1. Rodney Gadsden - Sydney South, East and Central
2. Andy Bruvels - Gold Coast
3. David Czynski - North Perth & WA
4. Nick Drake - North, Eastern and South Melbourne
5. Steve Horton - Brisbane
6. Allan Hardy - Western Melbourne
7. Darren Hayes - Geelong and West Victoria
8. Dean Watson - South Perth
9. Darren Jepson - Sunshine Coast
10. Pat Clarke - North QLD
11. Damien Herzick - Adelaide and SA
12. Dave Morrison - ACT and Sth NSW
13. Gary Chick - Tasmania

1. Rodney Gadsen - Sydney South, East and Central

At the ripe young age of 38 I decided I needed a change in my career and a challenge in my life. I had just decided to walk away from a 20 year career in the security industry with the last 4 years spent in the Corporate Security arena. The job was financially rewarding but the travel away from home and the long hours were taken a toll on family life.

So what was I to do? Having completed a trade qualification in Paling and Picket Fence Installation in 1994 at Chadstone Tafe College Melbourne Victoria there was really only one answer, and that was to return to the trade that I had been qualified in. But how was I going to do it? I could start myself and compete with at least another 60 odd fencers in my area, or I could look at a Franchise business.

I did just that; my wife left me a newspaper cutting advertising Jim's Fencing. I contacted Warren Smith from Jim's. Warren ran through the process with me and then he left it up to me to decide my future. This impressed me, as I was never pressured once into purchasing a franchise. I discussed the whole process with my family and decided to take the plunge in March 2002. In approx 3 to 4 month’s I was asked to take up a role as a regional trainer, which I accepted and enjoy very much.

It’s now early 2003 and I have been asked to consider taking on a regional Franchisee in South Sydney. This will be a big move for my family and I as we have been living in Victoria all our life’s but on the other hand a great opportunity for us as well.

In a short space of time Jims have given me more opportunities than I thought possible when I began on this journey and looking forward to many more and to growing Jims Fencing across NSW.

2. Andy Bruvels - Gold Coast

Working in the Government sector for about 19 years both in the Victorian and Queensland Police Services, I decided in February 2007 that I needed a change. The hardest decision was what I wanted do. Moving into my own business was a bit daunting but I wanted the freedom that comes with it and where hard work is rewarded because you are totally dependent on yourself to succeed. I was also sick of the shift work and missing out on family time and wanted to be able to work my hours to suit me to be able to find more time for my children.

After looking at a few options, I decided a franchise was the best option but as I had never run my own business before I looked around and felt that Jim’s was the best around for the price, training, ongoing support and experience.

After being in business for just over the first 12 months, the opportunity arose whereby I was able to move from being a franchisee to owning my own region and becoming a franchisor. The progression was much quicker than I had both expected and planned for but life can be funny that way and sometimes you can be blessed in the strangest ways. I am now the Regional Franchisor for the Gold Coast and Northern New South Wales after purchasing the region from my mentor, Steve Horton. I bought the region at the end of August 2008 and though it is still early days, the potential of expanding the region appears limitless and look forward to an exciting and rewarding 2009.

I could not speak highly enough of the Jim’s Franchise system and when compared to other franchise systems, Jims is way out in front. The support and experience of those around to succeed is fantastic.

Andy's phone number is 0434 575 001

3. David Czynski - North Perth and WA

We started as Jim’s Fencing Hawthorn East (Victoria) in March 2002, with a plan to have a second trailer and an employee after one year, if everything went ok. Wow did we underestimate that! We started one employee in July 2002 and a second one in August 2002 so there we were with double our planned expansion in less than half the time.

December 2002 Warren Smith approached us to become regional franchisors. This was also one of our original goals, although it occurred two years ahead of schedule. My wife Kerri, our three boys were looking forward to starting Jims Fencing in the northern suburbs of Western Australia in March 2003, which we did with great success.

Early 2004 whilst just having our first baby girl we purchased the rights to the balance of the state and grew to ten franchisees in no time. We then traveled along until mid 2006 when we sold the rights to the south and south west of WA to one of our Jim’s Fencing franchise owners, Dean and Meesha Watson.

We then found we were not as busy as we had been so we popped out another baby girl and then decided to start running our franchise to see what the capacity could be. With a goal to turn over $250K we actually turned over nearly $400K in the financial year of 2007/2008. So after blowing that goal out of the water the next challenge was to take a much bigger slice of the fencing market pie in Perth by both expanding our franchise numbers and attempting to raise the amount our own franchise could turn over. We are now at the start of 2010 and have 6 Children, 11 franchise owners on the North and East side of Perth and considering the global slowdown, we didn’t do bad in 2009 (a year the whole world just about hit recession), we doubled our numbers on the North and East side of Perth, as we set out to and raised the turnover of our franchise even more. Our growth was largely due to our existing great franchise owners. We look forward to building the region further with their support and their own business success and growth, which we can’t wait to assist them with.

