In the ever-evolving world of entrepreneurship, few success stories are as inspiring as that of Matt Watts, the divisional manager for Jim’s Mowing.
With over 20 years of experience in the corporate retail sector, Matt has brought his wealth of business acumen to the Jim’s Mowing franchise, transforming the Western Victoria region into a thriving hub of growth and customer satisfaction.
Why a Corporate Executive Left the Boardroom for Jim’s Mowing
Matt traded boardrooms and red-eye flights for balance and purpose.
His corporate skills now power Jim’s Mowing Western Victoria.
Despite his success in the corporate realm, Matt felt a growing desire for a more flexible and rewarding lifestyle.
“The days of me having to be in a boardroom or get up at 4:30 a.m. on a Monday morning to fly to Sydney every week, and then work into the state all week and get on a plane at 5:30 on a Friday night, were taking a toll,” he recalls in an interview with Joel Kleber.
“I wanted more flexibility to work around my family and personal commitments.“
It was this yearning for a better work-life balance that led Matt to the Jim’s Mowing franchise, where he could leverage his extensive business expertise while enjoying the freedom and autonomy of being his own boss.
How Matt Watts Turned Around the Western Victoria Region | Interview with Joel Kleber
Western Victoria was underperforming—until Matt stepped in.
His strategy? Build trust, choose the right people, and lead with integrity.
“The region was built on relationships, communication, honesty, and integrity,” Matt explains.
“I made it a priority to select the right franchisees, ones who not only had the business acumen but also the cultural fit to thrive within the Jim’s Mowing brand.“
Matt’s approach to franchisee selection was meticulous.
He would often send prospective franchisees out on observation days, pairing them with trusted, experienced franchisees in the region.
This allowed Matt to assess not only their technical skills but also their alignment with the Jim’s Mowing values and culture.
How Jim’s Mowing Supports Franchisees Through Leadership and Culture
Once the right franchisees were in place, Matt focused on nurturing a culture of success within the region.
He emphasized the importance of open communication, honesty, and integrity, ensuring that all franchisees felt supported and empowered to grow their businesses.
“I talk to my guys as much as I possibly can,” Matt says.
“If they call, they know I’m there seven days a week. I get back to them as quickly as I can, and if I can’t answer the phone, I always leave a message promising to call them back.“
This hands-on approach extended beyond just communication.
Matt made it a point to regularly visit franchisees in their local areas, whether it was a meeting in Ballarat or a dinner in Bendigo.
He understood the value of face-to-face interaction and the impact it had on building strong, lasting relationships.
Matt’s dedication to his franchisees has not gone unnoticed.
“I would pride myself on the fact that if you called 20 of the franchisees that have come on in the last couple of years, they would say that what has worked out has pretty much exactly how I said it was going to work out,” he says.
How Jim’s Mowing Selects the Right Franchisees for Long-Term Success
In addition to fostering a positive culture, Matt also focused on empowering his franchisees to achieve their full potential.
He provided them with the tools, resources, and guidance they needed to scale their businesses and deliver exceptional customer service.
“I think the first thing is that I don’t take just anybody,” Matt explains.
“I’ve knocked back people in Mildura and Warrnambool this year who have wanted to come on as franchisees because I don’t think they’re the right fit for the brand or for my group.“
Matt’s commitment to selecting the right franchisees has paid dividends.
He points to the success stories of James and Ian as prime examples of how his approach has transformed the Western Victoria region.
- James: James started with just 13 clients in the Daylesford and Trentham area, but under Matt’s guidance, he has grown his business to over 120 clients. James has already sold a split of his territory, allowing him to focus on further expansion.
- Ian: Based in Portland, Ian has been a “wonderful success story” for Matt’s region. With his strong communication skills, social media savvy, and community engagement, Ian has built a thriving business in an area that had previously struggled to find a consistent franchisee.
These success stories are a testament to Matt’s ability to identify and nurture the right franchisees, empowering them to achieve their goals and deliver exceptional service to their customers.
What It Takes to Build a Thriving Jim’s Mowing Business
Matt values client experience above all else.
