Harry Parker, a Jim’s Mowing franchise owner, recently shared valuable insights about business growth, customer service, and why the Jim’s brand is such a powerful asset for franchise owners.
After less than 12 months in the system, Harry has more than tripled his turnover and built a reputation that customers trust.
From Manufacturing to Mowing
Harry’s journey into franchising came after 40 years of running his own clothing manufacturing business.
“I’d been in my own business for some 40-odd years making specialised sports clothing,” he told interviewer Joel Kleber.
“And then COVID came along, and the market was down for two years. So that business disappeared before my eyes.”
After shutting his factory and laying off staff, Harry needed a new path.
“My wife said to me, if you don’t get out of the house, I’m going to kill you,” he joked.
He had always liked gardening, so he reached out to Jim’s Mowing and spent time shadowing another franchisee.
“I sort of took to it like a duck does to water. I really liked it. I made the decision basically over a period of about one week.”
The Strength of the Brand
Harry started with 43 accounts through a franchise split. Less than a year later, he was servicing 78 accounts.
“I’ve not doubled the turnover, I’ve more than tripled the turnover,” he said proudly.
“What that proves to me is that the Jim’s brand can carry the price. I’m not overpricing it. I just think the brand and my time are worth X amount, and 90 percent of them just want it done. They’ve rung Jim because of the brand.”
Jim’s Group, with more than 5,500 franchisees, is Australia’s largest franchise network.
That size and recognition help franchisees like Harry win trust quickly and focus on delivering quality service rather than competing on price.
Support and Camaraderie
One of the biggest surprises for Harry was the support network within Jim’s.
“Nobody, from your franchisor to even Jim himself, is too busy to help. If you’ve got a big job, people want you to be part of it. Everybody is keen to help each other,” he said.
Harry regularly teams up with fellow franchisees to take on larger projects.
“Every time you get a big job, you’re better off getting somebody to help you because then it leaves you the rest of the day to go out and earn more money,” he explained.
That collaboration has led to contracts worth tens of thousands of dollars, all originating from Jim’s leads.
Customer Service That Builds Loyalty
For Harry, customer service is simple: listen, deliver, and follow up.
“I always go and knock on their door when I finish. I ask if they want to walk around with me and see that I’ve done it okay. It takes a little longer, but it goes a long way,” he said.
He also believes in honesty and reliability.
“Often people tell me the last bloke was doing it for $50. And I say, well, why isn’t he still doing it? At the end of the day, he probably wasn’t making any money out of it. I treat every place like it’s mine. I won’t leave a place without it looking the way it was meant to look.”
Lessons for Franchise Owners
Harry’s success offers practical lessons for franchisees:
- The Jim’s brand gives instant credibility, but you must deliver quality to uphold it.
- Collaboration with fellow franchisees opens doors to bigger jobs and higher earnings.
- Listening and taking time with customers builds trust and long-term loyalty.
- Pricing with confidence ensures your business remains profitable and sustainable.
As Harry summed up, “Jim said to me when I first met him, if you enjoy your job, you’ll never work a day in your life. And you know what? It is so true. I totally enjoy what I’m doing.”
For those considering franchising, Harry’s story shows how the Jim’s system can provide both financial growth and personal fulfillment.
To learn more about starting your own business with Jim’s, visit jims.net.
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