How a Melbourne Dad Turned Mosquito Bites into a Multi-Million Dollar Business
A Melbourne father has transformed a common problem into a thriving business, gaining international success with innovative mosquito-repellent products. Michael Jankie, alongside his childhood friend Gary Tramer, co-founded NATPAT, inspired by their own struggles with mosquito bites affecting their children during family outings.
The idea sparked during a trip to the Mornington Peninsula when Jankie’s daughter suffered numerous bites overnight. “I was baffled,” recalled the 44-year-old entrepreneur, highlighting his frustration over not being able to see the mosquitoes that were troubling his child. While discussing the dilemma with Tramer, they brainstormed solutions and eventually conceived the revolutionary idea for the world’s first mosquito-repellent sticker.
Both fathers were determined to protect their kids from harsh chemicals, aiming to develop natural alternatives. They envisioned combining effective repellents, such as citronella, with a user-friendly format that could seamlessly integrate into outdoor activities. After exploring this concept, they decided to create stickers infused with the natural oils that could offer a portable repellant solution.
Months later, amidst the pandemic, Jankie and Tramer revisited their idea and teamed up with scientists and Monash University to develop a unique patch technology. By May 2020, they launched their first product, BuzzPatch, designed to release natural oils and effectively repel mosquitoes. Their initial foray into the market was met with success, generating seven figures in revenue within the first year. By the second year, NATPAT reached eight figures, marking significant growth for a company that has now firmly established its presence.
The company continues to thrive five years after its launch, with Jankie estimating their revenue to be in the mid-eight-figure range. “It’s been a remarkable journey,” he noted, underscoring the efficacy of their product and its growing popularity. NATPAT has sold over 100 million stickers globally, expanding to markets including the US, Canada, and Europe.
The origin story of Jankie and Tramer’s partnership is rooted in their youthful mischief, having met at the age of three and developed their entrepreneurial skills through various childhood ventures, from selling lemonade to washing cars. Their professional paths crossed later in life when they rekindled their friendship while running technology startups. This prior connection and shared experiences provided an organic foundation for their collaboration at NATPAT.
Co-founder Andrei Safonau joined the duo to contribute his expertise as a data analyst, enhancing the team’s collective skills. They each have designated roles; while Tramer excels in sales, Jankie focuses on operations, ensuring they efficiently cover different areas of the business.
NATPAT’s product line has since diversified, now featuring various health and wellness stickers catering to different needs. Among their popular products are the SleepyPatch, which assists with calming children at bedtime through a blend of soothing oils, and the SunnyPatch, which alerts users when it’s time to reapply sunscreen according to UV intensity.
NATPAT recently made significant strides by launching its products across all Chemist Warehouse stores in Australia. The brand is also stocked in other retailers like Woolworths, demonstrating a growing recognition of their market presence and product efficacy. Tramer expressed appreciation for the retailer support, noting that this kind of acceptance is indicative of their established reputation.
As they look ahead, Jankie and Tramer remain ambitious. They are exploring opportunities with global retail chains across Europe, the UAE, and China, determined to expand NATPAT’s reach and range of products further.
Through their entrepreneurial journey, Jankie and Tramer exemplify how personal experiences can lead to innovative solutions. Their venture not only reflects a successful business model but also a commitment to providing natural alternatives to environmental concerns, ultimately benefiting families worldwide.