David's phone number is 0402 232 113

4. Nick Drake - North East, Eastern & South East Melbourne

After working in Retail for all our working lives, we decided we needed a change. We really had no idea what we wanted to do. We always wanted our own business, we worked really hard for the BOSS, & got nowhere, we had talked about it a million times, but this time we'd had enough & just had to do it! Late in 2002 Christmas was looming & we were not happy, another Christmas in RETAIL………No!!!

We had 2 toddler’s at the time & were just managing to pay the mortgage & bill’s, it was a big risk for us, but we thought, if we don't try, we'll never know, so Nick called Warren & organised a day out to check out life as a fencer.

The next week he resigned from his job, rang Warren & was training to build fences by late January 2003.

Late 2003 he was asked to be a trainer, which he loved doing. He takes great pride in his work, and has very high standards, so teaching other’s the right way to build a fence is very rewarding for him.
January 2005 the opportunity came up for us to manage Jim’s Fencing ‘North East Melbourne’ Region, and we then ended up purchasing the region 12 months later.

Shortly after this, the opportunity to manage Jim’s Fencing ‘South East Melbourne’ & ‘Eastern Melbourne’ came along, & we thought ‘Why not?’

Now looking after ¾ of Melbourne, Nick spends his day’s supporting the guy’s, building fences whenever he can, liaising with supplier’s & customer’s, he loves it. He also has the flexibility to make sure he can attend all the kid’s activities he was always missing out on.

We still have our stressful days, but it’s up to us to deal with it, & we're doing it for ourselves, not for a boss breathing our neck.

We have now assisted several guys to set-up their own business from scratch. We point you in the right direction for everything & are only a phone call away, when you're stuck. That’s what we do. We also teach you a system, a proven system, just follow that system.

We have now been with Jim’s Fencing for 7 years & could not imagine doing anything else. We enjoy helping new people get on board & assisting & supporting them to start their new business & pass on our knowledge and experience’s of the past 7 years.

Nick's phone number is 0421 618 969

After working in the Government and Private sectors for over 20 years and advising them how to successfully run their business, I decided that I should do the same for myself.

Initially with a Business partner, I researched and looked into purchasing a small business, in particular a Franchise. We believed that an established Franchise system was more secure and offered the systems, brand name and a stable platform to develop a small business. After researching the various Franchises’ available we found that Jims offered real value for money in the system and support that they had developed. Initially I was interested in purchasing a Fencing Franchise but was unable to do so, due them not being available in Queensland at that time. Not to be deterred I purchased a Jims Cleaning Franchise, which I ran very successfully but with an underlying desire to get into fencing as our earlier research had identified a real need for reliable trades people in that area. I developed the cleaning business and within six months I was employing up to 6 part time staff.

Around Sep/Oct 2003, fencing franchises became available in Queensland, at the same time one of my part time staff made an offer to buy my Cleaning Franchise, which allowed me to pursue my original desire to get into fencing. The Fencing Franchisor’s role had been taken, however I purchased the first Queensland Fencing Franchise as a Franchisee. After training in Sydney and on the job with the Brisbane Franchisor I started out on my own in Feb 2004 and already have one employee working for me. The training and support that I received from my Regional Franchisor and Jims has been exemplary. Coupled with my previous experience in Business, the help and assistance from Jim’s and a bit of hard work my fencing business should get stronger and stronger, I already have various builders, pool companies and real estates seeking my services. As of May 2004 I was appointed as the Northern Brisbane Regional Trainer for Fencing, a role that I am looking forward too. Eventually I would like to become a Franchisor or Divisional Manager (lookout Warren) but that will depend on my desire to succeed, but with the Jims System behind me anything is possible.

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6. Allan Hardy - Western Melbourne Region

After 20 years of working at Melbourne Airport I had finally had enough. I was sick of shift work and the constantly changing work hours. I was constantly missing out on outings on weekends and it was hard to plan things with my family. The inconsistency of the hours also left me feeling like I had a constant hangover, without even drinking.

 In 2004 I started looking for a way out. I knew someone who had joined Jims Cleaning and was extremely happy. I decided to go and do the Jims training at Moorolbark. There I met someone from Jims Antennas and felt better suited to this sort of work. After looking into it, I decided to buy a Jims Antenna Franchise.

My time with Antennas was really enjoyable. It was great to be my own boss and make my own hours. I had also learned a lot of new skills like how to run a business. The support I received from the Jims team was great.

