In this in-depth interview, Jim Penman, founder of Jim’s Group, opens up about growing from a one-mower operation to over 5,500 franchisees, the core values that drive the business, and why ethics always come before profit. Jim shares his unfiltered views on government inefficiency, housing affordability, zoning laws, and pandemic restrictions, while revealing his passion for scientific research and protecting franchisees from corporate vultures.

From his early days mowing lawns to running one of Australia’s most recognisable brands, Jim explains why he’ll never sell — no matter the offer.

Timestamps:
0:00 – Opening thoughts on government inefficiency and housing costs
0:23 – Welcome and introduction to Jim Penman
0:53 – Early life and move to Australia
1:12 – Name origin and franchise count update
1:19 – Starting gardening and mowing as a student job
1:51 – Transition from academia to full-time lawn mowing
2:22 – Early struggles, customer service focus, and subcontractors
2:58 – Building and selling lawn mowing rounds
3:06 – VIP’s entry, franchising fears, and inspiration
3:42 – Learning from competitors and launching Jim’s Mowing
4:07 – VIP then and now
4:13 – Predicting growth: from 100 franchises to thousands
4:30 – Advertising in the 80s vs now
5:03 – How the internet and IT systems changed everything
6:12 – Automating job allocation and improving efficiency
6:44 – Comparing early revenue to now
7:27 – Why profit isn’t the main driver at Jim’s Group
8:06 – Reducing fees for fairness
8:12 – Mowing as Jim’s personal passion
9:01 – Cleaning division growth
9:08 – Scientific research as Jim’s core motivation
10:23 – Researching epigenetics, dopamine, and societal wellbeing
12:01 – Upcoming books: No Success and Birth Rate Crisis
14:05 – Linking dopamine sensitivity to meaning and purpose
14:22 – Views on Trump, political loyalty, and societal decline
15:40 – On woke ideology and individual character
16:38 – Property involvement and personal investments
17:54 – Why property holds little appeal compared to business investments
18:42 – Housing affordability, zoning laws, and immigration policy failures
19:42 – Examples from Texas, Auckland, and Minneapolis
20:47 – Government policies that inflate costs and restrict housing
21:01 – Medical implants, taxi monopolies, and market inefficiencies
22:01 – Admiration for Elon Musk’s innovation, but critique of his public service cuts
23:50 – Franchising code flaws and lawyer-driven bureaucracy
25:45 – How real franchise transparency could be achieved
26:53 – Local council contradictions and inefficiency examples
27:43 – COVID restrictions, court challenges, and lack of health advice
29:37 – Summing up Jim’s passion and principles
30:08 – Traits for business success and ethical leadership
31:00 – Criticism of vulture capitalism and protecting franchisees
32:51 – Why Jim will never sell the business
33:46 – Family involvement and protecting the brand after he’s gone
35:12 – Jim’s business philosophy: service first, continuous improvement
36:26 – Daily commitment to making things better
36:38 – Biggest mistakes: wrong hires
37:05 – Praising standout team members
37:54 – Why he shaved the beard and the influence of relationships
38:43 – Greatest personal milestones
39:30 – Closing thanks and lighthearted ending

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Jim's Group is your local expert in more than 580 plus services! Our channel is about showing our franchisee's expertise and providing you with great business advice from our founder, Jim Penman.

Not only that, but we also provide regular how-to and advice videos for a large range of topics. The Jim's Group completes around 5 million jobs a year, and there is a great reason for that, which is our longstanding commitment to delivering the best customer service possible.

We also have had 245,000 plus un-serviced leads in 2024 and need more franchisees, we have the work available and can train you in any division.
To obtain an information pack please call 131 546 or https://jims.net/own-a-franchise/

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TWITTER: https://twitter.com/jimsgroup
LINKEDIN: https://au.linkedin.com/company/jims-group
TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@jimsgroup

JIM’S GROUP WEBSITE: https://www.jims.net/
REQUEST A QUOTE: https://jims.net/services/
OWN A FRANCHISE: https://jims.net/own-a-franchise/
PHONE: 131 546 (AUS) 0800 454 654 (NZ)

Podcast
🎧 iTunes - https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/jims-podcast/id1466721618
🎼 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/502PU0ZUKtzFjGmcDoHDi4
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🖥 Webpage - https://www.jimspodcast.com/