July 31, 2025

SMB Spotlights Deer Solution

We recently sat down with co-founders Kris and Jaime Goodrich to share more about Deer Solution – a specialized service franchise focused on residential and commercial customers.

Deer repellent service franchise cofounders Jaime and Kris Goodrich.

SMB Franchise Advisors: In a few sentences, describe what services your brand provides and what your company is all about.

Kris Goodrich, President: At Deer Solution, we provide professional deer repellent services that protect landscapes from costly deer damage. Our treatments are family, pet and environmentally friendly, and tailored to meet the specific needs of each property. As a locally owned and operated franchise network, we’re passionate about helping homeowners and property managers preserve the beauty and value of their outdoor spaces.

SMB: What makes your service offering unique in today’s market?

Kris: What sets Deer Solution apart is our singular focus on deer repellent and decades of proven expertise. While others offer deer control as a side service, this is all we do, and we do it exceptionally well. Our approach combines a proven application process, customized for each property, with a commitment to family, pet and environmentally friendly treatments. Plus, every location is locally owned and operated, ensuring personalized service backed by a trusted national brand.

SMB: How do you maintain service quality standards across locations?

Jaime Goodrich: We maintain high service quality standards across all Deer Solution locations through a combination of comprehensive training, consistent support, and proven operational systems. Every franchisee is equipped with detailed protocols, hands-on onboarding, and ongoing access to our team of experts to ensure treatments are applied correctly and customer experiences remain exceptional. Regular individual check-ins, quarterly group meetings, and shared best practices help us uphold the integrity of our brand while allowing each locally owned location to deliver service with a personal touch.

Deer Solution at Gruene Hall

SMB: What inspired you to franchise your business?

Kris: After we purchased the business from Jaime’s parents, we dedicated ourselves to systematizing and upgrading every aspect of the operation. Once we had a strong foundation in place, we began growing organically, taking on any customer we could physically drive to. That growth quickly took us beyond northern New Jersey into southern New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and parts of New York, including Orange County and Long Island. We were also receiving calls from states all over the country, which we knew we couldn’t service. We quickly realized that to scale effectively while preserving the quality and care we’re known for, franchising was the right path. It allowed us to bring our proven service to more communities while empowering local owners to make an impact in their own markets.

SMB: Why did you partner with SMB Franchise Advisors?

Jaime: Franchising wasn’t even on our radar – we didn’t know much about it, and honestly, we weren’t all that interested. When Kris scheduled a meeting with Steve to explore the idea, he even told me not to bother coming because “there’s no way we’re franchising.” But Steve clearly said all the right things, because by the time Kris got home, everything had changed. He walked in and said, “Buckle up. We’re going to franchise Deer Solution.”

SMB: How many locations did you have before SMB? How many have you grown to since partnering with SMB?

Jaime: We’ve been with SMB from the beginning. Their team was great at helping us put together our first FDD and everything that went into franchising our business. In the first year we took on 4 franchisees. We then took a step back to assess how we were doing, both us as a franchisor as well as our franchisees. We used the time to learn and improve before hitting the gas. As of this spring, we’re up to 13 franchisees and are bringing on about 1-2 franchisees a month.

SMB: What are your long-term goals for your franchise? How many locations do you hope to grow to?

Kris: Our long-term goal is to build a strong network of locally owned Deer Solution franchises in high-need areas across the country. We’re not chasing a specific number for the sake of growth – we’re focused on finding the right owners in the right markets who align with our values and commitment to quality. That said, we see the potential for 75 to 100 thriving franchisees over time. Our vision is to be the authority in deer damage control, coast to coast, while maintaining the personalized service and proven results that set us apart.

Deer Solution franchisees Lee Family

SMB: What qualities do you look for in successful franchisee candidates?

Kris: We look for franchisee candidates who are hands-on, service-minded, and committed to delivering a great customer experience. You don’t need a background in landscaping or pest control. What matters most is your drive to build a business and your willingness to follow a proven system. Our most successful franchisees are proactive, take pride in their work, and genuinely care about helping homeowners protect their landscapes. If you’re ready to roll up your sleeves and grow something meaningful in your community, you’ll fit right in at Deer Solution.

SMB: What makes your franchisee training program unique?

Kris: Our franchisee training program stands out because it’s hands-on, comprehensive, and personalized. We don’t just hand over a manual. We walk alongside each new franchisee through every step of the process. From in-depth training at our headquarters to our “just-in-time” training that happens as franchisees are hitting different experiences in their business journey, we make sure they’re confident in both the technical application and the day-to-day business operations. Because we’re a growing brand, we’re able to give each owner direct access to our team, real-time coaching, and a level of support that goes far beyond a typical onboarding. We’re truly invested in their success from day one.

SMB: How do you help franchisees build strong client relationships?

Jaime: Building strong client relationships is at the core of what we do, and we equip our franchisees with the tools and support to make that happen. From the start, we emphasize clear communication, reliability, and consistency – values that build lasting trust with customers. Our professionally designed marketing materials, customer service scripts, and scheduling systems help franchisees stay organized and deliver a polished experience.

A key part of that support is our Solution Center, which handles incoming calls, appointment scheduling, and customer inquiries on behalf of each franchise. This ensures fast, professional responses and frees up franchisees to focus on delivering excellent service in the field. Combined with our training on creating a locally rooted customer experience, franchisees are set up to build strong, loyal client relationships that last season after season.

SMB: What advice do you have for business owners looking to franchise?

Kris: Franchising your business can be an incredibly rewarding way to grow, but it’s not something to rush into. Our biggest advice is to make sure your business is truly systematized before you try to scale. You need clear processes, documented procedures, and a model that works without you in the middle of everything.

Also, be honest about your motivations. Franchising isn’t just about expansion – it’s about supporting other people in building their own businesses under your brand. That requires patience, leadership, and a long-term mindset. Surround yourself with people who’ve done it before, ask questions constantly, and be open to evolving your systems as you go. Done right, it’s one of the most fulfilling ways to grow a business and help others grow with you.

SMB: Is there anything else you would like us to share about your brand?

Jaime: At Deer Solution, we’re proud to be more than just a service – we’re a family business built on trust, relationships, and a deep commitment to helping people enjoy their landscapes without the stress of deer damage. Every franchise is locally owned, and every customer interaction is grounded in care, professionalism, and results. We’ve spent over 40 years perfecting this model, and we’re excited to continue growing with franchisees and customers who share our values. Whether you’re looking to protect your plants or grow a business, we’re here to support you every step of the way.

If anyone is looking to learn more about the brand, visit the website and check out Deer Solution franchising opportunities.

Credit: Thank you to Kayla Mowery for facilitating this interview.

Author: Dawn Abbamondi, CMO SMB Franchise Advisors.