In this age of looking for personal fulfillment and financial independence, many find their calling in owning a business. One such inspiring story is of Hamish McGettigan, who found his true calling with Jim’s Mowing. In this blog post, we journey through Hamish’s transition from a service technician to a proud owner of a Jim’s Mowing franchise in Wellington, New Zealand.
Hamish McGettigan: The Man Before the Mower
A Kiwi with a Humble Beginning
Hamish McGettigan, originally from Nelson, moved to Wellington where he has been residing in Stokes Valley with his wife. His prior experience was working for a water company called Glue, where he served as a service technician.
His role involved driving around in a van, going to people’s houses, and servicing water coolers and bottles.
An Adventurous Spirit
Hamish’s life before Jim’s Group was a combination of routines and travels across the North Island.
This outdoor exposure unknowingly sowed the seeds of wanting to work outside and experience the freedom of being one’s own boss.
Paving the Path to a New Beginning
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, a lot of people took a step back to reevaluate their lives, and Hamish McGettigan was no exception. The pandemic served as a wake-up call, making him realize that life is too short to not pursue what truly matters.
Hamish had always been an outdoorsy person, and the restrictions during the pandemic made him value that aspect of his life even more.
He started to yearn for a change, a shift that would allow him to embrace his love for the outdoors while also providing the independence and control that a 9-to-5 job could not offer.
Taking the Helm
His desire to take control of his life grew stronger.
Hamish wanted to make decisions on his own terms, decide when to work, and enjoy the fruits of his labor directly. He longed for a business where he would not only be his own boss but also have the freedom to shape his workdays as he pleased.
This dream steered him toward the idea of becoming an owner-operator.
Finding Fulfillment Outdoors
The thought of working outdoors started consuming Hamish. He realized that being physically active and contributing positively to his community’s environment could bring him the fulfillment he sought.
Moreover, an outdoor venture would mean freedom from the confines of an office.
As Hamish weighed his options, lawn care emerged as a front-runner. The lawn care industry is one that always has demand. People love well-kept gardens but often don’t have the time or energy to maintain them. By stepping into this sector, Hamish would not only get to work outside but also provide a valuable service to his community. Moreover, it provided the perfect blend of physical activity and creativity.
The Decision to Embark
With a newfound clarity of what he truly wanted, Hamish decided it was time to embark on this new journey.
His love for the outdoors, combined with the desire to create something of his own, were the driving forces behind his decision. He was ready to leave the past behind and pave a new path that promised personal fulfillment, financial independence, and the joy of creating beautiful outdoor spaces.
In the next section, we will explore how Hamish stumbled upon Jim’s Mowing and why he chose this franchise as his vessel for the adventurous voyage into the world of lawn care.
Whether you are contemplating starting a business or considering buying a franchise, Hamish’s journey can be the inspiration you need to take that leap.
Embracing Jim’s Mowing: A Match Made in Green
As Hamish embarked on his quest to find the right opportunity in the lawn care industry, Jim’s Mowing cropped up on his radar.
The brand name resonated with him, as it was already a well-established and highly reputable franchise in New Zealand. The idea of working under a name that people could instantly trust was appealing.
In addition, Jim’s Mowing’s focus on outdoor services, particularly lawn care, made it the perfect match for Hamish’s aspirations. The prospect of tending to gardens, shaping landscapes, and working in the fresh air was exactly what he was looking for.
A Franchise that Supports Independence
One of the biggest perks that drew Hamish to Jim’s Mowing was the autonomy it offered.
While being part of a franchise, he still had the liberty to make his own decisions. He could set his schedule, decide which services to offer, and manage his workload.
This was a massive contrast to traditional employment, where your days are structured by someone else’s agenda.
With Jim’s Mowing, Hamish found the independence he longed for without the isolation that sometimes comes with starting a business from scratch.
Steady Flow of Work and Clientele
For anyone starting their own business, one of the most daunting aspects is finding clients. With Jim’s Mowing, Hamish didn’t have to worry about this.
The franchise’s strong brand presence meant that there was already a steady flow of work coming in. Moreover, the franchise was equipped with a support system that ensured Hamish would never be short on clients.
This eliminated the stress of client acquisition and allowed him to focus on delivering top-notch services.
Building a Personal Brand
Under the umbrella of Jim’s Mowing, Hamish also found an opportunity to build his personal brand.
While Jim’s provided the groundwork and initial client base, Hamish could carve out a niche for himself within that framework. By offering specialized services like lawn renovations, which he was passionate about, he could set himself apart from other lawn care service providers.
Community and Network
Joining Jim’s Mowing also gave Hamish access to a network of like-minded franchise owners. This community was a treasure trove of shared experiences, advice, and support.
For someone newly venturing into the business world, having a community that understands your challenges is invaluable.
Lifestyle Benefits
Ultimately, Hamish was looking to improve his lifestyle, and Jim’s Mowing proved to be the ticket to that.
With the ability to manage his workload, spend time outdoors, and work within his community, his quality of life saw a significant boost.
His days were no longer monotonous; instead, they were filled with fresh air, green lawns, and the satisfaction that comes with being your own boss.
Hamish’s journey is not just about changing careers; it’s about finding a fulfilling lifestyle. Jim’s Mowing served as the bridge between his aspirations and reality. If you too are looking to make a positive change in your life and are considering venturing into the franchise world, Hamish’s story stands as an inspiration.
Reaping the Rewards: Hamish’s Life after Jim’s
Hamish took the Jim’s Mowing franchise by storm. In just eight or nine months, he managed to increase his clientele significantly.
Starting with around 60 regular clients, he has successfully raised that number to 90. His services range from mowing and hedge trimming to lawn renovations, which he is particularly passionate about.
The Joy of Independence
Hamish revels in the freedom his franchise brings him. Whether it’s deciding to work a half-day, getting a haircut, or managing his tasks; he loves that he doesn’t need to ask anyone for permission.
He feels that working for Jim’s Mowing is like owning a home rather than renting – it’s something that’s truly his.
A Healthier Mind and Body
Despite the physical demands of the job, Hamish finds his work with Jim’s Mowing to be mentally soothing. Being outside and knowing that he’s working for himself has put him in a better mental space.
Conclusion: The Green Road to Freedom and Fulfillment
Hamish McGettigan’s story is a testimony that it’s never too late to take control of one’s life. His journey from being a service technician to a successful franchise owner with Jim’s Mowing is not just about financial success; it’s about finding fulfillment and happiness in what you do
For those who dream of independence and making a direct impact on the world around them, Hamish’s story serves as an inspiration and a reminder that sometimes the grass is indeed greener on the other side.
To enquire about joining Jim’s – CLICK HERE
Follow the Jim’s Group social media pages
Facebook – Instagram – Twitter – LinkedIn
Subscribe to the Jim’s Group Podcast Below
Hosted by Joel Kleber