The Financial Rewards Have Changed my Lifestyle: Don McInnes – Regional Franchisor – Jim’s Test & Tag in VIC & NSW

Eden Exchange recently spoke with Don McInnes, a Regional Franchisor for country Victoria and New South Wales at Jim’s Test & Tag and Fire Safety. Don talked to us about his experience with Jim’s Test & Tag and Fire Safety and also provide some inside knowledge for entrepreneurs interested in entering small business and franchising.

I got into franchising because I wanted a business where I didn’t have to reinvent the wheel. I am a task oriented person but not necessarily good with developing the systems & procedures so I wanted a business that already had all of that in place. I have been involved in the Jims Group for 15 years, firstly starting as a franchisee. Jim’s Test & Tag appealed to me as I am an electronics tradesman by trade so felt Test & Tag was more relevant to my background. It had similarities to mowing, had repeat clientele and opportunities to do splits but importantly, it is not affected by the weather like  mowing is.

We tend to focus on the larger regional centres. One thing that has become apparent is that there are a lot of industries in country areas that are screaming for decent reliable service providers. Our current and new franchisees who are prepared to travel can earn some significant dollars & become specialist in certain industry sectors in rural and regional areas, like the grain industry, wineries and others

A franchise business in some ways is no different to any other business. The individual needs to be prepared to get out there and make things happen, be passionate about what you do. If you concentrate on building relationships with customers instead of just selling them a product or service you will develop a strong customer base that is happy to discuss their experiences with you to other business owners or managers.

Does a new franchisee need to have specific experience and skills? What makes for a successful Jim’s Test & Tag franchise owner?

A new person does not need experience within our industry, obviously if they do it’s a bonus however what they do need is be prepared to use the system that has been developed over the last thirteen years. You don’t need to make the same mistakes that we did. Be coachable and be prepared to use the team and experience around you. We have a saying that the successful franchisees are prepared to “communicate up” and keep in contact with your fellow franchisees, franchisors & divisional team.

You are not going to come across a scenario that as a group we haven’t dealt with in the past.

Once a franchisee has started, I become their direct support person. In saying that, it doesn’t stop with me as I have nearly 200 franchisees & franchisors that I can draw on for answers and help to queries from a new franchise owner.

We are embracing technology a lot more these days, whether that be phones, emails, skype or video calls so that guys in rural areas don’t feel isolated, we have regular meetings where all the guys can get together to chat as well.

in the last few years has come from offering a complete solution to our customers, from testing and tagging, to fire safety, to 1st aid kit, emergency exit light testing and more.  Build a relationship with your customers and they’ll entrust you to do more for them.

Probably one  of the biggest to come out of my time with Jims Test & Tag is the personal growth you experience, I have gone from someone who wouldn’t public speak in front of three people to be comfortable to present in training programs, information evenings and speaking at national training programs and franchise expos. The challenge is the self discipline, you are buying a franchise which gives you the tools as such to build a successful business but unless you are going to get out there & do the activity it won’t grow into a successful business.

What’s the most satisfying part of your job your job?

Helping & seeing others achieve the goals & dreams through owning a Jims Test & Tag franchise.

The financial rewards have also changed my lifestyle and allowed me opportunities to spend more time with my family and my interests.  It has allowed us to build the home that we are happy to spend the rest of our lives in on an acreage property in a stunning part of Victoria.

For example I’ve always been a bit of a toy bloke. This business has helped me tick off most of the toys on that list, I have been able to build quite a large shed which houses my 4WD, Ski/Wake boat, and motorbikes for both myself & the kids, not to mention the caravan.

My shed houses my office so I have the luxury of only walking 50 meters from the house to be at work!

While I’ve put in the hard work to get here, the Jim’s Test & Tag and Fire Safety business was what provided the freedom and opportunities to realise these ambitions.

Thanks for your time Don

It’s a pleasure, have a nice day.