By: Travis Mane

The business world is very dynamic. Few stories are as unique and compelling as that of Keenan McGrath, affectionately known as the Queen Bee. With a rich background spanning two decades in the luxury jewelry industry, Keenan made an unexpected yet inspired transition into mosquito control, founding Queen Bee Mosquito Control in Charlotte, North Carolina. Her journey, driven by a desire for local work and a commitment to luxury-level customer service, has redefined what it means to provide pest control services with a personal touch.

Keenan McGrath’s extensive experience in luxury jewelry sales laid the foundation for her entrepreneurial venture into mosquito control. “I spent 20 years in the luxury jewelry industry, where the expectation is the ‘royal treatment.’ For someone to make a high-ticket purchase with you, they have to trust you and believe that their purchase is as special to you as it is to them,” Keenan explains. She carried this ethos into her new venture, treating mosquito control as a service deserving of the same level of care and attention.

The inspiration to start Queen Bee Mosquito Control came in 2018 when Keenan, juggling her role as a mother of two young children and frequent travel, sought a business opportunity that utilized her skills locally. Recognizing the growing population in Charlotte and the corresponding rise in mosquito problems, she saw a niche that needed filling. “I didn’t want to just buy a franchise and follow a very masculine-oriented race-to-the-bottom for clients. I wanted to offer a better service,” Keenan recalls. Embracing her childhood nickname, Queenan, she donned a crown and set out to become the queen of the mosquito control industry.

Starting a business from the ground up, especially in a competitive market, comes with its challenges. Keenan faced stiff competition from national franchises with extensive hiring and marketing budgets. However, instead of competing directly on price, she focused on quality and personalized service. “I know the service I provide is the best possible quality, the training is thorough, and the customer service is exceptional. If that’s the kind of mosquito control company you want to work with, then Queen Bee Mosquito Control is the one for you,” Keenan asserts. Her approach paid off, with clients appreciating her commitment to quality over cost.

Being a woman in the pest control industry, where only 12% of the workforce is female, presented additional hurdles. Keenan often encounters skepticism about her ability to handle the physical demands of the job. “I wonder how many male owners do walk-throughs of every yard and get asked daily if they ‘do the treatments themselves.’ My backpack sprayer and I are here to disagree,” she states firmly. Keenan’s mission includes empowering other women to join the industry, proving that one can be tough, hardworking, and still maintain a polished, feminine presence. “You can kill mosquitoes and be cute at the same time!” she exclaims.

One of the key differentiators for Queen Bee Mosquito Control is the exceptional customer service. Keenan’s background in luxury sales taught her the importance of building trust and delivering personalized service. “My customers really appreciate being able to speak with me directly if there are any issues, my flexibility, and my desire to make things right for them,” Keenan shares. This approach has garnered her a loyal customer base, with many switching from larger competitors due to the superior service they receive from Queen Bee.

Keenan’s commitment to the community is another aspect that sets her apart. Queen Bee Mosquito Control donates 15% of its profits back into the local community, supporting softball teams, community theaters, neighborhood swim teams, and local charity events. The company also supports beekeepers and pollinator research through donations and purchases. “Instead of a franchise fee, I’m putting my profits back into the community, touching more lives and more families than someone who just bought a franchise as an investment will ever be able to,” Keenan proudly states.

Keenan’s journey has been filled with notable achievements. She was selected as a contestant on “The Blox,” a reality show about entrepreneurship, which she describes as one of her exciting and rewarding accomplishments. However, it’s the daily recognition from her community that she cherishes. “Every time I hand out my business card, which is attached to a stick of honey, and someone says, ‘Oh, YOU’RE the Queen Bee! I see your trucks driving around!’ it gives me such a thrill,” Keenan beams. Her unique marketing and community presence have made her a well-known figure in Charlotte.

Looking to the future, Keenan has ambitious plans for Queen Bee Mosquito Control. She aims to expand the business both in terms of service offerings and geographical reach. “I get a lot of requests from existing clients to provide other services because they know the customer service will be fabulous, so I’ve already expanded into Christmas light hanging and am working on adding other home services,” she reveals. She also envisions franchising her business to women who want to be owner/operators, emphasizing the empowerment that comes from hands-on involvement in the business.

Keenan’s story is a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and a personal touch. Her journey from luxury jewelry to mosquito control might seem unconventional, but it’s driven by a consistent commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction. In a market often dominated by impersonal service and cost-cutting measures, Queen Bee Mosquito Control stands out as a beacon of quality and community spirit. As Keenan continues to grow her business, one thing is clear: the Queen Bee is here to stay, and she’s buzzing with potential.

Published By: Aize Perez