Mosquito Squad Plus

<a href="https://mosquitosquadfranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=mosquito-squad-plus-hartford-springfield-franchisees-of-the-year-2732402" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Mosquito Squad Plus</a>, the 240-plus-unit pest control franchise, named brother and sister franchise owners&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/keegan-cravo-b767725/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=mosquito-squad-plus-hartford-springfield-franchisees-of-the-year-2732402" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Keegan Cravo</a> and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/pjosephclark/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=mosquito-squad-plus-hartford-springfield-franchisees-of-the-year-2732402" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Joe Clark</a> from&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mosquitosquad.com/hartford/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=mosquito-squad-plus-hartford-springfield-franchisees-of-the-year-2732402" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Mosquito Squad Plus of Hartford-Springfield</a> Franchisees of the Year. The siblings were recognized for building a strong team, expanding operations and helping grow their business into a multi-service pest control operation.“We’ve really built up a strong team,” Cravo said. “We can’t grow without good people helping us run the business. That’s probably the biggest reason behind the award this year. We have more managers involved in improving how we do things and ensuring everything happens the way it should. Being able to grow with more people we trust has made the business stronger.”Before joining&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/mosquito-squad/info">Mosquito Squad Plus</a>, Cravo worked in sales, marketing and nonprofit event planning, while Clark came from a background in education, coaching and sales. The opportunity first came to the family through a trusted connection who was already operating within the franchise system.“My dad’s business partner from a previous franchise business started a Mosquito Squad Plus in his area,” Cravo said. “He got to talking with my dad and said, ‘Yeah, it’s a really great company. You guys should look into it.’”Initially, Cravo launched the business alongside her parents. By the end of the first year, the family realized they needed additional operational support, which led her brother, who was working in education and coaching, to join first as a technician before eventually becoming a co-owner.“One of the things that really intrigued us about Mosquito Squad Plus was the recurring revenue model and the seasonality of the business,” Clark said. “The demand for tick control in our area was strong. In the Northeast, summers are short, so people really want to enjoy them as much as possible. We thought that combination made sense for us.”<h2>Building Through Franchise System Support</h2>The franchise system also gave Cravo and Clark a sounding board as they figured out how to grow. Instead of building the business in isolation, they were able to compare notes with operators who had already worked through many of the same decisions.“I also think one of the best things about franchising is the support you get from fellow franchisees,” Cravo said. “We leaned on [longtime franchisee] Dave Macchia a ton early on, but we also met a lot of people in the system who were very open to sharing what worked for them.”One of the most important lessons for the franchise owners was being willing to learn from others already succeeding within the system. The family visited multiple franchise owners early on to better understand the business and continues to stay connected with franchisees across the country today.“Everybody was very welcoming to us, and we still connect with people through conventions, social media and phone calls,” Clark said. “That support has been invaluable.”<h2>Growing the Business and Working as Family</h2>Over the years, the Hartford-Springfield operation, which covers both the Greater Hartford and Greater Springfield areas, has expanded beyond mosquito and tick control to include rodent, spider, fly and wasp services. Cravo said the company’s growth has been made possible by stronger leadership and better delegation throughout the organization.“Having stronger support around us has allowed us to focus more on bigger-picture items,” Cravo said. “We’ve been able to grow our services because we have more people and more support.”As a sibling ownership team, both say their differing strengths have helped create balance within the business. Cravo focuses heavily on systems, planning and organization, while Clark naturally gravitates toward communication and leadership in the field.“I think you have to know from the beginning whether you can actually work with that person,” Cravo said. “Joe and I are opposites in enough ways that we balance each other, but we also communicate directly and honestly.”Several members of the family are still involved in the Hartford-Springfield operation. Clark’s wife, Abbe, serves as sales manager, and Cravo’s husband helps with projects when needed. Their parents are no longer involved in the day-to-day operation, leaving the siblings to lead the business while keeping it in the family.To find out more information on costs to buy this franchise, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/mosquito-squad">https://1851franchise.com/mosquito-squad</a>.

