Ben Brown - Sth Perth WA

To say that the last year and a half has been interesting would probably be an understatement. It all started while I was working for Woolworths as manager 2 years ago. I had been working up the “food chain” at Woolies for about 4 years and was finding that the further up I went the harder and longer I had to work without really getting any benefit for myself or my wife. This got me thinking.

I had a very chequered career jumping from one track to another having done everything from being a plumber’s labourer to going to uni to study nursing. My very first job was that of a fencing contractor (some 20 years ago in Vic). On considering my options I realised that it was this job that I had enjoyed most. The day I brought up becoming a Jim’s Fencing Franchisee with my wife was.... well let’s say we had some heated discussions.

Despite the protests I decided I would look into it a little more. I contacted Dean and Meesha Watson (Now my franchisors) and started the ball rolling. It took me nearly 6 months of crunching numbers and doing due diligence before I was satisfied that Jim’s Fencing was the way to go. All of the research also convinced my wife that it wouldn’t be as risky as she originally thought. This being decided we took the plunge. I resigned from my job and bought into the franchise.

To say that I am happy with the way things have gone would be a bit of an understatement. The first year was very challenging. I had a lot to learn about running a fencing business. On top of having to learn to fence again, all the systems and pricing had to be set into place so that I could provide excellent customer service at a competitive price to my clients. Initially, without having real data to go on, the business made a loss (on paper). But as time progressed, I tweaked various areas in the business and this made a huge difference.
One of the best things that have happened to us so far is the development of a relationship with one of Perth’s major building contractors, building hundreds of meters chainmesh fencing in and around shopping centres. This alone has provided us with ample work even when times are quite.

None of this would have been possible if it hadn’t been for the support provided to us by the Jim’s network. Whenever we have needed assistance, our franchisors, Dean & Meesha Watson, have been there to lend a hand and all the “guys” pitch in when necessary to help out. This was particularly brought to the fore recently when my wife and I experienced a personal tragedy that resulted in me having to take nearly 6 weeks off (unexpectedly). If it hadn’t been for Dean and Meesha’s support, completing jobs for us, doing quotes and dealing with client enquiries I am sure that I would have had to close shop. Instead, I have been able to step back into the business with only a few minor hiccups to deal with.

THANK YOU DEAN & MEESHA

My wife and I are looking forward to a very profitable and successful year and are very thankful that we were able to take the opportunity to be Jim’s Fencing franchisees

Troy White - Western Sydney

I purchased my Jim's Fencing (South Penrith) franchise in June 2003. I was inspired to do so after seeing a story on t.v. I come from a manufacturing back ground, which I was getting bored with. I knew nothing about fencing which was a bit daunting at first, but with the support and training I was quickly put at ease.

Now after six years of fencing I have done just about every type of fencing there is, from colorbond to rural to pvc and everything in between. My franchisor Brendan Shaw is a great support and is only a phone call away. He is more than willing to help me out if need be.
He has a lot of trust in me and has made me the trainer for his regions. I have managed to pick up some very good regular clients over the years. This is a good thing if you want regular and constant work. In short I am glad I made the decision to buy this franchise and I have never been this happy to go to work every day.