Australia's 'millionaire factory': Everyday Aussies turning to trades and hands-on services to build wealth

Announcement posted by Invigorate PR 11 Feb 2025

The Jim's Group, according to entrepreneurial founder Jim Penman, has become Australia's leading 'millionaire factory,' generating more self-made millionaires than any other franchise group in the country. With over 40 divisions, the company has expanded into the largest franchise group in Australia.

Penman proudly announced this week that the Jim's Group has created hundreds of millionaires.

"We provide the tools, customers and support needed for success, allowing franchisees to build their Jim's business into whatever they envision, whether that's a small operation, a multi- generational business, or their own empire," Penman said.

"As a Jim's Group franchisee, you have the ability to learn, grow and turn your business into a success. With our brand and commitment, combined with your dedication and focus, the world is yours."

From McDonald's to millionaire

One of Jim's Group's success stories is Dan Cahill, who transitioned from earning $50,000 a year as a McDonald's manager to making $50,000 a month through Jim's Mowing.

An Australian father of four, Cahill dropped out of high school and initially worked at McDonald's, where his salary was not enough to support his family's needs. Struggling with mortgage repayments, he decided to make a career change and found financial freedom through Jim's Mowing.

"There are plenty of other success stories just like mine," Cahill said.

"The best part? Anyone can do this. You don't need prior experience or special skills, just the drive to succeed."

From rare snakes to mowing mogul

Another of the Jim's Group's success stories is Gerald Schlebusch. He was once an exotic reptile and snake breeder and even an ATO officer and now he is growing a multi-million dollar mowing franchise.

"I made the life changing decision and started my Jim's Mowing franchise in January 2020 and I have never looked back. I wish I had done it 10 years ago. I sold my pythons and other snakes and put the money into a Jim's Mowing franchise," Schlebusch said.

"I take care of Crestmead in Brisbane and have seven staff. There has not been one hour of one day since I started where I didn't have work.

"The Jim's Group has provided incredible support and the systems to scale. They also keep us accountable to our customers ensuring our service levels are excellent."

A call for greater franchise transparency

Penman acknowledged that while franchising often receives criticism due to the actions of a few poor operators, there are many positives that go unnoticed.

"Feedback from the majority of our franchisees is positive, but this is not the case for all franchise groups. Government needs to do more to weed out bad operators. Too many Australians invest their life savings in franchises that leave them with nothing," Penman said.

Penman has proposed that franchisees across the country be surveyed annually by a third-party pollster on the support provided by their franchisors, with the results published on a public website.

"This would help prospective franchisees make informed decisions and steer clear of bad operators while choosing reputable businesses. We had this done on our own franchisees last year, with the results published on the Jim's Group website.

"I've made this proposal repeatedly to every enquiry into the franchising industry. The only response from government has been more and more complicated disclosure documents, which hardly any prospective franchisee reads.

"It is also useless to ask prospects to consult a lawyer, since most lawyers simply don't understand franchise contracts, and in any case contracts tell you nothing about the level of support provided."

Failing this, Penman advises that prospective franchisees should get hold of a list of franchisees from any system they are investigating and phone as many as possible.

About Jim's Group

Jim's Group was founded by Jim Penman in 1989 and now has 5,550 franchisees in more than 40 divisions. It is the largest franchise chain in the Southern Hemisphere.