Phil Smallman, franchisor with Jim’s Building Inspections, recently shared valuable insights about training, customer service, and building a successful business that every franchise owner should hear.
With over 13 years in the Jim’s system, Phil has guided dozens of franchisees and seen firsthand what it takes to thrive in one of Australia’s most competitive industries.
Phil’s journey into franchising began with a passion for construction and teaching.
“I’m not your typical builder, more a manager and more a trainer,” he explained.
Before joining Jim’s, he was a lecturer at Victoria University, helping students become builders and surveyors.
“One thing about building, it gets into your veins. Jim’s gives you a pathway to transition, particularly as you get a bit older and the knees and shoulders are gone. This is a way to take your knowledge and give something back.”
Training and Support that Make the Difference
As a franchisor, Phil takes training personally.
“My focus is very much about being personal with my franchisees. I like to spend the time to get to know them, to train them, to offer mentoring and support, and to be there with that technical knowledge to help them when they need it.”
New franchisees usually spend about a year developing the confidence to provide the wide range of services on offer, from pre-purchase inspections to asbestos identification.
That foundation sets them up for long-term success.
The Pay for Work Guarantee
One of the most unique features of Jim’s Group is the pay-for-work guarantee.
“If you don’t hit that $2,000 a week, then we’ll top that up,” Phil said.
“And we don’t just give you the money, we actually give you tasks to do. By doing those tasks, you get greater exposure to your client base, and that helps you to build your business.”
Rather than being a simple handout, this system is designed to build momentum.
Franchisees might be asked to complete a free inspection for a real estate agent, which not only gets them paid but also builds relationships and generates repeat income through reselling reports.
“We’ve had reports that sold over a dozen times on one house,” Phil explained.
Why the Jim’s Brand Matters
With more than 5,500 franchisees across Australia, Jim’s Group is the largest franchise network in the country.
That scale brings trust and recognition that smaller operators can’t match.
“There’s a reason people ring Jim’s,” Phil said.
“Because they trust them. It’s about brand recognition and safety and having a good quality trusted brand.”
He cautions potential franchisees to look carefully at other offers on the market.
“If they take anybody, what does that tell you about the strength of their product? Jim’s is highly regarded for a reason. We don’t put on lots of people, we put on quality people.”
Real Earnings, Real Choices
When asked about income potential, Phil emphasized balance.
“Do I want to earn a high amount of money working 20 hours a day? Or do I want to earn a good amount of money, so I’ve got time for my kids? The good thing about a franchise model like ours is that you have unlimited choices. You decide when you’re going to work, how far you’re going to travel, and what days you work.”
He shared the story of one franchisee who specializes only in pre-purchase inspections.
By keeping his model simple, he now earns more than $300,000 a year while taking four weeks of holidays.
“It really does come down to what style of business you want as to how much money you want to make,” Phil said.
The Takeaway for Franchise Owners
From structured training to the pay for work guarantee, Phil’s experience shows that success in franchising comes from effort, accountability, and using the strength of the Jim’s brand.
“If you sit back thinking it’s going to be easy, you’re not going to make money in any business,” he said.
“Work with the system, make the best out of all the opportunities, and talk to your franchisor with their experience to help propel you forward.”
For Jim’s franchisees, the message is clear: leverage the training, rely on the brand, and put in the work to build a business that fits your lifestyle.
To learn more about how Jim’s Building Inspections and other divisions can help you create a thriving franchise business, visit jims.net.