My Humble Beginnings
In the world of entrepreneurship, my journey has been anything but conventional.
I started Jim’s Mowing with just $24 in my pocket, not because I had a grand vision, but because I needed to make a living while studying for my PhD in history.
What started as a one-man lawn mowing business eventually grew into Jim’s Group—a multi-million dollar enterprise with over 50+ service-based divisions.
Looking back, I never set out to build an empire.
I simply believed in doing things better.
I’ve spent more time thinking about what we need to improve than celebrating our wins.
Not every franchisee succeeds, not every client gets fantastic service—but that mindset, the constant striving for better, is what’s driven our sustained growth.
Branding and a People-First Approach
People often credit me for building a strong brand, but honestly, I never focused on branding in the traditional sense.
I focused on people.
I asked myself constantly, “What can I do to help my franchisees succeed? How do I make sure our clients are truly satisfied?”
That philosophy became the foundation of our success.
I’ve always believed that if you look after the people—franchisees and clients—the bottom line will take care of itself.
Everything we’ve built grew from that principle.
Facing the Challenges of Growth
Of course, building a franchise network didn’t come without challenges.
One of the biggest was hiring and keeping great people.
I’ll admit—I’m not great at recruitment.
I’ve made some terrible hiring decisions over the years.
But I’ve learned to lean on our own people.
Many of our best leaders started as franchisees or worked in the call center.
Promoting from within has helped us stay grounded and maintain our culture.
I’ve never been afraid to admit when I’ve messed up.
In fact, my ability to acknowledge mistakes and seek better ways to lead has been essential to our long-term success.
The Value of Hard Work and Manual Labor
There’s a certain prejudice against manual labor, and I’ve never understood it.
I love physical work.
On weekends, I go out to my farm, clear blackberry bushes, and dig trenches.
That kind of work is therapeutic for me.
I worry that younger generations are being steered away from these opportunities.
Society glamorizes white-collar careers, but I’ve seen firsthand how trades and service jobs can offer incredible financial freedom and fulfillment.
That’s a big reason why I’ve stayed passionate about the Jim’s model.
My Take on Retirement
People ask me when I’ll retire, and I tell them, “My retirement ceremony will be a funeral.”
I have no plans to stop.
I find joy in improving things—whether it’s tweaking our systems or helping a struggling franchisee.
It’s that hunger to learn, to do better, and to serve that keeps me going well into my 70s.
Why Franchising Works
One thing I love about franchising is that it gives people a chance.
You don’t need a fancy degree or startup capital to succeed.
What you need is commitment, consistency, and the willingness to serve.
Franchising lowers the barrier to entrepreneurship.
We provide the systems, support, and brand—but the franchisee brings the drive.
It’s a model that’s changed thousands of lives, and I’m proud to have built it.
For many people, it’s not just about making money—it’s about lifestyle.
I’ve spoken to franchisees who chose this path so they could avoid long commutes or spend more time with their families.
That freedom is one of the biggest benefits of the model.
Thinking Long-Term
If there’s one thing I’ve always been clear about, it’s that I don’t make short-term decisions.
I’ll sacrifice profits if I believe it’s the right thing to do.
Every day, I ask myself: “What’s the best decision for the long run? What’s the right thing to do for our people?”
I’ve weathered economic downturns and industry shifts by staying focused on our values—trust, service, and integrity.
That long-term mindset is the reason we’ve lasted and continue to grow.
My Legacy and Ongoing Mission
I don’t see myself as particularly altruistic.
Yes, I love helping people, but I’m also driven by the value of connection, challenge, and impact.
Whether it’s funding scientific research, supporting franchisees, or speaking to future entrepreneurs, I find meaning in contribution.
Jim’s Group isn’t just a business—it’s a mission.
I’ll keep building, improving, and supporting that mission for as long as I can.