Becoming a first-time business owner can be quite a difficult task—the process requires a significant amount of time and effort to get everything set up and ready to go. Although becoming a franchisee means you are entering an already established system, a multitude of tasks need to be accomplished before beginning operation. Mosquito Hunters recognizes this fact, which is why it developed the Soft Roll Out Program (SRO).

Mosquito Hunters’ Soft Roll Out Program is an initiative that allows first-time business owners to smoothly transition into full-time franchise ownership. The program was designed to give owners an opportunity to become properly acclimated with the Mosquito Hunters business, thereby positioning owners on a path for success. 

Franchisees who sign on with Mosquito Hunters between April and August are eligible for the SRO program. Because summer is considered the brand’s peak season, an owner who signs on during this period typically will not have enough runway for a timely start. Rather than rushing the process, the SRO program allows new owners to train and begin attracting late season customers.  Equally important, the SRO program provides the ability to establish a local community presence and build awareness for the following full season roll out. 

The SRO program allows franchisees several months to get organized and prepared before the start of the busy season. Owners in the SRO program attend training in late Spring or Summer months and receive up to a nine-month deferral on their financing. Owners can defer a large portion of the marketing costs to the following spring season, and get up and running with their Mosquito Hunters branded van and website, while focusing on “Ground Game” activities, such as networking and outdoor events at the local level. 

Jim Tomberlin of Mosquito Hunters of South Katy, near Houston, Texas, described how the program allowed him valuable planning time to get his business up and running. “You’ll go through training, but with the SRO program, it allows you to go home and really go through and understand everything you learned,” he said. “The program also gave me time to begin employing different marketing strategies—going to networking events, getting involved in different groups around the community and even driving my Mosquito Hunters branded vehicle around town. That nine-month-or-so period allows you to be mentally and physically prepared for a full launch.”

Dawn Tennenbaum of Mosquito Hunters of Northern Nassau County, within Long Island, New York, noted how the SRO program allowed her to adjust to life as a business owner. “As a new business owner, the SRO program gave me a chance to get acclimated to owning and operating my own business,” she said. “I had enough time to learn and understand all the aspects of the Mosquito Hunters business and what it takes to be successful.”

In addition to the time allotted for the necessary preparations, the SRO program allows new owners to apply for and receive all of the necessary licenses, which can sometimes take a while to process. This was huge for Tomberlin, who noted that in Texas, even with the support of the franchisor, a pest control licenses can take some time to secure. “The SRO program gave me additional time to make sure my license was all set and ready to go,” he said. 

Another great benefit of the SRO program for new owners is that it doesn’t require them to leave the jobs they already have. In fact, this was one of the reasons why Lauren Harris of Mosquito Hunters of Corpus Christi, in southern Texas, joined the brand. “I knew Mosquito Hunters was a great opportunity, but I had some timing issues,” Harris said. “I was living in Nebraska at the time and wanted to move back to Texas, but I couldn’t leave until at least the end of the school year. However, after I signed on with Mosquito Hunters and opted for the SRO program, I was able have enough time to make my move back to Texas, get involved with and develop relationships in the community, attend networking events and start my marketing efforts. I signed in late Spring 2019 and I’m beyond ready to roll for the 2020 busy season.”

To help owners prepare for the busy season in terms of marketing, Mosquito Hunters offers best-in-class, corporate-led marketing support that includes targeted promotions, social media ads and SEO strategies.

According to Ronald Ens, Franchise Development Manager for Mosquito Hunters, the SRO program is the preferred option for most new owners. “With the SRO program, new owners don’t have quit their day job,” Ens said. “There’s not a lot of pressure to get trained and get the door open. It’s a nice way to transition into business.”

The Soft Roll Out program is an excellent tool for new business owners to use while they prepare to begin their journey as a Mosquito Hunters franchisee.

“If you are considering Mosquito Hunters, but the timing isn’t perfect, considering enrolling in the SRO program, it will make a difference,” Harris said. 

The total investment necessary to open a Mosquito Hunters franchise ranges from $71,937 - $94,437. The franchise license fee ranges from $25,000 to $35,000. For more information on franchising opportunities with Mosquito Hunters, visit https://mosquitohuntersfranchise.com.