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| photography by Doug Davis |
Before he became the chairman and CEO of MosquitoNix, the nation’s leading mosquito misting company, Dan O’Neal had a series of successful ventures, including the sale of several insurance companies and the formation of a private equity business. In February 2006, O’Neal and several partners founded FEMO Holdings LP and purchased the assets of Dallas-based MosquitoNix with the intent of turning the company into a household name nationwide. MosquitoNix employs a mist system that uses a natural solution to kill and repel spiders, fleas, gnats, and other pests, including West Nile–carrying mosquitoes. MosquitoNix currently has customers in more than 50 southeastern U.S. cities, with plans to open an additional 100 franchises across the country by 2010.
Age: 45
Title, Company: Chairman & CEO, FEMO Holdings/MosquitoNix
Tenure: 1.5 years
What was your first job?
I bagged groceries at 14 years old.
What was your worst job?
I was a dishwasher in a very busy restaurant, working with a bunch of terrible co-workers who kept leaving me alone in the back of the restaurant fending for myself while they slipped out to take a break.
If you couldn’t say “the people I work with,” what would you say is the best part of your job?
I get my greatest satisfaction when I stop to take a breath and look backwards to see the results from my team’s hard work.
What’s the worst part?
Spending too much time in the Ivory Tower, away from the “real” world of the day-to-day operations.
On weekends, where would people find you?
If I’m not at my youngest son’s sporting events at Jesuit High School, then I’m at one of my three college-aged kids’ events out of town or I’m working out at home.
What book is currently on your nightstand?
I do not read much other than the newspaper, but my Bible is close to the nightstand to keep me in line.
What’s your favorite TV show?
My wife and I both enjoy Everybody Loves Raymond. It’s hilarious!
What three Web sites do you visit most frequently?
MSN News, Google, and Weather.com.
What’s your most recent major purchase?
College tuition for three.
What’s your biggest regret?
Not taking school more seriously as a kid.
What do you consider to be your biggest weakness?
I tend to be a little spontaneous.
What’s the best advice anyone ever told you?
One of many from my dad, and one I live by: Never quit.
