A HISTORY OF THE BUSINESS

Jim's Mowing, originally 'Balwyn Gardening', was started by Jim Penman in December, 1982. Originally aimed only at taking on subcontractors, it gradually began to specialise in the building up and selling of lawn mowing rounds. With time, increasing numbers of services were offered to contractors, including replacement of lost jobs, training, brochures, seminars, better deals on equipment and insurance, care taking of rounds in case of illness or accident, and so forth. The change to a Franchise in mid 1989 was thus no more than an extension of the existing business.

The growth of Jim's Mowing since then has been rapid. From being small and relatively unknown, it has become the largest and best known mowing business in Australia. There are now branches throughout Australia, New Zealand, UK and Canada. A ‘Jim’s Cleaning’ division was launched in 1994, Jim’s Dog Wash in 1996, and Jim’s Building Maintenance, Jim's Tree's in early 1997. The key to success has been a consistent concern for the welfare of both Franchisees and clients. Most Franchise Owners are in direct phone contact with the office every day of the week. Jim is still actively involved in the running of the business. An account of the history and origin of Jim’s Mowing can be found in Jim's book, "What will they Franchise next ?"

Now in 2008, Jim’s has over 2,600 Franchise Owners stretching across all States and territories of Australia and New Zealand, parts of Canada and the UK.

Jim’s Fencing is an exciting extension to the service provided by Jim’s Mowing. It commenced in September, 1997 as the brainchild of Andrew Mackintosh who saw an opportunity to provide a better service and a good livelihood to Franchisees.

Jim's Fencing initially started in Melbourne, later going to Canberra. Warren Smith, started as a Regional Franchisor in Melbourne in May, 2001 he later took on the role of Divisional Franchisor of Jim's Fencing, October 2002 and as of March, 2003 launched Jim's Fencing in every state of Australia.

Jim's Fencing is also looking to move into New Zealand, Canada, United States, Europe and the United Kingdom.

HIGHLIGHT'S OF JIM'S FENCING 2003 - 2007 (Click here)

GROWTH OF THE SERVICES

Originally we offered the public 3 basic services which were Paling Fences, Picket Fences and Gates. This we found was sufficient in the early days but as time went on we found the public were looking for more from us, so we began to expand our services, to meet their needs. We now perform our original 3 services with the addition of Colorbond Steel, Pool and Feature Fences, PVC, ARC, Hebel, Garden Wall Systems, Teco Block and many other types of unique fencing.

From humble beginnings we have grown to be the biggest fencing erection company in Australia with some 160 dedicated Franchises Owners building great fences. Not only are we in Melbourne, but we have also expanded interstate and now operate in the A.C.T., Adelaide, Sydney, Goulburn, Wollongong, Newcastle, Central Coast, Tasmania, Western Australia, Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast and Brisbane.

People often ask us why we have been so successful and we put it down to some very basic things:

Reasons Why Jim's is the best!

1. Customer Service: we return calls, quote on time, build on time, do a great job and guarantee all our work!

2. On going training: we don’t rest on our laurels and are always seeking new and better ways to do things and in turn our people are kept up to date with all new changes and technology.

3. Our Affiliates: We have enjoyed fantastic support from companies such as Bluescope Steel Lysaghts, Stratco, ARC Fencing, Garden Wall Systems, Hebel, Teco Block, Orica Woodcare etc. All top in there respective fields and we are very proud to be associated with such high quality suppliers. Click here to go to our Affliliates page.

4. Team Effort: We work very much as a team which means there are a lot of minds thinking and working on the same tasks which gives many perspectives on fencing and the best ways to go about, and improve it.

5. Quality: We strive to build the best quality fences possible for a reasonable cost. Obviously this is happening as we do an enormous amount of work by referrals.

6. Guarantee: Lastly but by no means the least, we guarantee everything we do, people know if Jim’s Fencing performs a service for them and something goes wrong we will fix it with no arguments or kafuffle. We Guarantee it!

BUSINESS INDUCTION TRAINING

For more information on Business Training and your on-site Training, contact 131-546 and ask to speak with your local Fencing Franchisor.

CLASS OF FENCING

BENEFITS OF BEING A “JIM”

The Jim’s Group has become a household name with over 94% of the adult Australian population recognizing the name and logo which, in itself, is a very tangible benefit.

The main reason for people wishing to join Jim’s is to change their lifestyle. This means owning their own business and arranging their lifestyle around these business requirements.

Franchisees can nominate when and where they will take work which leads to the flow of work being adjusted to fill quiet periods or when taking on an employee.

Jim’s prices are not cheap; - rather the public views the company as delivery a fast, reliable, quality service. It is not necessary to cut prices to compete.

Promotions and advertising play a key role in positioning the company as market leader. All funds contributed by the Franchise Owners and are spent on activities directly related to their divisions. There are excellent economies of scale due to the bulk purchasing power of the Jim’s group.

ARE YOU CONSIDERING A CHANGE OF LIFESTYLE?

This is the most common reason people join Jim's, Franchise Owners enjoy working in the great outdoors, being in control of their own destiny and satisfaction from being self-employed. If this sounds like you, go below, for further information.

CURRENT OPERATOR?

Current operators are also welcome to join Jim's Fencing. Experienced operators enjoy working in a smaller geographic area, due to more leads in a smaller diameter. These Franchisees often become Trainers, and can be considered for other roles within the system. Experienced operators are able to grow their business to multiple trailers and employees, eventually getting off the tools and project managing.

FRANCHISEES OUTSIDE METRO AREAS?

In some cases, a traditional Franchisor model may not work in country or semi-rural areas. The corporate Franchise model is sometimes a suitable alternative. Available only for people currently in the business and wanting to grow, it is similar to a licensing arrangement, whereby the franchisee re-brands as a Jim's Franchisee, purchases a Franchise and pays monthly fees. The corporate Franchise does their own marketing and advertising within the region.

FURTHER INFORMATION

Go to Contact Us and click on you state and contact your local Franchisor or call 131-546 and a Regional Franchisor will be in contact with you.

FRANCHISING INFORMATION OF INTEREST..

EDITORIAL FIN REVIEW 29/3/03

HOW WE STACK UP.....

PRIME MINISTERS SPEECH OF FRANCHISING - 10/10/05

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