Interview with Shane – Jim’s Antennas in Adelaide

Eden Exchange recently spoke with Shane who is a Jim’s Antennas franchisor in Adelaide. Shane took some time out to discuss with us his franchising and business experience. He also provided some valuable insights on the Jim’s Antennas business.

Edenexchange
Thanks for speaking with us Shane. Can you tell us about your background and career? Why did you get in to franchising and how did you first get involved with Jim’s Antennas?

Shane
Previously I spent 25 years in the financial services industry with my last role as a Branch Manager of a large metropolitan bank branch. I was at the stage where I was not getting any satisfaction in my role and was looking for a change. During my banking career I had renovated several homes and always had a desire to get into a trade working outdoors and with my hands.

My brother in law had been operating his own Jims Antennas franchise for several years and after many discussions with him I thought it was a perfect fit for me.

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?

Shane
The advice I would give to someone looking to run a franchise would be to research every part of the business. The physical work you do daily, is it something you will enjoy? The bookwork you will have to do, are you capable to do it yourself or will you have to outsource? How much training you will need to get started and in the future? My key message would be to do your research.

Edenexchange
In your opinion, what makes for a successful Jim’s Antennas franchise owner?

Shane
In my opinion what makes a successful Jims Antennas Franchise is a franchisee that is customer focused. I believe success has come to me because I have always been focused on the customer and on providing excellent service with quality work.

Edenexchange
What type of support does Jim’s Antennas provide once a new franchisee starts?

Shane
Obviously there is the month’s training on the road with an experienced operator which not only gives hands on training but shows you how other franchisees operate their business on a daily basis. As a franchisee, I have always had support from my peers with several in my area that I could call on if I am having difficulty on a job.

Edenexchange
What major industry trends should franchise operators and buyers and need be looking out for? What’s your take on where the audio visual home services industry is heading?

Shane
Audio visual home services always change with new technology released regularly and as a franchisee you need to be prepared to continually update your skills to ensure you can continue to provide assistance in all areas. In my seven years I have seen a much more demand for data work as customers move towards internet provided platforms. This will continue to grow in this industry.

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

Shane
The biggest challenge I have found is being a sole operator. After managing 30 plus people in a large corporation it was a big change to be working by myself.

Key achievements I am proud of include learning to have a go at anything and the ability to problem solve. A work achievements I am particularly proud of is the work I completed on the full renovation and rebuild of one of our local hotels, It included running their entire phone and data cable and installing all their TV’s with Foxtel and free to air. This was a 12 month job and has resulted in work in a number of other hotels and restaurants.

Edenexchange
What’s the most interesting part of your job? What drives you to do what you do?

Shane
The most interesting part of my job is that every job is different. In one day I could be installing an antenna, setting up a home theatre system with a TV on the wall and then running a new phone point for a customer. I am driven by the satisfaction my customers get from the work I do, getting an excellent customer survey and repeat or referral business from customers always puts a smile on your face.

Edenexchange
Thanks for your time Shane

 

About Jim’s Antennas

Jim’s Antennas commenced in June 1999, as a division of the Jims Group of companies specialising in quality antenna installations and servicing. With over 150 qualified technicians, servicing all areas of Australia. Jims Antennas technicians are extensively trained in all aspects of audio and visual services, including digital and analogue antenna systems, digital upgrades, plasma, LCD & LED installations, home theatre, surround sound, telephone and data services, video intercoms and extra TV and stereo points. Jims Antennas technicians are Digital TV Specialists and make it their business to keep abreast of new technology in Digital TV.

Want to Be Your Own Boss?

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 Antennas, speak to us today to discuss how the Jim’s family could be right for you. Jim’s Antennas are there to help you succeed, call 131 546 today or fill in our Franchise Enquiry Form.