A Franchisee’s Journey with Jim’s Pool Care
When Mark Bignell decided to make a career change from driving limousines to running his own business, he never could have imagined the success he would find in the pool care industry.
As the regional franchise owner of Jim’s Pool Care in North Queensland, Australia, Mark has built a thriving enterprise that has allowed him to enjoy a better work-life balance and financial freedom.
Explore as we delve into Mark’s journey from the limo business to becoming a Jim’s Pool Care franchisee, the training and support he received, and the keys to his ongoing success.
Whether you’re considering a franchise opportunity yourself or simply curious to learn more, this article will provide valuable insights into the world of pool care entrepreneurship.
From Limos to Pools: Discovering a New Opportunity
After years of working long hours as a limo driver, Mark was ready for a change.
The 24/7 nature of the limo business left him with little personal time or work-life balance.
He began exploring other business options, with a particular interest in franchises.
Mark was drawn to the structured support and systems that a franchise model could provide.
“I looked at Jim’s because they’ve got a set franchise fee, so the more I work, the more I earn and the more I gain, rather than something that was a percentage-based,” he says.
It was during this search that Mark discovered Jim’s Pool Care, a leading pool maintenance and repair franchise in Australia.
Despite having limited prior experience with pools, Mark was intrigued by the opportunity.
“I didn’t know anything about pools except if they’re blue, they’re good, if they’re green, they’re bad,” he admits.
But the franchise’s comprehensive training program and ongoing support convinced him that this could be the right fit.
Comprehensive Training and Ongoing Support
One of the key factors that drew Mark to the Jim’s Pool Care franchise was the quality of the training and support he would receive.
As a newcomer to the pool industry, he knew he would need extensive guidance to get up to speed.
“The training was really quite extensive – in everything to do with pools,” Mark says.
“You can only learn so much in a certain amount of time before you actually get on the road, but there was always someone there to answer any question.”
The initial training process involved shadowing the existing franchise owner, who showed Mark the ropes and taught him how to properly diagnose and address common pool issues.
Even after the initial training, Mark had ongoing access to support from both the franchise and his fellow franchisees.
“There was always training and people answering your questions, whether it was the franchise or someone who had been doing it longer or someone in Melbourne that I knew was doing it there,” he explains.
This comprehensive training and support system has been crucial to Mark’s success.
By equipping him with the necessary knowledge and skills, as well as a network of experienced professionals to lean on, Jim’s Pool Care has empowered him to confidently tackle any challenge that arises.
Tailoring the Business to Fit Your Lifestyle
One of the key benefits of the Jim’s Pool Care franchise model, according to Mark, is the ability to shape the business to fit your desired lifestyle.
As he explains, “Not all of the franchisees do it the same way – they’ve got something that’s suitable to what they want to do.“
For example, Mark points to one of his franchisees who is in his early 30s and has built a team of employees to handle the day-to-day work, allowing him to focus on the business side and enjoy more personal time for activities like fishing.
On the other hand, another franchisee in his 60s prefers to work just three days a week so he can spend more time playing golf.
This flexibility is a major draw for many prospective franchisees, including Mark himself.
By empowering franchisees to structure their businesses in a way that aligns with their personal goals and lifestyle preferences, Jim’s Pool Care has created an environment where entrepreneurs can thrive.
This customizable approach has been a key factor in Mark’s own success and satisfaction as a franchisee.
The Mobile Pool Shop Advantage
One of the unique aspects of the Jim’s Pool Care franchise model is the mobile pool shop concept.
Rather than requiring customers to bring their pools to a central location, the franchise’s vans are equipped with everything needed to service pools on-site.
This mobile approach offers several advantages for both the franchisee and the customer:
- Convenience for Customers: Customers don’t have to transport their pool equipment or take time out of their day to visit a physical location. The mobile service comes directly to them, saving time and effort.
- Efficiency for Franchisees: By bringing the necessary tools and supplies directly to the job site, franchisees can maximize their productivity and minimize downtime between appointments.
