If you think mowing is just about lawns, you haven’t met Benn Ward.
He joined Jim’s Mowing at 18.
Today, he leads 92 franchisees across Geelong, the Surf Coast, and the Bellarine Peninsula.
His journey shows what’s possible when hard work, real leadership, and the Jim’s system come together.
Benn Ward: A Young Start with Big Ambitions
In 1997, just out of high school, Benn began mowing lawns for a Jim’s franchisee.
When he tried to buy a business, the franchisor said he was too young.
Benn’s dad stepped in with a promise.
“Theo, the original franchisor, said I was too young and wouldn’t sell it to me. But my old man had just retired from the police force and told him, ‘If he stuffs it up, I’ll take it over.’”
That was the start.
Benn bought his first Jim’s Mowing franchise at 18 and never looked back.
From Franchisee to Franchisor: Benn Ward’s Journey at Jim’s Mowing
After years of building his client base and learning the system, Benn got the chance to take on more.
In 2003, he bought half of the region from Theo.
A few years later, he acquired the rest, growing his region from 25 to 92 franchisees.
He now mentors dozens of franchisees, helping them build their own businesses using the same systems that worked for him.
What Benn Ward Looks for in a Jim’s Mowing Franchisee
Not everyone is cut out for this.
Benn looks beyond resumes and focuses on work ethic and mindset.
“If you’re buying the business just to get fit and lose weight, you’re not going to last.”
He’s looking for people who are:
- Self-motivated
- Coachable
- Financially prepared
- Willing to follow a proven system
Trial days, interviews, and reference checks help ensure franchisees are the right fit, not just for the work, but for the culture.
How Benn Ward Built a Supportive Community at Jim’s Mowing
Benn believes success comes more easily when you’re surrounded by people who care.
That’s why he’s built a network that doesn’t just share branding—it shares experience.
“We have a collaborative, supportive environment. People help each other, but they still push to do better.”
Franchisees meet regularly, swap tips, and hold each other to a high standard.
Smart Business Tools That Make Jim’s Mowing Franchisees’ Lives Easier
To keep up with growth, Benn ensures franchisees use modern systems:
- Automated bookkeeping
- Scheduling apps
- Client management tools
“We don’t just give you a mower and disappear. We’re there—coaching, answering questions, and solving problems together.”
This frees up time for franchisees to focus on what matters: their customers.
More Than Mowing: How Jim’s Mowing Adapts to Stay Ahead
Benn’s region offers more than just lawn care.
Services like landscaping, pruning, and gutter cleaning give franchisees extra income opportunities and help them meet client needs year-round.
“We’ve added landscaping and gutter cleaning to help franchisees earn more and serve more clients.”
Benn Ward: Why the Jim’s Mowing Model Works
Benn is a firm believer in the Jim’s brand.
Why?
Because it delivers consistent leads, trusted service, and scalable systems.
Jim’s Mowing provides:
- National marketing and call centre support
- Trusted branding with instant recognition
- Fixed fees (no royalty percentages)
- Hands-on training from day one
- Freedom to scale or stay small—your choice
“The brand brings in customers. Our training and systems keep them coming back.”
Benn Ward on Busting the Biggest Franchise Myths
One of Benn’s biggest messages is to clear up what a franchise really is—and isn’t.
“It’s not a get-rich-quick scheme. You’ve got to work. But if you do, it can absolutely change your life.”
He makes sure franchisees understand the numbers, the responsibilities, and the freedom that come with business ownership.
Benn Ward’s Advice to Future Franchisees
Benn Ward started with a mower and a dream.
Today, he runs one of the largest Jim’s Mowing regions in Australia.
His advice to you?
“Be honest with yourself. If you’ve got the drive and discipline, we’ll give you everything else you need.”
Ready to Talk to Benn Ward?
📞 Call 131 546 (AU) or 0800 454 654 (NZ)
🌐 Visit jims.net → Select Jim’s Mowing Franchise
📩 Submit a quick inquiry—Benn will be in touch
Take your next step with a name that thousands of Aussies trust—and with a leader who’s been in your shoes.