From Army Officer to Millon-Dollar Success: How This Veteran Built a Thriving Family-Operated Franchise

When Josh Lien left the military, he carried with him a deep understanding of leadership, planning, and accountability.

What he did not yet know was that those same skills would one day help him build a thriving Mosquito Joe franchise and create meaningful opportunities for the people he loved most.

Josh served as an Army officer for four years and then continued working overseas as a government contractor in Iraq and Afghanistan. When he met his wife and they began to grow their family, he realized that constant deployments were no longer sustainable.

“My main goal was to replace the income I was making in Iraq and Afghanistan,” he explains. While exploring different business opportunities, Mosquito Joe immediately stood out. The strong branding, streamlined marketing, and clear operating plan felt like the right fit. For Josh, a franchise system offered the structure and proven playbook he valued.

Josh and his wife also made an important decision early on. They agreed it would be healthier for their marriage if they did not run the business as full-time partners. She would continue her career in the military, and he would take on franchise ownership with support from extended family.

“There is not a person on the planet who will fight to grow your business more than your own mother,” Josh says. His parents eventually moved from South Dakota to help. His mother became the office manager. His father became his first technician. For Josh, providing them with stability and opportunity has been one of the most rewarding parts of his journey.

“Today my parents have more job security and make more money than they ever have. Giving that to them has meant a lot.”

Josh understands that culture starts at the top. Although many technicians begin their day in the field and work independently, he creates intentional moments for connection. His team gets together several times a month to talk through customer questions, field challenges, and service quality. These gatherings help strengthen bonds and reinforce shared standards.

“I like to have fun, and I want this to be a place where people feel supported,” he says.

The foundation Joshua built in the military has shaped how he leads today. As a platoon leader, he learned to build plans, execute them with precision, and guide others through complex tasks. Franchise ownership allows him to apply those same strengths.

“You are handed a plan, and your job is to execute it and lead your team. Those were two things I was already very comfortable with.”

Josh has been part of Mosquito Joe since 2014 and was in the first group of franchise owners to surpass one million dollars in revenue. Because of his experience, he regularly supports new owners and connects them to peers with specialized expertise.

“If I do not have the answer, I know who does. That is the value of this network.”

For Josh, success is not only about his own growth. It is also about building a business that supports his family, creates opportunities for others, and strengthens the entire Mosquito Joe community.