After years of working behind a desk at a major bank, Erhan Kerse decided to swap customer calls and computer work for garage door installations and repairs. Just two to three months into owning the Jim’s Garage Doors territory in Greenvale, Melbourne, he was already handling emergency call-outs, learning new technical skills and planning how to grow his business.
His experience shows what a move from corporate employment to a hands-on franchise can involve, including training, customer service, daily support and the challenge of managing a new workload.
Erhan shared his experience in an interview published on the Jim’s Group YouTube channel, explaining why he left banking and what his first few months as a franchisee had been like.
0:00 — Banking Background, Career Change and Training
1:41 — What Garage Door Servicing Includes
1:49 — Maintenance, Emergency Calls and Franchise Support
4:25 — The Benefits of Flexibility
4:28 — Career Change Reactions and Expansion Plans
Why Did Erhan Kerse Leave Banking to Join Jim’s Garage Doors?
Erhan left banking because he wanted a more practical, hands-on career after spending much of his working life in an office environment.
Before joining Jim’s Garage Doors, he worked for one of Australia’s major banks. His days involved sitting at a desk, taking customer calls, using computers and helping people resolve enquiries.
Although the role gave him valuable customer service experience, it wasn’t the type of work he wanted to continue doing.
Erhan explained, “I’ve always been a hands-on type guy, and I’ve been working in an office environment for almost most of my life.“
When he discovered the Jim’s Garage Doors opportunity, he decided to pursue a different kind of working life.
The change meant moving from an indoor workplace to visiting customers, working with tools and solving mechanical problems.
He found that his banking experience still had value. Speaking with customers, understanding their concerns and communicating solutions were skills he could apply in his new business.
Erhan described the change positively, saying, “It’s been fantastic, you get to go out there, meet a lot of people face to face, absorb the sunshine, work outdoors, it’s been absolutely amazing.“
His story illustrates how experience in an office-based customer service role can remain useful when moving into a trade-related service business.
What Training Do New Jim’s Garage Doors Franchisees Receive?
Erhan described receiving approximately two to three months of training, followed by ongoing learning as he encountered different garage door systems and installation requirements.
Learning to work with garage doors involves understanding different motors, door mechanisms, components, and repair procedures.
Erhan made it clear that the initial training period was only the beginning. He explained, “It doesn’t finish at the two to three months of general training that you have with the franchisor.“
As he gained experience, he continued learning about different motor systems and installation methods.
This matters because garage door work can vary considerably between properties. A problem involving a roller door may require a different approach from an issue affecting a sectional door or automated gate.
For Erhan, ongoing technical learning became a normal part of running the business.
His experience suggests that prospective franchisees should be prepared to continue developing their skills after completing their initial training.
The two-to-three-month period reflects Erhan’s personal account, not a confirmed current training requirement for every Jim’s Garage Doors franchisee.
What Services Does a Jim’s Garage Doors Franchisee Provide?
Erhan’s business provides garage door installations, repairs, and general maintenance for customers in his Greenvale territory.
He described working on roller doors and sectional doors, including replacing springs, cables and motors, adjusting door alignment and installing new doors.
He also discussed automation options involving garage doors, swing gates and sliding gates.
Many customer enquiries begin with a straightforward problem. A door might make unusual noises, fail to open properly or stop moving altogether.
Although the symptoms can appear simple, the underlying cause may vary depending on the door’s mechanism and condition.
This makes fault identification an important part of the work.
For customers, the main benefit of professional assessment is understanding what has gone wrong and what work is required before proceeding with repairs.
Garage door springs and cables can be under significant tension, so homeowners should avoid attempting hazardous repairs themselves.
How Often Should a Garage Door Be Serviced?
Erhan recommends general garage door servicing approximately every six months to one year, with safety being a key reason for regular checks.
A typical service, according to his explanation, includes inspecting brackets, checking alignment and confirming that the door operates smoothly.
He advised, “I would say every six months to one year a general service should be completed and that’s for the safety of your family and yourself.“
Regular servicing gives a technician an opportunity to identify issues before they develop into more serious mechanical problems.
For example, a noisy or unevenly moving door may indicate that components need attention.
However, servicing intervals can vary according to the door manufacturer, the system’s age, and how frequently it is used. Homeowners should also follow the relevant manufacturer’s maintenance recommendations.
