Employee Spotlight: Kate Gould

Employee Spotlight: Kate Gould

Mosquito Joe of South Brazos Valley owners, Kate Gould and Paul Gould. Kate Gould is the other owner of Mosquito Joe of South Brazos Valley. She started the business with her husband, Paul, in 2015. Originally from the UK, Kate moved to Texas in the late 90’s and settled first in The Woodlands, then Magnolia and Montgomery. She has 4 children, now all adults. All four of them have worked at Mosquito Joe at one point; Abby (now in Malaysia with a Ph.D. in Forensic Entomology) and Molly (in her final semester at TAMUCC) both worked in the office over summer breaks while in high school and college, Harrison is a part-time technician when we need the extra muscle power and Tanner, who has been a technician for 3 years.
 
 

What made you want to work at Mosquito Joe of NW Houston & S Brazos?

I last worked at a brokerage firm and, when it came time for partnership, things fell through. I didn’t want to work for someone else and Paul encouraged me to look at franchising. With the help of a franchise coach and a lot of research, we landed on Mosquito Joe.

What’s one word to describe your time at Mosquito Joe?

One word is tough, maybe immersive is the best word for it? I am grateful for every single customer we have and making sure we do the right thing for them is paramount. My time has been exciting, exhilarating, scary, and everything in between.

Do you have a favorite customer story?

I think the customer who had West Nile sticks with me the most. She had been so ill for so long and had been so afraid of going outside since that time. It was lovely to be able to give her the confidence to use her yard again and see how much it lifted her mood. There have been many customers that I have loved meeting and a lot of stories, but she really stuck with me.

Fun fact about you?

I grew up in Belgium in a tiny little village. The headmaster of the school was also the gym teacher and the bus driver, which was a VW van. I had 5 people in my grade, so it was very, very small.

Do you have any hobbies?

Crocheting is something I love and do it most evenings. I have a hard time sitting still and it keeps my hands busy (and my family members covered in blankets and hats).

What are some of the most common misconceptions customers have about mosquitoes?

Most people think mosquitoes die when we have a rare freeze, or when it gets cooler here. I would like to point to Alaska as that state has the worst mosquito problem in the US. In Texas mosquitoes never go away. They do calm down a bit when it’s cooler, but cooler here never lasts long, sometimes not even a whole day.

What is a typical day at Mosquito Joe like?

Kate Gould, Mosquito Joe of South Brazos Valley owner. The fun part of owning your own business is that every day is different. I’m always speaking with customers and my technicians, but beyond that, there is marketing and forecasting ordering and accounting, routing, and more. I love the diversity of my days and keeping everything in order and running smoothly.

What’s your best piece of advice for someone wanting to control mosquitoes in their yard?

Appreciate the power of water when it comes to mosquitoes: one teaspoon will breed 300 mosquitoes in 2-3 days. Half of those 300 mosquitoes (the females) will do the same over the next few days, giving you 45,000 mosquitoes. Those females will produce 6.7 million mosquitoes a few days later. Remove the water and you remove a hospitable habitat for egg laying.

When in doubt give Mosquito Joe of S Brazos Valley a call at 979-859-5998 to get a free quote for our pest control services.

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Employee Spotlight: Molly Davis

 

Molly has been working for Mosquito Joe as an office assistant since the summer of 2017 when she was in high school. Since then, she has taken over our social media management and been with us every summer, and on occasion over spring and winter break. Now a senior at TAMU Corpus Christi, Molly will be with us this summer for a short time before she moves into a career in digital marketing, with a focus on the environmental justice field.

What made you want to work at Mosquito Joe of NW Houston & S Brazos?

I grew up watching my mother open and build Mosquito Joe NW Houston from the ground up in our home. My older sister also worked in the “office” (our study) in the early years, where I learned all about our work through many one-sided phone conversations. When the time came to look for my first job, my mother was more than supportive of me taking a position to assist her.

What’s one word to describe your time at Mosquito Joe?

Not the word many might use to describe their work experience, but I think “family” is the first to come to mind. It’s a family business, after all! I work(ed) alongside my brothers, sister, mother, and stepfather over the years, and we worked out of our home office for my first few years as an office assistant. Family has been an integral part of my time at Mosquito Joe.

Do you have a favorite customer story?

Yes, actually! I always love to hear feedback from a happy customer and know that the work we do in the office makes a positive impact on others. It was a phone call with one of our customers, a very kind, older woman. She called the office just to tell us all about how happy she was with our services; we chatted about gardening, hummingbirds, our family business, and just how pleased she was to enjoy time outdoors with loved ones. It’s always nice to be reminded we are making a difference for others.

Fun fact about you?

