Address: 605 Etna Ave., Huntington

At a glance: Basic Wildlife Removal deals with snakes, bats, rats, skunks, squirrels, possums and other wildlife that invade homes and other buildings. “We resolve the animal-human conflict,” owner Ken Brosman said. The business covers nine counties but works primarily in Huntington, Allen and Whitley counties.

Employees: Brosman is the only full-time employee, but his wife and three children are “very reluctant, part-time” help.

Annual revenue: $52,000 last year

When was the company founded: 1990

Biggest accomplishment in the past 12 months: “I’ve started to get some more commercial work,” including several Huntington-area employers, he said. Brosman recently removed a bat from a bank branch. From all appearances, the animal’s only path inside was through the ATM, he said.

What was your biggest mistake so far in operating this business: Brosman thinks he tends to underestimate the value of his service because he’s more focused on getting a job done than making a buck. “I’m not a good businessman. I tend to underbid work, and that’s not cool.”

What are the key challenges facing your business or industry: “Keeping up with the regulations we have to deal with,” Brosman said. He has to abide by city and county ordinances for disposing of dead animals while also complying with state regulations set by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources and federal rules outlined by the Environmental Protection Agency. Bats, for example, are a protected species that can’t be harmed when they are being removed.

What is your strategy for staying ahead of your competition: “Try to be more educated,” he said. “Education gives you more options to pull from to solve a problem.” For example, even though Brosman doesn’t have a construction background, he has to understand how buildings are designed so he can know how an animal is able to travel from one part to another. Understanding the floor plan helps him remove animals with minimal damage. Brosman has associate degrees in electronic engineering and heating and air-conditioning and holds various certifications.

What resources have you found most helpful in running a business: The Indiana Animal Damage Control Association has two meetings each year. Brosman is a member and current treasurer. Speakers help him keep up with regulatory changes and learn skills including personal finance. A friend who’s a small-business owner also gives him advice.

What are your growth projections for the next five years: No growth expected

What is one thing about your business that people might not be aware of: Brosman and other members of the Indiana Animal Damage Control Association help state and federal officials who need specimens to study and track animal-borne diseases, including rabies and West Nile virus. They also report suspicious animal activity.

If you weren’t running this business, what would you be doing: “I don’t know,” he said. “That’s what my wife asks me, and I can’t answer her.” Brosman spent some time in manufacturing years ago but has seen the decline of that industry as a major employer. Anyway, he tries to avoid routine. “I’m a problem-solver,” he said. “I guess that’s what draws me to this. Each job is the same, but each job is different.”