Mosquito Squad Franchise - Joe Clark and Keegan Cravo - Connecticut - Massachusetts - 1851 Franchise

Mosquito Squad Plus Names Top Sibling Franchisees

1851 Franchise

After entering the business with backgrounds in sales, coaching and education, Keegan Cravo and Joe Clark expanded the operation while learning how to lead a growing team together

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Mosquito Squad Plus Names Sibling Owners of the Hartford, Connecticut and Springfield, Massachusetts Location Franchisees of the Year

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<a href="https://mosquitosquadfranchise.com/">Mosquito Squad Plus</a>, the 240-plus-unit pest control franchise, named brother and sister franchise owners&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/keegan-cravo-b767725/">Keegan Cravo</a> and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/pjosephclark/">Joe Clark</a> from&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mosquitosquad.com/hartford/">Mosquito Squad Plus of Hartford-Springfield</a> Franchisees of the Year. The siblings were recognized for building a strong team, expanding operations and helping grow their business into a multi-service pest control operation.“We’ve really built up a strong team,” Cravo said. “We can’t grow without good people helping us run the business. That’s probably the biggest reason behind the award this year. We have more managers involved in improving how we do things and ensuring everything happens the way it should. Being able to grow with more people we trust has made the business stronger.”Before joining&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/mosquito-squad/info">Mosquito Squad Plus</a>, Cravo worked in sales, marketing and nonprofit event planning, while Clark came from a background in education, coaching and sales. The opportunity first came to the family through a trusted connection who was already operating within the franchise system.“My dad’s business partner from a previous franchise business started a Mosquito Squad Plus in his area,” Cravo said. “He got to talking with my dad and said, ‘Yeah, it’s a really great company. You guys should look into it.’”Initially, Cravo launched the business alongside her parents. By the end of the first year, the family realized they needed additional operational support, which led her brother, who was working in education and coaching, to join first as a technician before eventually becoming a co-owner.“One of the things that really intrigued us about Mosquito Squad Plus was the recurring revenue model and the seasonality of the business,” Clark said. “The demand for tick control in our area was strong. In the Northeast, summers are short, so people really want to enjoy them as much as possible. We thought that combination made sense for us.”<h2>Building Through Franchise System Support</h2>The franchise system also gave Cravo and Clark a sounding board as they figured out how to grow. Instead of building the business in isolation, they were able to compare notes with operators who had already worked through many of the same decisions.“I also think one of the best things about franchising is the support you get from fellow franchisees,” Cravo said. “We leaned on [longtime franchisee] Dave Macchia a ton early on, but we also met a lot of people in the system who were very open to sharing what worked for them.”One of the most important lessons for the franchise owners was being willing to learn from others already succeeding within the system. The family visited multiple franchise owners early on to better understand the business and continues to stay connected with franchisees across the country today.“Everybody was very welcoming to us, and we still connect with people through conventions, social media and phone calls,” Clark said. “That support has been invaluable.”<h2>Growing the Business and Working as Family</h2>Over the years, the Hartford-Springfield operation, which covers both the Greater Hartford and Greater Springfield areas, has expanded beyond mosquito and tick control to include rodent, spider, fly and wasp services. Cravo said the company’s growth has been made possible by stronger leadership and better delegation throughout the organization.“Having stronger support around us has allowed us to focus more on bigger-picture items,” Cravo said. “We’ve been able to grow our services because we have more people and more support.”As a sibling ownership team, both say their differing strengths have helped create balance within the business. Cravo focuses heavily on systems, planning and organization, while Clark naturally gravitates toward communication and leadership in the field.“I think you have to know from the beginning whether you can actually work with that person,” Cravo said. “Joe and I are opposites in enough ways that we balance each other, but we also communicate directly and honestly.”Several members of the family are still involved in the Hartford-Springfield operation. Clark’s wife, Abbe, serves as sales manager, and Cravo’s husband helps with projects when needed. Their parents are no longer involved in the day-to-day operation, leaving the siblings to lead the business while keeping it in the family.To find out more information on costs to buy this franchise, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/mosquito-squad">https://1851franchise.com/mosquito-squad</a>.

