How It All Began
In the late 1970s, I was a PhD student just trying to make ends meet.
I started mowing lawns part-time to earn a bit of cash while I studied.
What I didn’t realize at the time was that this simple side hustle would one day turn into a global franchise empire with over 4,000 locations.
Pretty quickly, I saw that there was more opportunity in building and selling lawn mowing “rounds”—groups of loyal, regular clients—than in mowing itself.
That insight changed everything for me.
Creating My Own Franchise System
In the late ’80s, a major competitor—VIP Mowing—entered the scene.
They already had 250 franchisees, and I knew I had to move fast.
I offered to help them expand in Victoria, but they weren’t interested.
So I decided to build my own franchise model, one that put franchisees first.
I spent nine months working with lawyers to make sure the franchise contract gave franchisees protection and support—automatic renewals, exclusive territories, and a flat-fee structure.
These ideas weren’t common at the time, but I believed they were the right way forward.
By the end of the first year, I had 60 franchisees—more than half of my original three-year goal.
From there, we just kept growing.
Expanding Our Services
After we proved the mowing model worked, I knew we needed to diversify.
I started with cleaning services.
Some people in my team doubted the idea, thinking our brand wouldn’t translate.
But I pushed forward anyway—and it turned out to be a huge success.
We’ve since added services like dog washing, fencing, antenna, and more.
Each division is built on the same foundation: strong support, excellent training, and a franchise model that protects the people doing the work.
What Makes the Jim’s Model Different
I’ve always believed that the success of Jim’s Mowing comes down to how well we support our franchisees.
From the beginning, I’ve made sure we provide:
- Automatic contract renewals
- Exclusive territories
- A flat-fee system, not royalties
- Franchisee veto power over operational changes
- Marketing support and a pay-for-work guarantee
I’ve personally insisted on rigorous onboarding, training, and honest communication.
We don’t hide anything.
I even provide a list of current franchisees to prospective ones so they can hear the truth directly.
The Brand Behind the Business
Over the years, we’ve built more than just a company—we’ve built a brand people trust.
Franchisees tell me that because of the “Jim’s name,” they can charge more than the competition.
I call it the “Jim’s premium,” and it’s real.
It’s not just about the logo—it’s about the culture of quality, care, and support we’ve built.
That reputation has helped attract new franchisees and build lifelong customer relationships.
Covid: Overcoming Setbacks
We’ve had our share of challenges—COVID-19 was one of the biggest.
When lockdowns hit, many of our franchisees were forced to stop working.
I immediately suspended franchise fees and focused on supporting them however I could.
When restrictions eased, demand surged, and we came back stronger.
Staffing has also been a struggle.
Finding and keeping great people in the service industry isn’t easy, so I’ve worked hard to create a sense of community within the franchise network.
That camaraderie has made a huge difference.
What’s Next for Jim’s Mowing
Looking ahead, I’m excited about our new “Jim’s Plus” program, which allows independent service providers to use our lead-generation systems and customer service tools.
I’m always looking for new ways to grow while keeping franchisee success front and center.
But more than anything, I’m proud of the community we’ve created.
During the pandemic, I saw firsthand how our franchisees rallied around each other.
That kind of support, that kind of culture, is what truly defines Jim’s Mowing.
Final Thoughts
When I started mowing lawns to pay the bills, I never imagined where it would lead.
But I’ve built this business with one goal in mind: to help others succeed.
Whether it’s supporting new franchisees, improving customer service, or expanding into new industries, everything we do is about making life better for the people we work with and serve.
That’s the real story behind Jim’s Mowing—not just a franchise empire, but a people-first company that believes in service, fairness, and community.