For Graham, a former tool maker from South Africa, the corporate grind had become a trap.
Long hours, endless traffic, and a lack of work-life balance left him feeling unfulfilled.
That all changed when he discovered Jim’s Handyman, a franchise opportunity that allowed him to take control of his time, his income, and his future.
In this in-depth interview with Joel Kleber, we explore Graham’s journey from the manufacturing industry to becoming a successful Jim’s Handyman franchisee in New Zealand.
You’ll learn why he chose this path, the wide variety of work he takes on, and how the franchise model has empowered him to build a thriving business while prioritizing family time.
If you’ve ever dreamed of leaving the desk job behind for something more hands-on and rewarding, Graham’s story just might inspire you to take the leap.
From South Africa to the Land of the Long White Cloud
Originally from South Africa, Graham made the move to New Zealand about six years ago, seeking a better life and more balance for his family.
His background was in manufacturing, where he spent 15 years as a tool maker.
But the long hours and lack of work-life harmony eventually took their toll.
“I really struggled to get the work-life family balance,” Graham explains.
“I looked for a company that I could join or a business that I could buy, so that I could have that balance, still have a family life, but still have a good income.”
After exploring options like Jim’s Fencing and Jim’s Mowing, Graham connected with Robert, the franchise manager for Jim’s Handyman in New Zealand.
It was a perfect fit.
As Graham puts it, “I’ve been with Jim’s for three years now, and it’s been fantastic.”
The Secret Behind South African Jim’s Handyman Success
Graham isn’t the only South African who has found success within the Jim’s Group.
In fact, the franchise seems to attract driven, entrepreneurial individuals from the region.
“I don’t know what it is about you guys, but you guys do extremely well in Jim’s,” Joel notes.
“You really are good business-minded people, I think.”
Graham attributes this to a “very go-getter sort of way about us” and a mindset of “make a plan.” He explains, “We have to make things happen, so we do. It’s a ‘make a plan’ kind of attitude.”
This resilience and determination serve Jim’s Handyman franchisees well, especially when it comes to building strong relationships with clients.
As Graham puts it, “We get on with people very well. Everybody’s very friendly. I think that’s the biggest part of only a Jim’s franchise – your way you can speak to people. You’ve got to be, you’ve got to pretty much make friends with your clients.”
- South African franchisees are known for their go-getter attitude and ability to “make a plan“.
- This mindset helps them excel at building strong relationships with clients, a key part of the Jim’s Handyman model.
- Graham’s experience mirrors that of other successful South African Jim’s franchisees, like those in the fencing and mowing divisions.
The Wide-Ranging World of Jim’s Handyman Services
When people think of a handyman, they might picture someone fixing a leaky faucet or tightening a doorknob.
But as Graham explains, the scope of work for a Jim’s Handyman franchisee is far more expansive.
“It’s anywhere from a door handle to a big deck,” he says.
“I also do bathroom renos, kitchen renos, anything in between.”
Recent projects for Graham have included a massive 50-square-meter deck, complete with decorative aluminum edging, handrails, and balustrades.
He’s also tackled retaining walls, fence repairs, and even worked for a veterinary clinic, where he’s done everything from washing the building to installing specialized lighting.
“It’s very broad, very, very broad,” Graham says.
“There’s not much that we say no to.”
To handle this wide range of work, Graham has built a trusted network of local tradespeople, including plumbers, electricians, glaziers, and waterproofers.
When a job requires specialized skills, he can call on these partners to lend a hand, ensuring the client’s needs are met.
Earning Client Trust Through Professionalism with Jim’s Handyman
One of the key advantages of the Jim’s Handyman franchise, according to Graham, is the instant credibility it provides.
When a client sees the Jim’s branding on his van and uniform, they know they’re dealing with a reputable, professional company.
“When I pick up the phone, and they’re like, ‘Oh, wow, you’re so quick,’ they’re ready on your side,” he says.
“They’re like, ‘Cool, this is a professional company. They want the business.’”
But it’s not just the brand that earns client trust – it’s Graham’s commitment to fast response times, clear communication, and quality workmanship.
He makes sure to set realistic expectations upfront, and his clients know they can count on him to follow through.
Perhaps most importantly, the Jim’s Group work guarantee provides an extra layer of assurance for customers.
As Graham explains, this was a game-changer for one client who was hesitant to hand over a large deposit.
“He said, ‘What sort of guarantees?’ I said, ‘Well, I’m part of the Jim’s Group. If there’s something wrong, you’ve got people to find.’ Straight away, his mind had changed. He was like, ‘Perfect. I’ll transfer the money tonight.’”
- The Jim’s Handyman brand instantly conveys professionalism and reliability to clients.
- Graham’s commitment to quick response times, clear communication, and quality work further builds trust.
- The Jim’s Group work guarantee is a powerful selling point, giving clients confidence in the service they’ll receive.
Understanding the Client’s Vision
When it comes to larger projects like bathroom or kitchen renovations, Graham knows that clear communication and a collaborative approach are essential.
He doesn’t just show up and start work – he takes the time to understand the client’s vision and preferences.
“The main thing is that open communication with your clients and questions,” he explains.
“I always try to get my opinion out away from the job because it’s not my house, it’s not my bathroom. I don’t have to live with it. I try to get as much out of the client as possible.”
