When it comes to starting a new business, the first 30 days can make or break an entrepreneur.
The initial excitement and motivation can quickly give way to the harsh realities of running a company.
This is especially true for franchises, where new owners must navigate the challenges of learning a new system and building a customer base from scratch.
Andy Mercer, a new Jim’s Mowing franchisee, just 30 days after he completed his training was kind enough to share the ups and downs of his first month in business, providing valuable insights for anyone considering joining the Jim’s Mowing family.
The First Week: A Rude Awakening
As Andy explains, the transition from his previous career as a DJ and equipment salesman to becoming a full-time lawn care professional was not an easy one.
The very first day on the job hit him like a ton of bricks.
“It was a bit chilly in Melbourne and that was like I wish I brought more jumpers. It was like winter up here, but when I got home it was 37 degrees. It was just a heatwave, and yeah, it was a bit of a struggle that first day.”
In fact, the heat was so intense that Andy ended up collapsing from full-body cramps after finishing a job for a friend.
His wife had to rush him into an Epsom salt bath to try and alleviate the painful muscle spasms.
The first week was a real wake-up call for Andy, who admits he briefly questioned whether he had made the right decision in starting a Jim’s Mowing franchise.
However, as the weather cooled down a bit and Andy’s body began to adjust to the physical demands of the job, things started to look up.
The only real setback was missing the pay-for-work guarantee income that first week due to the public holiday and weather challenges.
Finding His Rhythm
Once Andy got past that initial shock to the system, he began to find his groove.
With the support of his Jim’s Mowing mentor, Dan, Andy was able to quickly get a handle on pricing, equipment maintenance, and growing his customer base.
In fact, Andy was so successful in his first month that he was able to exceed the pay-for-work guarantee every week except for that initial one.
He even had a standout day where he earned $1,370 in just 8 hours, which equates to an impressive $171 per hour.
Andy attributes this rapid success to a few key factors:
- Getting fit and fast at the work through consistent practice
- Investing in high-quality, efficient equipment like Ego battery-powered tools
- Leveraging the support and guidance of his Jim’s Mowing mentor
Embracing the Physical Demands
One of the biggest adjustments for Andy was adapting to the intense physical nature of lawn care work.
Coming from a more sedentary DJ and sales background, he wasn’t quite prepared for the toll it would take on his body.
However, Andy embraced the challenge and has seen incredible physical transformations in just a short time.
In fact, Andy estimates he’s been losing around 1.5 kilos per week through all the hard work, and he’s noticed significant muscle development, especially in his arms and shoulders from tasks like hedging.
To help combat the physical toll, Andy has made hydration a top priority, stocking up on electrolyte drinks and protein-rich snacks to keep his body fueled and recovered.
Balancing Family Life
Of course, running a demanding small business doesn’t just impact the owner – it affects the whole family.
Andy was quick to point out that his wife and two young children have been incredibly supportive of his new career path.
While Andy has been putting in long hours, working six-day weeks and even servicing equipment on his day off, he’s found ways to carve out quality time with his family.
Looking ahead, Andy plans to scale back his hours a bit once he builds up a solid base of regular customers, especially as the weather cools down in the winter months.
But for now, he’s focused on making the most of the peak summer season.
Leveraging the Jim’s Mowing System
One of the key advantages of joining a franchise like Jim’s Mowing is the comprehensive training and ongoing support provided to new owners.
Andy was quick to highlight the valuable lessons he’s been able to apply from his initial training sessions.
Andy has also found great value in the ongoing mentorship provided by his Jim’s Mowing representative, Dan.
From pricing guidance to equipment recommendations, Dan has been an invaluable resource in helping Andy navigate the early stages of business ownership.
Advice for Aspiring Franchisees
When asked what advice he would give to someone considering a Jim’s Mowing franchise, Andy had a few key tips:
- Get the Right Vehicle: “If you’ve got any sort of like, you got a full drive or I had a Land Rover before and I sold it, I bought a Hilux, a single car. But for it, I’d just say get a really light single car because you’re going to be carrying a lot of heavy, heavy things to the dump, and you don’t really want to have a three-ton car towing two and a half ton of trailer green waste. You want a really, really light car, it’s probably fuel economical for quoting and zipping around and things like that, but can also tow a good couple of ton, get it to the tip.”
- Prepare for the Physical Demands: “As lot as it can be, that can carry lots of weight, and that’s what I would recommend. And just, you know, be prepared for the hard work and the sore muscles every morning. It’s not an easy job, but it’s very rewarding.”
- Leverage the Jim’s Mowing System: “A lot of the things that Dez teaches is really informative, and then, obviously, the health and safety, putting up the signs and the cones as well. You know, to get to, it gets you a lot more work even when you’ve got your signs out. You’re a bit more professional, and a lot of the time when I do have signs and out, people, you know, ask you for a business card or ask you to come and quote their property as well while you’re doing it.”
Overall, Andy’s experience in the first 30 days of owning a Jim’s Mowing franchise has been a rollercoaster, but one that he’s navigated with determination and resilience.
By embracing the physical challenges, leveraging the support of the Jim’s Mowing system, and maintaining a positive attitude, Andy has been able to build a thriving business in record time.
If you’re considering joining the Jim’s Mowing family, be sure to request an information pack to learn more about the franchise opportunity.
Don’t forget to check out the Jim’s Group podcast for more inspiring stories and business insights from franchisees like Andy.