It was after going to a conference in Queensland and meeting Franchisors from around Australia, that I started thinking about buying a division. I looked up what divisions were available.  I noticed a Jims Fencing had a division in my area. Fencing was something I had an interest in and thought it was a great job to be trained to do. Not climbing high roofs anymore was something I was not going to miss. So after many discussions with fencing, Family and the Bank Managers in October of 2005 I bought Jims Fencing Melbourne West division.

I have found it interesting and rewarding learning fencing. Its been great to get into the practical side of things and to be trained in new and  different types of  Fencing.

Running the Business side of things at first was a bit overwhelming , but after getting into the swing of things has now eased into a nice manageable routine.

It has been a year since buying the division and feel it is moving ahead nicely. I look forward to seeing the business grow from strength to strength.

Allan's phone number is 0400 229 737

7. Darren Hayes- Western Victoria & Geelong

We had just started one of the most important roles in our lives – yes being parents !!! We also just realised that the life style that we knew & loved had to be more flexible than before and that included our current work. We decided that to get this flexibility we needed to become self employed. Both of us have great work ethics but we knew that no matter what venture we finally decided on it had to have a proven record.

Then we saw the ad for Jims Fencing and after further research on Franchising and the Jims Group we decided that this was the business for us – and we never looked back.

 In September of 2006 (5 days after the birth of our third daughter) we were offered the chance to become Franchisors and buy the region of Western Victoria & Geelong. We had always had a long term goal to move up within the Jims Group to become Franchisors but didn’t expect that the opportunity would arise with only 2 years in the business. We saw the potential of the region, and a big “regional” region it is, and signed the paperwork on 01Novemebr 2006.

We look forward to further building the name of Jims Fencing in the regional towns of Western Victoria & Geelong in 2009. The potential for areas like Geelong & the Surf Coast, Bendigo, Shepparton & Mildura (just to name a few towns) is huge and for people who want to remain living in regional areas, this business offers a great opportunity to stay in their regional towns and become very successful.

Thanks to the Jims system we have the lifestyle that we want with our young family and we look forward to our future within the group.

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8. Meesha and Dean Watson - South Perth

Early 2003 Dean came home and told me he wanted to buy a Jim’s Fencing franchise. I never knew Jim did fencing. I was working for a university and Dean for a down hole mining company as a machinist. We had a new house and 2 small children. I was worried. We had a stable income working our J.O.B’s (just over broke). I feared that it wouldn’t work, but knew Dean was not happy doing shift work. I couldn’t say no, but I couldn’t say yes. I told Dean “If you win lotto – you can do it”.

3 weeks later Dean walked into my office on a Monday morning, wearing his daggy paint covered track pants and pulled wads of $50 notes out of his pockets, dropping them onto my desk. He had won lotto. Unfortunately not enough to retire forever, but just over $6000. It was fate – a sign – he was supposed to do this.

We were franchisees for 3 years when David Czynski approached us to sell some of his region to us (see David Czynski’s profile – franchisor North WA region). In 2006 we became franchisors and it has added a whole new level to our business. I love the fact that we are offering a terrific opportunity to others in doing something to controlling their own future and happiness.

All that fear I felt when we first started, whilst normal, was unnecessary. Jim’s Fencing have the business processed, procedures, ongoing support and training that really is essential in any business. The support really does help to ensure success. HOWEVER, Jim’s Fencing does not accept just anyone to become a fencing franchise owners. We are picky and for a reason. We want to instil confidence to the public in our service and our workmanship. You must be:

• Willing to work
• Self motivated
• Able to follow tried and tested methods/processes
• Be coachable (prepared to listen to others for the betterment of your business)
• Extremely high attention to detail
• Extraordinary customer service focus

Joining Jim’s Fencing does not automatically bring success. That is still up to YOU!

2009 has been a big your for us and due to unprecedented demand we are keen to find more of the “right kind of people” that are willing to take control of their financial future.

Dean and I want to make 2010 one of the biggest yet for fencing in Western Australia, and really are keen to meet you if you are the type of person that said yes to the above. If you are that person, call today – let’s have a chat.

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9. Darren Jepson - Sunshine Coast

After working as a panel beater for over 15 years and being fed up of commuting from the Sunshine Coast to Brisbane every day, I decided that a change of lifestyle was needed.  My desire to get out of the car industry had been on my mind for a few years and I had always wanted to run my own business, so the search began for a new career!  I decided that buying a franchise was the best option as I wanted to hit the ground running and be busy from the start rather than building my own business up from scratch.   I looked at various Jim’s franchises and decided that fencing would be the most suitable to my skills as I had done similar work previously in the UK and they provided all the necessary training for my licence.

I purchased Jim’s Fencing Caloundra in March 2009 and the opportunity to buy the Sunshine Coast region came along 8 months later.  My wife and I jumped at the chance to expand our business further as we could see the potential that the area possessed.  On 1 January 2010 we took over as Regional Franchisors and we are looking forward to a good year ahead.

