Interview with Dave Morrison – Regional Franchisor for Canberra and Southern NSW

Recently, Eden Exchange spoke with Dave Morrison who is a Regional Franchisor for Jim’s Fencing in Canberra and Southern NSW. Dave discussed how Jim’s differentiates its brand in the market; who would make the perfect Franchisee; and why Jim’s Fencing is such a lucrative opportunity for the right person.

EdenExchange: Thanks for speaking with us Dave. Can you tell us a bit about your background and career? How long have you been at Jim’s Fencing and how did you first get involved with the company?

Dave Morrison: I spent many years working in quarries and mines both in NSW and Western Australia, starting from as a laborer, moving up to driving large dozers and equipment and finally into Quarry Manager and Regional Sales positions before looking at options to run my own business.

As a husband, and father of four, wanting the flexibility in my employment meant I looked at becoming self-employed. After looking at many different options, we decided that the Jim’s Franchising system was the business for us as it would allow me to have the lifestyle I wanted with my young family.

The opportunity arose to become Regional Franchisor for Jim’s Fencing ACT and Southern NSW. I quickly expanded from three franchisees to over fifteen in a few small years. Selling new franchisees and helping others to manage their own small businesses is a challenging, yet rewarding experience.

I also run my business as a Franchisee and Franchisor, so I’m always up with current trends, prices and training.

EdenExchange: What do you see as the advantages of working as a franchise?

Dave Morrison:

• Network – The support of other franchisors and franchisees is an important part of this system. It creates a sense of belonging to a group which can offer great support, whilst still having the freedom of running your own business;
• Brand – The name is a well-known brand and creates a perception of quality, consistency and trust which makes people want to buy the product;
• Training – The initial eight week training is very helpful and supportive and there are always other options to further your training for specialty fences which will benefit your small business;
• Marketing – Collective marketing has a greater power that makes your marketing dollar go further and be very effective. The power of social media has expanded the brand and each individual business.

EdenExchange: Why have you decided to choose Jim’s Fencing as your franchise opportunity? What makes it unique among other franchising opportunities?

Dave Morrison: I looked at several different franchises before deciding on the Jim’s system. I really liked the Jim’s system. You don’t pay large percentages in fees and royalties. The reality is, most of my guys are paying approximately 3% of the turnover to be part of a great business.

Bang for the buck – I’ve said for years. You show me a business, you can buy for less that 70K and earn more than that in the first year and I’ll buy it! Jim’s Fencing fits that.

It’s probably why I’m still here after sixteen years.

EdenExchange: In your opinion, what makes for a successful Jim’s Fencing franchise owner? Is it experience, attitude or something else?

Dave Morrison: Successful Franchisees have a few contributing attributes:

• Self-disciplined;
• Self-motivation;
• Hard worker with an eye for detail;
• Taking pride in quality work;
• Flexibility and able to make decisions with change;
• Commitment to your business success;
• A desire to succeed and control your own financial security;
• A willingness to learn;
• Proud to be a part of the Jim’s team.

People need to be pro-active and passionate about their Jim’s Fencing business to be successful.

EdenExchange: 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?

Dave Morrison: Jim’s Fencing has been established and running successfully for over twenty years. The Jim’s Group is one of the largest franchising systems in Australia and prides itself on its training and ongoing support. It still takes each person’s own hard work to make individual business work. People need to be motivated and personable to win quotes and do quality work.

EdenExchange: What are some of the challenges you have overcome since joining Jim’s Fencing? On the other hand, what are some of the key achievements you are proud of?

Dave Morrison: A challenge is timing – organising time schedules is an important part of this business. Having time to quote, organise materials and knowing job times that don’t leave days wasted is very important in running a successful business. A key achievement for me is having multiple successful franchises within a large region. Over 70% of franchises staying for eight or more years.

EdenExchange: What is the best thing about your job, what drives you to do what you do?

Dave Morrison: Running your own business allows you to make important decisions about which direction you want it to go and not being told what to do. With this comes responsibility to yourself, your family and your customers to provide a service to be proud of that also makes you money money. The flexibility to suit your lifestyle and family need is fantastic.

EdenExchange: Thank you.

 

About Jim’s Fencing

Looking for a new challenge and want to become your own boss? Nothing can be more rewarding 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.

Jim’s Fencing was set up 20 years ago as an extension of the Jim’s Group, the largest and best-known home services business in Australia that now has branches in Canada, New Zealand and the United Kingdom. Coupled with your pride in quality workmanship and service, you can achieve direct rewards for the effort you expend in your own business. A Jim’s Fencing franchise is a fantastic opportunity to run a business, with the support of an organisation that offers a rewarding lifestyle and excellent financial gain.

With over 3,700 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 Fencing, speak to us today to discuss how the Jim’s family could be right for you. Jim’ Fencing are there to help you succeed, call 131 546 today or fill in our enquiry form.