Jim's book : the surprising story of Jim Penman - Australia's backyard millionaire / Catherine Moolenschot.

Includes index.

Prologue -- Summary of the Jim's group structure -- Introduction: 'The real Jim' -- 1. The early years -- 2. The accidental gardener -- 3. Jim's calling -- 4. This little, short-term mowing business -- 5. Divorce -- 6. The Jim's brand expands -- 7. The Jim way -- 8. Winning the lottery -- 9. Growth -- 10. Business can be tough -- 11. Jim's training -- 12. The franchisee experience -- 13. 'A serial firer' -- 14. Revolt in the ranks -- 15. Tackling insurance -- 16. Looking for the one -- 17. Duelling diggers -- 18. Funding a lifelone passion -- 19. It's all about character -- 20. Looking to the future -- Endnotes -- About the author -- Acknowledgments -- List of interviewees -- Index.

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.