After being an interstate truck driver and a Dad who was missing out on the best years of his children's lives, I spotted an ad in the local paper offering a Jim's Fencing franchise in my area. After previously having investigated and missed out on a mowing franchise, my wife and I seized upon the opportunity to fulfill our ambition to own our own business.

Having no business background whatsoever, I was most impressed by the benefits of going with Jim's for initial advice, set up and training. The constant ongoing support I have received ever since can not be over stated, along with the new friendships I have formed and the opportunity to help my fellow country franchisee from Dubbo as we embark on this new adventure.

West of the Blue Mountains NSW, the Jim's Group was known only for mowing until the foresight of our franchisor, Brendan Shaw, 'opened up the West'
for fencing. I am proud to be part of a pioneering team who is bringing Jim's Fencing to Central West NSW, though it has come with great challenges.

Considering that the population of the town of Mudgee is only approximately 8700, there were already 3 well established fencing contractors in town and the fact that all of my fencing materials are sourced from out of town suppliers with only two deliveries per week, to say that my back was against the wall is an understatement. However, with my grit and determination, and the overwhelming support from the Jim's network, it is with great pride that I can say the impression I have made on this small country town is very positive.

Overall I am most satisfied with the decision I made to join the Jim's Group. Although I am only in the very humble beginnings of my business in Mudgee, the impact I have already made is extremely encouraging and I look forward to continued success over the coming years.

I have been a 'Jim' for a mere 12 months and am already reaping the benefits of belonging to such a fantastic team.

Con Tambakis - Marsfield

I had been in the fruit and veggie game for 30 years working too long hours. I was getting really tired of being “Con the fruiterer” and not having weekends and holidays to spend with the family. Nearly five years ago I contacted Jim’s Fencing (Grant Holt) to do our side fence, that gave me the idea – “hey, I can do this job.” !

After that, I spoke to Grant (who’s our franchisor now) and he referred me to Warren Smith (Regional Franchisor of North Sydney at the time), from then on, I decided to buy a franchise in my area. I like it as I have my own time, I can choose when to work and when to have a break.

As in any other self-employed work, you have your ups and downs. Winter season in the past years have been quiet but this year has been flat out.

I have repeat business from satisfied customers and I have a few real estate agencies who call on me to do fences for their managed properties.

So far, I still enjoy building fences whether it is Colorbond, paling, or lapped and capped., there are challenges at times but overall it has been good, you meet different kinds of people – the nice ones will even make you a cuppa!

I am proud to be an eagle award winner. Thank you to Jim’s Fencing for introducing the Regional Eagles Awards. It is really a good way to recognise the franchisees.