Patrice Rice, the dynamic CEO and Founder of Mosquito Sheriff, is a true example of entrepreneurial resilience and passion. With a diverse career spanning hospitality, recruiting, and pest control, she has built successful businesses from the ground up, each more innovative than the last.
From launching the first fleet of powerboats for charter on the Chesapeake Bay to becoming the first woman Captain, Patrice’s ventures have always been trailblazing. Her dedication to providing safe, eco-friendly solutions for both families and pets led her to Mosquito Sheriff, where her commitment to sustainability shines through.
Alongside her thriving business, Patrice’s love for animals — ranging from her dogs to alpacas — drives her pursuit of environmentally responsible pest control solutions.
From Boat Captain to Entrepreneurial Pioneer
Patrice always knew she was destined for a path less traveled. “College, traditional roles, and jobs were not for me,” she admitted. Her unconventional journey began on Maryland’s Magothy River, where she and her husband purchased a 34-foot trawler. Observing that powerboats were overlooked in a sailing-dominated charter market, she saw an opportunity.
“I prefer powerboats to sailboats because I like going in straight lines and knowing when I’ll arrive at my destination,” Patrice explained. She began networking with boat owners who wanted to keep their vessels at private piers but earn income by chartering them. When demand grew, she managed a fleet of 34 powerboats from a marina.
Ensuring safe operation was crucial, as boating licenses weren’t required — just money. “I was in my late 20s, and many people chartering were much older,” she said. Salty captains often challenged her authority. “They’d say, ‘Little girl, I have to prove to you that I can handle this boat?’ I’d reply, ‘Let me see you back it into that inside slip and tie it up.’” To bolster her credibility, Patrice earned her 1,000-pound boat captain’s license.
However, the fuel crisis of the early 1980s derailed the charter business. Undeterred, she pivoted, walking into a recruiting agency and asking, “What job do you have for me as a boat captain?” Instead, the agency hired her to recruit for them. Patrice excelled, quickly becoming the office manager. When the agency couldn’t pay her, she left and founded Patrice & Associates Hospitality Recruiting.
She started small, recruiting from her home basement with three recruiters. Finances were tight; she often used her husband’s paycheck to cover expenses and endured winters without heat. But Patrice never wavered. “I decided to franchise and took out a second mortgage on the house for $125,000,” she recalled. Her gamble paid off, growing the business to 175 franchise offices across the U.S. and Canada.
Beyond her career, Patrice’s passion extended to animals. She ran a pet store filled with puppies, exotic birds, reptiles, and even a 4-foot-tall spider monkey named Annie. “Annie was my little girl,” Patrice shared. “I was shopping at Babies R Us for her clothes and changing her diapers.”
Her story exemplifies resilience and vision, proving that even the most unexpected paths can lead to monumental success.
“I went without heat, but I never gave up.”
Creating a Greener Future with Innovation and Purpose
When Patrice transitioned from hospitality and recruiting to founding Mosquito Sheriff, it was deeply personal. After selling her hospitality recruiting business, she fulfilled a long-time dream by moving to Maryland’s Eastern Shore and purchasing a six-acre farm. Her new home became a sanctuary for animals: four miniature horses, four goats, six alpacas, four dogs, and an African Grey parrot she had raised since infancy.
Her passion for animals collided tragically with the dangers of mosquito-borne diseases. “I had a goat and an alpaca die from brain worms transmitted by mosquitoes,” Patrice shared. Heartbroken, she sought mosquito control services but was dismayed by the widespread use of synthetic, toxic sprays. “That was not acceptable to me,” she said.
Patrice’s journey in mosquito and tick control began when she partnered with a Pennsylvania chemist who had developed an all-natural mosquito spray made from essential oils, offering a safer alternative. She tested it and was impressed. “It worked great and was completely safe,” she explained. The collaboration was mutually beneficial: as Mosquito Sheriff grew, so did the chemist’s business. “He had a very small direct-to-consumer business through his website and was thrilled to partner with us,” Patrice explained.
Her experience ignited a new purpose: to offer families and pet owners a non-toxic choice for mosquito control. “I decided that other people needed to know they had a choice,” Patrice recalled. Motivated by this vision, she franchised Mosquito Sheriff, creating a solution that aligned her entrepreneurial spirit with her love for animals.
“It wasn’t just about solving a problem — it was about creating a better way for pets, children, and the planet.”
Building a Sustainable Franchise with Integrity
Patrice’s vision extended beyond immediate success to long-term environmental impact. “In this era of grass-fed beef, free-range chickens, and paper straws, protecting the environment is foremost on the thoughts of many,” Patrice said. She envisions Mosquito Sheriff franchisees operating nationwide, offering an environmentally safe solution for controlling mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas. “For only $89 a month, families can enjoy the outdoors knowing their children, pets, and loved ones are safe.”
Building this eco-conscious business model didn’t come without challenges. Patrice initially relied on a trusted franchise development expert with years of broker relationships. “He managed franchise development for Mosquito Sheriff, but he had to devote full time to Patrice & Associates,” she said, citing concerns over private equity involvement. When he left, franchise leads slowed dramatically. “I had to build and cultivate new relationships and educate brokers on how we were different.” With persistence, leads have steadily increased.
Despite the hurdles, Patrice’s proudest accomplishment is fostering a culture built on integrity and alignment with franchisees who share her values. “I’ve turned away people because I didn’t feel they would fit in,” she shared. “When you first start franchising, you’re excited to accept anyone with a checkbook — but you’ll regret it later.”
“Building the right culture is more important than a quick sale.”
