Matt Deal spent around a year trying to build his own pressure washing business while working full-time as a software developer. Despite having the equipment, experience, and local demand, he struggled to generate enough customers.
Instead of continuing independently, he joined Jim’s Window & Pressure Cleaning.
Within approximately three months, he reported earning around $14,000 in revenue during one month, after a difficult start that saw his weekly income fall significantly.
In an interview with Joel Kleber on the Jim’s Group Podcast, Matt explained why he chose franchising over his own brand, how the Jim’s lead system works, and what he learnt about building a service business.
0:00 — Why Matt prefers Jim’s franchise fee structure
1:44 — From software development to pressure washing
2:49 — Why he chose Jim’s instead of building his own brand
4:09 — Researching franchise opportunities
6:07 — Training and business management
7:13 — Learning professional window cleaning
10:47 — How soft washing works
14:35 — Solar panel cleaning
16:21 — Driveway cleaning and property presentation
Why Did Matt Deal Join Jim’s Instead of Growing His Own Pressure Washing Business?
Matt’s biggest challenge as an independent operator wasn’t doing the cleaning. It was finding enough customers to make the business sustainable.
Before joining Jim’s, he worked as a software developer for approximately 13–14 years. He had also started Horizon Pressure Washing, a small business he operated on weekends for about a year.
With three young children and a full-time job, finding enough time to develop the business became difficult.
He enjoyed pressure washing and believed there was demand in his local area. However, attracting consistent enquiries was another matter.
When Joel asked why he didn’t simply leave his IT career and run Horizon Pressure Washing full-time, Matt gave a straightforward answer.
“Mostly ignorance on my own part. I didn’t know how to market stuff,” he admitted.
He understood the technical side of the work but lacked experience generating leads and building a recognisable business.
Joining Jim’s offered a way to address that problem without abandoning the work he enjoyed.
Matt explained that Jim’s already had the brand recognition and customer enquiry systems he was trying to develop independently.
“I’m still doing the same thing, still running my own business, still getting the same work,” he said.
For Matt, the attraction wasn’t simply having a familiar name on his vehicle. It was being able to spend more time completing jobs instead of constantly searching for the next customer.
His experience raises a useful question for anyone weighing up whether a franchise is worth it: how much time and money would it take to build the same systems independently?
How Did Matt Research Jim’s Before Buying a Franchise?
Matt didn’t join Jim’s without comparing his options. He spoke with existing franchisees, spent time with a franchisor, and researched competing businesses.
He first arranged a meeting and observation day with a Jim’s franchisor, whose name requires confirmation from the recording.
During that visit, he discussed his existing pressure washing experience and what joining the division would involve.
He was then given contact details for current franchisees and called several of them to hear about their experiences.
Matt also watched Jim’s podcast interviews to understand how other operators ran their businesses.
He considered at least one competing franchise, Fresh Front, but said its initial investment was beyond what he could comfortably afford.
Another important consideration was how ongoing franchise fees were calculated.
Some competing models involved paying a percentage of revenue, while Jim’s used a flat-fee structure with separate lead charges.
For Matt, the combination of brand recognition, customer enquiries and a predictable base fee made Jim’s the more attractive option.
Anyone comparing similar opportunities should examine the initial investment, ongoing fees, territory arrangements and actual support provided.
The guide to buying a franchise in Australia provides further information for prospective franchise buyers.
What Training Does Jim’s Window & Pressure Cleaning Provide?
Matt found the training valuable even though he had already spent about a year running his own pressure washing business.
He described two main parts of his training experience.
The first involved two days focused on business operations and management.
Although Matt understood how to use pressure washing equipment, he had less experience with the broader responsibilities of business ownership.
“I learned a lot of stuff, less about technical stuff, but more about how to manage your business,” he explained.
He had previously tried running businesses without much guidance, so learning from experienced operators helped him identify gaps in his approach.
The second part involved approximately one week of practical training with an existing franchisee.
This introduced Matt to techniques and services he hadn’t previously offered, including professional window cleaning.
Even with his existing experience, he said there were still plenty of things to learn.
His experience demonstrates why technical ability and business management should be treated as separate skills.
Knowing how to clean a driveway doesn’t automatically mean someone knows how to price jobs, respond to enquiries, manage expenses, or develop repeat customers.
How Much Did Matt Deal Earn in His First Few Months With Jim’s?
Matt reported earning approximately $14,000 in revenue during one month around his third month with Jim’s Window & Pressure Cleaning.
However, his early experience wasn’t consistently profitable or predictable.
Before leaving software development, Matt said he had been earning close to $3,000 per week.
During his first month in the franchise, his weekly income fell to approximately 300–600, according to the interview.
He described April and May as particularly difficult months, referring to economic uncertainty and rising fuel costs at the time.
The sudden drop was challenging for his family, although his wife’s income helped support the household during the transition.
By late June and into July, Matt said his weekly revenue had improved to approximately 2,000–2,500.
He also secured a job at a local high school, which contributed to a stronger month.
