Overcoming Misconceptions and Doubts to Find Franchise Success
When Rees Hughes first started considering buying a franchise with Jim’s Group, he faced a lot of skepticism and doubt from those around him.
His old business advisor, whom he had worked with in the past, strongly advised him against it.
He told Rees he would only make around $60,000 per year, and that it just wasn’t a good investment.
But Rees was so glad he ignored that advice and took the leap into franchising with Jim’s.
In Rees’ first year, he nearly tripled that $60,000 figure, and his business has continued to grow exponentially since then.
Today, he’s looking at revenue that is five times than what his old advisor predicted.
What was the key difference?
Rees didn’t let the misconceptions and doubts of others hold him back.
He did his own research, talked to current Jim’s franchisees, and really dove into understanding how the system works.
And what he found was a franchise model that is truly set up for success – if you’re willing to put in the work.
Busting the Myths About Jim’s Franchises
One of the biggest misconceptions Rees encountered was about the franchise fees and commissions.
A lot of people, including his old business advisor, seemed to think that Jim’s takes a huge chunk of your revenue or charges exorbitant fees.
But the reality is very different.
As Rees has come to understand, the fees he pays to Jim’s are actually quite nominal, especially when you consider everything that’s included.
Rees gets access to a professional call center that handles all my customer inquiries and bookings, pre-qualified leads that are sent directly to him, and a whole suite of marketing and branding resources.
When you add it all up, the fees he pays are a small price to pay for the value he receives.
In fact, Rees has found that the lead fees he pays – which are typically around $12-15 per lead – end up being an incredible investment.
Those leads have translated into thousands of dollars in revenue for him, with one $12 lead turning into a $36,000 job over the course of 3 years.
Another common misconception is that franchisees are limited in their ability to grow and scale their business.
But in Rees’ experience, the opposite is true.
The systems and support provided by Jim’s have actually enabled Rees to expand his operations far beyond what he could have achieved on his own.
For example, he’s been able to invest in high-quality equipment like battery-powered mowers and trimmers that have made Rees more efficient and productive.
Rees has also been able to hire staff and build out a team to handle the growing workload.
The marketing and branding resources from Jim’s have helped him attract more customers and grow his client base.
Myth: Jim’s takes a huge cut of franchisee revenue through fees and commissions
Reality: Franchise fees are nominal and provide immense value through support services
Myth: Franchisees are limited in their ability to grow and scale
Reality: The Jim’s system enables franchisees to expand operations and increase productivity
The Power of Permaculture and Sustainable Gardening
One of the things that really drew Rees to the Jim’s franchise model was the opportunity to combine his passion for gardening and sustainability with a viable business.
As someone who is deeply interested in permaculture and organic gardening, he saw Jim’s as a way to turn that passion into a career.
In his own backyard, Rees implemented permaculture principles to create a thriving, self-sustaining ecosystem.
He installed swales to capture and slow down rainwater, planted a diverse array of fruit trees and vegetables, and incorporated elements like chickens and composting.
The result is a property that requires minimal external inputs and provides an abundance of food and other resources.
Rees has been able to take that same permaculture-inspired approach with many of my customers as well.
Rather than just mowing lawns, he works with them to design and implement gardens that are in harmony with the local environment.
This might involve planting native species, creating edible landscapes, or finding ways to reduce water and chemical usage.
Rees’ goal is not just to provide a service, but to educate and empower his customers to live more sustainably.
He sees it as a way to not only improve their outdoor spaces but to have a positive impact on the broader community and environment.
Of course, this permaculture-focused approach isn’t for everyone.
Some customers just want a basic lawn mowing service, and that’s perfectly fine.
But for those who are interested in a more holistic, eco-friendly approach to their landscaping, Rees found that it’s a huge selling point.
In fact, many of his customers specifically seek him out because of his permaculture expertise.
They’re drawn to the idea of working with a gardener who can help them create a thriving, low-maintenance landscape that aligns with their values.
- Implemented permaculture principles in own backyard to create self-sustaining ecosystem
- Offer permaculture-inspired garden design and maintenance services to customers
- Goal is to educate and empower customers to live more sustainably
- Permaculture expertise is a major selling point for many customers
Investing in the Right Equipment and Tools
Another key factor in Rees’ success as a Jim’s franchisee has been his focus on investing in high-quality, ergonomic equipment and tools.
