When most people think about career growth, they picture climbing a corporate ladder in an office setting. But career growth in franchising offers a different kind of opportunity, one that’s hands-on, people-focused, and built around real-world leadership.
At ohDEER, a franchise brand specializing in All-Natural Deer, Tick, and Mosquito Control, growth happens outdoors and from the ground up. Our franchise system is built to help people grow their skills, leadership abilities, and even ownership potential. At ohDEER, we don’t just grow a business, we grow people!
One of the most inspiring examples of career growth in franchising comes from Derek Lodi. Years ago, Derek started his career as a spray technician at ohDEER. He spent five years in the field working for ohDEER founder Kurt Upham, learning the ins and outs of the business firsthand.
Today, Derek is the proud co-owner of ohDEER Southeastern MA & Northern RI, one of the most successful territories in the system, which he operates with his brother Jay.
Derek’s hands-on experience gives him a unique advantage as a leader. He understands what it takes to succeed in the field and uses that knowledge to coach his team, train new hires, and lead with empathy. His journey shows that with the right mindset, career growth in franchising can evolve from an entry-level position to full business ownership.
For Chris Murphy, owner of ohDEER North Shore, career growth in franchising isn’t just personal, it’s something he actively creates for his team.
“I think it’s important that as my franchise grows, the people I hire feel there’s a future with ohDEER,” Chris explains. “Jim is one of my guys I can see with a percentage of ownership or owning his own franchise one day. I also have a younger technician who loves the company, and I want him to know that investing in ohDEER now will pay off later.”
Chris’s perspective reflects one of ohDEER’s greatest strengths: a culture of mentorship and opportunity. By supporting his employees’ long-term growth, he’s helping to build the next generation of ohDEER leaders.
That’s what career growth in franchising looks like when the business values people as much as performance.
At the original ohDEER MetroWest location, career growth in franchising is embodied by John Avino, who started as a spray technician and is now the General Manager overseeing both the MetroWest and Nashoba Valley territories.
John’s introduction to ohDEER came through founder Kurt Upham, who was a regular at the gym where John worked back in 2015. In 2019, John joined ohDEER’s spray team part-time while balancing other jobs in babysitting and sports broadcasting. “In March of 2020 when Covid hit, I went to spray full-time. Being a technician gave me the opportunity to be my own boss out in the field. It’s like a game you’re playing all day by yourself, making sure you spray each house thoroughly and get through your list efficiently.”
That early field experience laid the groundwork for his leadership style today. “Being a spray technician taught me self-management skills before I transitioned to an office setting,” John explains. “I know how many houses technicians should be getting through in a day because of my own experience. I can relate to the technicians and say, ‘I know the little things that are going to frustrate you in the field,’ like your hose getting stuck or customers coming out to say you didn’t spray something. It gives me the perspective to relate to them while also setting proper expectations.”
As General Manager, John now handles operations for both MetroWest and Nashoba Valley. John manages scheduling, supports his technicians, and handles billing.
John loves working alongside Kurt at the original ohDEER location. “Helping him come up with new ideas of things we can change and innovate to make the business run better, that’s what I enjoy most,” he says. “Kurt is very much a hands-on owner who likes to go out and do deer assessments, and I’m more than happy to learn the office end of the business and help him out.”
Under John’s leadership, ohDEER MetroWest reached a major milestone. “We eclipsed 2,000 active subscriptions this year for the first time,” he proudly shared. “Our customer service and communication have improved, and I’ve been able to bring a younger perspective to the office using technology to our advantage.” Managing a second location has been another challenge, and another opportunity for growth.
Outside of ohDEER, John also maintains a successful career as a sports broadcaster, a passion that’s helped shape his leadership style. He shared, “It’s rewarding to manage both careers and see them grow.”
From technician to general manager, John’s journey is a perfect example of how career growth in franchising can unfold when ambition meets opportunity.
Career growth in franchising can take many forms, and for Zach Sarro, it began with a spray hose and a strong work ethic. Starting out as a spray technician for ohDEER South Shore & Cape Cod, Zach quickly stood out for his reliability, attention to detail, and leadership potential.
His commitment to learning and improving led him to take on more responsibility, and over time, he transitioned into a management role. Today, Zach serves as the General Manager for both the South Shore and Cape Cod locations, working alongside franchise owner David Mulcahy to oversee daily operations, train technicians, and ensure each customer receives exceptional service.
Zach’s path from technician to general manager highlights one of the biggest advantages of career growth in franchising: the opportunity to advance within a system that values initiative and mentorship. His hands-on experience in the field gives him a deep understanding of what technicians encounter every day and helps him lead with empathy and precision.
This year, Zach’s leadership and impact were recognized when he was named to the Cape & Plymouth Business “40 Under 40” list, a distinction honoring emerging leaders who are shaping the future of business on the South Shore and Cape Cod.
Through Zach’s journey, it’s clear that ohDEER doesn’t just create opportunities for franchise ownership, it creates pathways for talented individuals to grow into meaningful, long-term careers within the franchising system.
Zach’s story shows that career growth in franchising doesn’t always mean becoming an owner. For some, it means stepping into management, training, or operational leadership, roles that are essential to the success of every ohDEER location.
The success stories of Derek, Chris, Zach, and John demonstrate that career growth in franchising isn’t just possible, it’s built into ohDEER’s DNA. Our franchise model is designed to help employees and owners alike grow through training, mentorship, and hands-on experience.
Here’s how we make it happen:
At ohDEER, we believe career growth in franchising should be accessible, achievable, and rewarding.
At the heart of ohDEER’s success is a simple truth: when you invest in people, you invest in the future. Many of our most successful franchise owners started as technicians or managers and grew into leaders through hard work and mentorship.
As ohDEER continues to expand into new territories, more opportunities are opening up for individuals who want to grow their careers in franchising, whether through management, leadership, or ownership.
If you’re passionate about working outdoors, leading a team, and building a business that makes a difference, ohDEER offers a clear path forward.
Career growth in franchising is about more than climbing a ladder, it’s about building something of your own. At ohDEER, every role has the potential to lead to something bigger, from spray technician to general manager to franchise owner.
If you’re ready to take the next step in your career and want to join a brand that invests in people, supports growth, and believes in all-natural solutions, ohDEER might be the right fit for you.
Explore your career growth in franchising with ohDEER: Click here to learn more about our franchise opportunities.