Around three months into the business, he estimated that his monthly revenue reached approximately $14,000.
These figures were Matt’s recollections during the interview. They describe business revenue and income at different points, not verified net profit.
The distinction matters because franchise fees, equipment, fuel, consumables, and other expenses still need to be deducted when calculating actual profit.
His results also shouldn’t be treated as typical or guaranteed outcomes for new franchisees.
What his experience does show is that the first few months can involve considerable financial uncertainty, even for someone who already understands the technical work.
How Much Does a Jim’s Window & Pressure Cleaning Franchise Cost to Run?
Matt estimated that his ongoing Jim’s fees were approximately $900 per month before lead charges, increasing to roughly 1,200–1,400 per month when leads were included.
These were his reported costs at the time of the interview, not a current franchise fee quotation.
He explained that the business also required spending on fuel, cleaning chemicals, equipment, and window cleaning supplies.
For example, he estimated that sodium hypochlorite, a chemical used in some exterior cleaning applications, cost approximately $20 per bottle.
He also mentioned resin for his purified-water window cleaning system, estimating around $200 for a supply that could last roughly three months.
Equipment represented another significant expense.
Matt operated from a Nissan Navara and used a Honda GX390-powered pressure washer, surface cleaning attachments and specialised window cleaning equipment.
He was also planning to invest in a dedicated softwash system to improve his ability to handle larger exterior cleaning jobs.
Matt suggested that his expenses might represent approximately 30% of revenue, but this was an informal estimate rather than a verified financial statement.
Actual operating costs depend on equipment purchases, travel distances, job types, lead volume, and other business expenses.
For prospective franchisees, understanding the difference between initial investment and ongoing costs is essential. Jim’s also has a guide explaining how much a franchise costs in Australia.
How Does the Jim’s Lead Fee System Work?
Matt preferred Jim’s flat-fee model because it didn’t require him to pay a fixed percentage of every dollar his business earned.
He compared it with franchise arrangements that can charge a percentage of revenue, mentioning figures of 10–15% in his discussion.
“I think the Jim’s system’s got it right,” he said.
Under the arrangement Matt described, he paid a regular franchise fee and approximately $17 for each lead supplied through Jim’s.
He acknowledged that a lead fee applies even when the enquiry doesn’t turn into a completed job.
However, he compared that cost with the time and money he would otherwise need to spend generating enquiries through independent advertising.
Matt estimated that he received four or five leads each week through Jim’s without having to source those enquiries himself.
He also considered the enquiries reasonably well-qualified because customers had contacted Jim’s looking for cleaning services.
The flat-fee arrangement became particularly attractive to him when considering future business growth.
With a percentage-based royalty, payments generally increase as revenue rises. Under the flat-fee model Matt described, the base fee wasn’t directly calculated as a percentage of his turnover.
He also explained that franchisees could generate their own customers and potentially reduce or switch off Jim’s supplied leads once they had enough work.
Matt was already considering commercial contracts and the possibility of eventually hiring employees.
The important distinction is that Jim’s could provide a source of enquiries, but Matt still needed to respond quickly, quote accurately and complete the work.
Lead fees, franchise arrangements and available services should always be confirmed against the current franchise agreement.
How Does Matt Turn Customer Enquiries Into Booked Jobs?
Matt attributed much of his success in converting enquiries to quick responses and clear communication.
He estimated that his average response time to a new lead was approximately two to five minutes.
Even when working on another task, he tried to contact prospective customers as quickly as possible.
Matt estimated his lead conversion rate at around 80%, although this figure was self-reported rather than independently audited.
His approach to quoting was equally practical.
Where possible, he preferred visiting the property, walking around with the customer and understanding what needed cleaning.
For customers located further away, he sometimes requested photographs and prepared a quote remotely.
He aimed to respond quickly rather than allowing enquiries to sit unanswered.
Matt also believed that customer communication mattered just as much after the job had been completed.
He described arriving late to one appointment because of difficulties with his children’s kindergarten drop-off.
Rather than leaving the customer wondering where he was, he called, apologised, and explained the situation.
The customer was understanding and later left a five-star review.
For Matt, the lesson was straightforward: punctuality matters, but communication is especially important when something goes wrong.
How Did Matt Build Almost 30 Five-Star Reviews in Four Months?
Matt said he had received almost 30 five-star Google reviews during his first four months with Jim’s.
He explained that he had only started actively focusing on reviews during the previous two months.
His process began before the customer left the job.
After completing the work, Matt walked around the property with the customer, explained what had been cleaned, and checked whether they were satisfied.
He then followed up later with a message inviting feedback.
Matt’s background in software development had even led him to create a small application involving QR codes for reviews, although he later preferred simpler text messages and emails.
His experience highlights the value of making customer feedback part of a consistent service process.
Rather than treating reviews as an afterthought, he built a routine around checking the finished work and following up.
The approach also gave him another opportunity to identify concerns before leaving the property.
