People often talk about success in business, but to me, it’s never just been about money.
My journey—from a part-time gardener to the founder of a billion-dollar franchise empire—has always been about something deeper: purpose, character, and making a lasting impact on the world.
How It All Began
I didn’t start out in business.
I was a history scholar, deeply fascinated by the rise and fall of civilizations.
I pursued my PhD because I wanted to understand the forces that shape societies.
But the academic world didn’t welcome my ideas.
I found myself on the outside—too unorthodox, too radical.
So I pivoted.
I started mowing lawns to make ends meet.
That simple act turned out to be the beginning of something extraordinary.
What started as a way to pay the bills soon grew into a business, and in 1982, I went full-time.
Seven years later, I franchised Jim’s Mowing.
Today, we’ve grown to over 5,500 franchises across more than 50+ divisions.
Innovation Through Technology
Early on, I realized that if we wanted to deliver world-class customer service, we needed better systems.
So I invested in building a proprietary job allocation system.
Initially, the manual process was overwhelming—I couldn’t sustain it.
But once we began automating, everything changed.
That system allowed us to match jobs to the right people, reduce customer complaints, and increase lead conversion.
It was one of the biggest turning points in our growth.
It proved to me that great service, driven by technology and systems, could transform a business.
My Passion: Epigenetics and the Future of Civilization
Even though I built Jim’s Group into a major franchise network, my deepest passion lies in understanding human character and behavior.
My research in epigenetics explores how environment and experience can shape personality and social outcomes—not just at the individual level, but across entire civilizations.
In my book Epigenetics and Character, I argue that as societies grow richer and more urbanized, birth rates fall and character deteriorates, leading to collapse.
But for the first time in history, I believe we have the tools to reverse that.
Through neuroscience and targeted epigenetic interventions, we can shift character, restore resilience, and perhaps even prevent societal decline.
That’s why I’ve devoted so much of my personal resources to funding this research.
It’s not just theory—it’s a mission I live and breathe every day.
How Faith Changed My Life
Ironically, I started out as a militant atheist.
But my research changed me.
I came to believe that character is the cornerstone of a stable society, and I realized religion plays a vital role in shaping that character.
That understanding led me to Christianity, specifically the Evangelical Baptist tradition.
Faith has given me discipline, purpose, and a community of support.
It’s also shaped the way I lead and how I see the future—not just for Jim’s Group, but for humanity.
Leadership, Legacy, and the Future of Jim’s Group
Growing the Jim’s Group has come with challenges, especially maintaining the same level of care and personal connection across thousands of franchises.
Succession planning is one of my biggest concerns now.
I’m carefully grooming the next generation of leaders to uphold the values and principles that built this company.
I never want Jim’s to be swallowed up by a profit-driven multinational.
I want it to stay true to our mission: supporting franchisees, providing exceptional service, and treating people with dignity and respect.
Lessons I’ve Learned Along the Way
Think independently.
Don’t be afraid to go against the grain.
That’s how real innovation happens.
Obsess over service.
If you look after your customers, the profits will follow.
Pursue purpose over profit.
Money won’t fulfill you, but making a difference will.
Build your character.
Integrity, discipline, and humility matter more than raw talent.
Never stop improving.
Even when you’re winning, ask yourself: how can I do this better?
Final Thoughts
People see me as a businessman, but I see myself as a reformer.
Jim’s Group is the vehicle, but the mission is bigger—reshaping our society through better character, better systems, and a deeper understanding of what really matters.
If my journey inspires tradespeople, entrepreneurs, or anyone searching for meaning in their work, then I’ve done something worthwhile.