Pest Control

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

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."

This article was originally published in the December 1997 print edition of Entrepreneur with the headline: Pest Control.