Franchise renewals are more than just signatures on a contract—they are a powerful statement of belief in a brand, confidence in its business model, and a commitment to continued success. At ohDEER, we are excited to share that Jay and Derek Lodi of ohDEER Southeastern MA and Jeff Plant of ohDEER Central MA have recently renewed their franchise agreements, reinforcing their trust in the ohDEER system and their dedication to delivering All-Natural Deer, Tick, and Mosquito Control to their communities.
These renewals are not just milestones for Jay, Derek, and Jeff—they represent the strength of our franchise model, the value we bring to our customers, and the bright future of the ohDEER brand. When franchise owners choose to continue their journey with us, it speaks volumes about their satisfaction, growth, and the incredible potential that lies ahead.
Let’s take a deeper dive into the success of these franchise owners and what their renewals mean for the ohDEER family.
Jay and Derek Lodi are the brother team behind ohDEER Southeastern MA and ohDEER Northern RI. Together, they have developed the most effective deer control program in the ohDEER franchise network, helping homeowners across Southeastern Massachusetts and Northern Rhode Island protect their landscapes from costly deer damage. Their ability to consistently deliver exceptional results has made their location a model of success. At our recent 2025 Annual Event, they presented to other franchisees on the best practices for their Deer Control service.
While both brothers play critical roles in their business, their strengths complement each other perfectly.
Jay is the behind-the-scenes business and marketing mastermind of ohDEER Southeastern MA and ohDEER Northern RI. With a background as the Vice President of Operations at Beacon ABA Services, the largest autism services company in Massachusetts, Jay has extensive experience in leading, organizing, and growing a thriving business. Transitioning into ohDEER ownership allowed him to take his operational expertise and apply it in a new way—building a business that not only thrives but also supports his family’s lifestyle.
Since joining ohDEER, Jay has done more than just run a successful franchise—he has mentored new franchisees and contributed valuable insights that have strengthened the entire ohDEER system. His leadership, willingness to share knowledge, and strategic mindset make him a cornerstone of our franchise network.
One of the most rewarding aspects of owning an ohDEER franchise for Jay has been the ability to achieve true work-life balance.
“Before ohDEER, I was working in corporate America, coming home at 6:30, and by then, my kids were getting ready for bed. That’s changed now. I can pick them up from school, drop them off, and be there for their events. It’s made a huge difference in my life.”
Derek’s journey with ohDEER is one of hard work, seizing opportunities, and entrepreneurial growth. Before becoming a franchise owner, Derek worked as a technician at ohDEER, reporting directly to our founder, Kurt Upham. Over time, he learned the business from the ground up, mastering operations, customer service, and service delivery. When the opportunity arose to take ownership of a franchise, Derek recognized the potential and made the leap into business ownership.
Derek brings a strong customer service background to his role, having worked in the restaurant and hospitality industry before ohDEER. His experience as a bartender taught him the importance of personal connections, and that skill has translated into building strong relationships with customers.
Working alongside his brother, Derek is the operations expert, handling the fieldwork and ensuring that every customer receives the best possible service. Together, Jay and Derek have built a balanced and highly successful business, proving that strong teamwork and dedication are key to franchise success.
For Derek, owning an ohDEER franchise has provided him with a better quality of life, including more time with his family during the winter months. The ability to run a thriving business while still prioritizing family life is something he values deeply.
“We’re like yin and yang. We balance each other out, bounce ideas off each other, and keep learning. Between both of us, we have a lot of little kids running around, so that definitely keeps us focused and grounded!”
Jeff Plant’s franchise renewal is a powerful testament to the potential for growth and success within ohDEER. Since taking ownership of ohDEER Central MA, Jeff has experienced tremendous business growth, expanding his customer base and increasing his service capacity to meet rising demand.
His hard work and dedication have allowed him to scale his business to the point where he moved into a shop space in 2024—a significant milestone that marks how far he has come from when he started with just a truck and a dream.
“Everybody from the top down has been incredibly helpful. Starting with Kurt and Colleen right down to all the other owners, everybody’s been very supportive and contributed to what we have been able to do.”
Jeff’s passion for the ohDEER brand, his commitment to customer satisfaction, and his ability to strategically grow his business have made him an outstanding franchise owner. He values the support and camaraderie that comes with being part of ohDEER.
Jeff’s success story is an inspiration to current and prospective franchisees alike. His renewal represents not only his confidence in the brand but also the longevity and happiness of ohDEER franchise owners—key ingredients for a growing, successful business.
“I purchased an ohDEER franchise as an investment in myself and my future, and in five short years, I can honestly say that it has changed my life.”
The renewals of Jay and Derek Lodi and Jeff Plant are more than just a continuation of their businesses—they are proof that the ohDEER franchise model works.
These renewals affirm that:
✅ Franchise owners are successful
✅ The business model is profitable and scalable
✅ Our franchise community is strong, supportive, and collaborative
✅ Franchisees experience real work-life balance and personal fulfillment
When experienced, successful franchisees like Jay, Derek, and Jeff choose to renew, it reinforces that ohDEER is a brand worth investing in. Their stories demonstrate that hard work, the right support system, and a commitment to delivering top-quality service lead to long-term success. We’re incredibly grateful for Jay, Derek, and Jeff’s continued trust in ohDEER, and we look forward to seeing their businesses thrive for years to come.
If you’re ready to start your own journey with ohDEER and build a business that provides both financial success and work-life balance, we’d love to hear from you!
