ohDEER Expands to the Midwest With First Female Franchisees

ohDEER, a leader in all-natural pest control, is thrilled to introduce our FIRST female franchisees, the dynamic mother-daughter team of Jeri and Sarah Lucco. ohDEER is expanding into the Midwest with the opening of ohDEER Northwest Columbus in Ohio! Jeri and Sarah’s journey into the ohDEER family not only marks a geographical expansion but also underscores our commitment to empowering female franchisees in the pest control and franchise industries.

The ohDEER Alignment

Sarah Lucco’s professional path began with a degree in Recreation and Tourism Management from Arizona State University. Eager to embark on her career, she accepted an entry-level sales position, but the confines of a traditional 9-to-5 corporate desk job soon revealed themselves to be misaligned with her aspirations. Simultaneously, her mother, Jeri, was experiencing success as a franchise consultant. Recognizing an opportunity to collaborate, Jeri enlisted Sarah’s assistance with weekly marketing emails. This collaboration not only strengthened their bond but also ignited Sarah’s interest in the franchising world.

As Sarah delved deeper into the realm of franchising, her role involved researching various franchises and writing spotlight emails for those her mother collaborated with. This exposure broadened her understanding of the diverse opportunities within the franchising sector. Engaging in discussions with Jeri, Sarah began to envision herself as a franchise owner. She was particularly drawn to the home services industry, the prospect of balancing hands-on work with business ownership appealed to her. Sarah sought a role that would allow her to see tangible results from her efforts, steering clear of the monotony of a desk-bound job. With a clear vision in mind and the necessary financial readiness, Sarah and Jeri embarked on the journey of identifying a franchise that resonated with her interests and career objectives.

Among the myriad of franchises they evaluated, ohDEER stood out prominently. Specializing in all-natural deer, tick, and mosquito control, ohDEER’s mission to provide effective, eco-friendly pest control solutions aligned seamlessly with Sarah’s values and aspirations. It was Jeri who introduced Sarah to ohDEER, recognizing that the company’s ethos and operational model matched what Sarah was seeking. The decision to join the ohDEER family was further solidified by the company’s commitment to empowering its franchisees and fostering a supportive community.

A Milestone for ohDEER & Female Franchisee Ownership

The launch of ohDEER Northwest Columbus is a significant milestone for ohDEER. It not only marks our expansion into the Midwest but also celebrates our first female franchisees! This development reflects the growing demand for eco-friendly outdoor pest control solutions and highlights the strides being made by female entrepreneurs in industries such as pest control that are traditionally male-dominated.

Co-founder and owner of ohDEER, Colleen Upham, also shared her sentiments:

“At ohDEER, we believe that empowering female entrepreneurs strengthens our brand and enhances the communities we serve. Sarah and Jeri joining ohDEER as our first female franchisees is a proud moment for us. As a female leader in historically male-dominated pest control and franchise industries, I understand the importance of creating opportunities for women to thrive in business ownership.”

The pest control and franchising industries have long been male-dominated, but ohDEER’s co-founder and President, Colleen Upham, has carved out a space as a strong and successful female leader. She was recently recognized as one of the 50 Women of Wonder in Franchise Dictionary Magazine for her impact on the industry.

Colleen embodies the brand’s core values—she loves to spend time outdoors and has become a local advocate for all-natural pest control to help more people enjoy more time outside while upholding a commitment to solutions that are safe for people, pets and the environment. Her leadership is consistently praised by franchisees in the annual Franchise Business Review survey, highlighting her ability to foster a supportive and collaborative network. She understands the importance of work-life balance for franchisees and ensures that they have the resources and support they need to thrive.

Under Colleen’s leadership, ohDEER has expanded significantly, proving that a franchise model rooted in sustainability and community support can flourish. Her dedication to all-natural pest control solutions has positioned ohDEER as a leader in the industry, setting it apart from traditional pest control companies that rely on chemical treatments.

Empowering Future Female Franchisees

The story of Jeri and Sarah Lucco is a testament to the evolving landscape of franchising and pest control industries. Their journey exemplifies how determination, collaboration, and a shared vision can lead to successful business ventures. By stepping into the role of franchise owners, they are not only fulfilling their entrepreneurial dreams but also paving the way for more women to enter and thrive in these sectors.

Their partnership mirrors other successful mother-daughter duos in the franchising world. For instance, Jamie Parker and her daughter, Ieshia Ahmed, operate a Cartridge World franchise together in Christiansburg, Virginia. Their collaboration has been instrumental in building a business that emphasizes personal customer relationships and community engagement. Jamie manages behind-the-scenes operations, while Ieshia excels in customer interactions, creating a harmonious and effective business dynamic. Their story showcases how family-run operations can leverage unique strengths to foster a successful business environment.

Another example of success with a family-run operation is the brother team of Jay and Derek Lodi, who own and operate ohDEER Southeastern MA & ohDEER Northern RI. Derek, a former technician for ohDEER founder Kurt Upham, manages the in-the-field daily operations of the business. Jay, who focuses more on the back end of the business like marketing, stated, “We’re like yin and yang. We balance each other out, bounce ideas off each other, and keep learning.“

Bringing ohDEER’s All-Natural Solutions to the Midwest

Jereme Shelton, Vice President of Franchise Development at ohDEER, expressed enthusiasm about this expansion:

“Bringing ohDEER to the Midwest is a huge step in our mission to provide the most effective all-natural deer, tick, and mosquito control, so every community can enjoy more time outside. This expansion goes beyond just opening a new territory. It’s a testament to the strength of our model and the growing demand for eco-friendly solutions. I’m thrilled for Sarah and Jeri, and I know they will help propel the brand forward while making outdoor spaces safer for their community.”

Residents of Northwest Columbus can now look forward to enjoying their outdoor spaces without the nuisance of deer, ticks, and mosquitoes. ohDEER Northwest Columbus is committed to delivering the same high-quality, all-natural pest control solutions that have established the brand’s reputation on the East Coast. By utilizing eco-friendly methods, Sarah and Jeri aim to create safer outdoor environments for families and pets, free from harmful chemicals.

Join the ohDEER Family

The expansion into the Midwest signifies more than just growth; it embodies ohDEER’s dedication to fostering inclusive opportunities and meeting the increasing demand for safe, all-natural pest control solutions. With Jeri and Sarah Lucco leading the way in Northwest Columbus, ohDEER continues its mission to help communities enjoy more time outside—naturally.

If you are interested in franchise ownership and want to provide All-Natural Deer, Tick & Mosquito Control to your community, please reach out!