Thinking about a Jim's Mowing franchise? Nathan was a plumbing labourer until his boss knocked back a pay rise. One year into Jim's Mowing in Melbourne's north, he says he earns 10 times what he did before.
Nathan grew up helping his dad, who has run a Jim's Mowing franchise for 28 years. He had no interest as a kid. At 27, married with a mortgage, he changed his mind.
He shares what worked in year one. He uses ChatGPT to write quotes and send them before he leaves the property, and to prepare tender documents. He calls leads back while customers are still on the phone to the call centre. In winter he texts every past lead, more than 500 of them, with a discount offer to keep his run full.
Nathan is open about the hard parts too. Suppliers running out of stock cost him money on fixed quotes. Rain stops work. Finding reliable casual help takes effort.
You'll hear how a same-day commercial job came through after eight independent gardeners said no, why people stop him at Bunnings to ask for his card, and how he became a Bushranger brand ambassador. He also explains why he'll stay on petrol gear, how his franchisor and region support each other, and his plan for a second trailer and a full-time employee.
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN
Why Nathan left a labouring job for a lawn mowing franchise
How ChatGPT speeds up his quotes and tenders
How texting past leads fills winter gaps
Why he sets his price and won't bargain
How a strong region and franchisor help when jobs go wrong
0:00 Highlights
0:33 Meet Nathan, one year in
0:50 Growing up with a Jim's Mowing dad
1:50 Knocked back for a pay rise
3:11 Committing to the investment
4:30 What he took from training
4:58 Using ChatGPT for quotes and tenders
6:37 The first 12 months
7:16 Chasing every lead
8:20 Supplier stock and quote risk
11:36 Finding casual workers
12:18 Staying busy in winter
14:38 Setting prices and not bargaining
16:57 Turf installs and local attention
19:46 A same-day commercial job
21:40 The 50% fee myth
24:15 Becoming a Bushranger ambassador
26:11 Petrol vs battery gear
29:03 His biggest job so far
32:36 Earnings and fees
34:13 Fitness, family and travel
36:33 Plans for a second trailer
38:37 Support from his franchisor
41:14 A region that works like family
44:05 Advice for younger buyers
INCOME DISCLAIMER
The income, revenue and profit figures shared in this video reflect one franchisee's individual experience. They are not a promise, projection or guarantee of earnings. Results vary based on location, hours worked, effort, skill, market conditions and other factors. Some franchisees earn more and some earn less. Figures may refer to revenue rather than profit unless stated otherwise. Before making any decision, review the official franchise documentation and seek independent legal, financial and accounting advice.
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Jim’s Mowing is Australia’s #1 lawn and garden franchise with 2,000+ local owners. Founded in 1989 by Jim Penman, we’ve become one of the country’s most trusted names in home services.
Here’s why people choose Jim’s:
✅ Fully insured and police-checked franchisees
✅ Backed by the Jim’s Workmanship Guarantee
✅ Local family businesses supported by a national brand
And we do more than mowing. Our team can help with hedging, pruning, landscaping, rubbish removal, and complete garden care.
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