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 Crislynn Cookman of Mosquito Joe of Macon who provides mosquito control services in the Macon area of Georgia. Crislynn oversees the day to day operations of the business. She is a busy gal! Not only does she run the MoJo office, she is graduating in May with her Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education, and then moving right along to the University of Georgia (Go Bulldogs!) to pursue her Bachelor of Arts in Special Education. Her infectious personality and sweet southern drawl are just a few of the reasons the residents of Macon love calling her to get rid of pesky mosquitoes!
What is your role in the Mosquito Joe business?
I am the Office Manager! I am responsible for all incoming calls, system maintenance, and I coordinate the daily routes for the technicians. In addition, I coordinate supplies from corporate and maintain inventory reports.
What motivated you to get involved in Mosquito Joe?
My dad is actually the one who sparked the attention and interest in opening a Mosquito Joe in Georgia. When he first told me I wasn’t so sure about it, but then as we looked deeper and started working towards being part of the MoJo team, I fell in love. The corporate office and other franchisees that we have met are informative, helpful, and extremely supportive. I also enjoy being a part of a “family” business, and working with my dad is an added bonus. I love being able to call something ours. Seeing our yellow signs in yards throughout Macon just makes me want to scream “We did it!”
What is your most memorable moment from your first season?
Being able to call my dad and tell him we had our first customer was priceless. I really enjoyed being able to walk around and meet our customers as well as talking to potential customers about what we do to help make outside fun again.
There are often misconceptions around the pest control industry and in particular with women working in that industry. What are your thoughts on this?
I love working in the pest control industry. Being able to do something that is typically a “man’s job” in the eyes of society is very rewarding and something I like to brag about. I not only do all the work in the office, but I have even helped spray! I think that this business would not run as smoothly without the organization and multi-tasking skills that are dominant in females. These characteristics along with many others allow me and other women to prove regardless of the job, it is the skill set of the individual that allows a company to be successful.
Who is your inspiration and why?
My inspiration would definitely be my dad. Watching him build this business while employed full-time with a different company yet finding the time to make our family his first priority, is inspiring in my eyes.
Thanks Crislynn!
