Today we’d like to introduce you to Jeannine Tilford.
Hi Jeannine , thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Like many entrepreneurs, Jeannine’s path wasn’t a straight line. She was a single mom, a high school science teacher, and a singer-songwriter who performed with a local band while juggling multiple jobs to support her family. Before teaching, she worked in veterinary medicine, which gave her a deep appreciation for wildlife, conservation, and the delicate balance of our ecosystems. Living and working throughout South Florida, from Coral Gables and South Miami to Broward and Palm Beach Counties, Fort Myers, Naples, and even Jacksonville, She witnessed firsthand how invasive species were rapidly changing our environment. Native wildlife populations were declining while invasive species, particularly cane toads, were thriving. She realized that while many people focused on collecting and removing native species, there was an opportunity to make a real environmental impact by targeting invasive species instead.
That idea became Toad Busters. What started as a side business quickly grew into something much larger. South Florida, and especially the Miami market, proved to be ground zero for the invasive species challenges facing many communities today. The region’s subtropical climate allows invasive species to flourish, creating concerns for homeowners, pet owners, and local ecosystems alike. Within months of launching in January of 2017, media outlets began sharing our story through radio appearances and local news coverage. A major cane toad infestation in South Florida brought national attention to the issue, and soon after, she was being interviewed by television, radio, and print media across the country and internationally. Today, Toad Busters serves communities throughout South Florida and beyond, helping protect people, pets, and native wildlife while raising awareness about the importance of responsible invasive species management. What began as a practical solution to a growing problem has evolved into a mission-driven business focused on education, environmental stewardship, and making a meaningful difference in the communities it serves.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The journey certainly wasn’t a smooth one. In the early years, Jeannine was a single mother raising her son while working as a high school science teacher, performing as a singer-songwriter, and building Toad Busters on the side. Like many parents trying to create a better future, she often found herself stretched thin, balancing work, family responsibilities, and the uncertainty that comes with launching a new business. The challenges were not just financial. There was the constant juggling act and the very real “mom guilt” that comes with trying to be present for a child while pursuing a dream that demands time, energy, and sacrifice.
What kept her going was a belief that the work mattered. As Toad Busters began to grow, so did the opportunity to build something meaningful for both her family and the community. Over time, the company evolved from a small side venture into a successful business, and today her son works alongside her as part of the team. Looking back, the long days, difficult decisions, and uncertainty were all part of a journey that not only created a thriving company but also built a family legacy rooted in purpose, perseverance, and a commitment to making a positive impact on the environment.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
While many people know Jeannine as the founder of Toad Busters, creativity has always been at the heart of everything she does. Long before building a nationally recognized environmental services company, she was a singer-songwriter performing throughout South Florida and beyond. Music became an important creative outlet, and one of her career highlights was opening for Sheryl Crow at Sunfest years ago, an experience that reinforced her love for storytelling, connecting with audiences, and inspiring others through her work.
Today, Jeannine blends creativity, education, and entrepreneurship in unique ways. In addition to her work in conservation, she is developing a television show and an educational app designed to encourage children and families to spend more time outdoors exploring nature. At a time when so many young people are increasingly connected to screens, her goal is to use technology as a bridge to real-world experiences, helping kids discover wildlife, learn about ecosystems, and develop a deeper appreciation for the natural world around them. That mission is deeply personal and reflects the same passion that inspired her to launch Toad Busters years ago.
What sets Jeannine apart is her ability to bring together science, music, media, and environmental stewardship in a way that feels both educational and engaging. Whether she’s writing songs, creating new content, protecting native ecosystems, or developing tools that inspire the next generation to explore the outdoors, her work is driven by a common purpose: helping people reconnect with nature and understand the important role they play in protecting it.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
One of the biggest risks she ever took was starting Toad Busters while raising her son as a single mother and juggling multiple jobs. At the time, the company was launched with just $1,200, a significant amount of money for someone already stretching every dollar (and at one point was juggling money to afford a haircut for her son). There was no guarantee the business would succeed, but she believed strongly in the idea and in the need for a solution to South Florida’s growing invasive species problem.
Looking back, that experience shaped her perspective on risk. For Jeannine, risk isn’t about acting without a plan. It’s about believing in something enough to move forward despite uncertainty. She knew that if the business didn’t work out, she would find a way to pay off the investment and keep going. Instead, that small leap of faith became the foundation for a company that has helped thousands of homeowners while creating a lasting impact on local ecosystems and wildlife conservation.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.toadbusters.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bufobusters
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bufobusters
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/toad-busters/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@toadbustersinternational
