Interview – David Pollard – Jim’s Test & Tag and Jim’s Fire Safety

Eden Exchange recently spoke with Dave Pollard, Regional Franchisor in Central Australia with franchisees throughout South Australia and the Northern Territory.  David talked to us about his franchising journey and provided some  fascinating insight on the Jim’s Test & Tag and Jim’s Fire Safety businesses.

Thanks for speaking with us David. Can you tell us about your background and career? Why did you get in to franchising? How long have you been at Jim’s Test & Tag and how did you first get involved with the company?

Thanks for the opportunity.

Prior to Jim’s Test & Tag and Fire Safety my career revolved around Sales & Marketing then General Management and CEO roles.

At first I didn’t seek out franchises. I was looking for a business that was bullet proof, something people needed to do and Jim’s Test & Tag rose to the top of the opportunity pile. Once this was identified the support that franchising and  Jim’s Test & Tag and Fire Safety offered made it stand alone when comparing to other similar options.

I am proud to say my 8th anniversary is just a couple of weeks away. I still jump out of bed every day raring to go. Over the last 8 years I’m yet to have a day that I’m not keen to get going.

My involvement started when my wife Julie called me to let me know that she had just engaged Jim’s Test & Tag to do the electrical testing and tagging in her business and that perhaps this was something that we should have a look at. We did and haven’t look back since, we love it.

What areas do you specialise in? You currently have franchise territories available throughout South Australia and the Northern Territory. In your opinion, what are some of the factors that make these regions unique?

Even though I am a Franchisor I am a Franchisee as well. From day one I was out there building my own franchise business along with assisting my group of Franchisees.

In the earlier months, I was keen to build the business as fast as possible. That meant taking every oppotunity available and working when the work was there. As my business has matured, my focus is now on primary industry, construction and mining.

The available franchises in SA and NT have a bit of everything from construction, mining, primary industries, workshops, offices and just about anything else you could think of. Incoming Franchisees can specialise in a wide range of industries.

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?

Listen and learn from those who have successful businesses, ask questions and always deliver what you promise.

In your opinion, what makes for a successful Jim’s Test & Tag franchise owner?

Someone who is prepared to do whatever it takes, goal orientated, pursues excellence and understands that attitude and activity are major ingredient in success.

What type of support does Jim’s Test & Tag provide once a new franchise has opened its doors?

A new Franchisee is certainly not alone. There is support from both the Franchisor and all Franchisees in the network.  Both offer tremendous support.  Before training ends, the Franchisor and new Franchise build a plan of what is going to happen over the coming days, weeks and months. This includes hands on support from the Franchisor in the initial period and ongoing support after that.

What major industry trends should franchise buyers and sellers be looking out for? What’s your take on where your industry is heading?

The safety industry is alive and well and there are major opportunities for operators who have the skill, training and provide a service that exceeds expectation, Jim’s Test & Tag and Fire Safety Franchisees fit that mould.