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More About This Title Jim's Book: The Surprising Story of Jim Penman -Australia's Backyard Millionaire
English
Meet the man and uncover the story behind one of Australia’s most recognised brands
We all know Jim’s. Maybe you just passed a Jim’s Mowing trailer on the road; or maybe there’s a Jim’s Cleaning van parked across the street each Tuesday morning; or maybe your best mate is laughing all the way to the bank after quitting the city and starting his new Jim’s Fencing franchise, but do you know the real story behind the Jim’s Group and its founder, Jim Penman?
Brutally efficient, socially awkward, and a tireless perfectionist, Jim is as complex and fascinating as the Jim’s Group. This book is a warts-and-all look at his colourful life that delves deep into how he ignored conventional thinking to turn a few mowing rounds into a corporate juggernaut built on always putting the customer first. Jim’s unique approach revolutionised Australia’s business landscape, providing thousands of people the opportunity to create and grow their own businesses.
Most Australians know very little about the man who created one of the nation’s most famous companies. For all of his success, Jim is remarkably unassuming and approachable. In this authorised biography, author Catherine Moolenschot sat down with Jim and over one hundred people who know him — from franchisees and franchisors, to family, friends, and adversaries — to get up close and personal with the surprising story of one of Australia’s biggest brands and the man who made it all happen.
Jim’s Book tells the fascinating story of the man and the business that bears his name. Equal parts biography, history and philosophy, this book takes readers on a journey through one man’s remarkable life.
English
Catherine Moolenschot is a novelist, biographer and public speaker. Learn more at catherinemoolenschot.com.au
English
Prologue vii
Summary of the Jim’s Group Structure xi
Introduction: ‘The Real Jim’ xiii
1 The Early Years 1
2 The Accidental Gardener 17
3 Jim’s Calling 31
4 This Little, Short-term Mowing Business 43
5 Divorce 65
6 The Jim’s Brand Expands 73
7 The Jim Way 89
8 Winning the Lottery 101
9 Growth 113
10 Business Can Be Tough 129
11 Jim’s Training 145
12 The Franchisee Experience 163
13 ‘A Serial Firer’ 175
14 Revolt in the Ranks 187
15 Tackling Insurance 205
16 Looking for The One 213
17 Duelling Diggers 225
18 Funding a Lifelong Passion 235
19 It’s All About Character 247
20 Looking to the Future 259
Endnotes 265
About the Author 267
Acknowledgements 269
List of Interviewees 271
Index 273
