- Vendor Recaps
- Final Buzzworthy Wednesday of 2024
- Doctor's Note
- Ask The Entomologist
- 2025 Mosquito Squad Training Dates
- Registration: AB Con2025
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Dear Mosquito Squad franchisees,
As the year comes to a close, I want to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude for everything you've contributed over the past year. Your dedication and hard work have been nothing short of extraordinary, and I am truly thankful to be a part of such an incredible team. You are the heart and soul of our organization, and your efforts have been the driving force behind our success.
When I reflect on all we've accomplished together, I am filled with pride. From launching Pest Packs to welcoming our new Director of Operations, Greg Atwell, to hosting four unforgettable Pest Pack roadshows and attending the Convention in San Antonio – these milestones are just a glimpse of what we've achieved. Your passion, tireless commitment, and positive energy have truly made this year one to remember.
I am incredibly proud of all we've done, and I am excited and hopeful for the opportunities the New Year will bring. Together, we will continue to support one another, push ourselves to new heights, and celebrate every success along the way.
Wishing each of you a peaceful and joyful holiday season, filled with rest, love, and happiness. I can’t wait to see what we’ll achieve together in the coming year!
Sincerely,
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Congratulations to our top-grossing locations! This recognition is based on performance over the past 365 days.
For live, searchable and sortable results, click below.
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To streamline our support process, please direct all questions to the HelpDesk moving forward. This will enable our Operations Team to track each request and ensure you receive timely answers. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated!
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2025 Vendor Recap
If you missed last week's webinars with our new vendors in 2025, don’t worry! You can catch up by watching the recording of each session below.
For those currently working with either of these digital vendors, or interested in switching, here are the key details:
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LocalAct - Reach out to support@localact.com for questions or to complete your enrollment. To go live with LocalAct in January, you must complete your enrollment by December 17.
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Ignite Visibility - Contact sales@ignitevisibility.com if you're interested in working with Ignite. To start spending in January, reach out ASAP to ensure your account setup is prioritized.
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Additionally, if you’re looking for SEO vendor information, here are the recommended contacts:
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Our direct mail vendors' contact information can be found here:
| If you have any questions or are ready to get started, be sure to reach out to the appropriate vendor. | |
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Join The Squad for the last Buzzworthy Wednesday of 2024!
Don't miss this week's meeting – it's the last Buzzworthy Wednesday of 2024! Join us as we dive into an exciting update on Pest Packages 2.0. This is your chance to learn about the latest enhancements and how they can benefit your business in the upcoming year.
This will be a 90-minute meeting.
Date: Wednesday, 12/18
Time: 3:00 - 4:30PM/EST
Topic: Pest Packages 2.0 with Sales, Operations, & Marketing
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Website Sneak Peek
A reminder Mosquito Squad is launching a new website on January 15, 2025. The new website is redesigned to better position the many services Mosquito Squad now offers. Additional calls will present and outline how your local website can be used and customized to display the services your location offers. The goal of this website is to bring a new look and feel that allows the customization and resources we need to drive a better user experience and grow sales in 2025.
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Mosquito Squad Plus
The new Mosquito Squad Plus logos are now available for download in the Marketing Shoppe! These updated logos will be essential as you begin creating social media posts, mailers, door hangers, and other marketing materials in the new year.
Please note: we ask that you do not post or use the new logo in any customer-facing materials until the new website officially launches January 15th. This ensures that all your marketing assets and the website align seamlessly for a consistent brand experience.
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Vantage from Vandock's Vault
It’s one of the best seasons of the year. Holidays mean spending time with loved ones, fun trips, extra downtime, and good eating. After the season of plenty, many of us will make New Year's resolutions. Be it new workout commitments, healthy eating, or mindfulness; most people use the New Year to reset and recommit to improvement.
I encourage everyone to embrace this opportunity that comes with the New Year and consider a way to incorporate a few strategic goals that will positively impact your Mosquito Squad business. I personally took this challenge to heart earlier this year and want to share it with the team. I mean, why wait for the New Year? We all know the gyms are WAY too crowded from Jan 1-14!
When we launched Pest Packs 1.0 in the Spring of 2024, we encountered a common issue: licensing requirements. As a team, your business advisors and I encouraged everyone to go out and get additional licenses. Additional licensing will pay significant dividends from GPC to Wood Destroying Pests by opening new service opportunities and revenue. After two months of investigation, notarized applications, and reviews by the Department of AG, I was granted the opportunity to sit for the Georgia Designated Certified Operator (DCO) exam. I passed all portions of the exam on November 19 and am now a fully licensed, Designated Certified Pest Control Operator in Georgia. My next plan is to apply for this license in additional states, starting with North Carolina and then Virginia. I have also set a goal in 2025 of attending at least 15 hours of CEU classes to remain sharp.
