Why Mosquito Squad Is And Always Has Been #1 In The Outdoor Franchise Space

Posted on July 15, 2011 by Melissa Lim

Considering an Outdoor Franchise? Read on to learn more. Franchise Gator sits down with David Buchel from Outdoor Living Brands, the 35+ year leader in outdoor franchises Archadeck, Outdoor Lighting Perspectives and featured in this article, Mosquito Squad.

How was Mosquito Squad Franchise originally conceived and started?

One of our sister brands, Outdoor Lighting Perspectives, included a complimentary nighttime exterior lighting demonstration outside a prospect's home. As these typically took place after dusk, our lighting designers were getting eaten up alive by mosquitoes. Hence, our search for a solution to mosquito bites led us to the franchise concept of Mosquito Squad, the mosquito eliminator.

What was your original vision for your company? How has that changed over time?

As the industry innovator, we wanted to develop the dominant exterior pest control franchise. Originally we thought this franchise would be developed as an add-on, focusing on the installation of automatic misting systems catering to an affluent clientele.  But as we have grown, we expanded and now our core offering is a protective barrier treatment program, applied every 21 days, for residential and commercial property owners. This updated offering allows our franchise model to serve as either a stand-alone or add-on model with a much more diversified client base across most demographic sectors.

What do you believe is the single most important factor when choosing a franchise?

The most important factor would be picking a business that fits your skill set while also allowing you to achieve your personal lifestyle, income, wealth creation, and career development goals.

Why should someone choose Mosquito Squad Franchise over other similar franchises?

We invented dominate the outdoor pest control category. We are the North America's largest and most trusted brand in the space and no one else anything approaching our experience and track record in mosquito and tick control.  In addition, since Mosquito Squad is part of Outdoor Living Brands, franchisees benefit from customer referrals from sister brands. 

What makes your industry attractive?

Homeowners and commercial establishments are investing tremendous sums of money in outdoor living areas. Our mission is to ensure that people in their community can enjoy their pool, patio, gazebo or deck throughout the entire year – without the troublesome nuisance and dangerous risks associated with pesky mosquitoes and disease-infested ticks. Our applications also help ensure that there are no unwanted guests at special events or leisurely evenings spent relaxing or dining outside!

What types of qualities do you look for in potential franchisees?

We look for individuals with proven leadership and management capabilities, with the necessary energy and passion to operate a business following our proven model.

What do your franchise fees and royalties cover?

Initial franchise fees and monthly brand licensing fees cover licensing the use of the brand name and business model, initial training, on-going training and support, use of our technology infrastructure, access to preferred supplier relationships, and access to our national PR campaign for growing brand recognition.

How do territories work for Mosquito Squad Franchise?

Exclusive territories are established on population (generally at least 350,000), income levels, number of single family households, and various other demographic factors.

Why has your franchise model been successful?

The service works – our franchisees enjoy tremendously strong client retention rates that speak directly to the effectiveness of the service and the impact on our client's lives (not to mention a nice recurring revenue stream for our franchisees).

Where do you see your franchise in 5 - 10 years?

In five years, we expect to be a franchise system with over 200 units domestically; in ten years we anticipate being focused on international development while broadening the product and service offering for our domestic franchisees.

What is your favorite advice for new franchisees to help them succeed?

Run your business everyday like you are getting ready to sell it.

What would you tell potential franchisees that may be nervous about the financial burdens of starting a franchise?

Focus on the future and align yourself with visionaries and a culture that will fit your personality.  Licensing a franchise is an investment and franchising could be the vehicle you use to reach your personal income, lifestyle, career and wealth creation goals.

Can you explain your financial assistance (if applicable)?

Outdoor Living Brand will finance up to 50% of the initial franchise fee for qualified applicants.

On average, how long does it take to start a new franchise from the franchisees point of view?

Our franchise discovery and award process typically can be completed in 30 to 60 days.  After execution of the franchise licensing agreement and completion of our one week training program, the franchise is ready for business.

What was your background and experience before founding this franchise?

The principals that founded Mosquito Squad were also the franchisor of Outdoor Lighting Perspectives, the nation's largest exterior lighting franchise offering residential and commercial landscape and holiday lighting services. In addition, now as part of the Outdoor Living Brands organization, Mosquito Squad benefits from the 20+ year history of Archadeck, America's largest designer and builder of custom outdoor living spaces including decks, porches, patios, hardscapes, outdoor fireplaces, pergolas and other shade structures, and outdoor kitchens.