Jim Penman, founder of Jim’s Group, joins the Whatever It Takes podcast for a candid conversation on growing from a one-man lawn mowing operation to over 5,500 franchisees. Jim shares lessons on selling without selling, screening franchisees for success, and why ethics are non-negotiable in business.

The discussion also dives into networking, AI’s role in franchising, and Jim’s unfiltered views on Australia’s housing crisis and why he’s considering a run for Victorian State Parliament.Timestamps:0:00 – Jim considers running for Victorian upper house over housing crisis0:18 – Introduction to Jim Penman and Jim’s Group1:39 – From PhD student to full-time lawn mowing3:52 – Facing competition from VIP and launching Jim’s Mowing franchise5:26 – Growth from 1 to 5,500 franchisees6:31 – Expanding into other service divisions7:52 – Early fears about brand transfer and the birth of Jim’s Cleaning8:59 – Selling by focusing on the other person’s needs13:05 – Why saying “no” can grow your business17:02 – Screening franchisees for suitability20:19 – Red flags and deal-breakers when onboarding21:43 – How screening actually fuels growth23:40 – Granting vs selling a franchise24:09 – Jim’s Group training program and onboarding process25:50 – Measuring and improving training impact27:50 – Networking’s role in franchise success29:47 – New and emerging divisions within Jim’s Group34:03 – Using humor and social media to humanize the brand35:18 – Embracing AI with “Digital Jim”36:40 – Potential for digital-focused divisions37:05 – Jim’s candid take on government support for small business39:53 – Why franchising regulations fail franchisees42:38 – The real estate crisis: zoning, supply, and affordability46:41 – How policy drives homelessness and inequality48:09 – Town planning failures in Sydney and Melbourne50:55 – Personal impacts of housing scarcity52:25 – Final thoughts on entrepreneurship and legacy

We caught up with Jacob from Jim's Window and Pressure Cleaning to talk about his business after we caught up with him couple of years ago!

A great story with a lot of great business insights as well.

#ASKJIM from our July training with Jim's Group CEO, Jim Penman and CMO, Joel Kleber.

In just two months, Chris from WA has racked up 97 regular clients, serviced over 160 properties, and maintained a perfect 5-star rating with 43 reviews. How?

By blending years of management and customer service with a hands-on approach to lawn care and even using AI-generated landscaping mockups to win jobs.

Chris opens up about transitioning from employee to franchisee, his pricing strategy, how he builds trust before quoting, and why strong client relationships are everything.

From cricket-pitch lawns to green equipment ambitions, this episode is packed with smart insights and a lot of personality.

After the tragic loss of his daughter, BJ Wallace didn’t retreathe built something extraordinary. In this deeply personal and energising episode, BJ shares how the lawn care community rallied behind him and helped launch what would become the Lawn & Land Expo, now one of the biggest contractor events in Australia.

BJ dives into how robotic mowers, AI quoting tools are reshaping the industry. He explains how he's scaled his own independent business with smart financing, strong hiring choices, and relentless networking. You’ll also hear why he sees less rivalry and more respect between independents and franchisees like Jim’s and what he thinks truly drives long-term success in lawn care.

Whether you're a solo operator or part of a national brand, this episode is packed with grounded advice, heartfelt insight, and exciting vision for the future of the industry.

Learn more via - https://llee.com.au/

Meet Warren, who shares his flying start to Jim's Mowing after 6 weeks! He tried being an independent first, then a rival franchise and then Jim's Mowing.

Aaron from Jim’s Handyman NZ shares why he swapped tools for freedom, how clients waited 12 months for him, and the real truth behind handyman work and franchise life.

⏱️Timestamps:
0:00 – Loving the lifestyle
2:00 – From builder to boss
4:00 – Decks to dog kennels
6:00 – Problem-solving daily
8:00 – The power of networking
10:00 – Turning up matters
12:00 – Building reputation & trust
14:00 – Ann joins the business
16:00 – Training & franchise support
18:00 – Local life & motorsport love

👉 Learn more: call 131 546 or visit www.jims.net

Emma from Jim's Group NZ, shares everything you need to know about being a Jim's Mowing franchisee in New Zealand.

To learn more, call 0800 454 654 or www.jims.co.nz

Emma from Jim's Group NZ, shares everything you need to know about joining Jim's Cleaning in New Zealand!

To learn more call 0800 454 654 or www.jims.co.nz

Interview with QLD franchisors, John and Sharon Clarke, about everything to do with owning a Jim's Mowing franchise and what is possible! Some great stories as well!

To learn more call us on 131 546 or www.jims.net