Running a business with your spouse brings a mix of opportunity and pressure. Success is shared, setbacks feel personal, and work can easily follow you home. For Emily and Dean Ives, that reality has shaped both their relationship and their approach to running the business.These high school sweethearts now own eight Mosquito Squad Plus territories, following an acquisition of four additional territories in January, and they service most of Virginia and some of North Carolina. Their experience reflects how couples with complementary strengths can build a business together when roles are clear and expectations are aligned.“The biggest reward is the ability to build something together,” Dean said. “Not just as business partners, but as a married couple, as a team.”Emily says working side by side has required flexibility as the business continues to grow. “It’s challenging, but it’s equally as rewarding,” she said.<h2>From First Territory to Full Partnership</h2>Dean entered franchising early, purchasing his first&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/mosquito-squad/info">Mosquito Squad Plus</a> territory with his mother when he was just 18 years old. Emily was not involved at the time and had no plans to become a business owner.As the business expanded, Dean reached a point where he needed operational support. Emily, who was working a corporate job at the time, recognized that the skills he needed aligned closely with her own experience.“I just knew Dean needed a manager, and I was really good at managing,” Emily said.She stepped into the business, and their partnership shifted from informal support to shared ownership and responsibility.<h2>Opposites that Strengthen the Business</h2>Emily and Dean describe themselves as opposites, a dynamic that has become one of their biggest advantages. Dean focuses on ideas and growth, while Emily brings structure, process and execution.“He’s the idea guy, the entrepreneur,” Emily said. “I’m very Type A. I’m the process person that brings the vision to life.”As the business grew, Emily moved from managing everything herself to delegating and building systems that could support scale. Dean became more involved in key areas as new growth required greater collaboration.Their ability to adapt their roles has helped the business evolve without creating unnecessary friction.<h2>The Rewards and the Realities of Working Together</h2>For Dean, the most meaningful part of owning a business together is the shared sense of purpose. “I didn’t get married to not see my wife,” he said. “The ability to do this together, lockstep along the way, has been the most rewarding part.”Emily acknowledges that this same closeness can also be challenging, especially as responsibilities increase. “Our relationship and our roles are always changing,” she said. “You have to grow with the business.”They credit their long-standing friendship for helping them navigate those changes. Before becoming business partners, they were best friends, a foundation that has helped their relationship withstand the pressures of shared ownership.<h2>Leveraging the Mosquito Squad Plus Franchise System</h2>Emily says the franchise model has been critical to their success, particularly as someone who came from a corporate background. “That’s why you join a franchise,” she said. “You’re not trying to reinvent the wheel.”Emily has taken an active role within the system, serving on the franchise advisory council and participating in the Mosquito Squad Association of Franchises. She views corporate support as a tool that franchisees should actively use rather than overlook.Dean says that what sets Mosquito Squad Plus apart is the people behind the system. “You’re often talking to another business owner who has laced up the same shoes,” he said. “They come home with the same problems and have workshopped innovative solutions.”<h2>Advice for Couples Considering Franchising Together</h2>Despite the challenges, Dean encourages couples to pursue business ownership together. “There’s no better time to start than now,” he said.Emily offers a more measured perspective, shaped by the risks they took early on. “Try to come up with a plan,” she said. “Talk through the business model and where each of you fits.”Both emphasize the importance of defining roles, setting boundaries and remembering that the business exists to serve the family, not replace it. “You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, and then you’ll laugh again,” Dean said. “But do it together.”For more information, visit:&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/mosquito-squad">https://1851franchise.com/mosquito-squad</a>.

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For husband-and-wife franchise owners Emily and Dean Ives, Mosquito Squad Plus provides the structure and support needed to build a home services business as a true partnership.

High School Sweethearts Grow a Business Together With Mosquito Squad Plus

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Mosquito Squad franchise, Mosquito Squad Plus, Lawn Squad franchise, Authority Brands

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How This Marine Corps Veteran Found Freedom and Purpose With Mosquito Squad

