As many business owners know, one of the challenges of starting up a venture is hiring quality staff, especially in the corridor where staffing is competitive and housing is costly.
That is a lesson recently learned by O'neal Mutabazi, a young Squamish entrepreneur who is a new franchisee of North Vancouver-based Pest Detective, a pest control company.
Chris Frederick, who founded North Shore Pest Detective Ltd. and Pest Detective Corporate Canada, told The Squamish Chief that last year the company opened franchises in Calgary and Edmonton and has now added this one in the Sea to Sky.
The company prioritizes franchise owners and employees who live where they work.
"We know how important it is now more than ever to have employees living and working in their community. Canadian company, elbows up, and a goal to sponsor more local events and charities," Frederick said.
Initially, the Whistler and Squamish area was usually serviced from the company's North Vancouver location and service technicians.
"We only had temporary success with hiring/maintaining a technician who lives and works in Squamish. It has been a real challenge. … With a technician living in the community, the public noticed us more and called on us more," he added.
Then, late last year, Mutabazi, who lives in Squamish, became a franchisee.
"Right away, the search began to hire and train [a technician] from Squamish. It has taken almost four months, but it has finally happened," Frederick said.
The company now has locally based technician, Peter Lucke.
New dreams
Mutabazi is originally from Rwanda, but was previously in the U.S. on a college basketball scholarship (his Utah team made state).
He originally had dreams of making the NBA after college, but says growing up, his father instilled in him that it is essential to have more than one plan for life.
"You know, it's nice to play, it's nice to do that, but what's your Plan B? My dad always told me that," Mutabazi said.
After his stellar college career ended, he moved up to Squamish, in 2022.
Before becoming a business owner, he worked in customer service for Pest Detective.
"I knew I wanted to run something of my own eventually, and when I started researching business opportunities, this one just made sense. It aligned with my values and had a clear path for growth," he said.
"I’ve always believed in building something meaningful. I saw a gap in the market—people needed high-quality, reliable pest control that’s local, someone they could trust.”
Hiring was tough, he said, because the resumes he received were not from locals.
Beyond being invested in the community, a local understands the people and the issues they face, he added.
He hopes to hire even more local techs and admin support.
"And as we grow, there’ll be more opportunities. My goal is to create steady, well-trained jobs that offer career paths, not just short-term gigs," he said.
He has already learned a lot as a new entrepreneur.
"Like any new venture, there’s a learning curve—permits, logistics, hiring, and getting the word out. But the response from the community has been encouraging," he said.
He hopes residents know that he is here for the long haul.
“This isn’t some distant corporation—it’s a local business, run by someone who lives here, works here, and wants to build something lasting. I’m here to help, to serve, and to grow alongside this incredible region.”
One possible misconception he would like to clear up is that the company doesn't just focus on extermination, but rather, prevention.
“I get it—seeing a pest control truck might feel worrying," he said. "But actually, it’s a sign of a responsible homeowner. Regular pest control is like regular home maintenance—it keeps problems small, prevents infestations, and ensures homes stay clean and healthy. It’s not about crisis, it’s about care.”
Find out more on the Pest Detective website or call 604-932-3300.
The Squamish Business Beat was developed in response to local demand for more business-focused news. To be considered, please reach out to [email protected].
