When Michael McDowell decided to leave his high-pressure career in corrections and the army, he knew he wanted a change of pace.
After stumbling upon the Jim’s Mowing franchise opportunity, he took the leap and has never looked back.
In this in-depth interview with Joel Kleber, Michael shares the inside scoop on what it’s really like to own a Jim’s Mowing franchise – from building a customer base from scratch, to the financial and lifestyle benefits, to the exceptional customer service that sets the brand apart.
Leaving the Grind Behind for a Better Work-Life Balance with Jim’s Mowing
For years, Michael had been working long, grueling hours in the corrections industry, often putting in 15-hour days.
“In the last job I used to go 5 a.m. in the morning and by the time I got on could be 8 p.m.,” he recalls.
The constant demands of the job were taking a toll, both physically and mentally.
When the opportunity to join the Jim’s Mowing franchise came up, Michael knew it was time for a change.
“I’ve done a lot of things, but the last sort of two jobs I’ve had were working in Corrections, and then prior to that, I was in the Army,” he explains.
“It’s a very regimented type of work, and for me in good studs I think for the rest of my life, but here we are with Jim’s.”
The prospect of being his own boss and setting his own schedule was incredibly appealing.
“I could do 4 hours work now and be home at lunch and I’ve made more money,” Michael says.
“I’ve got a life back, you know?“
Building a Customer Base from the Ground Up
When Michael first joined the Jim’s Mowing franchise, he started with a completely blank slate – no clients, no established routes, nothing.
But thanks to the support and systems in place, he was able to build up a thriving business in a relatively short period of time.
“I was a clean, vacant territory, yes, I started with zero, and I think I got up to where I’m at 16 regulars now,” he explains.
- Leveraged his personal network: “I’ve reached out to family and then a couple people actually approached me when they knew that I was coming on board with Jim’s because I use Jim’s in other things like cleaning and said, ‘oh once you start we’ve got some ongoing work for you if you want it.’”
- Took advantage of walk-up customers: “It’s quite common for people to feel comfortable walking up to the Jim’s Mowing, though, but not the independent because obviously the brand and the trust.”
- Relied on word-of-mouth referrals: “A couple that oh yeah you done one, can you do one or someone approaches you in the street, which is pretty handy because any you got two or three clients in that street.”
Michael also credits the support and guidance from his franchise manager as being instrumental in his early success.
“Johnny rings every week, he’s great,” Michael says.
The Financial and Lifestyle Benefits of Owning a Jim’s Mowing Franchise
One of the biggest draws of the Jim’s Mowing franchise for Michael was the potential for a better work-life balance and financial freedom.
He’s been pleasantly surprised by just how much of an improvement it’s been.
Michael has also been impressed by the income potential of the franchise, especially compared to his previous high-pressure jobs.
“Being in line with what I used to earn, probably 50% of hours less than I do, really, so I’m winning,” he says.
The best part? He hasn’t even had to use the franchise’s pay-for-work guarantee yet.
“I haven’t had to use that, I’ve been pretty happy with my income,” Michael says.
The Exceptional Customer Service That Sets Jim’s Mowing Apart
One of the key things that has impressed Michael about the Jim’s Mowing franchise is the exceptional level of customer service that the brand is known for.
He credits the systems and support in place as being a major differentiator from independent lawn care providers.
“I think it’s I had this conversation the other day with a client and had someone for years and then just sort of stopped turning it up whereas you know we can’t do that in Jim’s, we sort of hold a can by the system.”
This level of accountability and commitment to customer satisfaction is a big part of what sets the Jim’s Mowing brand apart, according to Michael.
“If they don’t think we’ve done the job well, the Call Center’s going to make us do it ourselves, so I think all that system there looks after the customer, so then they want to come back if we hold ourselves to a high standard,” he says.
It’s not just the customer service that impresses Michael – it’s the entire support system that comes with being part of the Jim’s Mowing franchise.
Advice for Anyone Considering a Jim’s Mowing Franchise
“I think the training was brilliant was worth every minute of it obviously starts when the boss himself and him coming down and they are very reserved. It was good, I wouldn’t change the thing with it, I think it’s brilliant.”
A Thriving Business and a Better Quality of Life
Looking back on his decision to join the Jim’s Mowing franchise, Michael has no regrets.
Not only has he built a successful, thriving business, but he’s also been able to dramatically improve his overall quality of life.
“I actually sort of feel healthier too, just outside doing a bit of exercise,” he says.
Perhaps most importantly, Michael has been able to reclaim his work-life balance.
For anyone looking to make a change and take control of their career and lifestyle, Michael’s story is a testament to the power of the Jim’s Mowing franchise.
With the right support, systems, and mindset, it’s possible to build a thriving business and achieve the work-life balance you’ve been craving.
To learn more about the Jim’s Mowing franchise opportunity, be sure to check out the franchise information page or call 131 546 in Australia or 0800 454 654 in New Zealand.