I’m a college student at TAMU Corpus Christi and an active member of my university’s environmental club and feminist club. A lot of my spare time is spent organizing in my community and hosting events like beach cleans, educational workshops, and environmental justice efforts. I was also a gymnast and a big science fair nerd when I was younger!

Do you have any hobbies?

Other than things previously mentioned, I love attending concerts and supporting local music/artists. I’m lucky enough to attend college on the beach, so I also frequently visit my favorite spots on the Corpus Christi coast. A last hobby would be traveling, something I hope to do much more of when I graduate.

What are some of the most common misconceptions customers have about mosquitoes?

I feel like there are so many. ‘Baby mosquitoes’ is probably the most common phrase I hear which is not accurate (as we all know thanks to the amazing previous blog, ‘The Life-Cycle of a Texas Mosquito”. Customers new to Texas also have a misconception about ‘mosquito season’ and are unpleasantly surprised upon realizing there is no rest for the wicked down here.

What is a typical day at Mosquito Joe like?

Mosquito Joe of NW Houston Office Assistant, Molly!My day in the office usually begins the same, with coffee and emails! When I am in the office full time, I make a social media post every morning and make a handful of quote request calls from the night before. I answer phone calls throughout the day, help manage the technicians in the field, and organize services for the next day (all while keeping very close company for the office dog, of course).

What’s your best piece of advice for someone wanting to control mosquitoes in their yard?

Standing water and a clean yard do wonders! I’ll always tell customers over the phone that just a teaspoon of water can breed up to 300 mosquito eggs at a time, multiple times over. Think outside of the box and check gutters, plant saucers, electrical boxes, etc. Or give us a call at 979-859-5998 and I can make my brothers do all of that and more for you!

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Employee Spotlight: Kyle Luna

18 years in the US Navy before retiring and moving back to Texas. He happened to see a notice board with our job opening on it, and the rest, as they say, is history.

What made you want to work at Mosquito Joe of NW Houston & S Brazos?

I was working at Walmart after the Navy and was ready for something different. When I saw the job listing it appealed to me – being outdoors and independent. I felt like it was something I could do, so I went for it. Now I won’t ever do anything else.

What’s one word to describe your time at Mosquito Joe?

Outstanding!

Do you have a favorite customer story?

Lead technician, Kyle Luna, standing in front of Mosquito Joe Van. I have so many it’s almost impossible to pick. There was one time I was treating a customer – I had been treating the yard for 2 years but had never met him. As I was doing my walk around, he arrived home in a rush. He went inside and came back out asking me how I felt about snakes. The nanny had called that there was a snake in the house, and it was in the laundry room. Armed with a hoe and a shovel, we locked ourselves in the laundry room and eventually wrangled it out from under the dryer using my gutter mirror (we use it to check for issues in gutters). The customer (who hated snakes) held his tail down with the shovel while I used the hoe to get his head. It was about 3’ long, and we laid it out in the driveway to take a photo. I joked that from that day on not only were Mosquito Joe but also Snake Joe. It was an interesting way to meet a customer, but it was great to finally meet him despite the circumstances.

Fun fact about you?

I like to write emotional and spiritual thoughts down. I have a multitude of journals around the house I use. It’s cathartic and I really enjoy the process.

Do you have any hobbies?

Drawing and doodling is a hobby of mine. The other is my amazing dog – we go on alot of walks, and he is very special to me.

What are some of the most common misconceptions customers have about mosquitoes?

I hear “baby mosquito” a lot and must explain that there is no such thing – mosquitoes hatch fully grown from larvae. I think alot of people assume that if it flies and bites it must be a mosquito. There are alot more biting insects than a mosquito and we can deal with them – we just need all the information as they are not all the same.

What is a typical day at Mosquito Joe like?

Mosquito Joe of NW Houston and S Brazos Valley Lead Technician, Kyle Luna, treating a yard for mosquitoes. I treat every house as I would treat my own, and I live that every day. I get to meet some great customers and I love providing them with a comfortable and safe place to be outside.

What’s your best piece of advice for someone wanting to control mosquitoes in their yard?

Just take a few moments to do a daily walk-through of your yard, especially after rain. Take care of your property and keep it debris and water-free. It makes all the difference.

Give Mosquito Joe of S Brazos Valley a Call today For a Swat-Free Yard!

Kyle is ready to help make your yard into a swat-free paradise! Call us today at 979-859-5998 to learn more or get started with one of our outdoor pest control services!

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Employee Spotlight: Tanner Davis

Mosquito Joe of NW Houston technician and licensed applicator. Tanner is both a pest control technician, a licensed applicator, and a misting system technician for Mosquito Joe of NW Houston and S Brazos Valley. He has been working with us since early 2020. Prior to that, Tanner attended Newman University on a golf scholarship and graduated Magnolia High.