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<a href="https://mosquitosquadfranchise.com/">Mosquito Squad Plus</a> brought franchisees from across the system together for its annual conference February 22-25, where owners and leaders focused on growth, operations and the season ahead.Set against the backdrop of sunny San Juan, Puerto Rico, the multi-day event welcomed franchise owners, creating an opportunity for collaboration, education and strategic alignment ahead of the 2026 season. Through a series of leadership presentations, training sessions and peer discussions, the conference focused on strengthening operations while preparing franchisees to capitalize on increasing demand for outdoor pest control services.<a href="https://1851franchise.com/mosquito-squad/info">Mosquito Squad Plus</a> leadership used the conference to share where the brand stands today and where it is headed next, with an emphasis on helping franchisees grow and building long-term strength across the system.“Our conference is always a powerful reminder that the strength of Mosquito Squad Plus comes from the people who operate the business in communities every day,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/jef-flournoy-8579a2104/">Jef Flournoy</a>, brand president. “When franchisees come together to share ideas, learn from one another and align around the future of the brand, it creates momentum that carries throughout the entire system. The energy this year made it clear we’re entering the season with strong growth and a lot of opportunity ahead.”<h2>Training, Collaboration and Strategic Alignment</h2>The conference also gave franchisees time to dig into the day-to-day side of the business through breakout sessions on AI and sales, financial literacy, rodent control, marketing and technician sales. Those conversations tied back to the brand’s broader efforts to improve the customer experience, strengthen marketing and help owners run more efficient operations.Workshops and breakout sessions gave franchisees the opportunity to exchange insights from their local markets, discuss best practices and collaborate with the corporate support team.“Getting franchisees in the same room matters,” Flournoy said. “It gives them a chance to step back from the day-to-day and talk through what’s working, what’s challenging them and where they want to go next. A lot of the best ideas come from those conversations and end up making a real difference once owners get back to their markets.”The time between sessions mattered, too. The conference began with a welcome reception on the boardwalk at The Royal Sonesta, where franchisees had a chance to catch up and spend time together. On the final night, the event closed with a celebration at the Fairmont Hotel, featuring a live band.<h2>Recognizing Franchisee Excellence</h2>Another key part of the conference was the annual awards ceremony, which honored franchisees for their performance over the past year. The recognition went to owners who have shown leadership, run strong operations and stayed deeply engaged with the brand.This year’s honorees included:<ul><li>Franchisee of the Year:&nbsp;Keegan Cravo and Joe Clark, Mosquito Squad Plus of Hartford-Springfield</li><li>Rookie of the Year: Julie Handzo, Mosquito Squad Plus of the Eastern Shore</li></ul>Each award highlights franchisees who have gone above and beyond in areas such as operational performance, customer service, leadership and community impact.“Our franchisees put a lot into their businesses and the Mosquito Squad Plus network. The awards are a chance to recognize that,” Flournoy said. “It’s always great to celebrate the people who are doing strong work in their markets and making a real impact across the system.”<h2>Momentum Heading Into the 2026 Season</h2>As the conference came to a close, leaders pointed franchisees back to the work ahead. Mosquito Squad Plus is heading into the season with an emphasis on supporting owners, refining the business and helping local teams make the most of growing demand for mosquito and tick control, along with expanded pest control services.“You can feel the momentum when franchisees get together and start talking about what they’re seeing in their markets,” Flournoy said. “This week brought a lot of useful conversations and a lot of forward-looking energy, which is exactly what you want heading into a new season.”As the new season approaches, the conference underscored how much the brand depends on the people behind each local business. Growth across the system starts with franchisees who are committed to doing strong work in their markets.To learn more about franchising with Mosquito Squad, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/mosquito-squad">https://1851franchise.com/mosquito-squad</a>.

Mosquito Squad Plus Franchise - 2026 Conference - 1851 Franchise

Franchise owners from across the Mosquito Squad? Plus system gathered to share best practices, celebrate top performers and align on strategy ahead of the 2026 season.

Mosquito SquadⓇ Plus Franchisee Conference Showcases Growth, Innovation and Franchisee Excellence

