How Chip Emmons Evolved His Operations with Skyhawk Trapmate’s Kiwi Plus
How Chip Emmons Evolved His Operations with Skyhawk Trapmate’s Kiwi Plus
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Background: A Trapper’s Journey
Since 2011, certified Wildlife Control Operator Chip Emmons has been addressing nuisance wildlife challenges, ranging from beavers and otters to raccoons and bobcats. After apprenticing for a decade with seasoned trappers, Chip acquired his mentor’s business upon his retirement at 83. Today, he handles about 80 nuisance beavers, 30 otters, 30 raccoons, and 10 bobcats annually.
Despite his experience, managing time, fuel costs, and efficiency remained significant challenges. The introduction of Trapmate’s Kiwi Plus transformed Chip’s approach to trapping, allowing him to scale his operations and boost profitability.
The Challenge: Managing Time and Costs
Before adopting the Kiwi Plus, Chip relied on customers to check traps or made trips himself, often leading to wasted time, inefficient routes, and unnecessary fuel costs. Late or missed reports from customers compounded the problem, negatively impacting efficiency and profit margins.
The need for a solution to streamline trap monitoring, reduce travel, and improve planning was clear.
The Solution: Skyhawk Trapmate’s Kiwi Plus
Searching online for remote trap monitors, Chip discovered Trapmate’s Kiwi devices. Impressed by their rugged construction and simplicity, he began using Trapmate Kiwis and then quickly upgraded to the Kiwi Plus for its harsh condition capabilities and reliable performance.
“I chose Kiwi Plus because it’s rugged, simple, and reliable plus the customer service is outstanding,” Chip shared. “Setup is as easy as using an Apple AirTag, and the directions are crystal clear.”
Immediate Benefits and Results
The Kiwi Plus transformed Chip’s daily operations. By providing real-time notifications of trap activity, the device allowed him to optimize routes and reduce wasted trips.
“With my Kiwis reporting fired traps and trapped animals in real-time, I now have all the information I need to plan my day’s route as soon as I wake up,” Chip explained. “I can be at home watching football, get a notification, and know that tomorrow’s day is already profitable.”
Chip estimates that each Kiwi and subscription pays for itself within the first year through time and fuel savings alone. Additionally, he’s more than doubled the number of customers he serves and expanded his service area without increasing costs.
A Game-Changer for Trapping Efficiency
The Kiwi Plus has proven its reliability in challenging environments, even in mountainous terrain or damp and wet conditions. It seamlessly integrates into existing workflows, attaching easily to cage traps, foothold traps, or pre-bait setups.
“The devices have been a game-changer,” Chip emphasized. “They allow me to monitor traps in real time, and my clients love not having to check traps themselves.”
Customer Satisfaction and Success Stories
Clients have been so impressed with the technology that some have purchased Kiwi devices for Chip. Colleagues, meanwhile, are envious of the increased efficiency and profitability the Kiwi Plus enables.
One notable success story involved a nuisance otter trap at a local marina. “One night, shortly after dark, I got an alert that the trap had fired. I went out, retrieved the otter, and reset the trap. Before morning, I caught another otter. That first Kiwi paid for itself and a year’s subscription in one night.”
“With my Kiwis reporting fired traps and trapped animals in real-time, I now have all the information I need to plan my day’s route as soon as I wake up,” Chip explained. “I can be at home watching football, get a notification, and know that tomorrow’s day is already profitable.”
Chip estimates that each Kiwi and subscription pays for itself within the first year through time and fuel savings alone. Additionally, he’s more than doubled the number of customers he serves and expanded his service area without increasing costs.
Final Thoughts: Why Kiwi Plus is a Must-Have
For trappers looking to save time, reduce fuel costs, and increase efficiency, Chip offers clear advice:
“Start with a few Kiwis, and it won’t be long before they pay for themselves, and you’re buying more.”
The Trapmate Kiwi Plus has not only enhanced operations but also transformed the way Chip manages his business, delivering unparalleled reliability, simplicity, and cost-effectiveness.
Key Takeaways
- Real-Time Monitoring: Optimizes routes and reduces unnecessary travel.
- Durable and Rugged: Performs reliably in challenging environments.
- Cost-Effective: Pays for itself through time and fuel savings.
- Outstanding Support: Backed by excellent customer service.
Trapmate Kiwi Plus has redefined trapping efficiency, proving to be an asset for wildlife control professionals like Chip Emmons. If you would like to learn more about how our Kiwi products can help your operations, contact us today to speak with an ERM expert!