Tapan Parikh spent three years running a courier business after leaving his IT career, but it was joining Jim’s Garage Doors that made him feel he had found the right fit. As one of the division’s earliest franchisees, he completed approximately three months of training before building a garage door installation, repair and servicing business in Melbourne’s south-east.
During his interview with Jim’s Group, Tapan explained how he entered the industry, what his training involved, and how he helps homeowners choose and maintain their garage doors.
0:00 — Tapan’s Introduction and Franchise Journey
4:19 — Growing Demand for Garage Door Services
4:40 — Ongoing Franchise Support
Why Did Tapan Parikh Leave IT to Join Jim’s Garage Doors?
Tapan joined Jim’s Garage Doors after discovering that running his own courier business did not give him the working life he expected.
Originally from India, Tapan had lived in Australia for approximately 15 years at the time of the interview. He was living in Officer, Victoria, and had previously worked in information technology.
After becoming dissatisfied with his daily IT routine, he decided to pursue self-employment through a courier business.
“I just left IT and started my courier business thinking that I would be my own boss. I was wrong,” he recalled.
He continued operating the courier business for three years before deciding to explore something different.
His introduction to Jim’s Garage Doors came through a Jim’s Expo, where he met Iraj, who explained the division and the work involved.
Tapan found the opportunity interesting enough to change direction. Reflecting on his career move, he said, “I actually think that now I find my niche.“
At the time of recording, Tapan reported that he had been operating his franchise for approximately six months.
What Training Do Jim’s Garage Doors Franchisees Receive?
Tapan completed approximately three months of training before becoming confident in a broad range of garage door services.
Although he already had practical experience using tools, he discovered that professional garage door work required additional technical knowledge.
“Iraj has been a really good trainer,” Tapan explained. “It actually requires a lot of skills which I’ve been taught.“
His training started with basic tasks and progressed into more technical work.
The services he described included garage door installation, general repairs, routine servicing, motor replacement, wires, springs, and insulation.
“My training was about three months,” he said, describing how his skills developed during that period.
His experience highlights the importance of learning the technical aspects of garage door work, even for someone who is already comfortable using tools.
The three-month period reflects Tapan’s personal training experience, rather than a confirmed standard training duration for every franchisee.
How Often Should Homeowners Service Their Garage Doors?
Tapan recommends servicing garage doors every year to identify maintenance issues before they develop into more expensive problems.
“Our recommendation, and I think the industry recommendation, is that you have to do it every year,” he explained.
During his work, he had encountered customers who waited until their garage doors stopped operating properly before arranging professional assistance.
Some had gone two or three years without servicing. Others had left their doors unattended for as long as ten years.
In some cases, the condition of the garage door meant that replacement was necessary rather than a straightforward repair.
Tapan believes regular maintenance can help homeowners avoid those situations. As he put it, “Doing a service like every year will save a lot of trouble in the future.“
While annual servicing is his recommendation, homeowners should also follow the maintenance requirements specified by their garage door and motor manufacturers.
Garage door springs and cables operate under significant tension. Repairs involving these components should be handled by appropriately trained technicians rather than attempted as DIY maintenance.
What Is the Difference Between Roller, Tilt and Sectional Garage Doors?
Tapan identifies tilt, roller, and sectional doors as three common options available to homeowners.
Each type operates differently, and the appropriate choice depends on the garage opening, available space, and the customer’s preferences.
| Garage door type | How it works | Main consideration |
| Tilt door | A single solid panel tilts outward and upward | Clearance in front of the garage |
| Roller door | A flexible curtain rolls into a drum above the opening | Space above the opening |
| Sectional door | Hinged panels travel upward along tracks | Ceiling and track clearance |
Tapan described tilt doors as an older style, while roller doors remain widely used.
He also observed growing customer interest in sectional garage doors, particularly where there was enough space for installation.
“Most people actually want to go with the sectional door if they have the space to do it,” he explained.
The most suitable door is not necessarily the newest style. A professional assessment should consider the dimensions of the garage, the available clearance, the existing structure, and the homeowner’s preferred design.
