Q&A With Mosquito Joe’s President, Lou Schager
What about Mosquito Joe makes it unique within its industry?
First and foremost is always our brand. Most new franchisees comment on our “look”, saying it’s what got their attention in the first place and roped them in to the character of Mosquito Joe. Our tagline is Outside is fun again and that’s always the goal for us. Your brand is your promise to your customers and we want to give the ability to spend time outside with friends and families without the annoyance of mosquitoes. Some of our other taglines such as “Stop smacking yourself in the face.” and “Tired of being the main course in your own back yard?” let customers and prospects know that our company has a relatable personality, that we understand your mosquito control needs, and that we have the expertise necessary to meet them. The second is customer service. We strive to make sure our customers have an easy and enjoyable experience no matter where they are.
What have been some of the brand's most important milestones over the past five years?
We sold our first franchise in early 2013 and ever since, we’ve been charging forward full throttle. Surpassing our goals each year has been something our team can be proud of everyday. In 2019, we've reached 323 territories in 35 states plus D.C. nationwide (recently entered California!). The ultimate milestone this year was earning a coveted spot on the 2019 Entrepreneur Franchise 500 list for the third year in a row. That recognition, combined with the brand’s growing national presence, has positioned Mosquito Joe to enter 2020 positioned for even larger scale growth. Aside from the said accolades, Mosquito Joe is now a Neighborly company. Neighborly is the biggest home services brand franchisor in the world, and Mosquito Joe is expected to undergo tremendous growth with the support of Neighborly in our corner.
What plans does the brand have in the coming years?
Of course, we’ll continue to expand into new markets and increase our footprint. We would like to have 500 territories open by 2020 and be the largest and best outdoor pest control company in the country. In a recent analysis, we determined that we are growing 3x faster than our competitors. There’s no doubt that 2019 is going to be another strong year for us, from both a development and educational perspective. We’re excited to grow into new territories this year, and ultimately take the Mosquito Joe brand to the next level.
What does an ideal franchisee look like?
Our ideal franchisees are passionate, driven and want to make a difference in their communities. You don’t need any experience in pest control, just the ambition and desire to serve customers and lead employees.
Why is Mosquito Joe a good investment?
The Mosquito Joe business model makes an ideal investment for anyone looking to become his or her own boss with the added benefit of an experienced corporate office supporting you every step of the way. Other benefits include: