In the world of entrepreneurship, few stories are as inspiring as that of Ken, a Jim’s Mowing franchisee who has overcome immense financial challenges to build a thriving business.
Ken’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, hard work, and the support of a strong franchise system.
How Ken Went From Bankruptcy to a Thriving Jim’s Mowing Business
After facing financial ruin, Ken spent nearly a decade repaying debt.
His breakthrough came when he joined Jim’s Mowing in 2018, and he never looked back.
Despite the challenges, Ken never lost hope.
He knew that he needed to make a change, and that’s when he discovered Jim’s Mowing.
“I remember the 18th of March 2018,” Ken recalls, “when I started with Jim’s, and it’s been an incredible journey ever since.“
Why Ken Chose Jim’s Mowing After Six Years of Hesitation | Conversation with Joel Kleber
The guaranteed income, flexibility, and trusted brand were hard to ignore.
Jim’s gave Ken the stability and opportunity he needed to rebuild his life.
The flexibility of the Jim’s Mowing franchise was also a major selling point for Ken.
“The best thing is that you start when you want or finish when you want,” he says in an interview with Joel Kleber.
“It’s more about the flexibility of being able to do that.“
“You can work the weekend, or you don’t have to work the weekend if you want to earn a bit extra.“
Ken’s decision to join Jim’s Mowing was not an easy one, however.
He had been considering the franchise for six years before finally taking the leap.
“It was all about the financials,” he explains.
“I didn’t have the financial backing behind me, and I think if we could provide something like vendor financing for the people starting out, that would be a great help.“
Despite the initial hesitation, Ken’s decision to join Jim’s Mowing has proven to be a life-changing one.
In just a few short years, he has been able to pay off his debts, support his family, and build a thriving business.
How Ken Built Over 100 Regular Clients With Standout Service
With a focus on under-promising and over-delivering, Ken’s attention to service helped him earn 4.8 stars across 100+ reviews—and loyal clients.
Ken’s attention to detail and willingness to go the extra mile for his customers have earned him a stellar reputation, with a 4.8-star rating from over 100 reviews.
“I try not to stretch myself too much,” he says.
“I have very short days, I start at 8 and try to finish at 1 or 2, just to avoid the graphic most days. But in summertime, obviously, you go to about 4 or 5, and the heat takes that out of you as well.“
In addition to mowing lawns, Ken’s business offers a range of other services, including rubbish cleanup, pruning, hedging, and basic landscaping.
“I do a lot of planter boxes,” he explains.
“Either from scratch or just putting them together, grabbing the soil, plunking it in there for them, and just basically starting them off with a garden of whatever they want – herbs, vegetables, that sort of thing.“
Ken’s commitment to providing a wide range of services has helped him build a loyal customer base, with between 80 and 100 regular clients.
“It’s a great business,” he says.
“I have a helper, my dad, who helps me between 2 to 5 days a week in the summertime and about 3 days a week.“
What Kind of Support Do Jim’s Mowing Franchisees Actually Receive?
Ken praises regular check-ins and fast help from his franchisor and Jim Penman himself.
During COVID, that support gave him the confidence to push forward.
Ken has also found the support from Jim Penman, the founder of Jim’s Mowing, to be invaluable.
“Jim himself, he’s always open,” Ken says.
“You send him an email, you get an email back within two hours. He’s very proud of that fact.“
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Ken says that Jim’s support was crucial in helping him navigate the challenges.
“I emailed him over a few things, especially over the lockdown, and he’s actually absolutely guaranteed me and just reassured me as well. You know, just get out there and do it, and he’s always got your back.“
How Running a Jim’s Mowing Business Keeps Ken Fit and Active
Ken walks up to 16,000 steps a day—sometimes 20,000.
He’s fitter, more focused, and energized by the active lifestyle Jim’s provides.
Ken estimates that he walks between 15,000 and 16,000 steps per day, a testament to the physical demands of the job.
“Before I got the riding mower, I was doing 20 plus thousand steps,” he says.
“It’s quite a benefit that we don’t talk a lot about with Jim’s Mowing, but if someone wants to lose some weight, doing the Jim’s Mowing franchise is a great option for them.“
Can Jim’s Mowing Provide a Second Chance and Real Financial Freedom?
Ken says don’t wait—just start.
He encourages others to consider financing options and trust the process.
With hard work, it’s a life-changing opportunity.
Ken acknowledges that the initial financial hurdle can be a significant barrier for some, but he believes that the franchise’s support and the potential for financial freedom make it a worthwhile investment.
“If we could provide something like a vendor fund for the people starting out, that would be a great help financially, because the biggest thing is to get into the franchise at the cost.“
Ken’s own journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and the transformative impact of the Jim’s Mowing franchise.
From the depths of bankruptcy to the heights of entrepreneurial success, Ken’s story is a shining example of what can be achieved with hard work, dedication, and the right support system.
Ken’s journey with Jim’s Mowing is a true inspiration, showcasing the life-changing potential of franchising and the unwavering support of the Jim’s Mowing team.
By overcoming his financial challenges, building a thriving business, and maintaining a strong work-life balance, Ken has proven that with the right mindset and the right franchise, anything is possible.
If you’re interested in learning more about Jim’s Mowing and the opportunities it offers, be sure to check out the Jim’s Mowing YouTube channel and the Jim’s Mowing website.
You can also connect with the team on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter.
Remember, with hard work, dedication, and the support of a strong franchise system, you too can turn your dreams into reality, just like Ken.
So why not take the first step and explore the possibilities of a Jim’s Mowing franchise today?
Key Takeaways:
- Ken’s journey from bankruptcy to success with Jim’s Mowing is a testament to the power of perseverance and the support of a strong franchise system.
- The guaranteed work and flexible schedule offered by Jim’s Mowing were key factors in Ken’s decision to join the franchise.
- Ken’s commitment to exceptional customer service has earned him a stellar reputation, with a 4.8-star rating from over 100 reviews.
- The support and guidance from the Jim’s Mowing franchise, including the founder Jim Penman, have been crucial in Ken’s success.
- The physical demands of the job have had unexpected benefits, with Ken walking up to 16,000 steps per day and improving his overall fitness.
Ken’s advice to aspiring franchisees is to take the leap of faith and embrace the opportunities that Jim’s Mowing can provide.