Pest Authority Franchise
Audited FinancialsRisk Score
Pending analysis
Investment Range
$40,500 - $105,700
Franchise Fee
$5,000
Total US Locations
347
Business Summary
Pest Authority Businesses provide outdoor and indoor pest control and moisture control services and equipment to residential and commercial customers. This includes applying repetitive pest elimination and control systems, specifically for commercial fly control, but generally excludes mosquito, tick, and spotted lantern fly control unless explicitly agreed upon. Pest Authority primarily targets common pests like ants, cockroaches, spiders, and rodents. Depending on qualifications, franchisees may also offer specialized services for termites, bed bugs, wildlife removal, and bird control. The franchise offers two types, Full-Size and Hometown, which differ based on the number of single-family dwellings in the designated territory and affect the initial franchise fee. Each franchise operates under the Pest Authority trademarks and a proprietary system.
Corporate History
Main Line Brands LLC was originally formed as Authority Franchising, LLC on September 10, 2020, and changed its name to Main Line Brands LLC on March 18, 2021. The company operates under the names 'Mosquito Authority,' 'Pest Authority,' and 'Fitness Machine Technicians FMT.' The earliest predecessor to the Pest Authority system was 'Original TMA,' incorporated on October 2, 2009, which operated Mosquito Authority businesses. Main Line Brands LLC began offering Pest Authority franchises in October 2020. The company expanded its portfolio by acquiring The Mosquito Authority, Inc., a former Mosquito Authority franchisee, in February 2022. Further expansion occurred in May 2022 with the purchase of Proexco, LLC and DP and Partners, LLC, which were franchisors for the Fitness Machine Technician system, and Powersmith, LLC, a company-owned FMT business. Main Line Brands LLC then began offering Fitness Machine Technician franchises in the United States in May 2023 and in Canada in September 2023.
Financial Overview
Investment Range
$40,500 - $105,700
Franchise Fee (Low)
$5,000
Franchise Fee (High)
$25,000
Royalty %
7.5%
Equipment Costs (Low)
$5,000
Equipment Costs (High)
$37,000
Working Capital
$6,500
Audited Financials
Yes
Offers Financing
Yes
Audit Opinion
Unqualified opinion
Financial Health Notes
Main Line Brands LLC's financial statements have received an unqualified opinion from its independent auditors, meaning they present its financial position fairly. However, Main Line Brands LLC is contingently liable as a co-borrower with its member on certain notes payable, with a principal balance of approximately $10.5 million as of December 31, 2024. While management expects the member to be responsible for these payments, Main Line Brands LLC would be obligated to make payments, including late fees, if the member defaults. The company's assets also collateralize these notes. Main Line Brands LLC's member is also a co-borrower on a $2.5 million revolving note, though there are no outstanding borrowings on it.
Financing Details
Main Line Brands LLC does not offer direct financing for the entire initial investment, nor does it guarantee third-party loans. However, Main Line Brands LLC may, at its sole discretion, allow franchisees to defer up to half of the initial franchise fee. This deferred portion is financed through a promissory note, which is payable over a period of 36 months at an 8% annual interest rate. Franchisees are not required to provide additional security for this deferral, but the promissory note includes a waiver of defenses against payment.
Performance Metrics
Total US Locations
347
Franchised Units
346
Corporate Units
1
Franchising Since
2020
Legal & Compliance Analysis
Recent Litigation
No
Bankruptcy
No
Litigation Count
5
Litigation Summary
Main Line Brands LLC itself has no litigation required to be disclosed. However, its predecessor, TMA Franchise Systems, Inc. (TMA), and an affiliate, Soccer Shots Franchising, LLC, have had legal matters in the past. TMA resolved four cases with various state securities divisions between 2013 and 2017 for alleged violations of franchise registration and disclosure laws. These cases involved selling unregistered franchises and not providing proper disclosure documents in Maryland, Rhode Island, Virginia, and Minnesota. The resolutions included cease and desist orders, requirements to register, offers of rescission to affected franchisees, and monetary penalties. Additionally, Main Line Brands LLC's affiliate, Soccer Shots Franchising, LLC, settled an action with the State of Washington in 2019 regarding no-poaching provisions in its franchise agreements, agreeing to no longer include or enforce such provisions.
