In a world where many people feel trapped in the daily grind of corporate life, the story of Glenn, a former radiation therapist, offers a refreshing perspective on the power of taking a leap of faith.
After dedicating 25 years to the healthcare industry, Glenn made the bold decision to leave his secure job and start on a new adventure with Jim’s Mowing, Australia’s largest mowing and gardening franchise.
Why Glenn Left a 25-Year Healthcare Career to Start a Jim’s Mowing Franchise
Jim’s Mowing gave Glenn instant credibility and trust.
Customers know what to expect—and that trust leads to repeat business and referrals.
As Glenn explains in an interview with Joel Kleber, “The number one thing that, from my perspective, is that brand awareness is absolutely massive. It’s not unwarranted. It is an absolutely legitimate awareness that people have. Once they see the Jim’s logo and the branding, they know not just generally what the service is, but importantly, they know what the standard of the service is.“
This brand recognition and trust proved to be a game-changer for Glenn, as it allowed him to leverage the decades of goodwill and customer satisfaction that Jim’s Mowing had built over the years.
Rather than starting from scratch, Glenn could tap into a well-established customer base and reputation, giving him a significant advantage in the local market.
Is Jim’s Mowing Right for People Without Lawn Care Experience? | Conversation with Joel Kleber
After decades in healthcare, Glenn needed more flexibility and fulfillment.
One bold decision led him to a thriving Jim’s Mowing franchise.
The turning point came when Glenn took some time off to use up his accumulated long service leave.
During this period, he discovered the true value of flexibility and work-life balance.
“I decided to take a few months off, and that few months off once I got a taste for the flexibility of life and being able to do school drop-offs and pickups and really be involved like I hadn’t been up in sort of the day-to-day life of things, it was great,” he says.
This newfound appreciation for flexibility and family time was the catalyst that propelled Glenn towards his next chapter.
“It really just took one meeting with the boss at the time, and for me, it solidified that I had come to value that flexibility a great deal,” he reflects.
What Kind of Training Do New Jim’s Mowing Franchisees Receive?
Jim’s Mowing offers more than lawn care basics.
Glenn learned how to build, manage, and grow his own business from day one.
The training not only covered the practical aspects of the job but also delved into the intricacies of running a successful business.
“It was quite amazing how much of it was focused on managing, running, and developing your business versus simply just the practical side of doing the job, which of course is hugely important,” Glenn adds.
One of the initial challenges Glenn faced was the physical adjustment to the demands of the job.
“The first 6 to 8 weeks, it was a bit of a shock to the system,” he admits.
“But you push through it, and you start to get used to it, and then you see the benefits of it. I would highly suggest that to anyone. It’s great for the mind, but it’s great for the body as well.“
How Glenn Built a Real Business—Not Just a Lawn Mowing Job
From managing invoices to expanding services, Glenn embraced entrepreneurship.
His focus: running a professional, profitable operation.
Navigating the financial aspects of the business, such as bookkeeping and invoicing, was a new challenge for Glenn, but one he embraced with the support of his franchisor and other Jim’s Mowing franchisees.
Developing a strategic mindset to grow and scale the business was another key focus area.
Glenn had to consider factors like hiring staff, expanding services, and identifying new revenue streams.
Fostering strong customer relationships and providing exceptional service became a top priority, as Glenn recognized the importance of building a loyal client base and maintaining the high standards associated with the Jim’s Mowing brand.
The journey of transitioning from a corporate career to a business owner was not without its challenges, but Glenn’s willingness to learn and adapt allowed him to navigate these uncharted waters successfully.
How Adding Extra Services Helped Glenn Grow His Income
Glenn now offers more than mowing.
His broad skill set keeps customers happy—and keeps new income streams flowing.
This diversification of services allowed Glenn to better serve his customers and tap into new revenue streams.
“It’s really opened the opportunities, and people, once they’ve seen some of your work, whether it be the mowing or some part of that, then they go, ‘Oh, look, he does a good job with this. I’ll give him a shot at this and this,” he explains.
Glenn’s willingness to take on new challenges and provide comprehensive solutions for his clients has been a key factor in the growth and success of his business.
By offering a wide range of services, he has been able to build stronger relationships with his customers and position himself as a trusted, one-stop shop for all their gardening and maintenance needs.
How Jim’s Mowing Branding Helps Franchisees Get Daily Leads
The Jim’s Mowing name is Glenn’s best marketing tool.
Just wearing the uniform turns heads and attracts new clients.
This brand recognition has translated into a steady stream of referrals and new business opportunities for Glenn.
“There would barely be a day that goes past if I’m out working and I have the trailer on the street or I’m walking down the street if I have the Jim’s uniform on, I almost sleep in the thing now, because you that is some of the best advertising that you can actually get,” he explains.
By leveraging the Jim’s Mowing brand, Glenn has been able to establish himself as a trusted and reliable service provider in his local community.
This has not only helped him secure new clients but has also fostered a sense of pride and ownership in representing the Jim’s Mowing brand.
How Glenn Keeps Customers Loyal With Great Service and Communication
Clear communication, fast follow-ups, and reliable results.
