DARREN — JIM’S MOWING (KIDMAN PARK)
What did you do before Jim’s Mowing?
I spent the last 25 years working in the Retail Sector. Most recently at Harris Scarfes for 13 years and prior to that 12 years with John Martins before they closed. I worked as a Storeman and a Salesman, both jobs requiring weekend work and Friday nights.
What frustrated you about your previous employment?
The lack of real career advancement opportunities and wage levels was the major consideration. I wanted financial security for myself and my family. Another motivation for me looking at other opportunities was the weekend and Friday night work, and also my complete frustration with management in seeking holidays or rostered days off. It seemed like every time I applied for leave it was declined, because it was “the January sale, Easter sale, end of financial year sale, October sale or Christmas sale or any other sale they could think of”.
What were you looking for in an opportunity?
Lifestyle change would have to be the short answer. With 2 young children I wanted to be able to spend more time with them, not see the disappointment in their faces when you tell them you can’t watch their weekend sport or attend their dance concert because you have to work. I also wanted to achieve financial freedom and stability for myself and my family. This is something I definitely wouldn’t have been able to achieve working in Retail.
Why did you end up choosing Jim’s over other things you were considering?
Jim’s Mowing seemed to be the “right fit” for what I wanted to achieve, financial stability, lifestyle change and the opportunity to be my own boss and therefore in complete control of my future. Jim’s weren’t the first group I approached but they were by far the most informative, professional and supportive. I felt that even though I was entering into this venture on my own, the support would always be there from the Franchisors. Even to the point where on my first few days on the job I was accompanied by an experienced Jim who could show me the ropes. The capital outlay was also minimal compared to other franchises I had looked into, and the fact that the Jim’s brand is such a public entity made the final decision comparatively easy.
The compulsory week long training session I attended in Melbourne was also very beneficial, in that it allowed me to meet with other “Jim’s” who were about to embark on the same journey. It also gave me a further insight into the complete professionalism of the whole Jim’s Group.
What can you say about your lifestyle in comparison to your old one?
Since I bought my Mowing round, I have lost count of the number of times I have been told by family and friends how happy and relaxed I look. I knew I wasn’t happy where my work life was heading beforehand, but I never realised how visible it was also to everyone else. My quality of life has improved immensely due to my increased earning capacity and also I have achieved that all important work-life balance, and have lots more time to spend with my wife and kids.
Where do you hope Jim’s will leave you?
Obviously financial growth is paramount. I hope to be in a position to do a split by the end of the third year, and then rebuild my client base to a point where I can then take on employees and expand further. All the while keeping in mind the work-life balance.
Blokes Just Like You
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ROBERT (HOPE VALLEY)
Previous Job: Service Station Attendant
I was working around 50 hours a week and earning 50K a year. In Jim’s I work around 30¬38 hours a week and would earn around 150K a year. ..we plan to pay off our mortgage and make a big dent in the 2 rentals properties we have been able to buy (even buy another).
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ROBERT
Previous Job: Registered General Nurse
Lifestyle, lifestyle, lifestyle. No weekends, no shift work, no stress, fewer deadlines…. and no politics. And my wife can do what she wants to do and concentrate on being a mother and raising our two boys, keeping our home and supporting me and the business.
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STEVE (HINDMARSH)
Previous Job: Dealer, Adelaide Casino
I actually find it more fun than challenging. When I try something and it works, I know I've made everything that bit easier and/or more $$. I've also split my round 5 times in 5 years for a total of $90k extra income. I never miss a rock concert or birthday party, and there's never a moment at work when I wish I was at home.
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DARREN (KIDMAN PARK)
Previous Job: Retail - Storeman and a Salesman
Since I bought my Mowing round, I have lost count of the number of times I have been told by family and friends how happy and relaxed I look. I knew I wasn't happy where my work life was heading beforehand, but I never realised how visible it was also to everyone else. The support we got from Gerry, Shane & Rets our Franchisors was vitally important to a smooth transition and has been on-going, only a phone call away or by email. We were impressed from the very first initial meeting.
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GRANT (PT AUGUSTA)
Previously Job: Security Officer at Olympic Dam
The professionalism of the Jim's Group very much impressed us. People trust and respect the Jim's name, and that has helped us to grow our business very quickly. The help and support has been terrific!
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Tristan (Hackam)
Well after 2 months i grew from 80 to 105 odd clients, I did my first split after 8 months, I have landed a 1mth trial with a retirement home that I was doing some lawns for as the caretaker of all gardens which will let my wife leave her job.
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ANDY (BRIGHTON)
Previous Job: International Tour Guide
Being my own boss is fantastic, I have more time with my family and set up my hours around our needs. The franchisors are only a phone call away, if I ever have any questions or need anything. I now make double the money in half the hours which means more time with my family.
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MATTHEW (GREENACRES)
Previous Job: social worker
Jim's offers me contact with everyday people and I can be of help and assistance to them, in a way, not dissimilar to my former job. I have some clients that I can choose to do those extra little things for, like my elderly clients, which makes me, and them feel good.
Contact Us
Jim's Mowing South Australia
203 South Road
Riddleyton 5008
1300 783 928