I’m sharing this story because I hope it inspires you to seek new continuing education and licensing opportunities. The most challenging part is taking the first step. I recommend everyone set a goal of acquiring one new license in the first 6 months of 2025. Where do you start? With your business advisor, of course! Greg’s fantastic team will have valuable insights to save you time and help take the stress out of this process. They will help set you on the right path. If they can’t figure it out, we will work together as a team to determine the best path forward so you can secure this license, improve your knowledge, and break down the barriers keeping you from breaking into the lucrative and profitable general pest control market.
Join me and your fellow owners with some healthy and productive resolutions. Let’s improve our minds and businesses by securing additional licenses on the road to becoming the preeminent professionals in the pest control industry!
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Ask the Entomologist!
How can I make the most of the off-season?
Season's Greetings!
As we close out 2024, I wanted to provide you with some resources you can use to continue keeping up-to-date with the pests and pest trends in your region:
Google Alerts
If you have a Google account, I recommend setting up Google Alerts. This program, run by Google, allows you to enter keywords to be alerted on as frequently as you want. I use this feature to receive alerts for news articles containing the words "entomology," "mosquitoes," "invasive species," and "insects," and I get alerts once a day. You can customize your alerts however works best for you, but this is an excellent way to sift through emerging news stories about our industry.
Entomology Today
In addition to the blogs we post on the Mosquito Squad corporate website, the Entomological Society of America posts blogs on new trends and technology in insect science. Entomology Today is full of current, digestible blogs about relevant research and thought-provoking pieces on an array of insects and arthropods. Entomologists and industry professionals write all the pieces – give it a look!
Pest Control Technology
Pest Control Technology (PCT) is a leading magazine for the pest management industry. Mosquito Squad has actually been featured a few times this year (check it out here!). If you want more information on industry updates, new control techniques, and how other companies are operating, PCT is a great resource to check out.
I also wanted to remind you to continue posting on your social platforms. The off-season is the perfect time to post about your location, your team, and your 2024 accomplishments on your social media pages. Here are a few content ideas you could add to your pages:
Squad Shoutouts
Do you have an awesome member of your team? A technician who's been getting a lot of positive reviews? Or is someone's birthday during the off-season? Please give them a shoutout on your page! Personality pics are a great way to put a face to the company and connect more directly with your community. With the holiday season, now is also the perfect time to share any decorations your location may have put up or any unique Squad holiday celebrations.
Holiday Posts
Quotes, poems, images, and warm wishes are nice ways to share the holiday spirit with your online communities. These posts don't have to be heavy on pest control—sincere well-wishes show that your location is in touch with the seasonal celebrations. If your location is still open and running promotions or if it is choosing to donate to a charity for the holidays, these also make great posts for your feed.
New Year's Posts
2025 will be here before we know it (literally, it's only a couple weeks away!). Consider posting things to promote your location's services and remind customers to make a pest management plan for the new year. According to Google Trends, search results for pest control companies spike in March through July – don't wait until we're already in season to get people thinking about your services!
Happy Holidays!
Reach out to Emma the Entomologist through the HelpDesk!
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Squad School Update: New Pest Pack Course Now Live!
We are excited to announce that the latest Pest Pack Course is now live on Squad School! This updated course includes fresh and comprehensive videos designed to enhance your knowledge and skills in pest management. Whether you're just starting out or looking to expand your expertise, this new content is sure to provide some valuable insights.
In addition to the newly launched Pest Pack videos, we’re thrilled to share that more content is on the way! Soon, we’ll be rolling out additional videos focused on application processes and equipment training, ensuring that you have all the tools and knowledge you need to succeed.
Stay tuned for these updates, and be sure to check out the new course today on Squad School!
Questions? Email Learning & Development Manager, Dylan Cohan at dcohan@mosquitosquad.co.
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Considering expanding your business in 2025? Click the link below to see a current list of Mosquito Squad units available for sale. | |
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TICKETS NOW AVAILABLE
Authority Brands 2025 Convention
February 23-25, 2025
Round up your team and secure your spot at the 2025 Authority Brands Convention: Saddle Up for Success! Before you get caught up with the holidays, be sure to register by clicking on the button below because prices will go up after January 31!
JUST-IN-TIME TICKETS (December 15 - January 31)
Owner/Owner Spouse..........$249
Non Owner/Non Owner Spouse..........$449
LATE TICKETS (February 1 - February 17)
Owner/Owner Spouse..........$299
Non Owner/Non Owner Spouse..........$499
WALK-IN TICKETS
All Attendees..........$600
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Hotel Room Rates & Availability
Authority Brands has secured a room rate of $259 plus taxes per night, based on single/double occupancy.