Bankruptcy History
Main Line Brands LLC has no bankruptcy history to disclose.
Agreement Terms
Initial Term
10 years
Renewal Term
10 years
Renewal Conditions
To renew the franchise agreement, Pest Authority franchisees must be in full compliance with their current agreement and all other agreements with Main Line Brands LLC. They must also provide written notice of their intent to renew between 6 and 9 months before the initial term expires. If Main Line Brands LLC agrees to renew, franchisees will need to sign Main Line Brands LLC's then-current franchise agreement, which may have different terms. They must also pay a successor franchise fee of $3,500, sign a general release of claims against Main Line Brands LLC, upgrade their business (including computer systems, vehicles, signage, and marketing materials) to meet current brand standards, and provide proof of all current licenses, insurance, and permits.
Training & Support Program
Franchisor Assistance
Before opening, Main Line Brands LLC helps franchisees by designating their territory and providing specifications for initial equipment, tools, inventory, and supplies. They must approve the franchisee's proposed storage facility within 120 days. Initial training, lasting up to 5 business days, is provided for the franchisee or a designated manager and one additional person at Main Line Brands LLC's Charlotte, North Carolina headquarters or online. Franchisees receive a confidential Brand Standards Manual, initial start-up materials, and an initial package of branded marketing materials and assistance for the first year, which includes a fee. They also provide a customer service vehicle outfitting package for a fee. After opening, Main Line Brands LLC's representatives are available by phone for operational discussions. Main Line Brands LLC may hold mandatory workshops, seminars, and annual conferences (requiring attendance fees and covering travel/living expenses). They inform franchisees of mandatory operational standards, research new products and services, and (if implemented) maintain a National Marketing Fund for promotional programs. Main Line Brands LLC provides advertising and marketing materials and may offer additional on-site assistance for a daily fee plus expenses. They also provide guidance on pricing for services and products.
Initial Training Hours
19
Training Location
Online via the Internet or at Main Line Brands LLC's headquarters in Charlotte, North Carolina
Ongoing Support
After opening, Pest Authority franchisees can access Main Line Brands LLC's representatives by telephone during business hours to discuss operational issues and support needs. Main Line Brands LLC may provide periodic national, regional, or local workshops, seminars, and conferences, which may be mandatory, and require attendance fees plus travel and living expenses. Main Line Brands LLC also informs franchisees of mandatory specifications and procedures, researches new products and services, and provides information on developments. If a National Marketing Fund is implemented, Main Line Brands LLC will use these funds for promotional programs. Main Line Brands LLC provides advertising and marketing materials and may offer additional on-site assistance for a fee of $750-$1,250 per day plus travel expenses. They also provide guidance in determining prices for services or products.
Franchise Requirements
Industry Experience Required
Yes
Management Experience Required
Yes
Sales Experience Required
No
Technical Skills Required
Yes
Min Years Experience
2
Operational Details
Location Type
Hybrid
Owner Participation
Hands-On
Territory Type
Non-Exclusive
Territory Size Requirements
Pest Authority offers territories primarily based on single-family dwellings and median income. A standard Full-Size Franchise territory includes at least 35,000 single-family dwellings in a designated geographical area with household incomes above $75,000. If an area has a median income below $75,000, Main Line Brands LLC ensures there are at least 35,000 single-family dwellings above that area's median income. For Hometown Franchises, Main Line Brands LLC considers single-family dwellings and median income but does not have a specific minimum, as these territories serve smaller communities. Main Line Brands LLC uses recent U.S. Census Data or other statistical sources to determine these demographics.
Staffing Notes
Pest Authority requires that if the franchisee is an individual, they must directly supervise the business. If the franchisee is a business entity or lacks sufficient business experience, a Designated Business Manager must provide direct, on-site supervision. This manager is not required to have an ownership interest. Furthermore, in certain jurisdictions, employees or partners involved in applying pesticides must be trained, tested, and licensed. Some jurisdictions require at least two years of experience for an individual pesticides license, meaning franchisees in those areas without the necessary experience must hire a licensed individual or partner with one. Main Line Brands LLC notes that most new franchisees do not hire employees during their initial operating period, implying an owner-operator model at the start.