Interview with Colin Matthews, Regional Franchisor at Jim’s Test & Tag and Fire Safety in Victoria

Colin Matthews, Regional Franchisor at Jim’s Test & Tag and Fire Safety  in Melbourne’s North and Outer North Melbourne sat down with Eden Exchange to answer some questions about starting a new business and the future of workplace safety.

Eden Exchange
Can you tell us about your background and career? Why did you get into franchising? How long have you been at Jim’s Test & Tag and Fire Safety and how did you first get involved with the company?

Colin Matthews
I started my working life as a fitter & turner at BHP Newcastle Steel Works. This was followed by 27 years in the automotive and industrial battery business.  I fulfilled many roles; storeman, salesman, branch manager, sales manager, distribution manager, logistics manager, engineering manager, and lastly national admin manager.

Due to retrenchment, I found myself looking for a new job in 2004. Having spent so long in a corporate industry, I knew I wanted a change and take charge of my own destiny. For a first-time, small-business owner, I decided a franchise would have a much better chance of success. After extensive research, I chose Jim’s Test & Tag due to the success Jim Penman has at franchising, and the well known and trusted brand.

Eden Exchange
You currently have franchise territories available In Melbourne’s North and Outer North Melbourne. Which areas do you specialise in? What are some of the factors that make these areas unique?

Colin Matthews
My region is multifaceted. It has a good mix of factories, light industrial, commercial and offices as well as Melbourne’s major Airport, Tullamarine Airport . There is always plenty of work! Every day can be something new.

Eden Exchange
What advice do you have for someone looking to run a franchise for the first time? What’s the key message you tell new franchisees?

Colin Matthews
This is the biggest thing you have done outside of raising a family and buying a house – have a go.  If you follow your training and stick to your tenpoint plan your chance of success increases dramatically.

Eden Exchange
In your opinion, what makes for a successful Jim’s Test & Tag and Jim’s Fire Safety  franchise owner?

Colin Matthews
Outgoing, confident, self motivated, determined.  The ability to work on your own but still be part of a team and follow procedure.

Eden Exchange
What type of support does Jim’s Test & Tag and Jim’s Fire Safety provide once a new franchise opens for the first time?

Colin Matthews
Ongoing training, days on the road with other Franchisees and Franchisor.There’s also ongoing mentoring from the Franchisor as well as the wider network. Weekly phone calls from the Franchisor (daily in the beginning). I also provide work for the new Franchisee where it is available, which it usually is.

Eden Exchange
What’s your take on where the workplace safety and compliance industry is heading? What major industry trends should franchise operators and buyers need to be looking out for?

Colin Matthews
The emphasis on workplace safety is not going to diminish, if anything it grows  stronger as we try to ensure our workers get home safe each day. And that’s where we come in. By doing our job we’re helping others do theirs.

Eden Exchange
What are some of the key achievements you are proud of? On the other hand, what challenges have you faced to get the business where it is today?

Colin Matthews
Starting a business from scratch and building it up to be self sustaining is no small matter. I’ve heard that anywhere from 60% to 80% of all first time business owners fail in the first year. By joining a franchise I overcame this challenge.  I have been a Franchisee for 13 years and a Franchisor for 5 years.  That is also why I think joining a Franchise is so important.

As for my achievements, I won Franchisor of the year (4-7 Franchisees) in 2014.  In 2017 I won 3rd place Best Franchisor Award(4-7 Franchisees) and Diamond award for exceptional Franchisee support.

Eden Exchange
Considering your time with Jim’s Test & Tag are there any other franchisee success stories you can share with us?

Colin Matthews
Most of the of 200 or so franchisees across Australia and New Zealand are successful. I think the success of Jim’s Test &Tag speaks for itself!

Eden Exchange
Thanks for your time Colin, it was a Pleasure chatting with you.

 

 

Jim’s Test & Tag and Jim’s Fire Safety – Tullamarine – Business for Sale

An opportunity exists purchase a a well established Jim’s Test & Tag and Jim’s Fire Safety business in Tullamarine

• Established client base. Full training provided.
• Are you ready to take control of your future?
• Make the most of a proven system

Click here to find our more about this opportunity

 

 

About Jim’s Test & Tag and Jim’s Fire Safety

Jim’s Test & Tag and Fire Safety, Australia’s first choice for electrical testing and tagging services.

Looking for a new challenge and want to become your own boss? Nothing could be easier than owning your own franchise business with Jim’s. We will provide you with equipment, full training and ongoing support to help you with your journey to success.

With over 3,500 franchisees across Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the UK, the Jim’s Group is a recognised and trusted brand. Our franchisees enjoy the flexibility, lifestyle, income and ability to control their own time with their business.

If you’re interested to find out more or are thinking about becoming a Franchisee with Jim’s Test & Tag, speak to us today to discuss how the Jim’s family could be right for you. Jim’s Test & Tag are there to help you succeed, call 131 546 today or fill in our Franchise Enquiry Form