This rate is available until January 30, 2025. However, rooms may sell out at any time, even before January 30, 2025.
Availability is limited and offered on a first-come, first-served basis, so don't delay your registration.
Tip: Be sure to sign up for a free Marriot Bonvoy account to get perks like in-room wi-fi and reward points for future stays.
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Don't want to book online? Call the Sheraton Dallas directly at 1-888-627-8191 or 1-800-325-3535 or 214-922-8000. | |
The Agenda
Please refer to this general agenda to help with planning your hotel stay and flights.
Sunday, February 23
Morning - Wild West Golf Fest at Top Golf
Afternoon - FAC meetings
Evening - Brand Welcome Receptions
Monday, February 24
Morning - Authority Brands Opening Session
Afternoon - Brand Sessions
Evening - Vendor Fair
Tuesday, February 25
Morning - Brand Sessions
Afternoon - Brand Sessions
Evening - Dinner, Awards, After Party
Questions? Contact convention@authoritybrandsllc.com
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Squad School Training 2025
Please note new dates and changes have been made to the training schedule:
Virtual Squad School:
- January 6th-10th
- February 3rd-7th
- March 3rd-7th
Squad School Live in Macon, GA:
- January 13th-17th
- February 10th-14th
- March 10th-14th
Managers Training 1.0 in Macon, GA:
Manager’s Training 2.0 in Macon, GA:
Pest Pack 2.0 Roadshows
- April 7-9 | St. Louis, MO
- April 13-15 | Macon, GA
Space is limited. To reserve your spot, please email Tracy Watson at twatson@mosquitosquad.co.
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NEW LEGISLATION UPDATE: CORPORATE TRANSPARENCY ACT
Learn More: Beneficial Ownership Reporting Is Here: What You Need to Know About the New Requirements | International Franchise Association (IFA) Community
As you may have heard, the federal government recently began implementation of the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA). The CTA has mandatory reporting requirements for U.S. businesses.
The International Franchise Association (IFA) had a webinar titled “Beneficial Ownership Reporting is Here: What You Need to Know About the New Requirements.”
Please note that these requirements are subject to change and that the IFA is seeking further clarification of the requirements. We encourage you to consult with your attorney, accountant and/or other advisors regarding these requirements.
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Check out the Resources Available in FranConnect!
A step-by-step video of the ServiceMinder Prep for Retention Process is available now - click the button below.
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Unlock a Powerful Hidden Feature in ServiceMinder Proposals
As you review and update your proposal terms during the shoulder season, don't miss out on a hidden gem: the "Above the Fold" section. This often-overlooked feature lets you display important text at the very top of your proposal. Use this space to set clear expectations and provide a concise explanation of what the proposal includes, giving your clients a quick, transparent overview right from the start.
Click the button to unlock this valuable feature and enhance your proposals today!
| For more information about unlocking this hidden feature in Serviceminder Proposals, please see the FAQ article linked below or reach out to your Business Advisor. | |
January 2025 STIHL Price File
Mike Poluka, is now responsible for the National Account business at STIHL Incorporated, following the retirement of Steve Parmentier earlier this year.
The January 2025 price file will take effect on January 1, 2025. Here’s a quick summary of the key changes:
- New Part Numbers have been added for 2025.
- Price Adjustments:
- The BGA 86 will see a price reduction.
- The MS 261, MS 271, and MS 291 will have price increases.
- The FSA/KMA 135 R battery trimmer/kombi also has some adjustments.
- No Price Changes for accessories at this time.
The current price file from September 2024 will remain valid through December 31, 2024.
These files can be found in FranConnect: Mosquito Squad Documents > Operations
For questions, contact Mike at michael.poluka@stihl.us
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Additional Resources:
2025 Sales FAQ's: (Document Library > Office & Sales > Sales and Office Resources > Sales Agent Resources). This document has been updated to include FAQ's on Pest Packages.
Financial Training Document: (Document Library > Business Management) This document aims to further increase your knowledge of accounting in business.
Retention Process: Navigate to the Office and Sales folder.
Pest Control Checklist: This tool helps technicians conduct a thorough walk-around before treatments. We recommend that you provide technicians with a clipboard to document findings, which you can share with the client, especially after the first treatment.
Chemical Use Guide: This guide outlines which pesticides to use for each Mosquito Squad service and provides details on approved vendors for purchasing.
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All current pesticide labels can be found in:
FranConnect > Operations > Pesticide Information and Purchase Guides
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Tell Us More
Hey owners! What would you love to hear about in future newsletters? Tell us by emailing helpdesk@mosquitosquad.co.
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Mosquito Squad Owner Newsletter
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