Q1) Kindly give our readers an introduction to your business. Please include what your business is all about, in which city you are located and if you have offices in multiple locations/ cities?
Ans: Home and Hive is a locally owned, family-run business offering pest control services for both homes and commercial buildings across North Texas. Based in Celina, we proudly serve the surrounding cities of Frisco, Prosper, McKinney, Gunter, Van Alstyne, Anna, Melissa, Weston, Little Elm, Allen, and Plano.
Q2) Kindly give us a brief description about yourself (it should include your brief educational or entrepreneurial background and list some of your major achievements)?
Ans: Home and Hive is truly a family business, founded by my husband, Mitchell, and myself. We met at Tarleton State University—where I earned my degree in biomedical sciences and Mitchell graduated with a degree in marketing. We’re both native Texans, having grown up in the DFW area before moving to Austin after college. In 2013, we made our way back to North Texas, and shortly after decided to launch Home and Hive.
Q3) What inspired you to (start a new business venture) or (to make significant changes in an existing business)? How did the idea for your business come about?
Ans: Home and Hive started back in 2014, focused on live honeybee removal. Growing up, my family kept bees as a hobby, and I spent a lot of time helping with the hives. Over the years, people started to understand just how important honeybees are to the environment, and suddenly, there was a real need for live bee removal when hives showed up in homes or buildings, instead of just exterminating them.
As our bee removal business grew, we earned a reputation for doing great work and really caring about our customers. And then something interesting started happening: as I was helping customers with their bee problems, many of them would ask if we could also help with their general pest control. They weren’t happy with their current pest service, for one reason or another and wanted a better way. The more we dug into it, the more we realized there was a real opportunity to bring the same level of care and quality we gave to bee removal into the pest control world.
I knew that if I was going to expand the business into pest control as well I would need help. So in 2023, my husband made the leap from an 18-year career in IT sales, and we decided to take the plunge into pest control. Our goal is simple: we want every customer to have such a great experience that they tell their friends and neighbors, “Home and Hive is the best pest control company I’ve ever worked with.
Q4) What three pieces of advice would you give to budding entrepreneurs?
Ans: 1.) Take the time to think about future growth and where you see your business down the road even when you’re just starting out. In the beginning it’s easy to get caught up in immediate needs. But taking the time to set your business up for future growth can save you a lot of time and money down the road. This might mean investing in things like software, systems, or even setting up your business structure (like an LLC) early on, even if they don’t seem urgent at the moment. Having a clear vision and business plan in place will help keep everything running smoothly as your business expands.
2.) Find mentors who are truly willing to coach you. Having someone in your corner who’s already been through the challenges you’re facing—or will face—can be invaluable. They can share what worked, what didn’t, and why. Plus, they offer an objective perspective, free from the emotional attachment you have to your business. A good mentor will also help keep you accountable, ensuring you stay focused on your goals and push through the inevitable obstacles.
3.) Don’t fear failure—embrace it as an opportunity to learn. One of the best lessons I’ve learned is to view every setback as a chance to improve. Your mindset around mistakes will shape whether you see them as valuable lessons or as obstacles that hold your business back.
Q5) What would you say are the top three skills needed to be a successful entrepreneur?
Ans: 1.) Resilient: Resilience is key for entrepreneurs because the road is never smooth. There will be setbacks, disappointments, and moments when things feel like they’re falling apart. How you handle those challenges can make or break your business. Resilience helps you push through tough times and keep moving forward, even when things aren’t going your way.
2.) Organized: As an entrepreneur, you’re balancing a lot—operations, marketing, finances, customer relations—you name it. Being organized helps you stay on top of everything, prioritize what matters most, and manage your time effectively. It ensures you’re not scrambling and can focus on what drives growth.
3.) Leadership Skills: Strong leadership is about more than just making decisions—it’s about inspiring your team, guiding them through challenges, and maintaining a positive company culture. Effective leadership helps you build trust, motivate others, and keep your business moving forward as you grow.
Q6) How many hours do you work a day on average?
Ans: A lot. Some days, it feels like we’re working from the moment we wake up until we go to bed. It’s definitely something we’ve struggled with, especially because we value family time so much. As entrepreneurs, though, it can be hard to separate the business from family life. It’s tough to truly step away or have conversations that aren’t focused on the business. Finding that balance is an ongoing challenge.
Q7) To what do you most attribute your success?
Ans: There’s no magic bullet to success. For us, it’s been about hard work and perseverance. A strong work ethic and the ability to push through challenges is crucial. We understand that success doesn’t come overnight, so we’ve been willing to put in the hours, handle setbacks, and keep going when things get tough. It’s all about persistence. And being a team has made a big difference too. We tackle challenges together, support each other, and rely on our strengths to keep moving forward.
Q8) How do you go about marketing your business? What has been your most successful form of marketing?
Ans: Marketing has definitely been one of our biggest challenges—it’s a constantly moving target. We’ve learned that a mix of strategies works best. Google Ads, SEO, and social media marketing have been effective for us, but we also recognize the value of customer referrals and being active in our community. This year, we’re adding local print advertising to the mix to boost brand recognition as well. It’s all about finding the right balance and staying adaptable to what delivers the best results.
