The Humble Beginnings of My Franchise Dream
My story began with a single lawn mower and a need to make ends meet.
As a university student in the 1970s, I was just trying to get by, running a small lawn mowing business out of my parents’ garage.
I had no idea that one day, that humble beginning would blossom into what is now Jim’s Group—a global franchise empire with over 5,500 franchisees across Australia, New Zealand, and Canada, generating more than $1 billion a year.
What drove me wasn’t money—it was vision, a relentless work ethic, and a deep commitment to service.
I saw every lawn I mowed not just as a task, but as a way to build something greater.
From One-Man Band to Franchise Empire
As my lawn mowing business grew, I realized I couldn’t—and shouldn’t—do it alone.
That’s when I made the pivotal decision to franchise.
I wanted to help others start their own successful businesses, using the systems and principles I had refined.
Franchising Jim’s Mowing allowed me to scale the business while maintaining the service quality that I was so passionate about.
I wasn’t just offering a job—I was offering people the chance to change their lives.
The Birth of Jim’s Group
What started as Jim’s Mowing soon expanded.
The franchise model worked so well that we moved into other services—cleaning, electrical, plumbing, even pet grooming.
The goal was to become a one-stop solution for customers, and to give franchisees across industries the tools to thrive.
Competition Fueled Innovation
Success didn’t come easily.
We faced stiff competition, but I saw that as fuel.
I doubled down on quality, rigorous training, strict standards, and continuous improvement became our norm.
I invested heavily in research and innovation to make sure our systems were always improving.
That mindset kept us ahead of the curve.
Scaling Without Sacrificing Standards
Expanding nationally—and eventually internationally—came with serious challenges.
Maintaining consistent service across thousands of franchisees meant we had to create robust systems.
I personally oversaw the development of detailed training and support structures to make sure every franchisee upheld the Jim’s standard.
Quality wasn’t negotiable.
Education in the Age of AI
I’ve always believed in the power of learning.
In today’s world, with AI transforming industries, education is more important than ever.
That’s why I’ve invested so much in training and continuous development for our people.
The ability to adapt and grow is the greatest skill anyone can have right now.
Concerns About Work Ethic and Values
While I’m proud of what we’ve built, I do worry about broader social trends.
I’ve seen a decline in productivity and character, especially among younger generations.
Too many people seem to chase shortcuts, distractions, or fame rather than doing the hard work needed to build something real.
I think it’s time we brought back the values that helped build strong societies—discipline, responsibility, and service.
That’s what I try to teach through Jim’s Group.
The Role of Government and Freedom
I’ve also witnessed how overregulation can cripple small businesses.
I believe in smart oversight, but too much bureaucracy kills the entrepreneurial spirit.
I encourage every business owner in our network to stay politically aware and engaged.
We have a responsibility to protect the freedoms that allow innovation to flourish.
Family, Business, and Legacy
At the core of it all is my family.
Building this business isn’t just about me—it’s about leaving a legacy.
I want my children and grandchildren to see the values that built Jim’s Group and carry them forward.
For me, success isn’t just profit—it’s knowing that we’ve made a difference in people’s lives.
What Success Really Means
You won’t hear me brag about money or numbers.
What matters most to me is the impact—seeing franchisees thrive, customers happy, and knowing we’ve created opportunities that change lives.
That’s the real reward.
To anyone hoping to build something: focus on creating value.
Surround yourself with people who share your principles.
Never forget why you started—to make the world better, one job, one relationship, one community at a time.