Navigating the Challenges of the Lockdowns
The COVID-19 pandemic was one of the greatest tests we’ve ever faced at Jim’s Group.
It hit hard and fast, and like so many businesses, we were thrown into uncertainty.
But I was determined—we wouldn’t just survive this.
We’d come out stronger.
My top priority was always our franchisees.
I knew the toll this was taking on them personally and professionally.
That’s why I led with support, adaptability, and transparency.
We introduced open franchise surveys so our people could speak up, share their challenges, and offer insights.
Their voices guided our decisions.
Why Transparency Matters to Me
Transparency isn’t just a buzzword at Jim’s Group—it’s something I live by.
I believe our success depends entirely on the success of our franchisees.
When they thrive, we all do.
That’s why I encouraged open communication through those franchise surveys.
They gave us the honest feedback we needed to identify weak spots and improve quickly.
This wasn’t about top-down leadership.
It was about working together, franchisee and franchisor, to weather the storm.
Growing Through Crisis
Even during lockdowns, we didn’t slow down.
We now have more than 50+ divisions under the Jim’s Group umbrella—from cleaning to gardening to home repairs.
The demand keeps rising.
In fact, in 2023 alone, we had over 220,000 un-serviced leads.
That’s not just a number—it’s a wake-up call.
We need more franchisees.
We’re offering them serious training and support so they can hit the ground running and succeed.
My Commitment to Our Franchisees
Everything we do is built around our franchisees.
They’re the backbone of Jim’s Group, and I make sure they know it.
We’ve poured resources into our training programs—from business skills to technical know-how—and we follow up with mentorship and coaching.
I know what it’s like to start from scratch.
That’s why I’m so passionate about making sure each new franchisee has every possible tool to succeed.
Why Customer Service Is Still Everything
We’ve always placed the highest value on customer service.
It’s the reason we complete over 5 million jobs a year.
Our franchisees aren’t just out there getting the job done—they’re exceeding expectations.
That’s what I expect, and it’s what our customers deserve.
The trust people place in our brand comes from that relentless dedication to professionalism and reliability.
It’s the core of who we are.
Expanding Our Ecosystem
Beyond services, I’ve worked hard to build an ecosystem that connects with people.
That includes our Jim’s Podcast, where we share business advice, personal development tips, and insights into how we operate.
It’s on iTunes, Spotify, and YouTube.
We’ve also built strong communities across Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, and TikTok—places where customers and franchisees can learn, interact, and connect directly with me and our leadership team.
These digital spaces aren’t just marketing tools—they’re bridges between people, values, and stories.
My Journey from Mower to CEO
This all started with me, a university student in the 1980s, just trying to earn a bit of money mowing lawns.
I never imagined it would grow into this.
But what I lacked in capital, I made up for in belief—in hard work, in fairness, in building something that lasts.
I’ve stayed involved every step of the way, making sure our core values—transparency, support, and service—guide us as we grow.
What’s Next for Jim’s Group?
I’m more excited than ever about our future.
With record-breaking demand, a strong franchisee network, and an unshakable commitment to service, we’re poised for even greater growth.
Recruitment and training are top priorities now.
With hundreds of thousands of leads waiting, we need people who share our values to join us.
Through it all, I’ll stay true to what’s always worked: listening to our people, doing what’s right, and helping Australians build better lives through business.