Con and Jennifer Stathis, owners of Jim’s Scratch & Dent in Yagoona, recently shared valuable insights about family, customer care, and building a business together that every franchise owner should hear.
In just two years, the husband and wife team has achieved a perfect five-star rating from more than 100 reviews without a single complaint, an impressive milestone in any service business.
Taking the Leap into Franchising
For Con, who had spent 27 years working in a panel shop, the move into business ownership was about freedom.
“Do my own thing, a bit of freedom, pick up the kids from school. Yeah, everything’s worked out very well,” he told interviewer Joel Kleber.
Jennifer, who came from a corporate background, admitted the transition was challenging at first.
But by dividing responsibilities, the couple found their rhythm.
“The thing that works for us is that he stays in his lane and I stay in my lane,” she explained.
“I basically run the business in terms of quoting, invoicing, and liaising with clients from A to Z. Con opens up the diary and does the hard work.”
Why Customers Choose Jim’s
One of their biggest advantages has been the strength of the Jim’s brand.
“The reason why we joined Jim’s in the first place is because we felt like it was a safety net. The name Jim’s is just a huge brand, and a lot of people will actually only call Jim’s because of the name,” Jennifer said.
With more than 5,500 franchisees, Jim’s Group is Australia’s largest franchise network, and that reputation continues to build trust with new clients.
Con and Jennifer also stress the difference between their service and traditional panel shops.
“Pretty much where they don’t lose their cars for days, if not weeks,” Con explained.
“We go there, into your driveway, we get the job done within the day, and you’re off. You don’t have to touch your excess.”
Jennifer added that avoiding insurance claims also helps clients save money long term.
“Premiums go up on average by 20 percent in the following year. So even if our quote is close to your excess, you’re saving yourself heartache in the long run.”
Pride in Quality and Care
Every job comes with a meticulous process, from sanding out scratches to using UV primers, color-matching systems, and infrared drying equipment.
“We take pride from A to Z,” Jennifer said.
“Our respect for our own business is through the roof, and we just need to make sure that every customer that comes through us is happy.”
Con agreed, noting how much satisfaction comes from seeing customer reactions.
“They think, oh, you’re going to be there for half an hour and just spray and paint. But once they see the process, they’re amazed at how much work goes into it.”
Leveraging Social Media
Another key to their rapid growth has been proactive marketing.
Jennifer uses Instagram and TikTok to showcase their work, and the results have been impressive.
“One of my videos got 37,000 views. I got 60 inquiries just from that one video, and converted three into jobs,” she said.
Social proof also helps reassure clients of their workmanship.
“In the next message, I will send my social media links. I want everyone to feel confident in our workmanship.”
Work Life Balance and Family Focus
With four children aged 10, 9, 8, and 3, flexibility was a driving factor in starting their business.
“It’s the freedom,” Con said.
“It’s going to the school, the athletics carnival, the swimming carnivals,” Jennifer added that the balance has been worth it.
“Prior to this, Con wouldn’t be home before 5 p.m. Now, if our daughter has a sports conference, we can cross that off the calendar and be there.”
Lessons for Franchise Owners
- Con and Jennifer’s success highlights several practical lessons:
- Divide responsibilities and play to your strengths
- Leverage the Jim’s brand as a trust builder
- Focus on honesty and quality to create long-term customer loyalty
- Use social media to showcase your work and attract new clients
As Jennifer put it, “We’re very honest people. I’ll always give you the best advice possible. For anyone who wants to become a franchisee, the best advice is to jump in immediately. It’s the best decision of our lives.”
For those considering franchising, their story shows how passion, honesty, and the Jim’s support system can build both financial success and family freedom.
To learn more about franchise opportunities, visit jims.net.