Wow, what an incredible journey it has been over the last year and a half! But I guess I should start at the beginning. About two years ago my wife and myself along with our three small children packed our bags and headed off on a month long trip, which was great, but this story really begins when that trip ended, you see it was plain for everybody to see, especially my family, that going back to my job for me was a devastating prospect, I had not been happy with my job for some time and had lost any enthusiasm I had once had for it.

So, it just happened that one night my wife was on the internet and casually mentioned (jokingly) that maybe I should buy a Jim’s Fencing franchise, I had worked in the fencing industry before and seemed to enjoy it, little did she know that she had sparked an interest. I began researching and contacted Gary Chick (now my franchisor) and then everything bloomed, within a couple of months I had taken the risk of quitting my ‘safe’ job and began the training. It was obvious to all that I had found my niche I loved the work, loved the outdoors, loved learning how to run a business and most of all I loved being in charge of my own life, in all facets.

One of the best features of the first year was the challenges I faced. I am the only one to own/run a Jims Fencing franchisee in the north of Tasmania. This has come with its own challenges as I have had to establish and maintain good relationships with suppliers and clients alike. I also had to not just learn the basics of business, but also of sales as there were already many established fencers, who could often undercut me on price, so I had to learn to get my work not on price, but on standards.

One of my greatest accomplishments to date has been the installation of approx 130 metres of D5 noise abatement fencing, why you may ask, well it was because this was virgin territory. No Tasmanian Jims Fencing franchisors had ever installed this, but it was one of those times when you know you’re part of a bigger group, the ‘Jim’s Fencing Group’, Warren Smith (Divisional Franchisor) came from Vic, reps for the D5 came from Qld and the boys from the south Gary Chick (Regional Franchisor), Peter and Andrew all ventured north not just as support for me, but also to learn about this type of fencing, and all did this without a second thought, because that what being a

part of this outstanding National group is about, the support and instruction we gain from one another.

Once over the first twelve months, things are still humming along, I can honestly say that one of my greatest ‘risks’ has turned out to be one of my greatest joys. I don’t believe that I have ups and downs, I only have ups and challenges that make it a more interesting journey.

It is fantastic to be part of a national group, while still being my own boss. The only thing I plan on changing is that my business will grow.

Ashley O'Keefe - Adelaide

Having previously worked as a house remover, carpenter, chicken farmer, motorcycle mechanic (where I started at 4am) and in a components factory to make ends meet when I moved to Adelaide, I decided I was looking for something more challenging and rewarding.

My wife noticed an ad in the paper for a Jim’s Franchising Expo and thought she might be interested in a bookkeeping franchise so we went along to check it out. However it was me that ended up considering a Jim’s franchise and after working with the franchisor for a week I signed up and after my training I was onto my first jobs.

I started my Jim’s Fencing franchise in September 2004 and am now the longest standing Jim’s fencing franchisee in South Australia. Even after 4 ½ years in business I am never bored as every job is different and I am continually learning better ways to build fences and service my customers.

I have built up working relationships real estate agents, builders and strata corporations and receive work from them as well as referrals from satisfied customers.

Jim’s gives me loads of job satisfaction and the freedom to work the hours I want whilst still maintaining a great lifestyle - allowing me to buy all the tools I’ve ever wanted and some pretty good toys, too.

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