Transitioning from a Commercial Building Business to a Successful Franchise
When Mark decided to leave his career as a commercial builder behind, he had no idea the path that lay ahead of him.
After over a decade of running his own construction company, he felt like he was working for his employees rather than himself.
That’s when an opportunity to start a new chapter presented itself – a chance to join the Jim’s Mowing franchise in Perth, Western Australia.
The Lure of a Change in Scenery
Originally from the Swan Hill area in northwest Victoria, Mark had been considering a change of pace and scenery.
When some of his relatives in Perth reached out about a potential job opportunity, he decided to take a chance and make the move across the country.
The transition from running a large construction company to working in the landscaping and lawn care industry was a significant one.
But for Mark, the benefits quickly became clear.
Faster Payments and Flexible Hours
As a builder, Mark was all too familiar with the frustrations of waiting 60 days or more to get paid.
The invoicing and cash flow challenges of the construction industry were a constant source of stress.
In contrast, the Jim’s Mowing franchise model offered a much more streamlined and efficient payment process.
“The best thing about Jim’s is, if I’m owed money, it’s only hundreds, not thousands of dollars. You get paid a lot quicker than being a builder – the principal always gets paid last.”
The flexible schedule was also a major perk for Mark.
Rather than being tied to a 9-to-5 desk job, he was able to start his workday as early as 6 AM and typically wrap up by 3 PM.
This allowed him to have more free time, which came in handy when he took on an additional role as the President of the Kingsley Junior Football Club.
Embracing the Outdoor Lifestyle
Beyond the financial and logistical benefits, Mark found that the Jim’s Mowing franchise aligned perfectly with his personal preferences and lifestyle.
The sunny climate of Western Australia was a far cry from the chilly winters of his hometown.
With some of the best beaches in the country right in his backyard, Mark was able to fully embrace an active, outdoor-focused way of life.
Building a Diverse, Profitable Business
While the Jim’s Mowing brand is known primarily for its lawn mowing services, Mark quickly realized that diversifying his offerings was key to long-term success.
By expanding into a range of complementary services, he was able to create a thriving, multifaceted business.
Expanding Beyond Mowing
In addition to regular lawn mowing, Mark’s Jim’s Mowing franchise provides a wide array of services, including:
- Garden cleanups
- Hedge trimming and pruning
- Tree lopping
- Spraying
- Landscaping
- Lawn installations
- Irrigation and reticulation
This diversified approach has been crucial, especially during the hot summer months when mowing lawns becomes more challenging. By focusing on services like irrigation and reticulation, Mark is able to keep his business running smoothly year-round.
Leveraging Relationships and Referrals
Another key to Mark’s success has been his ability to build strong, long-lasting relationships with his clients.
Many of his customers have been loyal to him for years, regularly booking his services multiple times per year.
This word-of-mouth referral network has been a major driver of new business. Mark has found that simply doing great work for one customer can quickly lead to opportunities with their neighbors and friends.
Leveraging the Jim’s Mowing Brand
While Mark has built an impressive independent client base, he has also greatly benefited from the support and resources provided by the Jim’s Mowing franchise.
The brand’s reputation for quality and professionalism has opened doors for him, particularly when working with larger commercial clients like real estate firms.
Additionally, the franchise’s extensive lead generation efforts have helped ensure that Mark always has a steady stream of new business opportunities coming his way.
Advice for New Franchisees
With over a decade of experience under his belt, Mark has a wealth of insights to share with those considering joining the Jim’s Mowing franchise.
His top pieces of advice focus on diversifying services, building strong client relationships, and embracing the full scope of what the franchise has to offer.
Diversify Your Services
One of Mark’s key pieces of advice for new franchisees is to not limit themselves to just mowing lawns.
While that may be the core service, expanding into complementary offerings is crucial for long-term success.
“You can’t just do mowing – you won’t make it. You’ve got to be open to other things like reticulation, garden cleanups, and being a bit of a handyman.”
By developing a diverse skill set and range of services, franchisees can better serve their clients’ needs and create a more sustainable, profitable business.
Focus on Building Relationships
Another vital element of Mark’s approach has been his emphasis on cultivating strong, lasting relationships with his customers.
He’s found that going the extra mile to provide excellent service and build trust is key to securing repeat business and referrals.
“Once you’ve got their trust, they’ll rely on you for everything – fixing gates, putting up clotheslines, and so on. It’s a great way to triple your money on a job.”
Franchisees should prioritize delivering exceptional customer service and positioning themselves as a trusted, go-to resource for their clients.
Leverage the Franchise’s Resources
While running his own independent business, Mark has also greatly benefited from the support and resources provided by the Jim’s Mowing franchise.
He encourages new franchisees to fully embrace all that the brand has to offer, from lead generation to insurance and branding.
“The insurance and professionalism you get with Jim’s is a huge advantage, especially when working with commercial clients. And the franchise is getting 20-50 service leads per day – you’ve just got to be able to do the work.”
By tapping into the franchise’s established systems and reputation, franchisees can set themselves up for success from the very start.
A Rewarding Journey
For Mark, the decision to leave his construction business behind and join the Jim’s Mowing franchise has proven to be a life-changing one.
Not only has it provided him with a more flexible, profitable, and enjoyable way of working, but it has also allowed him to embrace a lifestyle that aligns perfectly with his personal preferences.
“It’s the best decision we ever made. I just wish we were here 20 years ago.”
From the sunny weather and beautiful beaches to the loyal customer base and supportive franchise network, Mark has found that Perth and the Jim’s Mowing brand have been the perfect fit.
With his diverse range of services, strong client relationships, and commitment to excellence, he’s built a thriving, sustainable business that continues to grow year after year.
If you’re interested in learning more about the Jim’s Mowing franchise opportunity, be sure to check out the Jim’s Group website or call 131 546 in Australia or 0800 454 654 in New Zealand.
You can also subscribe to the Jim’s Group YouTube channel to stay up-to-date on the latest franchise news and expert advice.