Why Mark Left His 16-Year Tiling Career to Join Jim’s Mowing
For 16 years, Mark ran his own successful tiling business.
But after two decades in the industry, he found himself facing a common challenge – the struggle to find reliable staff.
As the jobs got bigger and the manpower dwindled, Mark knew it was time for a change.
That’s when he stumbled upon an opportunity that would ultimately become the “best move” he’s ever made – a Jim’s Mowing franchise.
In this in-depth podcast interview with Joel Kleber, we’ll dive into Mark’s story and uncover the reasons behind his decision to transition from a solo tradesman to a Jim’s Mowing franchisee.
We’ll explore the benefits he’s experienced, the challenges he’s overcome, and the insights he has to share with others considering a similar path.
How a Neighbor Introduced Mark to the Jim’s Mowing Opportunity
Mark’s journey started with a casual conversation.
His neighbor, a Jim’s Mowing franchisee, gave him a glimpse into a better work-life balance.
The experience was a positive one, and Mark was impressed by the support and guidance he received from his neighbor-turned-mentor.
“We did basically a bit of a trial, a bit of work experience, and took it from there,” he explains.
With this hands-on introduction to the Jim’s Mowing model, Mark felt confident in his decision to take the leap and become a franchisee himself.
What Happened When Mark Bought His Jim’s Mowing Franchise | Interview with Joel Kleber
Buying a Jim’s Mowing franchise gave Mark 65 ready-to-go clients.
This early momentum helped him earn over $3,000 in his first week.
“I was very blessed,” Mark says.
“I ended up buying this whole business franchise and making up my own. When you purchase a business with 65 guaranteed clients, it’s a perfect foundation to start on.“
With this established customer base, Mark was able to hit the ground running, generating impressive revenue from the very first week.
“I can’t remember the exact numbers, but it was over $3,000 total revenue in the first week,” he shares.
“It was great – easy.“
How Mark’s Trade Experience Helped Him Succeed as a Franchisee
Mark used his experience from running a tiling business to hit the ground running.
Good service and admin habits made his transition smooth.
One of the key similarities Mark identified was the focus on customer service.
“It’s all about customer service,” he says.
“When you work for yourself, every time you’re quoting a job, that’s your bread and butter. Without that, you don’t have any money. With Jim’s, obviously, there’s the profit margin, but there are a lot more opportunities.“
Mark’s previous experience in running his own business also proved valuable when it came to managing the administrative aspects of the franchise.
“The paperwork side of things is just always remembering, ‘Hey, this one, this one, this one,‘” he says.
“I’m always walking around with a pad, jotting down whether it’s a cancellation, an extra, or whatever it may be.“
What Makes the Jim’s Mowing Brand So Powerful for New Business Owners
The Jim’s Mowing name brings trust, clients, and unmatched support.
Mark credits the brand and the head office team for helping him grow fast.
Mark was impressed by the sheer volume of incoming calls the Jim’s Mowing call center receives, with over 3,000 calls per day.
Beyond the brand’s reputation, Mark has also been grateful for the ongoing support he’s received from the Jim’s Mowing head office.
“Shane, Denise, and Roger have been phenomenal,” he says.
“They’re always there, and I can make the call anytime. It’s good having that chat with someone like Denise, where you can open up a bit more.“
Why Mark Switched from Petrol to Battery-Powered Tools
Mark upgraded his tools to battery-powered gear.
The result? Less maintenance, less noise, and better efficiency on every job.
“I took over everything – the van, the trailer, the tools,” Mark explains.
“They were all petrol, but they only lasted about a month and a half. Then I just started slowly upgrading, and now I’m using all battery, except for the whipper snipper and the mowers.“
The switch to battery-powered equipment has brought several advantages, including improved balance, reduced noise, and easier maintenance.
“The biggest thing is every two weeks, once a month, you know, all got to change the oil, clean the filters,” Mark says.
“It’s all part of it, but time is money.“
How Mark Increases Income by Offering Extra Services
Mark upsells honestly and confidently.
Services like hedge trimming and mulching bring in extra income and build customer trust.
“I’m just blunt, I’m just honest,” Mark says.
“I’m on a job, having a chat with a client, and I just turn around and say, ‘Oh, the shrub you know, or hedge looks like it could be done.’ Just put it out there – in the day, what’s the worst, they’re going to say no?“
Mark has found that the majority of his clients are receptive to these suggestions, with a success rate of around 80-90%.
“Out of 10 times, people come to you to be honest as well,” he explains.
“They know what they want, and if you’ve got that trust with them, the rapport, then you’re laughing.“
Jim’s Mowing: What Systems Mark Uses to Stay on Top of Admin and Bookings
Keeping up with paperwork and bookings is a constant challenge.
Mark uses a simple system: jotting everything down and reviewing daily.
With a customer base of 65 clients, Mark has found that the constant flow of messages, cancellations, and additional services can be overwhelming at times.
“My phone, you know, doesn’t stop messaging, which is good ’cause it means work’s coming in,” he says.
“But it’s just always remembering, ‘Hey, this one, this one, this one.‘”
To stay on top of the administrative tasks, Mark has developed a system of jotting down notes and keeping a close eye on his diary.
“I’m always walking around with a pad, and I’m always on top of the diary,” he says.
“It’s just those little things you’ve got to do either first thing in the morning or last thing at night, just to get your head around the next day.“
Why Fast Response Times Help Mark Win More Clients
Mark replies to every lead within minutes.
His quick follow-ups show clients he’s serious—and that often wins him the job.
“As soon as I get that message, I don’t care where I am, I always answer that and call directly,” Mark explains.
“The reaction is always the same – ‘That was quick!’ – and that still gives you better odds.“
Mark also emphasizes the importance of following up with clients, even if they don’t respond to the initial contact.
“I probably hound them to be honest,” he says.
“If you don’t know, you don’t know. Not many people check their junk mail, so I’ll always send a text message as well.“
Is Jim’s Mowing Really Profitable and Flexible? Here’s Mark’s Experience
Mark’s not shy about the financial rewards.
Mowing pays the bills, but it’s the extra services that bring in serious income.
Mark has found that the more labor-intensive jobs, such as mulching and other manual tasks, can be particularly lucrative.
“We definitely hit some massive figures for a week,” he shares.
“Work it out – it’s good money.“
While the mowing work provides a steady stream of revenue, Mark has also discovered that the additional services, like gutter cleaning and landscaping, can be highly profitable.
“That’s where I find your money is,” he explains.
“Mowing’s great, mowing’s good for your bread and butter, but mowing doesn’t pay as well. To get those sorts of jobs is really beneficial.“
Mark’s Advice to Anyone Thinking About Joining Jim’s Mowing
Do your research and give it a shot.
Mark says owning a Jim’s Mowing franchise gives you freedom, flexibility, and real earning potential.
Mark emphasizes the importance of understanding the techniques and skills required, as well as the flexibility and income potential that come with being a franchisee.
“The more you work, the more you can make,” he says.
“The flexibility to go work for yourself is priceless. You can dictate how much money you want, you want to work half a day, you want to work 5 days a week, 7 days a week – go for it.”
Why Joining Jim’s Mowing Was the Best Decision Mark Ever Made
Mark left a stable trade and found a thriving career with Jim’s Mowing.
His story shows what’s possible when you take a leap of faith.
As Mark reflects on his decision, he’s clear in his assessment: “It’s the best move I’ve made.“
For those considering a similar path, Mark’s story serves as an inspiring example of the rewards that can come from taking a leap of faith and embracing a new chapter in their professional lives.
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