Pest Control
He Collects Profits - Not Insects.
Name and age: Dino Miliotis, 32
Company name and description: DPM Enterprises is the
global supplier of Bug-Ban, a nontoxic, mosquito-repellent
wristband made with geranium oil, lemon grass oil and citronella.
In summer 1998, DPM will market a version that repels deer ticks
and protects against Lyme disease.
Based: Homewood, Illinois
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Founded: 1996
Start-up costs: $25. "I used that to send out four
Federal Express packets [of samples] to people I thought would get
excited about Bug-Ban."
1996 sales: $6 million
1997 projections: $18 million
It's all in the wrist: One wristband gives you 40
hours of protection. Bug-Ban can also be stored in a special
vapor-barrier bag, which comes with the wristband, and then
reused.
Hole in one: Golfers especially like this alternative to
sticky bug sprays because it doesn't interfere with their
grip.
Where to buy it: Wal-Mart, Home Depot and other drug and
retail outlets, health-food stores, and golf pro shops across the
United States sell it. Bug-Ban can also be found in 23 countries
worldwide.
Doing the numbers: Miliotis sold 7 million Bug-Bans,
which retail for approximately $3 each, in the company's first
summer season. By the end of this month, he expects that number to
reach 30 million.
Words of wisdom: Prior to launching DPM, Miliotis started
seven businesses that eventually failed. "For all
entrepreneurs out there, my suggestion is don't listen to
anybody, and don't quit."
Future focus: "I want this to be the number-one-
selling insect repellent in the world."
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