Leaving the Bright Lights Behind
Ricky Newby’s journey from the entertainment industry to the world of lawn care and landscaping is a testament to the power of reinvention and the pursuit of a more fulfilling life.
As the former owner of nightclubs, music festivals, and a TV station, Ricky found himself at a crossroads, grappling with the demands of a fast-paced, high-energy career that kept him disconnected from his family.
Ricky’s decision to leave the entertainment industry didn’t come lightly.
He recognized that the long, irregular hours and the constant need to cater to the whims of the industry were taking a toll on his personal life.
The turning point came when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, forcing Ricky to reevaluate his professional path.
Discovering the Opportunity with Jim’s Mowing
Ricky’s search for a more stable and fulfilling career led him to explore the world of franchising, and it was the Jim’s Mowing brand that caught his eye.
The appeal of Jim’s Mowing went beyond the quick response from the franchisor.
Ricky was drawn to the brand’s established success and the infrastructure it provided, which he felt would give him a better chance of success compared to starting a business from scratch.
- The credibility of the Jim’s Mowing brand, which had been around for over 60 years, was a significant factor in Ricky’s decision.
- The “template had already been a success,” he notes, meaning that the business model and systems were already in place, reducing the risk and uncertainty he would have faced with a new venture.
- Ricky also appreciated the support and guidance the franchise offered, which he felt would be invaluable compared to the challenges of running a business entirely on his own.
After attending the initial meeting and completing the training program, Ricky was ready to dive in and get his hands dirty.
The training, which consisted of a mix of classroom-based instruction and hands-on field work, gave him the confidence and skills he needed to hit the ground running.
Embracing the Physical Demands of the Job
Ricky’s transition from the entertainment industry to the lawn care business was not without its challenges.
One of the most significant adjustments was the physical demands of the job, which he quickly discovered were no easy feat.
Despite the physical challenges, Ricky embraced the opportunity to get in shape and improve his overall health.
Building a Thriving Team and Scaling the Business
As Ricky settled into his new role, he quickly recognized the potential for growth and expansion.
He started by bringing on a friend who had experience with a Jim’s Mowing franchise in South Auckland, recognizing that their complementary skills and interests would be a valuable asset.
Ricky’s decision to scale up the business was a strategic one, driven by his desire to maximize the potential of the Jim’s Mowing franchise.
He carefully assembled a team of six, including himself, with each member bringing unique skills and strengths to the table.
- Ricky hired a dedicated administrative assistant to handle the invoicing and other back-office tasks, freeing up his own time to focus on generating new business and overseeing the team’s operations.
- He brought on a mix of new and experienced team members, including a female lawn mower and a male gardener, to ensure a well-rounded and diverse workforce.
- Ricky invested time in training and mentoring his new hires, recognizing that the skills required for the job could be easily taught, but the right attitude and reliability were essential.
As Ricky’s team grew, he was able to expand the range of services offered, including hedge trimming, minor landscaping, garden cleanouts, and even the occasional flat-pack assembly task.
This diversification not only kept his clients satisfied but also contributed to the overall profitability of the business.
Overcoming the Challenges of Staffing
One of the biggest challenges Ricky faced in scaling his Jim’s Mowing franchise was finding the right people to join his team.
Ricky’s approach to hiring was focused on finding individuals with the right attitude and reliability, rather than just technical skills.
To ensure a smooth onboarding process, Ricky takes a hands-on approach with his new hires, spending a week or more working alongside them until he feels they are ready to take on tasks independently.
He also encourages his team to learn on the job, troubleshooting equipment issues and problem-solving as they arise.
The Power of the Jim’s Mowing Brand
One of the key advantages Ricky has experienced with his Jim’s Mowing franchise is the power of the brand itself.
The Jim’s Mowing name carries a significant amount of recognition and trust within the local community, which has been a major driver of Ricky’s success.
- Ricky has found that the Jim’s Mowing brand’s work guarantee and reputation for quality service have been instrumental in attracting new clients, both through direct referrals and from neighbors who have seen the high-quality work being done on nearby properties.
- The brand’s strong online presence and positive reviews have also played a crucial role in building Ricky’s customer base.
- Ricky is even taking steps to further enhance the brand’s reputation, such as addressing a single negative review he received early on, which he plans to have removed from the platform.
The power of the Jim’s Group brand has been a significant factor in Ricky’s ability to scale his business and achieve success.
By leveraging the brand’s reputation and the support it provides, Ricky has been able to focus on delivering exceptional service to his clients, secure in the knowledge that the Jim’s Mowing name is working for him.
Achieving Work-Life Balance and Financial Security
Ricky’s transition from the entertainment industry to the Jim’s Mowing franchise has not only provided him with a more stable and fulfilling career but has also allowed him to achieve a better work-life balance.
In addition to the improved lifestyle, Ricky’s Jim’s Mowing franchise has also provided him with a path to financial security.
While he initially reinvested everything back into the business to build a strong foundation, Ricky is now poised to reap the rewards of his hard work.
Advice for Aspiring Franchisees
For those considering a Jim’s Mowing franchise or any other franchise opportunity, Ricky has some valuable advice to share:
- “Don’t jump into it too soon. I mean, you know, a friend of mine, he was taking on staff in the second week, starting, and I think this got a really spin a year or maybe less, and just really understand the business, the work involved, and stuff, and then sort of understand your numbers as well, you know.“
- “When it comes to scaling, I don’t think you need to be too fearful because the support’s there. You know, even our franchisor, he’s got us in touch with a pretty sizable franchisee, I think they’ve got about a team of seven, so get some advice there as well.“
- “The work’s always going to be there, you know, so it’s just how you manage that work. Totally, and it allowed me to get to this position now, but now, the foundation and everything sort of set to actually make some money, you know.“
Ricky’s journey from the entertainment industry to the Jim’s Mowing franchise is a testament to the power of reinvention and the rewards that can come from embracing a new challenge.
By leveraging the brand’s reputation, infrastructure, and support, Ricky has been able to build a thriving business that not only provides him with financial security but also a renewed sense of purpose and work-life balance.