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How Tony Oswald Built a Thriving Inspection Business with Jim’s Group

Starting and growing a successful business from the ground up is no easy feat, but that’s exactly what Tony Oswald has accomplished with his Jim’s Building Inspections franchise. 

With over 40 years of experience in the construction industry, Tony has leveraged his expertise to build a thriving inspection business that has earned rave reviews from clients.

Learn from Tony’s journey by exploring how he made the transition from being a builder to becoming a franchisee with Jim’s Group

Delve into the ins and outs of running a franchise business, the challenges he’s faced, and the strategies he’s employed to achieve such remarkable success. 

Whether you’re considering starting your own business or you’re already an entrepreneur, this article is sure to provide valuable insights and inspiration.

From Builder to Franchisee: Tony’s Transition

Prior to joining Jim’s Building Inspections, Tony had a long and successful career as a builder, working in both New South Wales and Queensland. 

As a licensed builder, he had extensive experience in the construction industry, overseeing the construction of large, multi-million dollar homes. 

However, after years of dealing with the challenges of the industry, Tony felt it was time for a change.

Tony had always been interested in building inspections, and he had even considered becoming a TAFE teacher in the past. 

When he saw an ad for a building inspector position on Seek, he decided to investigate further. 

This led him to a meeting with Sam Robinson and Suzanne Paul, the wife of Jim’s Group founder, Jim Penman.

After attending a three-day training course with his wife, Tony was convinced that Jim’s Building Inspections was the right fit for him. 

The support and resources provided by the Jim’s Group, as well as the company’s reputation, were key factors in his decision to become a franchisee.

Building a Successful Inspection Business

Since joining Jim’s Building Inspections in 2015, Tony has built a thriving business that has earned him a reputation as a top-performing franchisee. 

With over 100 ratings and an average of 4.9 stars, Tony’s business has consistently delivered exceptional service to his clients.

One of the keys to Tony’s success has been his focus on providing exceptional customer service

He takes the time to walk clients through the inspection process, explaining his qualifications and the importance of a thorough inspection. 

This approach has helped to build trust and establish Tony as a trusted expert in the field.

In addition to pre-purchase inspections, Tony also offers a range of other services, including dilapidation inspections and asbestos inspections. 

These specialized services have allowed him to diversify his business and provide even more value to his clients.

Dilapidation Inspections

Dilapidation inspections are a crucial service that Tony provides to his clients. 

These inspections are designed to document the condition of a property before any nearby construction or excavation work begins. 

This helps to protect the property owner in the event that the work causes any damage to their home or building.

Asbestos Inspections

Another important service that Tony offers is asbestos inspections. 

Given the prevalence of asbestos in older homes, particularly in Queensland, this service is in high demand. 

Tony’s expertise in this area has allowed him to help many clients navigate the complexities of asbestos management.

When Tony identifies asbestos during an inspection, he provides his clients with clear guidance on the next steps. 

This may include leaving the asbestos in place if it is in good condition, or recommending the services of a licensed asbestos removalist. 

Tony also performs asbestos clearance inspections to ensure that the work has been completed safely and effectively.

The Challenges and Rewards of Running a Franchise

While running a successful franchise business has its rewards, it’s not without its challenges. 

Tony has faced his fair share of obstacles over the years, but he’s been able to overcome them through his dedication, problem-solving skills, and the support of the Jim’s Group.

One of the biggest challenges Tony has faced is the fluctuating nature of the building industry. 

With the recent collapse of several large construction companies, the market has become increasingly volatile. 

However, Tony has been able to weather these storms by focusing on his core strengths and maintaining strong relationships with his clients.

Despite the challenges, Tony has found immense satisfaction in his work. 

He enjoys the variety of tasks he encounters, from identifying new building standards to uncovering unique pest control solutions. 

Every day brings new learning opportunities, and Tony relishes the chance to put his expertise to the test.

One of the most rewarding aspects of Tony’s work is the opportunity to save his clients from making costly mistakes. 

By identifying issues with a property, such as termite damage or flood risk, Tony has been able to prevent many first-time buyers from purchasing a home that would have been a financial disaster.

The Importance of Building a Strong Network

One of the keys to Tony’s success has been his ability to build a strong network of industry contacts

By connecting with conveyancers, mortgage brokers, and other professionals who work with home buyers, Tony has been able to generate a steady stream of referrals and repeat business.

Initially, Tony found success through his involvement with Business Network International (BNI), a professional networking organization. 

Through BNI, he was able to connect with the right people and establish himself as a trusted expert in the field of building inspections.

Even though Tony has since stepped away from BNI, he has maintained those valuable relationships, continuing to work closely with conveyancers, mortgage brokers, and other professionals in the industry. 

This network has been instrumental in the growth and success of his business.

The Benefits of Joining a Franchise

For Tony, the decision to join a franchise like Jim’s Building Inspections has been a game-changer. 

The support and resources provided by the Jim’s Group have been invaluable in helping him build and grow his business.

One of the key benefits of being a Jim’s franchisee is the access to a well-established brand and reputation. 

As part of the Jim’s Group, Tony has been able to leverage the company’s strong brand recognition and trust among consumers. 

This has helped him to attract new clients and build a loyal customer base.

Additionally, the Jim’s Group provides ongoing training and support to its franchisees, ensuring that they are equipped with the latest industry knowledge and best practices. 

This has been particularly helpful for Tony, who has been able to stay up-to-date on changes in building standards and regulations.

For anyone considering starting their own business, Tony strongly recommends exploring the franchise model. 

While it may require an initial investment, the benefits of being part of a well-established brand and having access to a support network can be invaluable in the long run.

Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

Drawing on his own experiences, Tony has some valuable advice for anyone looking to start their own business, whether it’s within the Jim’s Group or in another industry.

First and foremost, he emphasizes the importance of being patient and persistent

Building a successful business takes time, and it’s important to be prepared for a learning curve in the early stages.

“My best advice to them is you’re not going to come in there and you know, kick goals straight away. It’s going to take you three years. I tell people it’ll take you three years before you get to a point where you’re well established, you’re making good money, you’ve got good contacts.”

Tony also stresses the importance of being selective when it comes to building your network. 

While it’s tempting to try and “butter up” real estate agents and other industry professionals, he found that the most valuable connections were with conveyancers, mortgage brokers, and other professionals who had their clients’ best interests in mind.

Finally, Tony encourages aspiring entrepreneurs to be willing to learn and adapt

The building and inspection industry is constantly evolving, and staying on top of the latest trends and regulations is crucial for success.

By following Tony’s advice and leveraging the support and resources of a franchise like Jim’s Building Inspections, aspiring entrepreneurs can increase their chances of building a thriving business that delivers exceptional value to their clients.

Tony Oswald’s journey from builder to successful Jim’s Building Inspections franchisee is a testament to the power of perseverance, expertise, and the benefits of joining a well-established franchise. 

Through his dedication to providing exceptional customer service, his willingness to diversify his offerings, and his ability to build a strong network of industry contacts, Tony has built a thriving business that has earned the trust and loyalty of his clients.

For anyone considering starting their own business, whether it’s in the inspection industry or another field, Tony’s story offers valuable insights and inspiration. 

By embracing the franchise model, leveraging your industry expertise, and focusing on building strong relationships, you too can achieve the kind of success that Tony has enjoyed.

To learn more about the Jim’s Group and the franchise opportunities available, be sure to visit their website at jims.net or call 131 546 (Australia) or 0800 454 654 (New Zealand). 

Don’t forget to check out the Jim’s Group’s YouTube channel for more inspiring stories and business advice from franchisees like Tony.

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