My wife, Tracey, has over 20 years experience as a senior legal PA and enjoys the challenge of running the office side of the business.  We both realise it’s going to be hard work to achieve our goals but we work well as a team and we are prepared to put in the hours to succeed.  At the end of the day you get out of it what you put in!

The rewards of owning your own business are ten-fold and the opportunity to show our two young sons what you can achieve with hard work and determination is our driving force. 

Work is plentiful on the Sunshine Coast and we advise anyone who is self-motivated,  a hard worker with good attention to detail and client focused to get in touch sooner rather than later.

Darren’s contact number is: 0419 820 931

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11. Damien Herzick - South Australia

After 12 years of running a mechanical workshop with my father which we started from scratch and straight out of my apprenticeship, I had well and truly had enough of bending over bonnets, and with cars becoming more and more about electrics I had to make a decision and either spend a lot of money on diagnostic equipment or make a move. I did a lot of research into different businesses and franchise systems and eventually decided to have a crack with Jims and started the first Jims Earthworks in Australia. We ran the business for about 12 months but was finding it hard with not a lot of support, and being the first there wasn’t a lot of guidance. I really liked the system and could see that if I could find the right group to get involved with I could make it work.

After looking through all the franchises I decided in Feb 2005 to join fencing. It grew really quickly to having four people working for us. I worked closely with the previous franchisor, training and helping with problem solving and so when the opportunity came up in 2007 my wife Tanya, my father and I decided to take the plunge and buy the whole state. After 12months of trying to clean up the area we are now seeing the benefit of our decision. Tanya and I now to get to run a business together and without her input it wouldn’t be possible to keep everything running.

Jim’s has given us a great family lifestyle and a real chance to enjoy our three kids growing up. We are positive about the future and looking forward to being involved with Jim’s for a long time to come.

Damien’s contact number is: 0412 978 055

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12. Dave Morrison - ACT & Sth NSW

I have been in Jim’s now for 8 years and can honestly say it has been one of the best decisions I have made., probably only second to being  married to my beautiful wife Christina for 14 years and having 4 kids from 12 to 3 yrs. Previously I had been working in the mining and quarrying industry for the majority of my life. I had really enjoyed the industry and worked around the country. During this time I also went to tech of an evening to become a civil engineer and also obtain my Certificate of Competency as Manager of an Above Ground Mine.

PICCIE COMING SOON

I had worked from a labourer when I started and progressed through to become an Operations manger for a large mining company; life was great, had a great job, great salary, company car and all the perks.
But……… I had developed a desire to do something I wanted to do, was sick of having to do things which I thought were not the best for the company, but were best for my current boss or his boss so he could get his bonus, was spending too much time working on things I thought was a waste of time etc etc.

I basically stumbled onto Jim’s to have a look at their system, wasn’t interested in mowing lawns but thought I would have a look and see why there was so many of the buggers about. Once I looked I virtually joined up straight way as I could see the potential.
I now have 18 franchises, still do a bit of work on the tools and would recommend this business to other people.

Sure we have had or ups and downs, but by using the support network provided and by sticking to our plan we have managed to be very successful and develop a great region.

I am heavily involved with the kids sport and will probably coach another 3 teams this year.

I know I would not have been able to have the flexibility of being able to do this if I was still in the mining industry.

Dave’s contact number is: 0413 018 318

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13. Gary Chick - Tasmania

After spending 19.5 years with the Tasmanian Education Dept I needed a change (having had previously worked for myself running a Service Station I new there was a better way) I wanted to take control & work for myself so started looking for some sort of business to run, after looking around for a while I saw a Jims Mowing Franchise for sale after discussions & looking into systems ect decided to buy, from there it was away we go flat out mowing lawns, trimming hedges ect. Having seen how things worked I built up my business to the stage that I had an employee. Not long after that  I purchased another Mowing Franchise that had run down  (owner had other interests & decided to move on) employing up to 3 employees,

After about 7 years in Mowing I started  looking for a new challenge & change of direction then one Saturday I saw an add for Jims Fencing Region (Tasmania), so looked into the fencing side of Jims to find it a very Professional & Progressive Division  so placed my Mowing Franchises on the market & started training to become the Regional Franchisor for Tasmania, having known the Jims System worked  it was only a matter of  changing my mind from mowing to fencing, the system worked just as well.

Having started with three Franchise owners the challenge was to build the numbers in the region up. This has taken a little while to find the people with the right attitude & ability we have now put on more franchisees but are always looking for the right people.

 I have found fencing a rewarding career after having built a fence, standing back looking at it saying I built that I also enjoy building the many different styles of fence that are around such as Colorbond, Hebel, Pool Fencing etc

Gary’s contact number is: 0417 514 286