If you’ve spent years in the building trade and you’re ready for something more stable, more flexible—and still grounded in your expertise—Gary Payne is someone worth listening to.
From his start as a local builder to becoming a national franchisor for Jim’s Building Inspections, Gary’s journey shows how you can turn practical experience into long-term success.
A Builder at Heart: Gary Payne’s Life Before Jim’s
Before joining Jim’s, Gary worked in residential construction, focusing on renovations and alterations.
Like many tradespeople, he loved the work but was worn out by difficult clients and inconsistent cash flow.
“I stumbled across an ad for Jim’s Building Inspections in a local magazine. I rang the number, had a chat, and the rest is history.”
That phone call changed everything.
Gary Payne on Creating a Better Customer Experience at Jim’s Building Inspections
For Gary, moving from building to inspections was more than just a business change—it was a quality-of-life shift.
“The beauty of our business now is that 90% of the time, we’re paid before we even get on-site. You don’t always meet the client. It’s phone, text, and email.”
He noticed the difference immediately.
“They know you’ve got their back and you’re helping them out.”
The result?
Less stress, more structure, and better balance.
From Franchisee to Franchisor: Gary Payne Is Helping Others Do the Same
Today, Gary is the franchisor for Jim’s Building Inspections NSW, supporting franchisees from Batemans Bay to Tweed Heads and beyond.
“I help franchisees run their businesses in the background. I’m talking to them all the time, helping with questions, and just being there for them.”
But it’s not just about business.
“We’ll often talk for 20 to 30 minutes just about life. I really enjoy that side of it.”
That people-first approach has shaped a tight-knit community of inspectors who support each other.
Why Jim’s Building Inspections Is a System That Actually Works
Expert Training
One of the biggest strengths of Jim’s Building Inspections is its industry-specific training.
“The training we do through our franchisees is second to none. We put them through extensive training, and we’re confident in them when they go live.”
This translates into confidence on the job—and a low legal risk for the business.
“We have an exceptional record as far as litigation goes. That’s across all franchises in Australia.”
Powerful Lead Generation
The brand does the heavy lifting with marketing and lead support.
From call center routing to Google Ads, Gary ensures his team stays visible and busy.
“When people call the call center, they already trust the Jim’s name. That’s a huge asset.”
“We aim for page one. That’s how our franchisees stay busy.”
Custom Tech and Tools
Gary’s team uses a reporting app built just for the division.
“The app is 100% ours. It’s simple, easy to use, and clients love the reports.”
What Makes a Great Franchisee? Gary Payne Breaks It Down
Gary looks for experienced tradespeople with the right mindset, not just the right resume.
- 5+ years in the building industry
- Cert IV in Building and Construction (or higher)
- A passion for detail and customer service
- Willingness to follow systems and grow a business
“Builders, engineers, carpenters—we love having them. They know building systems and can spot defects easily.”
Building a Flexible, Supportive Franchise with Jim’s Building Inspections
Jim’s Building Inspections gives you structure, income security, and flexibility.
- $2,000/week income guarantee
- Choose how many inspections you do
- Run your own business with national support
- Get paid upfront for most jobs
- Be part of a trusted brand
“You can run your business and do as many inspections as you want—or as few as you want. It depends on the lifestyle you want.”
Gary Payne on Building a Team That Truly Works Together
Gary leads regular six-weekly franchisee meetings to foster a sense of team.
“It’s not just me running the meeting—it’s everyone helping each other.”
This collaborative culture is key to franchisee success.
“It’s hard to run a business on your own. When you’ve got a franchisor and other franchisees behind you, it makes it 10 times easier.”
Why Gary Payne Believes in Jim’s Building Inspections
Gary Payne didn’t just switch careers—he built a new way forward for himself and others like him.
He took decades of hands-on building knowledge and turned it into a system that rewards effort, supports people, and protects customers.
“If you’ve got experience and want a better way to use it—this is it.”
“It’s a choice you won’t regret. We love having builders come in. They hit the ground running.”
Want to Talk to Gary Payne?
📞 Call 131 546 (AU) or 0800 454 654 (NZ)
🌐 Visit jims.net → Search Jim’s Building Inspections
📩 Submit a franchise inquiry, and Gary will be in touch
Turn your building experience into a business that works for you, not the other way around.