Bob and Ben Ludwig are in no way new to the family business model. Because Bob has been involved in a range of home services businesses over the years, Ben grew up helping out and being involved wherever possible. Now, the pair has officially teamed up to launch their very own Mosquito Hunters franchise in Bel Air, Maryland, this month. With 140 active territories, Mosquito Hunters is a pest management concept that offers affordable, effective mosquito control that empowers clients and their families with access to maximum enjoyment of their outdoor areas. As the Ludwigs began to look for a business opportunity that would bring good change to the family while presenting an opportunity to scale, Mosquito Hunters quickly stood out.

“Over 30 years, I’ve been in the home services industry doing plumbing, HVAC and other similar things,” explained Bob. “I’m no stranger to the home services industry; we certainly have done that for a long time. However, the pest control industry is a bit different from what we’re used to. I like the seasonality of this concept.”

After working a substantial amount of overtime over the past few years, often taking on six and seven-day work weeks, Bob said he was looking for something that would be a bit less physically strenuous while still offering an engaging work environment.

“He had been looking into franchises for a while, and he liked this one the most,” said Ben. “We both already own businesses, so we already have that background. He had looked up other franchises about two years ago, but this year, he found Mosquito Hunters, and that’s what he liked. He talked me into it.”

While both men previously owned businesses and were even involved in the other’s work, Mosquito Hunters ownership will be their first official joint venture.

“We made the decision pretty easily,” said Bob. “We didn’t have to struggle with the decision. It wasn’t like we had to go through the typical questions of ‘Are we going to be able to work together?’ and ‘Can we make this work?’ We’ve already gone through those challenges years ago, so this decision was quick and easy for the most part.”

Looking forward, the pair is excited to launch the business this season. With a mid-season launch, they will be able to break into the local market this summer and begin to build a client base while working to fully gain their footing in preparation for an even busier 2024.

While collaborating and working through challenges as a team are important steps to take in any role, the pair is excited to execute the business in this way alongside family members.

“We’re a pretty close-knit family,” explained Bob. “We’ve all had family businesses in the past, and everyone has kind of helped out — pitched in. If I had to leave you with a thought, it’s that I don’t think that any business can be set up, launched and operated with just one person. You have to have a supporting cast around you, and when that cast is made of family members, it’s even more exciting. We can bounce ideas and responsibilities off of each other. And at the end of the day, we’re family. We make it work.”

Mosquito Hunters: The total investment necessary to open a Mosquito Hunters franchise ranges from $99,803 to $116,803. To find out more information on costs to buy this franchise, please visit https://1851franchise.com/mosquitohunters/info.