What made you want to work at Mosquito Joe of NW Houston & S Brazos?

It’s the family business, so that’s a big part of it. But beyond that, the opportunity to get outside and be somewhat independent was something I loved the idea of. I really enjoy meeting new people. The best part, though, is helping the customers and making a difference to them and their families in their yards.

What’s one word to describe your time at Mosquito Joe?

Hard work!

Do you have a favorite customer story?

I once went to treat a customer and when I walked in the back 5 little puppies ran up to me. I spent quite a bit of time playing with them. Playing with the dogs is a highlight of my day, and I always make sure to have plenty of treats on me.

Fun fact about you?

I’m ambidextrous and play most sports with either hand.

Do you have any hobbies?

I love golf and play any chance I get. I have a +2.7 handicap and have been playing since I was 3 years old.

What are some of the most common misconceptions customers have about mosquitoes?

That mosquito hawks, mosquitoes, biting midges, and gnats are all the same. Just because it bites (and mosquito hawks don’t) doesn’t mean it’s a mosquito.

What is a typical day at Mosquito Joe like?

A lot of sweat, walking, and dealing with crazies on the road. But mostly searching and slaying every mosquito I see. Unless of course, I am working on misting systems with Paul.

What’s your best piece of advice for someone wanting to control mosquitoes in their yard?

Get rid of as much shade and water in the yard as possible. Removing breeding grounds is the first, and most important step of mosquito control. Don’t just look for the big amounts of water, look for the little stuff as well.

Give Us a Call to Make Outside Fun Again!

Tanner and the rest of the Mosquito Joe of NW Houston and S Brazos Valley team are ready to help you take your yard back with our outdoor pest control services. Give us a call at 979-859-5998 to get started!

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Employee Spotlight: Paul Gould

Paul Gould

mosquito-joe-paul-gouldPaul is one of the owners of Mosquito Joe of NW Houston and S Brazos Valley and has been our Mosquito Misting System technician since 2015. Prior to that, Paul serviced Montgomery, Harris, and Waller Counties, both as a firefighter and as a paramedic. He retired fully from Emergency Services 3 years ago to make Mosquito Joe his top work priority.

What Made You Want to Open Mosquito Joe of NW Houston & S Brazos?

Well, Kate (my wife) and I were discussing what she could do after a partnership, that she was doing due diligence for, fell through. We thought about opening a business because both of us wanted to work for ourselves. We hired a franchise coach and after much investigation decided on opening a Mosquito Joe franchise. Neither of us regrets it.

What’s One Word to Describe Your Time at Mosquito Joe?

I think I can describe it in a few words, but not one. Difficult, satisfying, empowering, and fun.

Do You Have a Favorite Customer Story?

There are so many. I am a bit of a sports fan and have been lucky enough to have a famous MLB Baseball player and a famous NFL Football coach as customers. I also love it when a customer calls to sign up and says, “I’m sure this won’t work.” Then we get to prove them wrong.

What Is One Fun Fact About You?

When I was a young man, I dreamed of being an actor and a photographer.

Do You Have Any Hobbies?

Beekeeping, fishing, and doing what Kate wants me to do.

What Are Some of the Most Common Misconceptions About Misting Systems?

I think the biggest misconception is that a Mosquito Misting System is always the best way to get rid of mosquitoes. The truth is it depends on the property and the mosquito pressure on that property. Technology these days gives us many options to control mosquitoes. We can customize these options to give the customer the level of control they want at the price they want to spend.

What Is a Typical Day at Mosquito Joe Like?

For me, there is no typical day. I’m the Jack of all trades for our company. I may treat customers’ yards with our Barrier Treatments one day then fill and repair Mosquito Misting Systems the next. I may have a day helping in the office or in the shop ordering supplies and repairing mist blowers. Throw the occasional trip to the bank and the recycling center in the mix. I’m not the best at anything, except maybe anything having to do with Misting Systems, but I’m pretty good at most things. We are lucky to have the best technicians and office staff in the industry that are the best at what they do.

What’s Your Best Piece of Advice for Someone Wanting to Control Mosquitoes in Their Yard?

Well, other than calling Mosquito Joe. I would recommend being very diligent in keeping standing water to a minimum in your yard. Keep buckets, kid toys, plant saucers, wheelbarrows, tarps, and the like clear of standing water. That won’t keep you mosquito-free, but it should greatly reduce the numbers on your property.

Give Mosquito Joe of S Brazos Valley a call today to learn more about our mosquito control and other outdoor pest control services!

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