Fourteen years ago, DeMoor was a University of Central Florida student pursuing a degree in biology, unsure where his education would take him.

“I saw others with biology degrees getting jobs testing orange juice and generally doing work that they were not passionate about,” he said.  “I realized that I needed to find a career path that would allow me to work hand-on with wildlife.”

His inspiration came from a truck advertising nuisance wildlife capturing services.  DeMoor and Agnew quickly discovered that their limited business knowledge was a real stumbling block to success.

“I can’t say I truly did an extensive level of research,” DeMoor said.  “We came into it a little naïve, but with a hardcore determination and resolve to be successful.  We defiantly had to push through things that would have caused us to fail.”

DeMoor learned to use sources, such as the Yellow Pages, to market his company.

He also learned to keep a closer eye on his competitors.  At first, he viewed similar trapping companies as colleagues instead of competitors, which hurt his business early on.

DeMoor said his keys to success were offering services that other business did not and working to establish lasting relationships with clients.

“I have been amazed by how many others, especially those who laughed at us and ridiculed our techniques and procedures, now model themselves after us,” DeMoor said.

With its professionally trained staff, broad wildlife knowledge and signature zebra-print vehicles, Wildlife Solutions has evolved into a recognized service throughout the Southeast.

“There is a huge variation from company to company,” said Wildlife Solutions CEO Marshall Pickard.  “The industry standard is that trappers want repeat business.  We were the first to take steps to prevent future wildlife conflict for our clients.”

This slowed a little in 2008 with the rising cost of gas and raw repair materials, but Pickard, 49, said the focus is on the future.  He projects the company will bring in about $4 million in 2009 with the expansion of its insulation repair division.

The insulation repair division was formed when the company saw a niche to fix the damage that animals did.  Instead of recommending companies for the customers to contact for insulation repairs, the company formed Environmental Insulation Services.

The company is currently exploring opportunities to franchise or strategically partner with another established business.

“Everybody has to believe the business can be successful, so it’s a constant struggle,” DeMoor said.  “Every day you have to find new clients, and it’s a challenge to stay on a pattern of growth.  There’s no security blanket.”

Still, DeMoor said he wouldn’t change anything.