The ohDEER Rhode Island expansion brings Jay and Derek’s service to communities across the entire state.
When brothers Jay and Derek Lodi joined the ohDEER franchise system in March 2018, they weren’t simply investing in a business. They were investing in a lifestyle, a mission, and a long-term vision for serving homeowners throughout Southern New England.
Today, that vision has reached an exciting new milestone. After years of growth, customer loyalty, and operational excellence, Jay and Derek have expanded their ownership to encompass the entire state of Rhode Island, creating one unified ohDEER territory dedicated to helping families enjoy more time outside.
Their journey is a powerful example of what franchise growth can look like when owners combine industry expertise, strong leadership, and a commitment to their community.
One of the reasons Jay and Derek have been so successful is that they each brought unique skills and experiences to their franchise ownership journey.
Before becoming an owner, Derek spent five years working directly under ohDEER Founder and President Kurt Upham. During that time, he developed a deep understanding of the company’s All-Natural Deer, Rabbit, Tick, and Mosquito Control services. Working alongside Kurt provided Derek with firsthand experience in the field and a strong foundation in what makes the ohDEER system effective. His knowledge of service delivery, customer care, and outdoor pest management positioned him to lead operations from day one. Combined with a relentless work ethic and determination to succeed, Derek quickly became the driving force behind field operations.
Meanwhile, Jay brought a completely different but equally valuable skill set to the business. Prior to joining ohDEER, Jay spent more than 15 years building a career in business management and financial services at the corporate level. While he found success in the corporate world, he wanted something different for the next chapter of his career. Like many franchise owners, Jay was searching for greater flexibility, more control over his future, and the opportunity to spend more time outdoors instead of behind a desk. He saw tremendous potential in the ohDEER model and recognized an opportunity to build something meaningful within his own community. Jay stepped into the role of leading business operations, applying his background in management, financial planning, and strategic growth to help the business scale.
Together, the brothers created a balanced leadership team that has served as a foundation for their continued success. While Derek focused on service quality and customer relationships in the field, Jay concentrated on business growth, operational strategy, and long-term planning. That combination has helped them build one of the most respected territories in the ohDEER system.
Since opening their franchise in 2018, Jay and Derek have worked tirelessly to build trust with homeowners throughout their ohDEER Southeastern MA and ohDEER Northern RI territories.
From the beginning, they embraced the values that define the ohDEER brand:
Their focus on consistency and customer care helped fuel steady growth year after year. As more homeowners became aware of the benefits of all-natural deer, tick, mosquito, and rabbit control, demand continued to increase throughout the region. Instead of chasing rapid expansion for its own sake, Jay and Derek focused on building a sustainable business with strong operational systems, highly trained technicians, and a reputation for reliability.
That patient approach paid off. Over time, they established themselves as trusted local experts while developing the infrastructure needed to support future growth. Their success reflects one of the biggest advantages of franchising: owners are able to leverage a proven business model while still building a business that feels deeply connected to their local community. For Jay and Derek, growth has always been about serving more families and creating more opportunities, not simply adding territory.
Now, after years of successful operation and continued development, Jay and Derek have expanded their ownership to cover the entire state of Rhode Island. This expansion represents a significant milestone not only for their business but also for the ohDEER franchise system.
Rhode Island homeowners now have access to a unified team dedicated to delivering the same high-quality service and all-natural solutions that have made the brothers successful throughout the region. The expanded territory allows Jay and Derek to bring their proven approach to additional communities while maintaining the local ownership and personalized service that customers value.
For homeowners, that means working with a team that understands the unique environmental challenges facing Rhode Island properties. From tick activity in wooded areas to mosquito breeding zones near coastal regions and ponds, local knowledge matters.
As Rhode Island continues to experience concerns surrounding tick-borne illnesses and outdoor pests, access to knowledgeable, locally owned service providers becomes increasingly important. Jay and Derek’s expansion ensures that more Rhode Island families can benefit from professional outdoor pest management solutions designed to help them enjoy their yards safely and confidently.
Deer control is one of Jay and Derek’s greatest strengths. Together, they have built the most successful deer control program in the ohDEER franchise system, helping homeowners across Southeastern Massachusetts and Northern Rhode Island protect their gardens and landscaping from costly damage. They have also shared their approach and best practices with other ohDEER franchise owners.
