Melbourne South East – VIC
John Wildes
FRANCHISOR
John Wildes transitioned from over three decades in farming to establishing a thriving Jim’s Mowing franchise in Melbourne’s South East. Alongside his wife, Jodie, they expanded their business to include multiple employees and trailers, eventually becoming regional franchisors. Their journey exemplifies the opportunities within the Jim’s Mowing network for those seeking a fulfilling career change.
Leadership Philosophy
- Hands-On Experience: John leverages his extensive experience to mentor new franchisees, emphasizing practical knowledge and resilience.
- Franchisee Support: He prioritizes comprehensive training and continuous support, ensuring franchisees are well-equipped to succeed.
- Community Engagement: John and Jodie actively participate in local initiatives, such as community gardens and life skills workshops, reinforcing the franchise’s community-centric values.
Insights on Franchise Success
John identifies key factors for thriving in the Jim’s Mowing system:
- Financial Prudence: Careful financial management helps in sustaining and growing the business.
- Strategic Staffing: Hiring and training staff during off-peak seasons to ensure readiness for busy periods.
- Customer Relationships: Building long-term relationships with clients, some lasting over a decade.
Get To Know John
John’s Region
Suburbs where franchises are available
New territories just released
Resale frachises for sale
FAQs
Why Someone Should Consider A Jim’s Mowing Franchise
Jim’s Mowing franchise is an ideal option for anyone thinking about starting a lawn care business without the risks of going it alone. It offers the freedom of running your own business while being supported by the trusted Jim’s brand. Franchisees deliver services such as lawn mowing, edging, gardening, and general property maintenance, all backed by proven systems, professional training, ongoing support, and a reliable stream of customer leads. With strong brand recognition and a lower startup risk than an independent business, a mowing franchise is a smart choice for people who want to be their own boss with confidence and support from day one. Read more about the Jim’s Group franchise model here.
Is it hard to start a lawn mowing business with no experience?
No. Training and systems guide new franchisees through each step.
How do I know Jim’s Mowing is right for me?
Jim’s Mowing is the foundation and largest division of the Jim’s Group, making it one of the most established and trusted franchise options available. It consistently delivers strong demand, reliable customer leads, and a simple, proven business model that’s easy to run and scale. Compared to other Jim’s divisions, Jim’s Mowing offers lower startup costs, faster income potential, and year-round work, making it an ideal choice for franchisees who want stability, brand power, and a clear path to success from day one.
And also, the answer to this is a highly individual one. The best way to figure out which division is right for you is to think about what you enjoy doing and where your skills lie. For example, if you enjoy working outdoors and working with your hands, perhaps a Mowing or Fencing franchise would be the best fit for you.
This is a question we get asked frequently, so we’ve written an article to help you come to a decision.
How much does it cost to start a Jim’s Mowing franchise?
Costs vary depending on the region and inclusions, but franchisees receive training, branding, and access to ongoing leads and support.
Why buying a mowing franchise can be smarter than starting your own business
When you choose a Jim’s Mowing franchise, you’re tapping into a system with a documented track record of success. Jim’s Group founder Jim Penman notes that typical failure rates for cleaning and gardening businesses can be as high as 90–95% within their first year—but within the Jim’s Group franchise system, that figure drops to around 11%. By buying a franchise rather than starting from scratch, you get:
- Brand recognition and trust that draws customers immediately
- Proven business systems and training to avoid early mistakes
- Ongoing support and lead generation that helps you grow faster
- Lower startup risk and clearer path to profitability
How do you become a Master Franchise
At Jim’s, we call our Master Franchises ‘Regional Franchises’. Our regional franchisors are responsible for providing support to their region, whilst also contributing to the growth of their region. To become a regional franchisor, the first step is to reach out and express your interest. These positions are highly sought after, so get in touch to learn more.
Do franchise fees reduce earning potential?
No. Jim’s uses a flat-fee model rather than a percentage of revenue.
Is Jim’s a local business?
Community is a big part of our ethos. Although Jim’s Group is a large company, we encourage our franchisees to establish a good reputation and presence within their local communities.
Is it truly a lifestyle business?
Owning a Jim’s franchise allows you to achieve the perfect work-life balance. Our franchisees are given the opportunity and freedom to set their own hours, take time off when they want, and to grow and develop their very own business in their own time.