That’s how Glenn keeps customers satisfied—and loyal.
“There are very clear expectations around that as far as how you interact and how you communicate with customers,” he explains.
“It’s the communication that makes sure one, you get in touch with the customer, and that you know what they expect, they know what we can deliver to them, and the standard that we can deliver to them.“
- Prompt communication: Glenn and his team are expected to respond to customer inquiries and requests in a timely manner, ensuring that clients feel valued and their needs are addressed.
- Exceeding expectations: Glenn strives to not only meet but exceed the customer’s expectations, going the extra mile to deliver exceptional service and build lasting relationships.
- Accountability and problem-solving: If any issues arise, Glenn and the Jim’s Mowing team are committed to addressing them promptly and finding solutions that satisfy the customer.
By upholding these high standards, Glenn and his fellow Jim’s Mowing franchisees are not only providing top-notch services but also reinforcing the brand’s reputation for quality and reliability.
How Glenn Made the Shift From Employee to Successful Business Owner
Glenn’s identity shift from employee to entrepreneur wasn’t easy.
But now, he proudly owns his success as a franchisee.
However, Glenn’s focus on his role as a parent and the desire for a more flexible lifestyle helped him navigate this transition.
“I think that shift in identity at that point helped me think, ‘Okay, I need to find something else that supports that flexibility and the desire I had for not just the flexibility, but for being active and being outdoors,‘” he explains.
As Glenn’s business grew and he embraced the challenges of entrepreneurship, his sense of pride and ownership in the Jim’s Mowing brand began to take shape.
“I’m a business owner, and I think that has been a real identity shift for me because I’ve never thought of myself as a business owner,” he says.
This newfound identity as a business owner has been a source of immense satisfaction for Glenn, as he continues to navigate the ups and downs of running his own enterprise.
Why Glenn Bought an Existing Jim’s Mowing Business—And How He’s Scaling It
Starting with 50+ clients helped Glenn grow fast.
Now he’s planning his next steps—more staff, more services, more flexibility.
This approach allowed Glenn to hit the ground running, with a solid customer base and a proven track record.
Over the past six months, Glenn has been able to steadily grow his business, adding new clients and expanding his service offerings.
As Glenn looks to the future, he is exploring ways to scale his business further, whether it’s through hiring staff, acquiring additional equipment, or expanding into new geographic areas.
“I’m now looking at it and saying, ‘Well, what do I want to do with it now? Do I want to build it sort of with staff or trailers, or do I want to have that flexibility of four days a week, or do I really want to work weekends or take a day off through the week?‘” he says.
By leveraging the support and resources of the Jim’s Mowing franchise, Glenn is confident in his ability to continue growing and adapting his business to meet the evolving needs of his customers and his own personal goals.
How Jim’s Mowing Helped Glenn Create True Work-Life Balance
Jim’s Mowing lets Glenn work around school runs and family life.
Flexibility is no longer a dream—it’s his new reality.
The flexibility afforded by Jim’s Mowing business has been a game-changer for Glenn and his family.
“I can be present for those times. I can be there. I can experience those opportunities, whether it be it’s drop-off or pickup, and I can do school drop-off, and I can be working within 5 minutes if I’ve got a job locally or 10 or 20 minutes if it’s a bit further on,” he explains.
This ability to balance work and family commitments has been a source of immense joy and fulfillment for Glenn.
“It’s fantastic. It’s worked out really well because we can both, my partner and I, we both have the flexibility now within our respective jobs to be involved with school activities or, you know, if we want to go away for a long weekend, I can say, ‘Okay, fantastic. I’ll do a shorter day next Friday, but then the following weekend, I’ll do a bit of work on the weekend,‘” he says.
By embracing the flexibility and work-life balance offered by his Jim’s Mowing franchise, Glenn has been able to prioritize his family and create a more fulfilling lifestyle for himself and his loved ones.
Glenn’s Advice for Anyone Thinking About Joining Jim’s Mowing
Don’t let pride stop you from chasing happiness.
Glenn’s story proves that lawn care can lead to real success and freedom.
Glenn’s advice to those contemplating a career change or business ownership is to focus on what truly matters to them, rather than being swayed by societal perceptions or preconceived notions.
- Prioritize your values and lifestyle goals: Consider what’s most important to you, whether it’s flexibility, work-life balance, or the opportunity to be more active and engaged in your community.
- Embrace the potential for growth and fulfillment: Don’t be limited by assumptions about certain industries or job types. Explore the possibilities and be open to the unexpected benefits that may arise.
- Leverage the support of a proven franchise model: Joining an established franchise like Jim’s Mowing can provide the resources, training, and guidance to help you navigate the transition and build a successful business.
By following Glenn’s lead and challenging the status quo, aspiring entrepreneurs can unlock a world of possibilities and find the work-life balance and fulfillment they’ve been seeking.
To learn more about the Jim’s Mowing franchise and explore opportunities in your local area, visit the Jim’s Mowing website or call 131 546 in Australia or 0800 454 654 in New Zealand. You can also connect with the Jim’s Mowing community on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter.