BJ Wallace, host of the Into the Green podcast and organiser of the Lawn and Land Expo, recently shared valuable insights about technology, community, and opportunities in the lawn care industry that every franchise owner should hear.
Speaking with Joel Kleber, BJ explained how the industry is changing fast and why Jim’s franchisees are perfectly placed to thrive.
Robots in the Garden
When asked about robotic mowers, BJ admitted he was once skeptical.
“I was a naysayer. I was one of those, they’re going to take our jobs,” he said.
But after trialling them on larger sites, his view changed.
“It just means we can do high-quality gardening when this little robot’s taking care of a bunch of the mowing. For specialty clients that want an area to look 100 percent all the time, it’s just a no-brainer.”
For franchise owners, the lesson is clear: new technology doesn’t replace great service; it frees up time to focus on higher-value work.
Building the Lawn and Land Expo
BJ’s biggest project in recent years has been creating Australia’s largest lawn and garden expo.
The idea started from a place of personal tragedy, when the lawn care community rallied around him after the loss of his daughter.
“I decided to throw on a little meet and greet, and it turned out to be 800 contractors deep, $30,000 worth of prizes given away on the day, $15,000 went to the Red Kite Foundation, and the Expo was born,” he recalled.
This year’s event in Melbourne is set to be the biggest yet, with more than 80 brands attending.
From major equipment suppliers like DeWalt, SKAG, and Bushranger to new players like Segway and FJ Dynamics showcasing robotics, the expo offers contractors the chance to see what’s next.
“It’s our credibility year. We want to make sure everyone has a good time,” BJ said.
For Jim’s franchisees, who won’t have a trade day this year, the Expo is a unique opportunity to learn, network, and connect with suppliers.
Lessons for Newcomers to the Industry
Joel asked BJ what advice he would give to people moving from corporate jobs into lawn care.
BJ didn’t hesitate.
“Diversification during winter is a big thing,” he said.
“Take up extra things like pressure cleaning. Don’t be afraid of finance either. If you buy the machine, the work will come. My first zero turn quickly leveled up the work I could do.”
Equally important is persistence.
“Don’t be afraid of no, because if you don’t ask, you don’t know. I’ve been rejected a million times, but just getting your name in front of someone is a huge part of what it’s all about.”
People First
When it comes to scaling, BJ believes hiring the right people is one of the hardest parts of the job.
“If you’re not willing to sit next to this person for six hours in a truck, they’re not the right person for you,” he said.
Personality and reliability matter as much as work ethic.
He also stressed the importance of creating a business that people want to work for.
“Making your business desirable, making it look like the place to work, is another thing.”
The Takeaway for Franchise Owners
BJ’s insights reinforce what many Jim’s franchisees already know: success comes from embracing change, building networks, and staying resilient through challenges.
With more than 5,500 franchisees, Jim’s Group is Australia’s largest franchise network, and events like the Lawn and Land Expo highlight how franchise owners can stay ahead of industry trends.
As BJ put it, quoting is tough and rejection is inevitable, but persistence pays off.
“Use it to fuel the fire. Get on the hustle, get on the phone, go face to face.”
For Jim’s franchisees, the opportunity is clear: embrace technology, connect with your peers, and keep building the kind of customer-first businesses that make the Jim’s name trusted across the country.
To explore your own franchise opportunities, visit jims.net.