If there is one thing we have learned it is that there are many misconceptions about women in the pest control industry! So while we could write a blog post about the pest control industry and why women are a good fit for Mosquito Joe, we thought there were a few people who could do a better job. In our blog series the Women of Mosquito Joe, we highlight the incredible women that are a part of the MoJo family and why it is no longer a man’s world!
This month we chatted with Serife Norfleat of Mosquito Joe of Cape Coral, FL. Serife and her fiance Buddy own their franchise together. Serife oversees the day to day operations of the business but is never afraid to get out there with her technicians. Mosquito Joe allowed Serife and her husband-to-be to relocate to Florida earlier than anticipated, so they’re enjoying the warmer weather. In the news these days in Florida it is hard to miss the articles about Dengue Fever, West Nile, and even the new (to the United States) virus from the Carribbean, Chikungunya. The services provided by Buddy and Serife make sure their customers are not only itch free, but also help protect them from these mosquito transmitted diseases.
What motivated you to get involved in Mosquito Joe?
We had just purchased a house in Cape Coral, FL and on our flight back home to Maryland we came across an article about Mosquito Joe in the Southwest Airlines magazine. Mosquitoes love me and if there is one around it will make sure it attaches itself to me and bites! This franchise sounded like the perfect opportunity for us, and it allowed us to move into our new home faster.
What’s your typical day during the season?
I answer phone calls and schedule service for new customers. I make phone calls to current customers that we have recently sprayed to follow up with them on their service. I always follow up with each new customer 1 week after the initial spray. I send out reminders to customers who have an upcoming spray and call those customers that don’t have an email address. At the end of the day I make sure that all invoices have been sent and then the very important job of having the routing optimized for the technicians for the next day of spraying. Throughout the day I am answering questions that come in and looking for new ways to promote our business.
What are some of the most common questions you get asked by customers or potential customers?
People always want to make sure that it is safe for their pets, and since we target fleas and ticks too, we help get rid of pet itches too! They also generally ask how long they have to stay inside before going back out in their yard (only 30 minutes!) and how soon will they notice the results. I love being able to tell them they’ll see a difference in their mosquito population in just 24-48 hours.
Why is a Mosquito Joe business a good fit for women?
I love the fact that you are able to work from home. You have flexibility which is very important if you have kids or loved ones that you also need to take care of.
What do you find most empowering about your job?
I love being that initial contact and explaining what we do and how we can help. Then getting that phone call or seeing a review that is thanking you for helping them be able to enjoy the outdoors again is an awesome feeling.
Thanks Serife!