Can You Open a Garage Door Using Your Phone?
Yes. Many compatible garage door motors can be connected to smart devices that allow homeowners to operate their garage doors through a mobile phone.
Tapan uses this technology at his own home.
“Even my house as well, I can open it right now from here using my phone,” he said during the interview.
He also described the technology as an affordable and convenient option for homeowners.
Smart garage door functionality depends on the motor, the controller, and the compatibility of the connected device.
Customers considering this feature should ask whether their existing garage door motor supports smart connectivity or whether additional equipment is required.
How Does Jim’s Garage Doors Handle Quotes and Installations?
Tapan described a customer process that begins with a prompt callback, followed by a site inspection, door selection, quotation, ordering, and installation.
His approach is to discuss the available options before customers make a purchase.
Step 1: Customer Enquiry and Callback
When a customer contacts Jim’s Group, the enquiry is passed to the relevant franchisee.
Tapan reported that his usual callback time was approximately two minutes.
“We call them within two minutes,” he said, explaining how quickly he aims to respond to new enquiries.
This was his reported practice at the time of the interview, not a guaranteed response time for every enquiry.
Step 2: Inspection and Measurements
After contacting the customer, Tapan arranges a suitable time to visit the property.
During the appointment, he inspects the garage opening, takes measurements, and discusses the available door options.
He also explains the differences between suppliers, door styles, and prices.
Step 3: Door Selection and Quotation
Customers are shown supplier brochures and can compare available designs.
Once they choose a suitable door, Tapan prepares a quotation based on their requirements.
He explained that customers could accept the quotation online and, under the arrangements he described, pay a 65% deposit before the order was placed.
Deposit requirements should be confirmed against the customer’s current written quotation and applicable terms.
Step 4: Ordering and Delivery
According to Tapan, the typical ordering period was approximately three to five weeks.
The actual timeframe depended on the supplier, the selected door, and when the order was placed.
Once the supplier confirmed that the door was ready, Tapan contacted the customer to arrange installation.
Step 5: Garage Door Installation
For a single garage door, Tapan reported that installation usually took approximately half a day.
More complex installations or properties requiring multiple doors could take longer.
He emphasised the importance of making the process straightforward for customers, from the initial enquiry through to the completed installation.
What Warranty Does Jim’s Garage Doors Provide?
Tapan described a one-year workmanship guarantee alongside the applicable manufacturer’s product warranty.
He also mentioned a ten-year warranty associated with regular servicing.
Customers should confirm the applicable warranty documents before purchasing or arranging ongoing maintenance.
A workmanship guarantee and a manufacturer’s product warranty may cover different issues. Understanding those differences helps homeowners know whom to contact if a problem develops.
How Did Tapan Grow His Jim’s Garage Doors Business?
Tapan reported a gradual increase in business activity during his first six months as a Jim’s Garage Doors franchisee.
He attributed part of that activity to the number of Melbourne homes with garages and the resulting demand for servicing, repairs and installation.
During the four or five months leading up to the interview, he said the business had become particularly busy.
“We have been really busy especially in the last four or five months,” Tapan explained.
At times, his workload meant customers had to wait until the following day or even the following week for an appointment.
His account provides an example of early demand experienced by an individual franchisee. It does not establish typical earnings, profit, or demand levels across the Jim’s Garage Doors network.
What Support Does Tapan Receive From His Franchisor?
Tapan described regular communication with Iraj as one of the most valuable parts of his franchise experience.
According to Tapan, they spoke approximately every week, even though fortnightly contact had originally been expected.
“He’s like a family to me,” Tapan said, explaining the relationship they had developed.
He also reported receiving assistance when problems arose, including support he described as financial.
The interview does not explain the precise nature or terms of that financial assistance, so it should not be interpreted as a standard benefit available to all franchisees.
For Tapan, having an experienced person available to discuss problems was an important part of operating his new business.
Need Help With Your Garage Door?
Whether your garage door needs servicing, repairs or replacement, Jim’s Garage Doors can help you explore the available options.
To book a free quote, call Jim’s Group on 131 546.