Empowering Communities with a Safer, Greener Solution
Patrice is passionate about how Mosquito Sheriff empowers local business owners while offering families peace of mind. “Daycare centers can tell parents they’re using an all-natural product, so they don’t have to worry when children are playing,” she explained. The same reassurance applies to restaurants that expanded outdoor seating during the pandemic. “Those outdoor spaces haven’t gone away, and now they can feel safe, knowing they’re using only natural treatments.”
Beyond businesses, Mosquito Sheriff offers environmentally conscious solutions for playgrounds, campgrounds, senior centers, and homeowners’ associations seeking alternatives to chemical treatments. Patrice takes pride in how her company meets a growing need: “There are so many things that would feel good about ‘finding’ us.”
Looking to the future, her vision is clear. Patrice plans to expand Mosquito Sheriff through a nationwide network of franchisees. “My goal is to have enough franchisees in each state so that no matter where someone lives, we can be their Local Sheriff.”
“There’s nothing better than knowing you’re making a difference for people, pets, and the planet.”
Balancing Passion, Purpose, and Leadership
Patrice’s role as CEO of Mosquito Sheriff changes with the seasons. As spring approaches, her focus intensifies. “My job is to do everything I can to help franchisees find new customers,” she said. “You could probably describe me as a ‘workhorse’ CEO.” Her daily routine involves posting blogs, strategizing local marketing efforts with franchisees, managing SEO for microsites, and ensuring Mosquito Sheriff maintains a competitive edge in search rankings.
Patrice monitors the company’s position against competitors, analyzing key metrics like keywords and readability. “I make sure we’re always on the cutting edge,” she explained. This time of year also brings legal and financial obligations, such as preparing the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) for state approval.
Balancing her professional life with managing Alpaca Acres and her beloved animals is a priority. “I’m an early morning person, so in the summer I’m out with my animals, caring for them and spending time with them,” Patrice shared. “Now that it’s so cold, I start working early and spend time with my ‘babies’ when the sun warms things up.”
“You can’t ask for a better life when work and passion blend seamlessly.”
Empowering Job Seekers Through Practical Guidance
In 2022, Patrice authored The Job of Getting a Job, a book aimed at helping individuals displaced by the COVID-19 pandemic navigate the job market. Drawing from her own experiences, the book provides invaluable insights for job seekers, emphasizing a strategic and proactive approach.
The book covers several key areas:
- Apply Smartly: Choose the Right Jobs
Focus on roles that align with your skills and experience. Applying to every job without consideration wastes time and increases the chances of rejection. Tailor your job search for better success.
- Customize Your Resume for Every Job
A generic resume won’t stand out. Customize it for each role, showcasing your transferable skills and aligning with job requirements to capture attention.
- Network, Network, Network
Many opportunities never make it to job boards. Leverage your personal and professional connections to uncover these hidden roles, ensuring you’re aware of all possibilities.
- Polish Your Online Presence
Ensure your LinkedIn profile reflects your professional self and aligns with your resume. Clean up your social media presence to present your best image to potential employers.
- Prepare for Interviews Like a Pro
Do your homework on the company, anticipate common interview questions, and prepare thoughtful questions to ask the interviewer. Preparation is key to making a strong impression.
- Follow Up Effectively
After an interview, always send a thank-you email to express gratitude and reinforce your enthusiasm for the role.
- Be Ready to Pivot
If you’re not getting the results you want, it may be time to adjust your strategy. Revamp your resume, broaden your search, or even consider pivoting to a related industry.
- Show, Don’t Just Tell
Use quantifiable achievements to demonstrate your impact. Rather than simply claiming success, showcase concrete examples that prove your contributions.
Patrice’s book reflects her dedication to supporting individuals, especially those impacted by unforeseen circumstances like COVID-19, providing them with actionable strategies to find meaningful employment and build a rewarding career.
Building a Legacy of Support, Resilience, and Empowerment
Patrice’s leadership style is centered around core values of respect, excellence, service, and teamwork. She aims to foster a family-like atmosphere within her franchise network, where franchisees regularly connect, share best practices, and support each other. “Brian and I are always available, and all franchisees have our personal cell phone numbers,” she said. Her approach is about accessibility and creating an environment of mutual respect and camaraderie.
To aspiring women leaders in franchising, Patrice offers clear advice. “Make sure your idea is a good one and is a good match for franchising,” she emphasized. “When you decide to franchise, you’re obligated to do everything in your power to make the franchisees successful. You’ll be their counselor, confidant, mentor, and friend.”
She also reminds future leaders that while franchising is challenging, the rewards are worth the effort. “Franchising is very difficult but can be very rewarding. The biggest reward for me is helping franchisees be successful — especially those who have never been in business before.”
Patrice’s advice extends beyond franchising. “Don’t stop dreaming,” she urged those who may feel sidelined by age or societal expectations. “Start your own business. I know women who earn a great income selling handmade quilts or developing their own jewelry line.”
At 72, Patrice continues to defy expectations. “I love building businesses. Why would I want to retire from something I love?” Her legacy, she hopes, will be one of empowerment and success. “I hope to leave behind many successful franchisees who never dreamed they could have their own business and are now living the dream.”
“The biggest reward is watching franchisees achieve their dream — especially those who never thought it was possible.”
Conclusion
Patrice Rice’s journey exemplifies the power of determination and innovation in entrepreneurship. Whether navigating the waters of the Chesapeake or protecting families from harmful pests with safe and eco-friendly pest control solutions, her work reflects a commitment to excellence, safety, and sustainability.
As she continues to expand Mosquito Sheriff across the nation, her legacy is built not only on her business acumen but also on her unwavering dedication to the well-being of both people and animals. Through her leadership, Patrice is ensuring a brighter, more eco-conscious future for the generations to come.
