Have you ever dreamed of leaving the corporate grind behind and starting your own business?
For Chris Pepper, that dream became a reality when he joined the Jim’s Pool Care franchise over 13 years ago.
Chris shares his journey from a corporate background to building a highly successful pool care business – and the lessons he’s learned along the way.
From Corporate to Pool Care: Chris Pepper’s Entrepreneurial Journey
Like many aspiring entrepreneurs, Chris and his wife had long discussed the idea of starting their own business.
Coming from a construction and corporate background, they were no strangers to risk-taking.
But when it came time to make the leap, they knew they wanted to venture into an industry that aligned with their interests and lifestyle goals.
As Chris explains, the pool care industry immediately piqued their interest.
After connecting with Brett Blad, the divisional manager for Jim’s Pool Care, Chris and his family decided to take the plunge and relocate from Canberra to Brisbane to start their new pool care franchise.
While the decision was an exciting one, Chris is quick to acknowledge the challenges that came with those early years.
The Power of the Jim’s Pool Care System
One of the key factors that drew Chris to the Jim’s Pool Care franchise was the comprehensive support and training provided by the company.
As a franchise owner, Chris has access to a wealth of resources, from preferred suppliers and regular training sessions to a tight-knit network of fellow franchisees.
The initial training program, in particular, is designed to transform even those with no prior pool care experience into confident, competent technicians.
Beyond the initial training, Chris and his fellow franchisees also benefit from ongoing support and development opportunities.
This includes regular regional meetings, national conferences, and specialized training sessions with the company’s preferred suppliers.
This commitment to continuous learning and improvement is a hallmark of the Jim’s Pool Care franchise, and it’s one of the key reasons why Chris believes the system is “destined to succeed.”
The Advantages of Joining a Franchise
For Chris, one of the biggest advantages of being part of the Jim’s Pool Care franchise is the support and resources that come with it.
This lead generation and marketing support is a game-changer for franchisees, who can focus on delivering exceptional service to their customers without having to worry about the time and expense of building their own marketing infrastructure.
Beyond the marketing and lead generation support, Chris also highlights the value of the Jim’s Pool Care network and the camaraderie that comes with it.
This sense of community and mutual support is particularly valuable for new franchisees, who can lean on their more experienced counterparts for guidance and advice.
The Earning Potential of a Jim’s Pool Care Franchise
One of the most common questions Chris hears from prospective franchisees is about the earning potential of a Jim’s Pool Care business.
While he’s quick to acknowledge that the first 12-24 months can be “a little bit testing, a little bit trying,” he’s also confident in the long-term earning potential of the franchise.
According to Chris, franchisees who make it through that initial period and reach their second summer can expect to be turning over anywhere from $200,000 to $400,000 per year.
Of course, the exact earnings will depend on a variety of factors, including the franchisee’s dedication, the size of their territory, and their ability to effectively manage and grow their business.
But as Chris points out, the Jim’s Pool Care system is designed to set franchisees up for success, provided they’re willing to put in the hard work.
And for those who do want to scale their business beyond a solo operation, the Jim’s Pool Care franchise model offers that flexibility as well.
The Ideal Jim’s Pool Care Franchisee
So, what kind of person is best suited to thrive as a Jim’s Pool Care franchisee? According to Chris, the ideal candidate is someone who is:
- Fun, happy, and bubbly
- Customer-focused
- Willing to work hard and back themselves
- Able to follow the system and meet customer expectations
While technical expertise in pool care isn’t necessarily a requirement, Chris emphasizes the importance of having a strong customer service mindset.
Interestingly, Chris also notes that the Jim’s Pool Care franchise has seen a growing interest from women, who he believes can bring a unique advantage to the business.
Ultimately, the key to success as a Jim’s Pool Care franchisee is a willingness to put in the hard work, follow the system, and prioritize exceptional customer service.
Taking the Leap: How to Become a Jim’s Pool Care Franchisee
For those interested in joining the Jim’s Pool Care franchise, the process typically begins with an initial inquiry.
As Chris explains, the team will first have a conversation with the prospective franchisee to understand their experience, goals, and expectations.
If both parties feel there’s a good fit, the next step is to get the prospective franchisee out on the road for a day or two to see firsthand what a typical day in the life of a pool care technician looks like.
Once the prospective franchisee is ready to move forward, they’ll secure a territory and begin the training process.
This includes the generic Jim’s Group training, as well as the specialized on-site training for the pool care division.
Throughout this process, Chris and the rest of the Jim’s Pool Care team are there to provide guidance and support.
For those interested in learning more about the Jim’s Pool Care franchise opportunity, Chris encourages them to visit the Jim’s Group website or call 131 546 (Australia) or 0800 454 654 (New Zealand). And be sure to check out the Jim’s Group YouTube channel for more insights and advice from the team.
For Chris Pepper, the decision to leave the corporate world behind and join the Jim’s Pool Care franchise has been a life-changing one.
While the early years were challenging, he’s now built a thriving, multi-employee pool care business that allows him the flexibility and autonomy he craved.
As Chris reflects on his journey, he has a simple message for those considering a similar entrepreneurial leap: “Push the button, have a crack. You’ll be surprised how quickly you’ll build a business with the Jim’s system.”
So, if you’re tired of the corporate grind and dreaming of a more fulfilling, flexible, and financially rewarding career, the Jim’s Pool Care franchise just might be the opportunity you’ve been searching for.
Explore the franchise opportunity today and take the first step towards building the life and business you’ve always wanted.