Back in the early 1980s, I was a PhD student at La Trobe University, deep into my studies in history.
But I had bills to pay and a growing desire to create something of my own, so I started a part-time gardening business with just $24.
At first, I thought I’d bring in subcontractors to handle the work while I focused on studies.
But before long, the business demanded more of me, and I leaned in.
I began building and selling lawn mowing rounds.
By 1989, I made a bold decision—to franchise.
That marked the birth of Jim’s Mowing.
It was a pivotal moment, one that would change my life and thousands of others.
Jim’s Mowing quickly became the largest franchise chain in Australia, and the most recognized lawn care brand in the world.
Expanding Into Jim’s Group
Jim’s Mowing was only the beginning.
In 1994, I launched Jim’s Cleaning, and from there, I kept expanding.
Today, the Jim’s Group encompasses more than 50 divisions and operates across Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and the UK.
We have over 5,500 franchisees and a turnover of approximately $1 billion.
One thing I’ve always believed is that the key to success in franchising is putting the welfare of franchisees first, while constantly improving customer service.
That philosophy has guided every decision I’ve made.
I stay hands-on and accessible, especially when a franchisee or customer has a serious concern.
I believe leadership means being present.
My Passion for Research and Epigenetics
Business has always been a big part of my life, but I’ve never stopped being a scholar at heart.
I’ve continued my research into the epigenetics of social behavior—work that builds on my original PhD studies.
I’m particularly interested in how environmental factors influence gene expression and how that affects human behavior.
I believe this kind of research could help us better understand mental illness and addiction.
For me, business and science aren’t separate—they’re two ways of contributing to society.
What Sets Jim’s Group Apart
We have over 5,500 franchise owners who are experts in their chosen service.
That local knowledge, combined with our commitment to quality, allows us to complete around 5 million jobs a year.
We now offer more than 50+ different services, from lawn care to pest control, fencing, IT, and more.
My ongoing involvement ensures that our standards remain high and our values stay intact.
Connecting With Our Community
Community engagement is a major focus for me.
Through our social media channels—Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and more—we stay in touch with customers and franchisees every day.
I also host weekly Facebook Live sessions to answer questions and offer guidance.
We created the “JimsCast” podcast to go even deeper.
It’s a place where I share insights on business, entrepreneurship, and personal development.
It’s become an important tool for education and connection across the Jim’s network.
Looking Ahead
Jim’s Group isn’t standing still. We’re constantly innovating, expanding services, and identifying what our customers need next.
I’m also investing in ongoing research and development, both within the business and through my studies in epigenetics. That commitment to improvement is what drives us forward.
I’ve said it many times, and I’ll say it again: the success of Jim’s Group comes down to our care for our franchisees and our obsession with customer service.
As long as we stay true to those principles, we’ll keep growing and evolving.
Final Thoughts
My journey—from mowing lawns during grad school to running a franchise network that spans four countries—has been extraordinary.
But what matters most to me isn’t the size of our company.
It’s that we’ve built something meaningful, something that helps people improve their lives.
Jim’s Group is more than a business.
It’s a community.
It’s a vision brought to life through hard work, strong values, and a belief that when we serve others well, success will follow.