Starting a new business can be a challenging prospect, especially when it’s in an industry you have no prior experience.
But that’s exactly the challenge Shaun Thomas took on when he decided to launch a Jim’s Hazardous Material franchise just over a year ago.
Shaun shares the incredible story of how he was able to grow his new franchise to over $250,000 in revenue in his very first year – all while learning an entirely new trade from the ground up.
If you’ve ever considered starting your own business, Shaun’s journey is sure to inspire and motivate you.
From Retail Manager to Hazardous Materials Entrepreneur
Shaun’s background was in retail management, having worked as a store manager for a major supermarket chain for the past 10 years.
While it was a stable and reliable job, Shaun felt it was time for a change.
When Shaun came across an ad for Jim’s Hazardous Material division on Facebook, it immediately piqued his interest.
The more he looked into it, the more he realized it could be the perfect opportunity.
What attracted Shaun to the Hazardous Material division, in particular, was the level of trust and expertise required.
As he explains, when it comes to services like asbestos removal or mold remediation, customers want to know they’re working with a reputable and qualified provider.
Of course, Shaun knew he had a lot to learn.
Coming from a retail background, he had no prior experience in the building or construction industries.
But he was unfazed by the challenge.
Intensive Training Prepares Shaun for Success
One of the key benefits of joining a franchise system like Jim’s is the comprehensive training and support provided to new franchisees, and Shaun took full advantage of it.
His very first task was learning how to use basic tools like a pencil sharpener and a Stanley knife – skills that were completely foreign to him.
But with the help of his franchise mentor, Shaun was able to quickly get up to speed.
In addition to the hands-on training he received from his franchise mentor, Shaun also completed a range of third-party courses and certifications.
This included training in areas like mold identification, asbestos handling, and biohazard cleanup.
As Shaun explains, these specialized skills are essential for operating in the Hazardous Material industry, which is highly regulated.
But Shaun didn’t just stop at the technical training.
He also worked closely with his franchise mentor to develop the essential business skills he would need to succeed as a business owner.
With his newfound knowledge and skills, Shaun was ready to put his franchise into action.
Achieving Remarkable Results in Year One
When Shaun first started Jim’s Hazardous Material franchise, he set some ambitious goals for himself.
To the surprise of many, he was able to smash those goals in his very first year.
“In my first year, I did about $250,000 in turnover. And that was just me, using contractors for the bigger jobs.”
To put that into perspective, the average revenue for a new small business in Australia is around $200,000 in the first year.
So Shaun’s results are truly remarkable, especially considering he was operating in a completely new industry.
What’s even more impressive is that Shaun was able to achieve this level of success while maintaining an exceptional level of customer service.
In fact, his franchise has an average rating of 4.9 stars out of 5 from over 50 customer reviews.
Shaun attributes his rapid growth to a few key factors. First and foremost, he was laser-focused on learning every aspect of the business in his first year.
Once he had the technical skills down, Shaun turned his attention to building relationships with key industry partners, like real estate agents and builders.
Shaun also credits the support and resources provided by the Jim’s franchise system as a major factor in his success.
“The startup cost is around $80,000, which includes your stock. And then your monthly fees are roughly $2,000, which is great considering that’s all your advertising and the support from the franchise.”
With a strong foundation in place, Shaun is now focused on taking his business to the next level.
Ambitious Plans for Growth and Expansion
As Shaun looks ahead to his second year in business, his primary focus is on continued growth and expansion.
One key area of focus is building out his team.
Whereas in his first year, Shaun was a one-man show, he now plans to start bringing on employees to help handle the increasing workload.
Shaun is also looking to expand the range of services he offers, particularly in the areas of biohazard cleanup and meth decontamination.
As he explains, these are emerging areas that are poised for significant growth in the coming years.
Of course, Shaun’s primary focus will always be on delivering exceptional service and maintaining the high standards that have made his franchise so successful.
But he’s confident that by continuing to invest in his team and expand his service offerings, he can take his business to even greater heights.
A Rewarding Transition to Entrepreneurship
For Shaun, the decision to leave his stable retail management job and start his own business was a big one.
But looking back on his first year, he has no regrets.
Not only has he been able to achieve remarkable financial success, but he’s also been able to dramatically improve his work-life balance.
Most importantly, Shaun has found a deep sense of fulfillment in the work he’s doing.
For anyone considering a similar transition to entrepreneurship, Shaun’s story is a powerful testament to what’s possible.
With the right mindset, the right support, and a willingness to put in the hard work, it’s possible to achieve remarkable success – even in a completely new industry.
To learn more about the Jim’s Hazardous Material franchise and how you can get started, be sure to visit the Jim’s Group website or call 131 546 in Australia or 0800 454 654 in New Zealand.
Don’t forget to check out the Jim’s Podcast for more inspiring stories and business insights.