Virginia-based pest control company Mosquito Joe said it hopes to enlist new franchisees to help it expand into the Greenville-Spartanburg market.
The company has three locations in South Carolina, Charleston, Columbia and Lexington.
It has targeted as many as five new locations in the Upstate after increasing its presence to 172 locations in 26 states and doubling its customer base in 2016 as concerns about the Zika virus have continued to spread.
“The concept of commercial mosquito control has really taken off during the past five years, particularly in the Southeast,” said Brian Garrison, chief operating officer for Mosquito Joe. “When we look at the Greenville-Spartanburg area, it’s a very attractive market for us because the cities are outdoor-oriented… There are a lot of single-family homes that probably want this value-added service. We are also encouraged by the success of other franchisees in surrounding markets.”
Garrison did not specify how many franchisees the company would like to see operating in the Upstate.
He noted that the company prefers multiple owners working together in the same markets because it allows owners to pool resources and provide better service for customers.
According to the company’s website, the typical initial franchise investment for a single territory is $94,500. That includes a $25,000 franchise fee; $40,000 for marketing, supplies, insurance and forms; $4,000 for computers and software; $5,500 for tools, chemicals and equipment; $6,000 for a vehicle; and $14,000 in additional capital.
Garrison said franchises typically start with about five employees and can grow up to 30 over time. Those positions include office personnel and techs out in the field.
“It’s super exciting to see individual business owners all over the country realize their dreams,” Garrison said. “The responsibility is on us to keep up and provide them with the support they need to be successful.”
He said the company hopes to open in 70 new territories across the country in 2017.
State laws vary, but franchisees are typically required to get a pesticide license, he said.
Mosquito Joe specializes in outdoor treatments of residences and commercial properties, which are sometimes overlooked as areas where mosquitos like to breed, according to Garrison.
For more information, visit: mosquitojoe.com.
