Jim's Mowing

In 1982, Jim Penman started the company with $24 of capital.[9] In 2009, there was a major disruption from the franchisees when fees were raised[10] and Jim Penman was almost voted out.

In 2010, master franchisors held a "referendum" asking for Penman to stand down because of concerns with his leadership style, breaches of contract, and steep fee hikes. Although the referendum followed the procedures in the operation manual, Jim advised he could not be stood down and that only he could run the company; eventually, negotiations occurred which reached agreement on the fee and master franchise issues. A number of concerns about Penman were also raised by disgruntled franchisees including that "he runs the whole business as though he owns every part of it", changes had reduced the value of their investment, and litigation.[11]

In 2006, Jim's Group received more than 100,000 leads that were unable to be serviced.[12]

In 2012, there was an unsuccessful bid for $10 million in funding to expedite expansion including a float on the ASX, which has not since been realised.[13]

In 2018, the Jim's Group launched the Jim's Plus initiative claiming to have received over 180,000 leads that were unable to be serviced. This program offers these leads on a success fee basis to non-Jim's franchisees.[14]

In 2020, during the Covid19 pandemic, Mr Penman encouraged his Victorian franchisees to ignore the Stage 4 restrictions. He offered to pay any fines that they received. [15]

Jim's Mowing (Group) - headquarters and Foothills Conference Centre

Jim's established a conference centre for training franchisees at Lilydale, Victoria. This also serves as the group headquarters, and includes a call centre.

Several lodges of various sizes have generously appointed ensuite bedrooms equivalent to hotel rooms, surrounding a multi room conference venue with restaurant and bar.

The hotel rooms are also available to the public on a space available basis.

• Official website