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For years, the mosquito control industry followed a predictable, seasonal rhythm. Franchisees would ramp up operations as the weather warmed, battle the backyard bugs through summer and then go largely dormant once the first frost hit. But, for&nbsp;<a href="https://mosquitosquadfranchise.com/">Mosquito Squad Plus</a>, the transition from a seasonal specialist to a comprehensive pest control powerhouse is redefining what it means to be a sustainable business in today’s economy.&nbsp;The pest control market doesn’t just disappear when the leaves fall. In shifting its focus from the perimeter of the yard to the entirety of the home, the brand is further positioning franchisees to scale and succeed year-round. This shift isn’t just a new name or refreshed messaging, it’s a move to turn a seasonal service into a 12-month business, giving franchisees steadier revenue opportunities and a model built on the everyday demand for pest control.<h2>The Shift from Seasonal to Essential</h2>The traditional mosquito control model, while highly effective, leaves a gap in the calendar that many entrepreneurs find challenging. But&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/jminturn/">Josh Minturn</a>, Vice President of Franchise Development for parent company&nbsp;<a href="https://www.authoritybrands.com/">Authority Brands</a>, explains that while the brand was originally designed to target mosquitoes, ticks and outdoor pests, the growing saturation of the marketplace (and the seasonal nature of those pests) simply required a more all-encompassing approach."The reality is that there is a year-round need for pest control," Minturn said. "In doing the research, we found that we could potentially increase the average revenue of our franchisees on a per-sale basis. So, if a franchisee was selling to a customer for eight, nine or ten months out of the year, you can now convert that customer to virtually year-round. And that’s possible in almost every state."This additional service targets pests that move indoors as temperatures drop (nuisances like Japanese beetles or rodents). By addressing the pests that seek shelter in a garage or basement during the colder winter months, franchise owners can maintain a consistent dialogue with their customers regardless of the weather forecast.<h2>Resilience in Any Economy</h2>The pest control industry has long been cited as a recession-resistant sector. While many consumer services are viewed as optional luxuries, pest management tends to fall into the necessity category.While a homeowner might choose to avoid their backyard for a few weeks to save money during a financial downturn, they’re far less likely to ignore a potential health hazard inside their living space."Pest control in general is viewed as recession-resistant. That’s one of the big reasons we went in this direction: to lean further into that resistance versus the more elective part of the business," Minturn said. "If you have mice, roaches or other pests running around your home, that’s a health concern. And people take care of that year-round. That’s created a very stable type of business."To further stabilize the business model,&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/mosquito-squad/info">Mosquito Squad Plus</a> has pivoted toward a subscription-based revenue stream. Instead of an opt-in model where a customer has to be sold on every individual treatment, the subscription service creates a monthly billing cycle that’s simply more predictable. That sort of recurring revenue can provide franchisees with the cash flow certainty needed to scale operations while further investing in strong teams.<h2>Scientific Credibility and Franchisee Support</h2>Transitioning from outdoor mosquito misting to full-service pest control requires a higher level of expertise. Mosquito Squad Plus leverages its history as a pioneer in the space (utilizing on-staff entomologists and holding patents on various products, including all-natural solutions).New owners are supported by a training facility in Macon, Georgia, and a network of regional business coaches. It’s the type of infrastructure that allows franchisees to position themselves as experts rather than just providers of a single service."Our franchisees are very well educated. And that education is part of the magic in selling the service," Minturn said. "We don’t have to be the low-cost leader. We can educate the buyer and show them how we’ll be effective in their yard or home. That helps us close the sale while charging the right amount so franchisees remain profitable."<h2>Scaling for the Future</h2>Recent influxes in locations like&nbsp;<a href="https://abcnews.go.com/US/invasive-species-disease-carrying-mosquito-continues-spread-northern/story">California</a> and&nbsp;<a href="https://entomologytoday.org/2025/10/08/yellow-fever-mosquito-aedes-aegypti-las-vegas/">Las Vegas</a> prove that pests like mosquitoes are migrating to new regions. As a result, the demand for professional intervention continues to climb. And by offering a comprehensive suite of services, Mosquito Squad Plus franchise owners are able to enter these markets with greater value proposition.The brand also incentivizes growth through its territory structure and financial on-ramps. Franchisees are typically granted territories roughly three times the size of those offered by competitors. The brand even provides a royalty holiday for the first 12 months of operation. This allows new owners to focus entirely on customer acquisition and quality of service during the critical first year of franchise operation.From backyard misting systems to advanced natural applications, the goal remains the same: building a business that stays relevant every day of the year. Further innovation helps, too."By adding general pest control to our franchises’ repertoire, we’ve opened the door to potential revenue we simply couldn’t capture before," Minturn said. "It’s hard to quantify exactly how big that opportunity is. We’re excited to tap into that marketplace."To learn more about franchising with Mosquito Squad, visit:&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/mosquito-squad">https://1851franchise.com/mosquito-squad</a>.

Mosquito Squad Plus recession resistant franchise

By diversifying into full-service pest control, Mosquito Squad Plus offers franchisees a stable model that offers consistent, year-round revenue far beyond the summer season.

Mosquito Squad Plus Names Sibling Owners of the Hartford, Connecticut and Springfield, Massachusetts Location Franchisees of the Year

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