When challenges arise, he steps in personally to protect the Jim’s Mowing name.
“I’ve parted ways with franchisees in my region over differences in customer service,” Matt reveals.
“It’s a good thing to point out, but it’s a good thing to say because I really do value customer experience.“
Matt’s dedication to customer satisfaction is evident in the way he handles complaints and issues that arise within his region.
He takes a proactive approach, working closely with franchisees to resolve any problems and ensure the customer is left satisfied.
“I had one the other day, probably two or three weeks ago, where I had to get involved at a higher level,” Matt recounts.
“It was a more significant job, about a $7,000 job. I went to a team leader in the area and asked that team leader, who was a qualified landscaper, to go out and actually have a look at the job. I’ve worked with him to come up with a resolution with the client.“
By leveraging the Jim’s Mowing’s warranty fund and drawing on the expertise of his team, Matt is able to find solutions that leave customers happy and franchisees supported.
This commitment to customer service is a key driver of the Jim’s Mowing brand’s success and reputation.
How Jim’s Mowing Is Future-Proofing Against Changes in the Market
With AI on the rise, personal service matters more than ever.
Matt is future-proofing Jim’s Mowing with quality, not shortcuts.
“I read a quote the other day just around AI, saying that in the next two years, there’s going to be far more people lose their job due to laziness and lack of proactiveness than AI,” Matt says.
“I probably tend to agree with that.“
Matt’s vision for the future of the Jim’s Mowing division involves continued growth, both in terms of franchisee numbers and brand presence.
He sees opportunities to expand the brand’s reach, particularly in the northern and western regions of Australia, while also focusing on enhancing the customer experience through innovative service offerings.
One of the key ways Matt plans to drive this growth is by leveraging the Jim’s Mowing brand’s reputation for quality and reliability.
By emphasizing the value of the Jim’s Mowing name and the expertise of its franchisees, Matt hopes to attract a new generation of entrepreneurs who are seeking a fulfilling and financially rewarding business opportunity.
What New Jim’s Mowing Franchisees Can Expect When They Join
Matt pairs new recruits with experienced franchisees and sets clear expectations.
It’s about support, not hype.
“I always get prospects to go out and do an observation day with franchisees or franchisees in any particular area,” Matt explains.
“I’ve got a great relationship with all my franchises, but there are senior guys in each area where I’ve got absolute trust in the people that I put them out on the road with.“
Once the right franchisee is in place, Matt focuses on setting realistic expectations and providing the necessary support and guidance to help them succeed.
He encourages prospective franchisees to be prepared for the hard work and dedication required to run a successful business, but also highlights the potential rewards.
“I quote Jim’s in my marketing that I do to new franchises,” Matt says.
“Jim’s done a survey before, and I use $140,000 as a guide. But at the end of the day, I always tell people it can be as big as you want it to be.“
Matt’s commitment to his franchisees extends beyond just financial success.
He emphasizes the importance of work-life balance, something he has personally experienced and values highly.
“The days of me having to be in a boardroom or get up at 4:30 a.m. on a Monday morning to fly to Sydney every week, and then work into the state all week and get on a plane at 5:30 on a Friday night, were taking a toll,” he reflects.
“I don’t have to do that anymore, and financially, it’s been going well for me as well.“
Can You Really Earn More and Work Less With Jim’s Mowing?
Matt’s own shift from corporate life to franchise leadership shows what’s possible.
The opportunity is real, and the lifestyle, rewarding.
Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or a corporate professional seeking a fresh start, the Jim’s Mowing franchise could be the perfect fit.
To learn more about the opportunities available in the Western Victoria region and beyond, be sure to visit the Jim’s Mowing website or call 131 546.
For those who are already part of the Jim’s Mowing family, Matt’s story serves as a testament to the incredible potential that lies within this dynamic and supportive franchise.
With the right mindset, dedication, and guidance, the sky’s the limit for what you can achieve.
So why not take the first step towards your own franchise success story?
Connect with Matt and the Jim’s Mowing team today, and let them help you unlock your full potential as a business owner and entrepreneur.
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