
Geelong, Bellarine & Surf Coast – VIC
Benn Ward
FRANCHISOR
Benn Ward began his journey with Jim’s Mowing in 1997, starting as a franchisee at the age of 18. His dedication and entrepreneurial spirit led him to become the Regional Franchisor for the Geelong, Bellarine, and Surf Coast areas.
Under his leadership, the region has expanded to include 92 franchisees, making it one of the most successful in the Jim’s Mowing network.
Leadership Philosophy
- Hands-On Experience: Benn believes in leading by example, drawing from his own experiences as a franchisee to guide and support his team.
- Franchisee Support: He emphasises the importance of comprehensive training and ongoing support to ensure franchisee success.
- Community Building: Fostering a collaborative environment where franchisees can share insights and support each other is central to his approach.
Insights on Franchise Success
Benn identifies key factors for thriving in the Jim’s Mowing system:
- Financial Prudence: Careful financial management helps in sustaining and growing the business.
- Motivation: A strong work ethic and self-drive are essential.
- Customer Engagement: Building relationships with clients contributes to long-term success.
Get To Know Benn
Benn’s Region
Suburbs where franchises are available
New territories just released
Resale frachises for sale
FAQs
How Does a Jim’s Franchise Work?
A Jim’s franchise belongs to the wider Jim’s Group network, however, each franchise operates as a semi-autonomous business. Franchisees are responsible for running the day-to-day operations of their business, while their franchisors are on hand to provide them with ongoing support and mentoring. Read more about the Jim’s Group franchise model here.
How many Jim’s Services are there?
You might be surprised to learn that Jim’s Group has over 50 service divisions across its portfolio! New divisions are launched regularly, so our company is constantly growing.
How do I know which division is right for me?
At the end of the day, the answer to this is a highly individual one. The best way to figure out which division is right for you is to think about what you enjoy doing and where your skills lie. For example, if you enjoy working outdoors and working with your hands, perhaps a Mowing or Fencing franchise would be the best fit for you.
This is a question we get asked frequently, so we’ve written an article to help you come to a decision.
Can I franchise an existing business?
Absolutely. You can certainly take an existing business and rebrand it as a Jim’s franchise.
Why buy a franchise over starting my own business?
It’s no secret that starting a business can be very difficult. However, you’re much more likely to succeed under a franchise model because you have the backing of an existing brand and an established model. Statistics show that around 90-95% of cleaning and gardening businesses fail within the first year. At Jim’s, that number drops down to 11%.
How do you become a Master Franchise
At Jim’s, we call our Master Franchises ‘Regional Franchises’. Our regional franchisors are responsible for providing support to their region, whilst also contributing to the growth of their region. To become a regional franchisor, the first step is to reach out and express your interest. These positions are highly sought after, so get in touch to learn more.
Is Jim’s a local business?
Community is a big part of our ethos. Although Jim’s Group is a large company, we encourage our franchisees to establish a good reputation and presence within their local communities.
Is it truly a lifestyle business?
Owning a Jim’s franchise allows you to achieve the perfect work-life balance. Our franchisees are given the opportunity and freedom to set their own hours, take time off when they want, and to grow and develop their very own business in their own time.

