Kelli Stair and Alex Welsch always knew they wanted to run a business together but weren’t sure what type of business they wanted. As they explored franchise opportunities, one problem kept coming up: evenings in their backyard were anything but relaxing.

“We’d spent so many nights getting run inside by mosquitoes,” Kelli recalls. So, when Alex stumbled upon Mosquito Joe, a company specializing in outdoor pest control, it immediately piqued his interest.

“Did you know you could spray to keep mosquitoes away?” Alex asked.

“Yeah, it’s called Deep Woods Off,” Kelli replied skeptically.

Alex shook his head. “No, you spray the yard, and then mosquitoes don’t bother you.”

Kelli’s response? “Uhh, yes please!”

That conversation set everything in motion. Kelli and Alex saw an opportunity to build a business and to help other families reclaim their outdoor spaces. Soon, Mosquito Joe of South Bend was born, offering eco-friendly, family-safe pest control solutions to make backyard living enjoyable again.

Figuring It Out, One Challenge at a Time

As Kelli and Alex quickly discovered, there’s no finish line when owning a business.

“I thought you learned what you needed to know and did it,” Kelli admits. “But being a business owner means constantly growing. Every year, there are new lessons, steps, and complexities to figure out.”

From managing operations to customer service, marketing, and the technical aspects of pest control, the learning curve never stops. For Kelli and Alex, that’s been both a challenge and an opportunity.

“There is no ‘I made it!’ moment,” Kelli explains. “It’s more like, ‘I figured that out, now what do I need to learn next?’”

To keep the momentum going, this dynamic duo finds it helpful to celebrate the wins, no matter how small.

“When you’re constantly solving problems, it’s easy to feel like everything is just one big challenge,” Kelli says. “And challenges without reward aren’t fun at all.”

Kelli and Alex take the time to acknowledge victories like figuring out a new system, hitting a business milestone, or simply receiving a heartfelt thank-you from a customer.

“We love helping people enjoy their backyards,” Kelli says. “Hearing from happy customers who can finally relax outside again is the best reward.”

A Greener Approach to Outdoor Pest Control

When people think of pest control, they often picture harsh chemicals and heavy-duty sprays. However, Kelli and Alex focus on safety for families and the environment.

From day one, Mosquito Joe of South Bend has prioritized an all-botanical approach to pest control, using plant-based solutions as the first line of defense against mosquitoes, ticks, and other pests.

“Focusing on natural treatments as the first step sets us apart,” Kelli explains. “We have synthetic options when needed, but 99% of our barrier sprays are all-botanical.”

Mosquito Joe of South Bend’s commitment to safe, effective pest control doesn’t stop with their products. They’re also proud members of the Pollinator Protection Program and have earned Gold-Tier Status in the EPA’s Pesticide Environmental Stewardship Program. These recognitions highlight their dedication to environmentally responsible practices.

“These systems are game changers,” Kelli explains. “They’re set on timers but can also be activated from a smartphone app. It’s like having a technician on call 24/7.”

Misting systems are particularly effective for lakeside properties, outdoor kitchens, patios, and pool areas that might need extra protection. Instead of waiting for a scheduled treatment, homeowners can control their mosquito protection with the push of a button.

The benefits extend beyond residential backyards. Kelli and Alex are also introducing misting systems for restaurants and outdoor venues, giving businesses a way to keep guests comfortable and bug-free.

“We’re creating environments where people can truly enjoy the outdoors—whether it’s a backyard barbecue or a night out on a restaurant patio,” Kelli says.

With their passion for innovation, Kelli and Alex are proving that mosquito control can enhance outdoor living in a way that’s safe, effective, and hassle-free.

For families with kids and pets, this makes a world of difference. Kelli and Alex understand that outdoor spaces should be places of fun and relaxation, not a battleground against bugs or harmful chemicals. Their treatments are designed to protect without sacrificing safety.

On top of prioritizing safety, Kelli and Alex maintain a customer-first approach.

“We don’t show up, spray, and leave,” Kelli says. “We take time to educate our customers, answer questions, and make sure they understand what we’re doing and why it works.”

Their eco-conscious mindset and exceptional service have helped Mosquito Joe of South Bend become a trusted name in the community.

Turning Skepticism into Success

Like any new business, Mosquito Joe of South Bend had to prove itself. People weren’t always sure if mosquito control was worth the investment.

Year two was a turning point for the duo.

“When customers came back for another season, it was huge,” Kelli recalls. “It validated that what we were doing worked.”

Year after year, their customer base continues to grow, thanks to Kelli and Alex’s dedication to service, communication, and results.

“We don’t treat a yard and move on,” Kelli says. “We take the time to understand each customer’s concerns and ensure they get the best possible outcome.”

That commitment paid off in a big way. In their fourth year, Mosquito Joe of South Bend was recognized as a Top Gun Franchisee, an award given to the highest -performing locations in the company.

For Kelli, the biggest wins happen in backyards across South Bend—like the time she played mosquito detective for a customer whose treatments weren’t working.

“I knew there had to be a breeding ground somewhere,” she says. After multiple inspections, she finally spotted a tiny plastic bag tucked under some bushes, holding just enough water for mosquito larvae to thrive.

“That was the last time I doubted our process,” she says. “If you can find the source, you can fix the problem.”

That persistence and problem-solving set Mosquito Joe of South Bend apart, turning skeptics into believers, one mosquito-free yard at a time.

The Future of Outdoor Comfort

After five years in business, Kelli and Alex are still finding ways to offer even more convenience and protection for their customers.

Their latest innovation involves misting systems—an automated, on-demand mosquito control solution that puts power directly in the hands of homeowners.