That experience will be especially valuable as they expand into Southern Rhode Island. Deer can be a major challenge for homeowners trying to maintain gardens and landscaped properties, and the University of Rhode Island identifies damage to crops and ornamental plants as a common concern for landowners.
Jay and Derek understand that effective deer control takes more than a single visit. Their team brings years of experience assessing properties, identifying where deer are feeding, and helping homeowners protect the outdoor spaces they have worked hard to create. Now, more Rhode Island families will have access to that expertise close to home.
Not every franchise owner chooses to expand their territory. However, one of the advantages of franchising is that successful owners often have opportunities to grow when the right circumstances align.
At ohDEER, expansion opportunities are earned through performance, leadership, and a demonstrated commitment to the brand. Jay and Derek’s journey illustrates how franchise ownership can evolve over time.
When many people think about franchising, they imagine purchasing a single territory and operating it indefinitely. In reality, franchise ownership can create opportunities for significant career growth. Owners can expand territories, develop larger teams, increase revenue, and create businesses that support their long-term personal and professional goals.
The Lodi brothers are a perfect example of that progression. They began with a defined territory and steadily built a business that positioned them for future expansion. Their story demonstrates that franchising isn’t simply about starting a business. It’s about creating opportunities for continued growth within a proven system.
One reason Jay has earned so much respect throughout the ohDEER network is that his contributions extend far beyond his own business. At the 2026 Annual Event, Jay was recognized with one of the most meaningful awards presented within the franchise system: the Herd Hero Award.
The Herd Hero Award is unique because it is determined through peer nominations from fellow franchise owners. Rather than measuring revenue or growth alone, the award recognizes the franchisee who consistently supports others throughout the system. Jay received multiple nominations from fellow owners who highlighted his willingness to help whenever needed. Whether supporting new franchisees through their first assessments, sharing insights through the brand fund team, or offering advice based on his own experiences, Jay has become a trusted resource for others throughout the network.
One franchisee described him in a way that perfectly captures the respect he has earned: “Jay is a person that when he talks, we should all listen.” That level of respect cannot be purchased or manufactured. It is earned through years of generosity, consistency, and leadership.
As part of the award recognition, Jay received a hat signed by fellow franchise owners throughout the system, a meaningful reminder of the relationships he has built across the ohDEER franchise family. The recognition reflects one of the strongest aspects of franchising: the ability to learn from and support other business owners who are working toward similar goals.
For Jay, one of the biggest motivations for joining ohDEER was the opportunity to create a more active lifestyle. After spending years in corporate leadership and financial services, he wanted a business that allowed him to spend more time outdoors while building something meaningful for his family and community. That desire resonates with many aspiring franchise owners today.
Increasingly, professionals are looking for opportunities that provide both financial potential and personal fulfillment. They want ownership opportunities that allow them to have a direct impact on their communities while creating greater flexibility and independence. The outdoor service industry offers a unique combination of those benefits. Owners have the opportunity to build recurring revenue businesses while helping customers enjoy their properties, protect their families, and spend more time outside.
For Jay and Derek, that mission has remained at the center of everything they do. Their expansion across Rhode Island represents not only business growth but also the continued pursuit of a lifestyle they set out to create when they joined the franchise system more than eight years ago.
As Jay and Derek begin this next chapter, their focus remains the same as it was in 2018: delivering exceptional service and building lasting relationships with customers. The expansion into all of Rhode Island creates exciting opportunities to reach new communities while continuing to uphold the standards that have driven their success.
For ohDEER, their journey represents the type of franchise growth story that inspires both current and future owners. It demonstrates the power of combining strong systems with dedicated local ownership. It shows what can happen when franchisees fully embrace a proven business model while bringing their own skills, passion, and leadership to the table. Most importantly, it highlights that growth is often the result of years of consistent effort, customer care, and commitment to a larger mission.
From their start in 2018 to becoming the owners of Rhode Island’s statewide ohDEER territory, Jay and Derek Lodi have built more than a successful business. They have built a reputation for service, leadership, and community impact. And as they continue expanding their reach throughout the Ocean State, they remain focused on helping more families enjoy more time outside.
