Knocked back for a pay rise, so he bought a Jim's Mowing franchise

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. 🌱 Love a great lawn? Want pro gardening tips? Subscribe for how-to videos, expert advice, and franchisee stories. 👉 Subscribe here    / @jimsmowingau   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. 📌 Start here: 🌐 Book a service: https://jimsmowing.com.au/ 📞 Call: 131 546 🚀 Own a franchise: https://jimsmowing.com.au/become-a-fr... Follow us on socials: Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | Twitter (@jimsmowingau) #JimsMowing #Gardening #Franchise