Connect Who or what is your inspiration in business?

What inspires me most in business is the impact we have on families. At Upstate Bug Busters, we help people enjoy their backyards again without worrying about ticks and mosquitoes. When customers tell us they wouldn’t be able to use their yard if it wasn’t for our service, it’s incredibly rewarding. Moments like that keep me grounded and remind me that what we’re building is about helping people, not just running a business and collecting money.

How do you stay motivated?

I stay motivated by constantly learning and surrounding myself with people who push me to grow. As a member of Entrepreneurs’ Organization, I am able to connect with driven founders and ask questions to those who have achieved incredible success. I also read business and self-development books and listen to podcasts to keep learning every day. Most importantly, I remind myself that what we do at Upstate Bug Busters truly helps people—and that purpose keeps me going.

What would you do with the $25,000?

If I won $25,000, I would first give $5,000 each to my two main technicians because their hard work has helped make Upstate Bug Busters what it is today. I would donate $5,000 to Boston Children’s Hospital, which has helped me tremendously through my own health challenges. The remaining $10,000 would be reinvested into Upstate Bug Busters to grow our reach and help more families enjoy their outdoor spaces again and get the peace of mind they deserve.