Starting a new business venture can be both exciting and challenging, just like it was for Craig, who transitioned from a 15-year career in the transport industry to join Jim’s Mowing.
In this in-depth interview with Joel Kleber, Craig shares his inspiring story of how he overcame the initial challenges, scaled his business, and found fulfillment in running his own operation.
Why Craig Left His 15-Year Transport Career to Join Jim’s Mowing
Prior to joining Jim’s Mowing, Craig had spent 15 years working in the transport industry, often logging long hours that left little time for his family.
“I was basically getting so many hours a day, wasn’t seeing family, and that, so I decided to get out of it,” he explains.
The decision to make a career change wasn’t an easy one, but Craig knew he needed to prioritize his work-life balance.
“I joined another fence at a higher place until I set up Jim’s because it takes a little while to set it up, and then here I am,” he says.
What Made Jim’s Mowing the Right Franchise for Craig | Conversation with Joel Kleber
When it came to selecting a new business venture, Craig considered a few different options before ultimately deciding on Jim’s Mowing.
He said to Joel Kleber, “I looked at a couple of others, they didn’t really suit my taste like what I wanted,” he explains.
“One of the companies that I never even asked about, they don’t even do the southwest Sydney area, so I jumped on to Jim’s.“
What sealed the deal for Craig was a conversation with a fellow Jim’s Mowing franchisee whose daughter attended the same school as Craig’s.
“I was talking to him, and I went out with a trial day with him and then went a week with him, and then went down to Melbourne for the comprehensive training program,” Craig says.
What Training Does Jim’s Mowing Provide to New Franchisees?
The training Craig received in Melbourne proved to be invaluable in setting him up for success.
“The training experience down there was good, really good,” he says.
“I liked it, I enjoyed it, got on really well down there.“
The hands-on training not only taught Craig the technical aspects of running a mowing business but also equipped him with the knowledge and confidence to tackle the challenges he would face in the real world.
“It was a bit scary at first because we were still in the drought, and I came back and I started mowing like basically mowing dirt,” he recalls.
“But the training really helped me feel prepared for what was to come.“
How Craig Grew and Scaled His Jim’s Mowing Business
As Craig’s business began to grow, he made strategic decisions to scale up his operations. One of the key moves was hiring his son to work with him full-time.
“My son was still at school at the time, he used to come out with me, like when I’m getting swamped, to help me out,” Craig explains.
“Then we end up, because I never had a ride-on first when I first started, then I got a ride-on because I was getting more work.”
Since then, Craig has continued to invest in his equipment, purchasing two ride-on mowers and a stand-up model.
“We’ve bought two ride-ons and a stand-up, I’ve pre-employed him full-time, he left school, and he’s working with me full-time,” he says.
Does Jim’s Mowing Encourage Community Involvement?
In addition to running a successful mowing business, Craig has also made it a priority to give back to his local community.
He has taken on special needs youth from the Glenfield Park School, providing them with valuable work experience opportunities.
“I take on special needs kids from Glenfield Park School, just on a day as a work experience with them, to get them out and get them into the garden and lawns and that,” Craig explains.
Craig’s commitment to supporting these young individuals not only provides them with meaningful experiences but also reflects the values and community-minded approach that Jim’s Mowing encourages among its franchisees.
What Challenges Did Craig Face and How Did He Overcome Them?
Running a mowing business is not without its challenges, and Craig has had to navigate his fair share of obstacles.
One of the biggest hurdles he faced was the transition from petrol-powered to battery-powered equipment.
“I was using Honda when I first started, I used a Honda, but since then I have gone with EGO,” Craig explains.
“It’s a little bit more, not as pricey, well, it’s the same price outlay, but you’re cutting out your servicing, you’re not doing much servicing to deal with it.“
The switch to battery-powered tools has had its pros and cons, as Craig has discovered.
“I have noticed it a little bit, especially if you got thicker grass, you’ve got to make sure you have your blade sharp, basically, or if there’s a bit of water on it, like moisture in the morning or the afternoon, make sure the blades are sharp to cut through it,” he says.
Despite the occasional challenges, Craig has remained resilient and adaptable, constantly seeking ways to improve his operations and better serve his customers.
Adjusting to Life as His Own Boss After Years of Employment
One of the biggest adjustments Craig had to make was the mindset shift from being an employee to becoming his own boss.
However, Craig’s determination and willpower helped him overcome those initial doubts.
“I just knew that I could do it,” he says.
“Anything I try and do, I make sure I can do it.“
The transition took about a month for Craig to feel fully comfortable in his new role.
“It took me, probably about a month, a good month to settle in and go, ‘Yep, okay, got to get out of bed and I’m working for myself now, I’m not working for someone else,‘” he explains.
What Sets Jim’s Mowing Apart in Terms of Customer Service?
One of the key factors that sets Jim’s Mowing apart from other mowing services is the emphasis on customer trust and attention to detail.
Craig has found that these elements are crucial to building long-lasting relationships with his clients.
“I think because I always get people reply to me, ‘I love how you do your edges, it’s always clean,‘” Craig says.
“You see some of these fly-by-night people, they come in, do the job, and they’re gone. Even there’s a guy down the street that comes a couple of doors down, and he does his lawn down there, and he blows all the grass onto the road and in the gutter, and then he’s gone, and it just looks such a mess.“
In contrast, Craig takes pride in his work, ensuring that he leaves each property looking pristine.
“I blow it back onto the grass, whip a snip, and then blow it onto the grass and then mow it up, which then looks 100% better in quality than the fly-by-night,” he explains.
This attention to detail, combined with Craig’s commitment to communication and transparency, has helped him build a loyal customer base that trusts him to take care of their properties, even when they’re not physically present.
Franchise Perks That Help Jim’s Mowing Owners Succeed
One of the key benefits of being a Jim’s Mowing franchisee is the support and resources provided by the company.
Craig has found this to be invaluable, particularly when it comes to training new employees and navigating the challenges of running a business.
“Chris sends me out for observation days, which is a great thing as well,” Craig says.
Additionally, Craig and other Jim’s Mowing franchisees in New South Wales have the opportunity to attend an annual conference in Bali, where they can connect with fellow franchisees and learn from industry experts.
“We went to Bali last year for the conference, and we’ve booked in ready to go again for this year for the week,” Craig says.
These types of opportunities, along with the ongoing support and guidance from the Jim’s Mowing team, have been instrumental in Craig’s success and growth as a business owner.
Can You Build a Long-Term Successful Business with Jim’s Mowing?
Craig’s journey with Jim’s Mowing is a testament to the power of determination, resilience, and a willingness to embrace change.
From his initial doubts to his thriving business today, Craig’s story serves as an inspiration for anyone considering a career change or exploring the franchise model.
By sharing his experiences, the challenges he overcame, and the strategies he employed, Craig hopes to encourage others to take the leap and explore the opportunities that the mowing industry, and specifically the Jim’s Mowing franchise, can offer.
To learn more about Craig’s journey or to explore the Jim’s Mowing franchise opportunities in your area, be sure to check out the resources provided in the video description.
Who knows, your own path to entrepreneurial success may be just around the corner.
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