When Cyril, a French-Australian with a background in landscaping and construction, decided to take the leap into entrepreneurship, he knew he wanted a business that would allow him to leverage his skills while providing the flexibility and financial freedom he craved.
After exploring various franchise opportunities, Cyril found his perfect match in Jim’s Mowing, Australia’s largest mowing and gardening franchise.
In this inspiring interview with Joel Kleber, we’ll dive into Cyril’s journey, from his early days on a vegetable farm to becoming a thriving Jim’s Mowing franchisee with over 60 weekly clients.
We’ll uncover the secrets behind his success, the challenges he’s overcome, and the valuable insights he has to share with aspiring entrepreneurs and franchisees.
Why Cyril Left Landscaping and Construction to Join Jim’s Mowing
Cyril brought years of landscaping and construction expertise from France.
His dream of working for himself blossomed when he arrived in Australia.
Upon arriving in Australia 15 years ago, Cyril knew he wanted to return to his roots in gardening and landscaping.
“When I was in Australia, I was looking to work for myself,” he explains.
“I said I will go back to gardening, landscaping, what I know, I’m doing the best.“
What Made Jim’s Mowing the Right Franchise Choice for Cyril
Jim’s Mowing stood out for its flat-fee model and trusted name.
Cyril saw the chance to earn what he’s worth while growing his own business.
Cyril was drawn to the Jim’s Mowing model, which offered a flat-fee structure and the opportunity to build his own business without the burden of a percentage-based royalty.
“I was looking to work for myself, and everything I do, I can put the price on it and don’t get paid $25 by hour for what I do,” he explains.
After connecting with the Jim’s Mowing team and going through the training process, Cyril was ready to start on his new venture.
“The training experience was very, very helpful,” he says.
“The last three days were the best when you are only in the mowing session, and you learn a little bit more from experienced people.“
How Jim’s Mowing Training Helped Cyril Start With Confidence
Exceptional service and quality work turned Cyril’s small start into a booming operation.
His client list now tops 60, with more waiting to join.
So, what’s the secret to Cyril’s success?
It all comes down to two key factors: exceptional customer service and a commitment to quality work.
How Cyril Grew From Zero to 60 Clients in Just 18 Months
At the heart of Cyril’s business is his dedication to building genuine relationships with his clients.
“I prefer to have fewer clients, I do a quality job, rather than have too many clients, then be in a rush, and don’t look after them,” he explains.
Cyril’s approach to customer service is rooted in communication, transparency, and a genuine desire to understand his clients’ needs.
“I like to walk the first time with the client and print everything wrong that they don’t see,” he says.
“I explain what I will do, what maybe the extra I can do if there is less mowing, and just work with them and make them understand what they’re looking for.“
This personalized approach has paid dividends, as Cyril’s clients have become more than just customers – they’re friends.
“It’s now a good friendship,” he says.
“I have a lot of clients, and it’s a good friendship.“
How Customer Service and Quality Helped Cyril Build Loyalty
Alongside his focus on customer relationships, Cyril’s commitment to quality work has been a driving force behind his success.
“I try to do every garden like it’s mine, like I’m happy to come every night home, I see, oh, the job is well done,” he explains.
Cyril’s attention to detail and willingness to go the extra mile have not gone unnoticed by his clients.
“They know they can talk to me,” he says.
“I said to them, ‘Before you do anything, if you are not happy with something, you come to me first, you ask me, you ask me why it’s wrong, why I did that this way.‘”
This open communication and dedication to quality have earned Cyril a reputation as a reliable and trustworthy service provider.
“It’s just communication, I suppose, and they obviously feel comfortable enough as well and you’re approachable enough for them to communicate that with you as well,” he says.
How Cyril Handles Paperwork and Business Challenges
Bookkeeping was Cyril’s biggest hurdle.
But with tools from Jim’s and consistent effort, he stays on top of the admin while growing fast.
“The biggest challenge for me is the paperwork,” he admits.
“After all, I’m here now, we are very grateful for the Jim’s system, with the phone, the apps, everything, it’s very, very easy. But sometimes you get a little bit lazy, and you don’t send your invoice directly after two days.“
Cyril’s solution to this challenge has been to stay diligent and prioritize his administrative tasks, even when the temptation to focus solely on the hands-on work arises.
“It’s just maybe after work, the laziness of doing something else,” he says.
“You see what I mean, no, it’s, you know, I think paperwork whenever I ask that question, I do hear about bookwork probably four times out of five answers will say bookwork or making sure they do it every single day.“
How Jim’s Mowing Gives Cyril More Family Time and Freedom
Cyril aims to expand into landscaping while reducing mowing tasks.
His goal: more design work and quality time with his 10-year-old daughter.
By transitioning to a more specialized role, Cyril hopes to free up his time and reduce the physical demands of the business.
“Maybe around one or two trailers, after doing the little bit back off little bit of the business mowing, focus on what I like, and even if it’s I work only three days a week, I will be happy with that,” he explains.
Cyril’s long-term vision also includes spending more quality time with his 10-year-old daughter.
“She come work with me, but mostly lunchtime, she said, ‘Daddy, we go home, please,‘” he shares.
“And it’s the main thing.”
What Cyril Loves About Building a Future in Australia
Australia’s relaxed lifestyle and opportunity-rich environment captured Cyril’s heart.
He believes it’s one of the best places to build a future.
“Living in France, it’s very struggling,” he explains.
“It’s very up to the living situation, the cost, everything, it’s very, very struggle for people. After maybe 20, 30 years ago in France, was very simple, very relaxed life, and in Australia, you still have this, that’s what it’s beautiful of the maybe the one of the last country in the world, you are very relaxed on the lifestyle, everything, and you have so much more opportunity.“
Cyril’s appreciation for the Australian way of life extends to the country’s burgeoning wine industry.
“The wine in France, it’s we have the reputation, the old school of the wine, but in a few years, Australia will be the best wine in the world,” he says.
“You are just the young, young country, start the wine, the wine, it’s too young yet, but in a few years, you will see Australia will be a good, good, good country in the market of wine.“
Cyril’s Top Advice for Anyone Thinking About Joining Jim’s Mowing
Offer extra services.
Ask for help.
Stick to your skills.
Cyril says the Jim’s community thrives because franchisees support—not compete with—each other.
- “Don’t be scared to offer other services. If you can do it, you have another skill, you can do something else than just mowing or gardening. Don’t be scared to say to the people, ‘Oh, I can do that.’ I think it’s a good along the business.“
- “Don’t be scared to ask for some help because what’s the beauty with Jim’s, we don’t compete together, we help each other. It’s like we are under the same family name, you see what I mean, and we are here for each other.“
- “If you’re not an electrician, don’t take electrical jobs, or if you’re not a plumber, make sure you can do it, or you’re in trouble with insurance.“
Cyril’s journey with Jim’s Mowing is a testament to the power of hard work, dedication, and a genuine passion for what you do.
By leveraging his skills, building strong customer relationships, and embracing the support of the Jim’s Mowing community, Cyril has transformed his life and created a thriving business that allows him to pursue his dreams.
If you’re considering joining the Jim’s Mowing franchise or starting your own business, Cyril’s story is a must-watch.
It’s an inspiring reminder that with the right mindset, a commitment to quality, and a willingness to learn and grow, anything is possible.
To learn more about the Jim’s Mowing franchise, visit their website or call 131 546 in Australia or 0800 454 654 in New Zealand.