- Expanded Service Offerings: The mobile vans allow franchisees to offer a wider range of services beyond just pool maintenance and repair. As Mark notes, “We do lots of things – repairing a fence at the moment, a glass fence that came uncompliant, so I’m fixing it up to become compliant again.”
This mobile pool shop model is a key differentiator for the Jim’s Pool Care franchise, providing a convenient and comprehensive service experience for customers while also empowering franchisees to run their businesses more efficiently.
Diversifying Services and Expanding Capabilities
While pool maintenance and repair are the core focus of the Jim’s Pool Care franchise, Mark has found opportunities to expand his service offerings and diversify his revenue streams.
One example he shares is a job where he was asked to scrub out a garage floor to remove oil stains.
“At the time, I didn’t have much on, so I said, ‘Yeah, not a problem,’” Mark recalls.
“I’m probably more easy-going now, less demanding.“
This willingness to take on additional tasks beyond the typical pool work has allowed Mark to provide more value to his customers and generate additional income for his business.
It also speaks to the adaptability and problem-solving skills that are essential for success as a franchisee.
Beyond diversifying his services, Mark has also explored ways to enhance the capabilities of his mobile pool shop.
This includes offering robotic pool cleaners, which can save customers the time and effort of manually cleaning their pools.
By incorporating these types of labor-saving technologies, franchisees can provide an even more comprehensive and convenient service experience for their customers.
The Importance of Work-Life Balance
One of the most significant benefits that Mark has experienced as a Jim’s Pool Care franchisee is the improved work-life balance.
After years of the demanding limo business, he now has the freedom to prioritize his personal time and commitments.
“I’ve never had free time in my whole life, and at first, I felt guilty about it,” Mark admits.
“But now I’ve got the free time, I’ve got the finance – if the grandkids are having something at school or a sports day or something, then I can just take off and go. I don’t have to worry about it, and I don’t feel any guilt anymore because I know everything’s fine.”
This newfound flexibility and control over his schedule has been a game-changer for Mark.
Rather than being chained to his business 24/7, he can now enjoy quality time with his family and pursue his own hobbies and interests.
By empowering franchisees to shape their businesses around their desired lifestyle, Jim’s Pool Care has created an environment where entrepreneurs can thrive both professionally and personally.
Becoming a Jim’s Pool Care Franchisee
For those interested in exploring the Jim’s Pool Care franchise opportunity, Mark offers some valuable advice.
He emphasizes the importance of being open-minded and willing to learn, as the comprehensive training program is designed to equip even newcomers to the industry with the necessary skills and knowledge.
Beyond the initial training, Mark also highlights the ongoing support and resources available to franchisees.
Whether it’s reaching out to the franchise team or connecting with experienced peers, there is always someone available to provide guidance and answer questions.
For those interested in learning more about the Jim’s Pool Care franchise opportunity, Mark encourages them to reach out to the franchise team.
As he notes, “Ring the call center number, 131 546, and then they’ll get directed to me. I’ll have a talk to them, go and have a cup of coffee, and discuss what they want to do, what they want to get out of it, what they want to know, and what I can provide. Then hopefully, we can get together and get them on the road within a month.“
Mark Bignell’s journey from the limo business to becoming a successful Jim’s Pool Care franchisee is a testament to the power of embracing new opportunities and the support that a well-structured franchise model can provide.
Through comprehensive training, ongoing support, and the ability to tailor the business to fit his desired lifestyle, Mark has built a thriving pool care enterprise that has allowed him to enjoy greater work-life balance and financial freedom.
His story serves as an inspiring example of the potential for entrepreneurial success within the Jim’s Pool Care franchise.
Whether you’re considering a franchise opportunity yourself or simply curious to learn more, Mark’s experience provides valuable insights into the pool care industry and the benefits of the Jim’s Pool Care model.
By leveraging the franchise’s resources and expertise, entrepreneurs like Mark can turn their dreams of business ownership into reality.
To learn more about the Jim’s Pool Care franchise opportunity, be sure to visit their website at jims.net or call the franchise team at 131 546.
You can also check out the Jim’s Group YouTube channel for more inspiring stories and business advice from franchisees like Mark.