As a Mosquito Shield customer prior to opening my own franchise, I knew firsthand about how effective the Mosquito Shield product and service is. I despise mosquitoes and know how badly they can reduce the level of enjoyment for outdoor activities. That’s why we joined in the first place and why we own a franchise now. We run the same guarantee that I received when I was a customer: “If a customer is not 100% satisfied, we will make it right or refund their money.”
In any business venture I have undertaken in the past, an objective of primary importance is that my work helps other people. Because I have experienced the benefits of Mosquito Shield, I am excited to share this positive experience with other people in my community. From a practical perspective, I am excited about investing in a business that offers so many resources and has developed efficient processes for smooth operation.
At Mosquito Shield of Knoxville, our goal is to provide the best mosquito control with the highest levels of customer service, allowing our customers to enjoy their homes and time with family to the fullest.
We want to establish a reputation as the mosquito control company of choice in Knoxville. We want happy customers to be our most effective marketing and plan to do this with a staff of people-oriented employees.
I have lived in the Knoxville area for over 30 years, while Bill was born and raised in the Knoxville area. We both work together on my other business, Forensic Training Source.
I moved to the Knoxville area when I was 16 years old. Initially, I wanted nothing more than to return to Michigan where I had grown up. However, by the time I graduated with my master’s degree in Elementary Education from the University of Tennessee, I realized that East Tennessee had become home.
Few places offer so many lakes within an hour’s drive or the most visited (and free) National Park in the United States. Interestingly enough, I had heard that Knoxville is within 500 miles of 50% of the population of the U.S. Whether this fact is still true or not, for me, an avid road tripper, Knoxville has proven to be the perfect home and starting point for all my adventures.
I have always been drawn to work that involves serving people. When I first graduated, I spent three years as a fourth-grade teacher in a rural school district just outside of Knoxville. Through an unexpected turn of events, I was recruited to become an administrator for the University of Tennessee National Forensic Academy, an intensive ten-week training program for crime scene investigators.
I was one of the very early staff members that was able to “get the program off the ground” and grow it into an internationally recognized standard for forensic training.
In 2012, I started a non-profit organization called Forensic Training Source that continues to serve the law enforcement community throughout the U.S. Shortly after starting Forensic Training Source, I realized that I needed a “regular job” that got me out of the house on a daily basis to interact more directly with people.
So, I turned my hobby of real estate into an income source when I became a local realtor. Since then, I have found great success in real estate and wanted to add a home service business to my repertoire.
In all of these endeavors I learned that for me to experience satisfaction in my professional career, I needed to engage in something that helped people. Adding Mosquito Shield to my professional career will help me find even more service-oriented work that truly helps people.
One of my favorite local restaurants is Aubrey’s Restaurant. It has been a favorite of mine since my freshman year of college when I discovered what was, at the time, their first and only location. Over the years, they have added many locations and each of them has proven to be a great place for business meetings and family meals.
I also love visiting Smoky Mountain National Park near Knoxville. When I have visitors from out of town or just need a place to unwind, there are few places better. It’s a great way to “show off” the beauty of East Tennessee.
Sometimes, when there isn’t time to drive to the mountains or the heat is too much, I like to head to my other favorite place, the lake. While my boat is kept on Fort Loudon Lake, we have seven lakes within an hour’s drive and they are all stunningly beautiful!
When asked what attracted me to Mosquito Shield, I said that “two things attracted me to Mosquito Shield. The first one is the culture that I observed from my very first interactions with their leadership. From the very beginning, I had the sense that I was meeting with people that genuinely enjoyed working with each other and helping new franchise owners be successful.”
“Secondly, I am THE GUY that is always being ‘eaten alive’ when I am outside. While some other people don’t seem to be bothered by mosquitos, they absolutely LOVE me and make my life miserable outside.”
“The idea of starting a new company with a proven track record of success that also gives me an opportunity to bite back and make life better outside for myself and others makes me happy. Initially, we hope to have a successful soft open mid-season this year. We have been told to expect 20-30 new customers. I want to exceed this expectation and possibly double that number.”
Bill and I are excited to begin this new adventure and provide such a necessary service to the community that we love. I have started multiple businesses and have a passion for helping people. Regardless of the work a person does, success depends on relationships that you build and cultivate.
I have an advanced degree and successes “on paper,” but feel driven to ensure that the people that choose to be my customers at Mosquito Shield are so pleased with that decision that they emphatically recommend me to their friends and family.
