on hiring other vets and teachers during their off months.

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