He has found that having the right gear not only makes him more efficient and productive, but also helps to protect his body and prevent injury over the long term.
For example, he’s been using a HOSA 525 LTS petrol trimmer, which he found to be incredibly powerful and durable.
Rees also added a “whipper gripper” attachment that has significantly reduced the strain on his lower back.
When it comes to mowers, he recently made the switch to a Pank model, which has a rear discharge chute that makes it much easier to avoid clogging and unclogging.
But perhaps the most exciting development in his equipment arsenal has been the introduction of battery-powered tools.
Rees has been particularly impressed with the Pank battery mower, which has a large lithium-ion battery that can power an entire day’s worth of mowing on a single charge.
Not only is it more environmentally friendly, but it’s also much lighter and easier to maneuver than traditional gas-powered models.
He is also exploring other battery-powered options, like chainsaws and blowers, as the technology continues to improve.
His goal is to eventually transition his entire fleet to electric equipment, which will not only reduce his carbon footprint but also provide a unique selling point for his eco-conscious customers.
Of course, the upfront cost of this high-end equipment can be significant.
However, Rees found that it’s a worthwhile investment, as it allows him to work more efficiently, reduce downtime, and provide a better overall experience for his customers.
- Invested in ergonomic, high-quality equipment like HOSA trimmers and Pank mowers
- Transitioning to battery-powered tools for increased efficiency and sustainability
- Battery mowers can power an entire day’s work on a single charge
- Upfront equipment costs are worth it for improved productivity and customer experience
The Importance of Ongoing Training and Development
One of the things that has really set Rees apart as a Jim’s franchisee is his commitment to ongoing training and development.
He has found that the more he learns and grows, the better he is able to serve his customers and grow his business.
When Rees first joined the Jim’s network, he completed the initial training program, which was incredibly valuable in helping him get his business off the ground.
But Rees didn’t stop there.
He continued to seek out additional training opportunities, both through Jim’s and on his own.
For example, he recently attended a week-long training session at the Jim’s headquarters in Melbourne.
This was an invaluable experience, as it allowed him to connect with other franchisees, learn from the experts at Jim’s, and really dive deep into the systems and processes that have made the company so successful.
But the training doesn’t stop there.
Rees is constantly looking for ways to expand his knowledge and skills, whether it’s through online courses, industry events, or one-on-one mentorship from more experienced franchisees.
This commitment to ongoing learning has paid off in a big way.
Rees has not only been able to provide a higher level of service to his customers, but he’s also identified new opportunities for growth and expansion within his business.
For instance, after attending the training in Melbourne, Rees came back with a renewed focus on streamlining his operations and leveraging the full suite of tools and resources available through Jim’s.
This has allowed him to take on larger, more complex jobs, and to better manage his team and workflow.
At the end of the day, I believe that the key to success in any business, including a franchise, is a willingness to continuously learn and improve.
And that’s exactly the mindset Rees brought to his Jim’s franchise.
- Completed initial Jim’s training program to get business off the ground
- Attended a week-long training session at Jim’s headquarters in Melbourne
- Constantly seeking out additional learning opportunities through online courses, industry events, and mentorship
- Ongoing training has enabled Rees to provide higher-quality service and identify new growth opportunities
Looking back on his journey as a Jim’s franchisee, Rees can say with certainty that it was the best decision he ever made.
Despite the doubts and misconceptions of those around him, Rees has been able to build a thriving, sustainable business that aligns with his values and passions.
From the robust systems and support provided by the Jim’s team, to the ability to leverage his expertise in permaculture and sustainable gardening, this franchise model has enabled Rees to achieve a level of success that he never could have imagined on his own.
And the best part is Rees knowing that he is just scratching the surface of what’s possible.
With continued investment in his training and equipment and a relentless focus on providing exceptional service to his customers, Rees is confident that his Jim’s franchise will continue to grow and thrive for years to come.
So if you’re considering a franchise opportunity, Rees encourages you to take a close look at Jim’s.
Don’t let the doubters and naysayers hold you back – trust your instincts, do your research, and embrace the incredible potential that this franchise model has to offer.
To learn more about Jim’s Group and explore franchise opportunities, visit jims.net/own-a-franchise or call 131 546 (Australia) or 0800 454 654 (New Zealand).