Military Veterans Who Became Great Franchisees: Josh Ambrose - Mosquito Hunters

Veteran Franchisee: Josh Ambrose

Franchise: Mosquito Hunters*

After a 24-year career in the Marine Corps, Josh Ambrose found himself looking for his next project to take on as a civilian. Initially, Ambrose didn't see himself as an entrepreneur, favoring the steady income of the military over the uncertainties of running a business. However, after consulting with a franchise expert, he was able to recognize that his leadership experience made him well-suited for franchising.

1851 Franchise talked with Ambrose about his journey in franchising with Mosquito Hunters, his accomplishments in the industry and the advice he has for other veterans interested in venturing into franchising.

“Some people get out of the military and they struggle with a sense of a loss of brotherhood. I never felt that because I went from a brotherhood group to another. I never had that gap or loss,” said Ambrose. “You can be a leader in franchising … you get the personal satisfaction and reward of helping other people and being a part of something.”

Watch the interview above or on YouTube.

The transcript below has been edited for clarity, style and brevity.

1851 Franchise: So let's hear a little bit about your background. How has military service played into your history? What was your journey from military to entrepreneurship?

Josh Ambrose: I served 24 years in the Marine Corps and retired in 2001. Around 2020, I was exploring new opportunities and considered the Amazon DSP platform, but it didn't work out due to territorial availability. A conversation with a franchise consultant led me to explore different industries. Eventually, I chose to franchise with Mosquito Hunters in December 2020, and by early 2021, I had the business up and running. I've since expanded from two to four territories with a growing team.

1851: Can you tell us more about your military experience and how it prepared you for success in this role?

Ambrose: In the military, I learned the importance of delegation and empowering my team, which is crucial in business. I train my team to make decisions and solve problems independently, reducing bottlenecks and fostering a non-micromanaging environment.

1851: How long did you serve?

Ambrose: I served 24 years in the Marine Corps — seven and a half years enlisted and the remaining 17 years as an officer.

1851: What do you like most about the Mosquito Hunters brand?

Ambrose: Two things stand out: the effective ground game marketing strategy and the brand's adaptability. Mosquito Hunters uses both traditional and local marketing efforts, which combined, create a strong presence. The brand also continuously explores new services and improvements, avoiding stagnation and staying competitive.

1851: Looking at your franchise journey, what are you most proud of?

Ambrose: I'm proud of my team and the family-like atmosphere we've built. I also mentor other franchisees, contributing to the brand’s overall success. Helping others improves the brand, which in turn benefits everyone involved.

1851: What advice would you give other veterans considering transitioning into franchising?

Ambrose: Franchising offers a sense of leadership and community similar to the military. Veterans often have strong leadership skills, making them well-suited for business ownership. Franchising provides structure and support, helping veterans learn business management and growth. My advice is to be open to opportunities, take the first step, and explore franchising as a viable path to build generational wealth and achieve personal satisfaction.

For more information on franchising opportunities for veterans, check out these related articles on 1851 Franchise:

• Low-Cost Franchises Offer Veterans a Pathway to Entrepreneurial Success
• 10 Reasons Why Veterans Should Consider Franchising
• Veterans and Franchising Make the Perfect Combination