Q9) Where did your organizations funding/capital come from and how did you go about getting it? How did you obtain investors for your venture?
Ans: When I first started Home and Hive, Mitchell stayed in his IT sales career while I focused on getting the business off the ground. That extra income allowed us to reinvest everything back into the company, which helped us grow without taking on debt. It wasn’t easy, but it’s been key to maintaining control and building the business on our own terms. As we continue to grow, our plan is to keep reinvesting back into the business to fuel further expansion and ensure long-term success.
Q10) What is the best way to achieve long-term success?
Ans: Find what sets you apart and lean into it. We learned early on that we weren’t interested in competing on price alone, like some of our competitors. Instead, we focused on delivering exceptional service, and that became our core strength. We realized that when customers saw the value in what we were offering and received the quality they expected, price wasn’t the main factor. It was all about providing a great experience and building trust, and that’s what kept customers coming back.
Q11) Where you see yourself and your business in 5 – 10 years?
Ans: In the next 5 to 10 years, I see Home and Hive becoming one of the top pest control companies in the DFW area. We’re building the business with long-term growth in mind, focusing on creating a solid foundation that will set us up for success. Our goal isn’t just to be another pest control service—we want to be known for exceptional service, building strong relationships with our customers, and staying deeply involved in our community. We’re putting the right systems in place and making smart investments to ensure we’re ready for the future. We know that it will be a lot of hard work, but we’re excited for what’s ahead.
Q12) Excluding yours, what company or business do you admire the most?
Ans: I have a deep respect for any family-run business, especially when it’s a husband and wife team. The level of dedication, hard work, and sacrifice it takes is something most people don’t fully understand until they experience it firsthand. It’s a constant balancing act, but the rewards are worth it.
Q13) How important have good employees been to your success?
Ans: Hiring the right people is key to scaling your business—without a strong team, growth is tough. It’s not just about filling positions; it’s about making sure everyone understands the mission and what they’re working toward. When you provide clear guidance and solid training, you set them up to succeed, which in turn helps the company grow and thrive.
Q14) How long do you stick with an idea before giving up?
Ans: Being able to make quick decisions is crucial for any company. Overthinking can lead to missed opportunities. But just as important is the ability to pivot fast if you realize a decision was wrong. The longer you stick with a bad choice, the harder and more expensive it becomes to course-correct. On the flip side, if you’re on the right path, stick with it and build momentum. Consistency often outperforms perfection in the long run.
Q15) What motivates you?
Ans: There’s a deep sense of pride in building a company from the ground up—especially when it’s something you can truly stand behind. Creating a business that not only supports our own family but also provides for the families of our employees is a powerful motivator. Equally important is the drive to offer exceptional service to our customers, knowing that their satisfaction and success is a direct reflection of our hard work. When we see the impact we’re making, it pushes us to keep moving forward.
Q16) What are your ideals?
Ans: At the core of our company’s ideals is a commitment to providing an exceptional level of service. We believe that going above and beyond for our customers is not just a priority, but a standard we hold ourselves to every day. Equally important is how we value and empower our employees. We want them to feel supported in their roles, knowing that the work they do helps provide for their families, creating a sense of purpose and pride. Honesty and integrity are non-negotiables for us—everything we do is grounded in transparency and trust, both with our customers and our team. And ultimately, all of this comes together in our goal of building a loyal customer base. By staying true to these ideals, we know we’re setting ourselves up for long-term success and making a positive impact on everyone involved.
Q17) How do you generate new ideas?
Ans: We prioritize listening to both our employees and customers. Customer needs and feedback are at the heart of our drive to improve daily and inspire new ideas. We also value the input of our team in the field, who bring fresh perspectives on how to streamline processes and enhance the service we provide. This collaborative approach helps us continuously evolve and better meet the needs of those we serve.
Q18) How do you define success?
Ans: Goal setting is a key part of our business. We focus on both short-term and long-term objectives, and for us, success is all about meeting those goals. It keeps us focused, driven, and always moving forward.
Q19) How do you build a successful customer base?
Ans: Creating a successful customer base is all about building strong, genuine relationships. We focus on earning trust by being honest and transparent with every customer we serve. Instead of relying on quick, high-pressure tactics, we take the time to understand their needs and provide solutions that truly benefit them. This approach not only helps us retain customers but also encourages them to refer friends and family because they feel confident in the service we provide. By fostering these long-term relationships, we’ve been able to create a loyal customer base that grows through word-of-mouth and genuine recommendations.
Q20) What is your favorite aspect of being an entrepreneur?
Ans: The best part of being an entrepreneur is seeing the direct impact of the decisions we make. Whether it’s a new strategy, a shift in direction, or even a small change in how we operate, we get to see the immediate results in real time. It’s incredibly rewarding to watch those decisions play out—whether it’s seeing customer satisfaction improve, the team becoming more efficient, or growth in the business. There’s a sense of ownership and accountability that comes with that.
Q21) What has been your most satisfying moment in business?