This might involve asking the client to provide photos of their desired look, or sending them to a showroom to gather samples and inspiration.
Graham then uses that feedback to develop a plan that aligns with the client’s needs and lifestyle.
“I don’t ask them for budgets,” he adds.
“I tend not to. I get an idea of the house, I look at the house, I look at the area where the house is, and then I ask them, ‘Is it a rental? Are you doing it up to sell it? Are you living in it?‘”
By taking this collaborative, client-centric approach, Graham is able to deliver renovations that truly reflect the homeowner’s vision – not just his own ideas.
- For larger projects, Graham prioritizes open communication and collaboration with clients.
- He avoids making assumptions and instead asks questions to understand the client’s preferences and needs.
- This approach helps ensure the final result aligns with the homeowner’s vision, not just Graham’s own ideas.
Jim’s Handyman: The Value of Renovations, Even if You’re Not Selling
While bathroom and kitchen renovations are often associated with increasing a home’s resale value, Graham has found that many of his clients are simply looking to improve their living spaces, regardless of whether they plan to sell.
“Here in New Zealand, the property is more valuable than the house that end is very valuable,” he explains.
Instead, Graham’s clients are often people who have recently purchased a home and want to put their own stamp on it.
They see the potential in the property and are willing to invest in upgrades that will enhance their day-to-day enjoyment.
Even for those who are preparing to sell, Graham notes that the focus is often on a “spit and polish” – minor repairs and touch-ups rather than full-scale renovations.
The high value of the land in New Zealand means homeowners don’t necessarily need to pour a lot of money into major projects to see a return.
Regardless of the client’s motivation, Graham takes pride in being able to transform spaces and deliver that “instant gratification” when a job is complete.
As he puts it, “A client comes home at the end of the day and they see what you’ve done, and it’s instant gratification for myself and the client.”
- In the New Zealand market, the value of the land often outweighs the value of the home itself.
- Many of Graham’s clients are looking to renovate for their own enjoyment, not necessarily to increase resale value.
- Even for those preparing to sell, the focus is often on minor touch-ups rather than full-scale renovations.
- Graham finds immense satisfaction in delivering that “instant gratification” to his clients when a project is complete.
Balancing Work, Family, and the Joys of Entrepreneurship
One of the biggest draws of the Jim’s Handyman franchise for Graham was the opportunity to achieve a better work-life balance.
After years of long hours and endless commutes in the corporate world, he was craving more time with his family.
“I can, and anytime I need to go pick my kids up, I can go pick them up,” he says.
“It’s my business. Clients are people, yeah, they understand it’s not a problem.”
Graham’s typical workday involves starting at 8:30 AM and wrapping up around 4:30 PM, allowing him to drop off and pick up his two young daughters from school.
In the evenings, he’s fully present with his family, enjoying dinner and quality time together before the kids go to bed.
Once the little ones are tucked in, Graham will tackle any necessary administrative tasks, like invoicing or quoting for upcoming jobs.
But the key is that he’s in control of his schedule, not the other way around.
“It’s the best work-life balance that I’ve had in business,” he says.
“I’ve done a lot of jobs over the years, and very stressful jobs, long hours. This is working the best for me.”
The Power of the Jim’s Group Network
While running his own business, Graham doesn’t feel alone.
As part of the Jim’s Handyman franchise, he has the support of the broader Jim’s Group network, including regular meetings with fellow franchisees and guidance from his franchise manager, Robert.
“We had a meeting on the 14th, and it was really good,” Graham says.
“We had an open chat, and everybody goes there, and Robert gives us the numbers and what’s going on in the business.”
These meetings don’t just cover the financials – they’re also an opportunity for franchisees to share ideas, discuss challenges, and explore ways to improve their operations.
Graham has even been able to tap into the group’s connections with suppliers to secure better deals on materials and equipment.
When Graham needs help with a specialized task or has a question about the limits of his work, he can turn to the Jim’s Handyman WhatsApp group, where other franchisees are quick to offer advice and recommendations.
“We use each other to bounce things off or, ‘Oh, you know a guy that supplies x, y, and z? Yes, yes, this guy in this area does that,’” he explains.
“We do pretty much most things.”
Expanding the Business and Empowering Others
Looking ahead, Graham is focused on growing his Jim’s Handyman business even further.
He’s already brought on additional tradespeople to help with the workload, and he plans to continue expanding his team in the future.
“The work is there, so I need to bring in more,” he says.
“I’ll probably bring in two guys and have them on different jobs, and I’ll be sort of going around doing the more tricky things.”
This expansion will not only allow Graham to take on more projects but also provide employment opportunities for others in his community.
As he continues to build his business, he’s eager to share the Jim’s Handyman franchise model with others who might be seeking the same work-life balance and entrepreneurial freedom that he’s found.
For Graham, the decision to join Jim’s Handyman has been life-changing.
He’s gone from feeling trapped in the corporate world to owning a thriving business that allows him to spend quality time with his family while taking pride in the work he does.
If you’re considering a similar leap, his story just might be the inspiration you need to take the first step.
To learn more about the Jim’s Handyman franchise opportunity and how you can own your own business, visit the Jim’s Group website or call 131 546 in Australia or 0800 454 654 in New Zealand.