Mark Tirimacco transitioned from a long-running tiling business into a Jim’s Mowing franchise.

He built momentum fast by calling leads immediately, using honest upsells, and staying organised with simple routines.

He also explains why the Jim’s brand and lead flow made growth easier to sustain.

Introduction

In this Jim’s Podcast episode, Joel Kleber speaks with Jim’s Mowing franchisee Mark Tirimacco.

Mark started in early February and has been in the franchise for about three months.

He came from 16 years running his own tiling business.

His story shows how tradies can shift into mowing without losing standards.

What Made Mark Leave A Tiling Business And Start A Jim’s Mowing Franchise?

Mark says staffing and time became hard to manage in tiling.

Jobs grew bigger, but manpower did not.

He wanted a model where the opportunity is steady.

He also wanted work that still felt physical and social.

Key insights from Mark’s shift:

• He had 20 years in the trade industry.
• He wanted less pressure around hiring and scaling staff.
• He valued a proven brand over starting from scratch.

“It’s all about customer service.”

How Did Buying An Existing Run Create A Strong Foundation?

Mark bought the entire franchise from his neighbour, who was moving away.

He purchased about 65 customers, giving him immediate stability.

That meant less time chasing work.

It also gave him a base to improve pricing and add extra services.

What a solid client base helped him do:

• Start earning from week one.
• Build rapport quickly with existing clients.
• Focus on quality and upsells instead of lead panic.

Mark’s first week’s revenue was about $3,000.

What Problem Were They Solving For Customers In Garden Maintenance?

Many customers want reliable help without delays or uncertainty.

Mark says the biggest difference is being responsive and clear.

He also highlights the value of consistent service standards.

Customers notice when you show you care.

Common customer frustrations Mark addresses:

• Slow replies after an enquiry.
• Poor communication after a quote is sent.
• Unclear expectations about what is included.

“As soon as I get that message… I always answer that and call directly.”

How Does This Help Franchise Owners Win More Quotes Faster?

Mark believes speed of reply improves your odds.

He calls immediately, even if he is mid-job.

He also uses a simple follow-up loop when customers do not answer.

This keeps him top of mind without being messy.

In training, Mark saw the call centre handle 300 calls by 8:30 am, about 1,200 by lunch, and around 3,000 by day’s end.

What Mark’s “fast response” process looks like:

Call as soon as the lead arrives.

If no answer, leave a voicemail.

Send a text right after, so they know who called.

Call again within 25–30 minutes if needed.

“That was quick. That’s part of the service.”

What Upsell Approach Worked Without Feeling Pushy?

Mark says he is blunt, honest, and practical.

He simply points out what could be done while he is already on-site.

He also reads the client relationship before suggesting more.

If a customer is slow to pay, he avoids adding extras.

What he offers as natural add-ons:

• Pruning and hedging on mowing runs.
• Gutter cleaning when it fits the schedule.
• Green waste removal and garden clean-ups.
• Mulching and re-mulching.

“What’s the worst they’re going to say? No.”

What Services Drove Bigger Weeks And Better Profit?

Mark says mowing is steady “bread and butter.”

But labour-heavy garden work can lift weekly income.

He mentions mulching and manual garden work as strong earners.

He also notes that bigger organisations can bring larger maintenance jobs.

Higher-value work Mark highlights:

• Mulching and re-mulching.
• Ripping out dead plants and full garden maintenance.
• Green waste removal.
• Small one-off jobs that can be done fast.

Mark estimates his gutter cleaning win rate is about 50–50.

How Did Mark Handle The Biggest Challenge In The First Three Months?

Mark says paperwork and diary management were the hardest parts.

He went from a handful of quotes to managing 65 clients.

His phone “doesn’t stop messaging,” which is good for business.

But it requires systems, so nothing gets missed.

What helped him stay organised:

• Carrying a notepad and writing everything down.
• Doing diary planning first thing or last thing daily.
• Keeping a routine for quoting and follow-up.

“I’m always walking around with a pad and jotting down…”

HowTo: A Simple Lead-To-Quote Workflow Mark Uses

Step 1: Call The Lead Immediately

Aim to be the first contact whenever possible.

Step 2: Use Voicemail Plus Text

Do not rely on voicemail alone.

Text right after, so they recognise your number.

Step 3: Follow Up Within 30 Minutes

If they do not respond, call again.

Step 4: Send The Quote And Confirm Delivery

If you email a quote, send a text telling them to check their junk mail.

Step 5: Track Everything In Your Diary Or Notepad

Record cancellations, extras, and follow-ups the same day.

“You can’t rely on the voice message… so bang, straight away with a text message.”

What Did Mark Say About Equipment Upgrades And Battery Tools?

Mark took over the previous owner’s tools, vehicles, and trailer.

Some petrol tools failed within six weeks, so he began upgrading.

He likes battery tools for convenience and reduced maintenance.

He says time spent on oil and filters adds up.

Key reasons he is shifting to battery:

• Faster start-up with fewer “won’t start” issues.
• Less ongoing servicing work.
• Easy charge-and-go workflow as tools wear out.

“The convenience of battery… it’s just on, off, see you later.”

What Lessons Emerged From The Discussion For New Franchisees?

Mark recommends doing research and getting real experience before buying.

He suggests working with a franchisee first, if possible.

He also challenges the “just mowing” stereotype.

He says there is a technique and more variety than people expect.

What Mark advises before you start:

• Do your due diligence and talk to people.
• Try a trial period with a franchisee if you can.
• Treat it as a real business, not a side job.
• Decide how much you want to work, then commit.

“The flexibility to go work for yourself is priceless.”

FAQ

What Is A Jim’s Mowing Franchise?

It is a lawn and garden service business operated locally with Jim’s Group support.

How Many Clients Did Mark Start With?

He bought a run with about 65 customers, giving him a strong base.

What Helped Mark Win More Quotes?

He called leads immediately and followed up with text if needed.

What Services Increased Job Value Beyond Mowing?

He added pruning, hedging, mulching, green waste, and some gutter cleaning.

What Was Mark’s Biggest Early Challenge?

He said paperwork and diary management were hardest with many clients.

Key Takeaways

• Buying a run with 65 clients can create a strong foundation fast.
• Speed of reply and follow-up texts can improve quote conversions.
• Honest onsite upsells often work when rapport is strong.
• Manual garden work can lift weekly income beyond mowing alone.
• Simple admin routines prevent missed jobs and missed payments.

Want to hear Mark’s full story?

Watch the full podcast episode to hear how Mark Tirimacco transitioned from tiling to Jim’s Mowing and built momentum fast.

Interested in starting your own lawn mowing business?

Learn more about joining Jim’s Group at jims.net or call 131 546 today.