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

To view Franchisee Testimonals click here.

1. 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.

2. - Rhian McClelland - Gold Coast

After almost a decade as a security officer both on the Gold Coast and on Cruise ships, I’d seen it all and was finding the more I saw people behaving badly the more I wasn’t interested in connecting with them.  Both I and my partner Kellie knew I needed a change in direction. Once my contract was up with security I went into fencing as a laborer for another fencing company and found I really enjoyed being outdoors and taking pride in something I had constructed myself.

After about a year, still loving my job but knowing I wasn’t going to go any further wasn’t enough for me.  I decided it was time to branch out on my own.  I looked through the paper and found Jims Fencing was advertising for franchisees on the Gold Coast. Hey at that stage we didn’t even know Jims had fencing but it suited us perfectly.   
This was the opportunity we had been looking for, I could be my own boss and still get great support from a household and respected name, especially since neither of us had operated our own business before.

Kellie and I contacted Steve and Anna Horton (our initial franchisors) in November 2005 to begin our new journey (and challenge) together.  It didn’t take long for us to work out that this was a great decision for us and by January 2006 we were the proud first time business owners of Jims Fencing Ashmore.

Almost five years have passed and we have loved the highs and lows that having our own business have given us.  Working hard and watching it grow reinforced why we made this choice in the first place.  This year we have had the great opportunity to purchase the Gold Coast and Nth NSW region from our current franchisor and are looking forward to getting the region growing and giving other guys the opportunity to start out just like we did.  

Rhian's phone number is 0412 300 270

3. David & Mandy Fitzpatick - North Perth and WA

We became trainers for our region in 2009, taking great pride in helping many new franchisees into their businesses.  We were also lucky enough to be recognised as the national Fencing Eagles for 2009 – see our profile on the Jim’s Fencing website.
One of our future goals was to become Franchisors if the opportunity arose and when David & Kerri Czynski decided to sell their region in December 2011 we jumped at the chance – they have mighty shoes to fill, but we are up to the challenge!  Our region Jim’s Fencing (Western Australia) covers suburban and regional areas North and East of the Swan River and at present we have 17 franchisees with one new one starting in February 2012.
We value the ongoing training and support provided at all levels within the Jim’s Fencing division and are proud to be part of the Jim’s group.   With a keen understanding and a true belief in the proven Jim’s systems together we look forward to supporting our franchisees, all of whom run their own successful fencing businesses. We are truly committed to providing a  personal and professional service to them and any future business owners as our region grows. 

4. Nick Drake - North 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

5. 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

6. 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.

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7. 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. 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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10. 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.

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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11. 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