What Garage Door Problems Require Emergency Repairs?
Erhan receives emergency enquiries from customers whose garage doors have stopped working, trapped vehicles, or been damaged by accidental impacts.
These situations were more common than he originally expected.
Customers sometimes contact him because their car is stuck inside the garage. Others have accidentally driven into their door, leaving it unable to move.
Erhan recalled, “I used to think that there wouldn’t be any- I mean, who hits their garage door- but it happens almost every day.“
His comment reflects the frequency of incidents he encountered during his early months in the business, rather than a company-wide emergency repair statistic.
These jobs can be urgent because customers may be unable to access their vehicles or properly secure their garages.
A damaged door should not be forced open or closed, particularly if cables, springs, or tracks appear damaged.
Erhan’s experience highlights the importance of being able to assess different faults and respond to unexpected customer needs.
Does Jim’s Garage Doors Offer Free Quotes and Call-Out Services?
According to Erhan, his business provides free quotes for new garage doors, while maintenance and service enquiries involve an explained call-out fee.
The process depends on the type of work the customer needs.
When someone wants a new garage door, Erhan visits the property to assess the requirements and provide a quote.
For an existing door that needs servicing or repair, he first informs the customer about the call-out fee.
Once the customer agrees, he attends the property and attempts to resolve the issue within that fee.
This approach helps customers understand the initial service arrangement before work begins.
The interview does not establish a fixed call-out amount, nor does it confirm that all repairs can be completed without additional charges. Customers should confirm the applicable fees and scope of work before proceeding.
What Support Do Jim’s Garage Doors Franchisees Receive?
Erhan described receiving regular assistance from a support contact, particularly when working through unfamiliar technical problems.
During his first few months, that support helped him manage the transition from banking to operating his own garage door business.
He explained, “We talk every single day about how to resolve certain issues.“
For someone entering a technical service industry from a non-trade background, access to experienced guidance can be particularly valuable.
Erhan also appreciated being part of the wider Jim’s network.
He described seeing other Jim’s franchisees on the road or attending the same property to provide different services.
Those encounters gave him a sense of connection with people working under the same brand.
His account provides a first-hand example of the assistance he received, although it does not establish a universal support schedule or response-time guarantee.
What Is Work-Life Balance Like for a New Jim’s Garage Doors Franchisee?
Erhan appreciated having greater control over his schedule, although his first few months in business were busy.
He was still learning how to manage customer enquiries, complete jobs and organise his workload.
Erhan explained that he was spending considerable time working because the business was new and he was still finding his rhythm.
Even so, he valued the flexibility of running his own operation.
He said, “You can take breaks when you want to; you can go on holiday when you want to.“
That flexibility was an important difference from his previous employment.
However, being self-employed does not mean having less work automatically. New franchisees still need to manage appointments, customer expectations, and the practical demands of running a business.
Erhan’s experience shows both sides of the transition: greater control over his working life, alongside the responsibility of building and managing a new operation.
What Are Erhan Kerse’s Plans for His Jim’s Garage Doors Business?
Erhan hopes to grow beyond operating the Greenvale territory on his own by hiring employees and potentially acquiring additional territories.
His decision to leave banking initially attracted mixed reactions.
Some people questioned why he would leave an established position when he could continue progressing within the banking industry.
Others supported him because they understood his interest in practical work and self-employment.
Erhan also found himself discussing career satisfaction with customers who felt frustrated by their own office jobs.
Those conversations gave him opportunities to explain why he had chosen a different path.
Looking ahead, he said, “I would like to expand my business so I’d like to hire and take on some new people.“
He also discussed the possibility of purchasing more territories.
These were his ambitions at the time of the interview, not confirmed expansion results.
For Erhan, the first few months represented the beginning of a longer business journey, with his immediate focus on learning the work and establishing a manageable routine.
Could a Jim’s Garage Doors Franchise Suit Your Career Goals?
Erhan Kerse’s story shows how customer service experience, practical training and ongoing support can contribute to a career change into garage door services.
His move from banking was not simply about leaving an office. It involved learning technical skills, working directly with customers and taking responsibility for a new business.
For Australians considering a similar move, his experience offers a useful starting point for understanding the day-to-day work involved.
To enquire about Jim’s Garage Doors services or franchise opportunities, call 131 546.