Leaving the Rat Race Behind
After spending over three decades in the corporate world, climbing the ladder from the backroom to regional management, Brett Vidler knew it was time for a change.
The daily grind of dealing with endless problems and people issues had taken its toll, and the final straw came during the infamous “toilet paper crisis” of 2020.
Burnt out and disillusioned, Brett started exploring alternative career paths.
He had always been intrigued by the lawn mowing industry, having tried unsuccessfully to get his own lawn mowed a few years prior.
After a few years of careful consideration, Brett made the bold decision to leave his corporate career behind and invest in a Jim’s Mowing franchise.
It was a big leap, but one that has paid off handsomely.
Today, Brett runs a thriving business with 115 regular clients and a perfect 5-star rating – a testament to his unwavering commitment to exceptional customer service.
Overcoming the Challenges of a Career Transition
Making the switch from a desk job to the physical demands of lawn mowing was no easy feat.
Brett admits it took him around six weeks to get “match fit” for the rigors of the job.
The transition was also made more challenging by the COVID-19 pandemic, which forced Brett to complete his Jim’s Mowing training entirely online rather than in person.
However, his previous experience in delivering training sessions proved invaluable, and he was able to adapt quickly.
Embracing the Franchise Model
One of the key factors that drew Brett to the Jim’s Mowing franchise was the support and resources available to franchisees.
He was impressed by the comprehensive training program, the robust systems and processes, and the strong brand recognition in his local area.
Brett also values the regular franchisee meetings, where he and his fellow business owners can share insights, discuss industry trends, and stay up-to-date on important issues like changes to minimum wage and interest rates.
When it comes to the equipment he uses, Brett is a firm believer in the Toro brand of lawn mowers, which were recommended by the franchise.
He also swears by his Husqvarna hand tools, though he notes that some of his colleagues have had success with other brands like Shindaiwa.
One area where Brett has been particularly impressed is the Jim’s Jobs app, which he uses for scheduling, invoicing, and payments.
Contrary to the complaints he’s heard from some other franchisees, Brett has found the app to be intuitive and user-friendly.
Delivering Exceptional Customer Service
At the heart of Brett’s success is his unwavering commitment to providing exceptional customer service.
He attributes his perfect 5-star rating to a few key strategies:
- Prompt response times: Brett aims to arrive at a customer’s property within two hours of their initial inquiry, a commitment that has earned him a lot of goodwill.
- Personalized attention: Whether it’s a quick text to check in on a client whose husband is in the hospital or a follow-up call to ensure a job was done to their satisfaction, Brett makes sure his customers feel valued and appreciated.
- Reliability and communication: Brett is always punctual, and if he’s unable to make it due to inclement weather, he makes sure to call the client in advance. He also keeps them informed of any changes or delays.
Brett’s commitment to quality has also been a key factor in his success.
He advises new franchisees to focus on delivering excellent work, even if it means taking a bit longer at first, before worrying about increasing their speed.
The Joys of Entrepreneurship
For Brett, the decision to leave the corporate world and start his own business has been a life-changing one.
Not only has it improved his overall well-being and work-life balance, but it’s also allowed him to spend more time with his family, including his three adult daughters and two grandchildren.
Brett’s advice to others considering a similar career transition is to not underestimate their own skills and abilities.
He also encourages prospective franchisees to reach out to local Jim’s Mowing operators and spend a day or two shadowing them to get a firsthand feel for the business.
“Go find your local boy, have a yarn, and see if you can do a day with him,” he suggests.
“That way, you can see everything and get a good sense of whether it’s the right fit for you.”
Embracing the Jim’s Mowing Difference
For Brett, the decision to join the Jim’s Mowing franchise has been a resounding success.
He’s found a way to leverage his extensive corporate experience and customer service skills to build a thriving business that brings him joy and fulfillment.
And he’s not alone.
As a member of the Jim’s Mowing community, Brett has access to a wealth of support, resources, and camaraderie that have been instrumental in his journey.
From the comprehensive training program to the regular franchisee meetings, the Jim’s Mowing model has provided him with the tools and guidance he needs to succeed.
If you’re considering a career change and are intrigued by the idea of running your own lawn mowing business, Brett’s story is a testament to the power of the Jim’s Mowing franchise.
With its strong brand recognition, robust systems, and unwavering commitment to customer service, it just might be the perfect opportunity to trade in your corporate cubicle for a life of lush lawns and entrepreneurial freedom.
To learn more about owning a Jim’s Mowing franchise, visit jims.net/own-a-franchise or call 131 546 in Australia or 0800 454 654 in New Zealand.
Be sure to check out the Jim’s Podcast for more inspiring stories and business insights from the Jim’s Group team.