Meet the team
Owner - Blake Mahieu
Blake Mahieu is the founder and owner of Upstate Bug Busters, bringing both entrepreneurial passion and strong leadership to the company. His business journey began at just 11 years old, when he started mowing lawns in his neighborhood. That early experience instilled in him the values of hard work, responsibility, and customer care—principles that continue to guide Upstate Bug Busters today.
At only 19 years old, Blake is a proud graduate of Christian Brothers Academy and has already established a growing business committed to providing the highest quality, all-natural tick and mosquito control services. As both founder and leader, he is dedicated not only to delivering exceptional results for customers but also to cultivating a strong company culture where employees feel valued and motivated.
Blake’s vision for Upstate Bug Busters is rooted in professionalism, eco-friendly practices, and innovation, with a focus on building a trusted company that makes a meaningful difference in the community.
Outside of his role at the company, Blake enjoys running, spending time on the boat, snowmobiling in the winter, and—most importantly—being with family and friends.
Kristen Roberts – Human Resources, Payroll, Compliance & Bookkeeping
Kristen Roberts plays a key role in the operations of Upstate Bug Busters, overseeing all aspects of human resources, payroll, compliance, and bookkeeping. With a strong commitment to accuracy and organizational excellence, Kristen ensures that our internal processes run seamlessly so our team can remain focused on delivering the highest level of service to our customers.
She takes great pride in her role and is deeply aligned with the mission of Upstate Bug Busters: providing reliable, eco-friendly solutions while maintaining a culture of integrity and customer satisfaction. Her dedication and attention to detail reflect her understanding of how critical strong business foundations are to the success of our company.
Kristen is also the mother of Blake Mahieu, the owner of Upstate Bug Busters, bringing a unique sense of commitment and family pride to her work. She has always valued hard work, perseverance, and community—qualities she carries into her role every day.
Outside of her professional responsibilities, Kristen enjoys reading, fitness, traveling, spending time with her family, and taking walks with her dog.
Fun Fact: Kristen has completed two half marathons as well as a 100-mile cycling event, the Tour de Cure.
Giovani Proietti – Technician
As a Technician at Upstate Bug Busters, Giovani is dedicated to delivering the highest quality service to every customer he works with. He takes great pride in his work and is fully committed to the company’s mission of providing reliable, all-natural tick and mosquito control solutions that protect families, pets, and the environment.
Giovani’s passion for helping people shines through in every job he completes. His attention to detail, professionalism, and commitment to excellence ensure that customers receive both effective treatments and a positive service experience.
Outside of work, Giovani enjoys spending time outdoors and making the most of every season. Whether he’s snowmobiling, riding his dirt bike, or driving his side-by-side, he embraces adventure and the freedom of the open air. He also values time with his friends, family, and girlfriend, balancing his professional dedication with a strong connection to the people and activities he loves most.
Ethan Lucier – Technician
As a technician with Upstate Bug Busters, Ethan is dedicated to delivering the highest quality service to every customer. He takes great pride in his work and values the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives by helping them enjoy their outdoor spaces safely and comfortably.
Ethan demonstrates a strong commitment to the mission and values of Upstate Bug Busters, ensuring that each service reflects the company’s focus on reliability, eco-friendly practices, and customer satisfaction. His professionalism, attention to detail, and dedication to excellence make him an integral member of the team.
Outside of work, Ethan enjoys spending time with friends and family, hiking, riding his four-wheeler, attending concerts, and relaxing at his camp.
Sign up for our blog!
We post weekly updates full of industry insights, pest tips, company updates and more! You won't want to miss out!