For businesses following a similar process, review requests should remain neutral and comply with Google’s current review policies, without requiring or incentivising positive ratings.
What Services Does Jim’s Window & Pressure Cleaning Offer?
Matt’s work expanded beyond the pressure washing services he had originally offered through his independent business.
During the interview, he discussed several services he performed or was developing.
Professional Window Cleaning
Matt hadn’t previously offered window cleaning and initially wasn’t sure whether he would enjoy it.
However, he became particularly interested in purified-water cleaning systems.
These use specialised filtration equipment and water-fed poles to clean exterior glass.
Removing minerals from the water helps reduce spotting and streaks when the glass dries.
Matt also described using traditional squeegees and other equipment for interior window cleaning.
House Washing and Softwashing
Softwashing uses lower water pressure combined with suitable cleaning solutions to remove dirt and organic growth from exterior surfaces.
Matt explained that high-pressure washing can damage certain building materials, including seals and other vulnerable surfaces.
He described applying an appropriate solution, allowing it to work for several minutes, and rinsing the surface at low pressure.
Chemical selection, concentration and application methods depend on the material being cleaned.
Matt was planning to purchase a dedicated softwash system to improve his capacity for larger projects.
Driveway and Concrete Cleaning
Driveways can accumulate algae, mould, oil stains, rust and general grime.
Matt discussed how cleaning these surfaces can improve the appearance of a property, particularly before a sale.
He also suggested that periodic cleaning could help maintain exterior surfaces.
However, his estimates about driveway replacement costs and potential property sale price increases were not independently verified and shouldn’t be treated as established financial outcomes.
Solar Panel Cleaning
Matt also cleaned solar panels using a purified-water system.
He explained that dirt and dust can accumulate on panels and may reduce the amount of sunlight reaching them.
He generally limited his solar panel cleaning work to single-storey properties and preferred working from the ground where practical.
Any solar panel cleaning should follow the manufacturer’s instructions and appropriate electrical and working-at-heights safety requirements.
The variety of services gave Matt opportunities to serve different customer needs rather than relying exclusively on pressure washing.
Can You Run a Jim’s Cleaning Franchise Around Family Commitments?
Matt said that one of the biggest benefits of changing careers was being able to arrange his working hours around his family.
With three young children, he wanted more control over when he started and finished work.
He explained that he generally started around 9:00–9:30 am and finished around 4:00–5:00 pm.
This sometimes allowed him to handle school drop-offs and pickups.
His wife also worked from home, which helped the family manage days when his schedule was busier.
Unlike his previous software development job, Matt could decide how to organise his working week.
That flexibility didn’t remove the responsibilities of business ownership.
He still needed to respond to leads, complete jobs, prepare quotes, maintain equipment and handle administration.
However, he valued being able to make those decisions himself.
His experience shows how business ownership can provide scheduling flexibility, while also requiring owners to manage the workload needed to support their financial goals.
Is Jim’s Window & Pressure Cleaning Physically Demanding?
Matt found the work physically demanding when he first moved from software development into full-time exterior cleaning.
After years working at a desk, he wasn’t accustomed to spending full days handling equipment, moving hoses and using water-fed poles.
He said he experienced considerable soreness during his first couple of months.
Window cleaning placed particular demands on his shoulders, arms and back, while pressure washing involved moving equipment and dragging heavy hoses around properties.
Over time, Matt became more comfortable with the physical workload.
He also reported losing some weight and improving his fitness.
Although the work required more physical effort than his previous job, he enjoyed being outside and completing visible, practical tasks.
For someone considering the division, physical capacity and willingness to work outdoors are important factors alongside the business opportunity.
Was Joining Jim’s the Right Decision for Matt Deal?
Matt said he was happy with his decision to leave software development and join Jim’s Window & Pressure Cleaning.
The early months had been financially challenging, but he had started generating more consistent work and developing his customer base.
He also enjoyed the physical nature of the work and the satisfaction of seeing the results of each cleaning job.
His experience wasn’t simply about replacing one career with another.
It was about recognising that his independent business needed stronger systems for attracting customers and managing growth.
Jim’s gave him access to an established brand, a customer enquiry system and training, while he remained responsible for completing jobs and building relationships.
The franchise didn’t eliminate the risks of business ownership.
Matt still faced fluctuating revenue, operating expenses, customer service responsibilities and the need to generate work.
However, he believed the structure made it easier to develop the business than continuing alone.
For prospective franchisees, his experience offers a practical example of what to consider before choosing between an independent business and a franchise.
Explore Jim’s Window & Pressure Cleaning Franchise Opportunities
The full interview with Matt Deal offers a practical look at the challenges and opportunities involved in moving from an independent cleaning business to a Jim’s franchise.
His experience highlights the importance of reliable leads, business training, customer service, and realistic financial expectations.
Jim’s Window & Pressure Cleaning provides an established brand and support systems, but business owners still need to deliver quality work and manage their operations.
To learn more about franchise opportunities with Jim’s Group, call 131 546.