Ans: Every time we gain a new customer, it’s incredibly satisfying. There’s a sense of pride in knowing that our hard work, dedication, and values are resonating with people. That feeling of excitement and accomplishment never really fades, and it keeps us motivated to improve every day.
Q22) What do you feel is the major difference between entrepreneurs and those who work for someone else?
Ans: The main difference between entrepreneurs and those who work for someone else comes down to ownership and mindset. Entrepreneurs are ok taking on more risk and responsibility—everything from big-picture strategy to day-to-day decisions falls on our shoulders. We’re constantly thinking about growth, solving problems, and finding new opportunities. People who work for someone else usually have more defined roles and focus on specific tasks. While both paths have their rewards, entrepreneurship is about building something from the ground up and being fully invested in its success or failure.
Q23) What kind of culture exists in your organization? How did you establish this tone and why did you institute this particular type of culture?
Ans: We foster a culture of pride in our work, personal ownership, and dreaming big. I believe that no matter what you’re doing, you should always give it your best and take pride in the results. As a company, if we set ambitious goals, own our mistakes, and consistently deliver exceptional work, we’ll stand out from the competition and build something truly remarkable.
Q24) In one word, characterize your life as an entrepreneur?
Ans: Calculated
Q25) If you had the chance to start your career over again, what would you do differently?
Ans: I wish I had become an entrepreneur sooner. I spent too much time believing that successful business owners had it all figured out from the start. What I’ve learned is that the most successful people are the ones who jump in, take risks, and learn as they go. The journey is about evolving and adapting, not waiting for everything to be perfect.
Q26) How has being an entrepreneur affected your family life?
Ans: Being an entrepreneur has definitely affected our family life in both good and challenging ways. The business tends to seep into almost every aspect of our lives, which can be tough at times, but it also means we get to spend a lot of time together as a family, even if it’s working on the business. My dream is for our son to one day join us in the business, so the time we’re investing now—working together, learning together—will hopefully pay off down the road. While it’s not always easy to balance, I see it as an opportunity to build something lasting and meaningful that we can all be proud of. Plus, the time we spend together, even if it’s work-focused, is time well spent.
Q27) What is your greatest fear, and how do you manage fear?
Ans: I think the biggest fear for most entrepreneurs is failure—there’s a lot riding on the success of the business. I manage that fear by surrounding myself with the right people, staying open to feedback, and remaining adaptable. By being coachable and learning from every experience, I can face challenges head-on and keep moving forward.
Q28) How did you decide on the location for your business?
Ans: Sometimes, good business decisions can feel more like luck than anything else. For example, when we started our business, we had no idea that the city we chose would later become the fastest-growing city in America. It’s a reminder that timing and circumstances can play a huge role in success.
Q29) Do you believe there is some sort of pattern or formula to becoming a successful entrepreneur?
Ans: I don’t know if there is a specific pattern or formula, but I do believe that most entrepreneurs probably share some important character traits such as resilience, adaptability, and vision.
Q30) If you could talk to one person from history, who would it be and why?
Ans: Jesus. Honestly, I think the “why” speaks for itself
Q31) Who has been your greatest inspiration?
Ans: My biggest inspiration has been my husband Mitchell. He taught me the importance of perseverance, vision, and staying true to our values, even when the road gets tough.
Q32) What book has inspired you the most? (OR what is your favorite book?)
Ans: Extreme Ownership by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin. This book changed my entire outlook on challenges and setbacks, and has had a huge impact on my life and business.
Q33) What are some of the biggest mistakes you’ve made?
Ans: One of the biggest mistakes I’ve made was trying to do too much on my own early on. I believed that I had to handle everything myself, from decision-making to managing every detail. It wasn’t until I started trusting my team more and delegating effectively that things truly began to grow and run more smoothly. It taught me the value of collaboration and that you don’t have to have all the answers yourself—it’s about building a strong, capable team and leaning on them.
Q34) How can you prevent mistakes or do damage control?
Ans: I don’t believe you can completely avoid mistakes, but acting quickly once you recognize one can make a big difference in the outcome. Too often, people stay on the wrong path for too long, which only leads to more work and bigger challenges down the line. The key is recognizing when something isn’t working and making the necessary adjustments as soon as possible.
Q35) What are your hobbies? What do you do in your non-work time?
Ans: When we’re not working, we love to get away and spend time in nature as a family. The busy schedule of being an entrepreneur can be all-consuming, so it’s important for us to intentionally schedule time to disconnect from work and reconnect with each other.
Q36) What makes you happy?
Ans: Spending time with my family, especially away from the hustle of work, is what keeps me grounded and truly happy.
Q37) What sacrifices have you had to make to be a successful entrepreneur?
Ans: Being an entrepreneur definitely comes with some sacrifices. One of the biggest has been time—there are plenty of things we’ve had to miss, and personal downtime isn’t always a given. Early on, we also had to give up some financial comforts to reinvest in the business and help it grow. And honestly, there’s always a bit of uncertainty because you’re constantly stepping into the unknown and taking risks. It’s about finding a balance and trusting that the hard work now will pay off down the road.
Q38) If you were conducting this interview, what question would you ask?
Ans: What keeps you up at night?