Jim’s Pool Care has a fleet of 65 mobile pool shops around Australia, providing pool service and the full range of pool equipment, and is part of Jim’s Group, the largest franchise home services group in Australia. Want to find out more about the business and the training focus? Read on…

How long has the business been established?

We have been around for 10 years and have had some great growth in the last three years.

What is the term of a franchise?

10 years with no cost to renew.

What are franchise investment costs?

Our current package is $49,000 which includes start-up costs, training, introductory marketing and initial stock. Franchisees also require a new or modern white van which we will sign write for them.

LET’S LOOK AT TRAINING

What is your training philosophy?

Our training philosophy is to ensure that all new franchisees are comfortable and confident of the systems and processes they have to follow to complete their job. Part of this process involves engaging some of the leading pool industry equipment brands to complement our training program and provide ongoing support.

We also place a heavy focus on customer service and building long term relationships with customers. Once on the road they will have a team of contacts and people they can call upon for further support if required.

How long is the initial training period?

Jim’s Group provides training through a registered training organisation and as such provide an intensive three days business training at Melbourne head office with franchisees working towards a Certificate 3 in Business.

This training focuses purely on the business side of the franchise.

After this initial introduction franchisees begin the hands-on 10 Day On The Road Training Program.  In addition there’s a 60 day work-book which helps franchisees stay on track and complete any outstanding tasks required of them.

What sort of ongoing training do you provide?

Regular team meetings and supplier training sessions ensure that franchisees share their experience amongst the group and benefit from suppliers talking about the latest industry developments and technology. Senior franchisees and master franchisors help run these sessions.

A National Jim’s Pool Care Conference each year gives franchisees from around Australia the opportunity to meet for four days with group developments showcased and top performance rewarded.

What are the costs for franchisee?

Training costs are included as part of our franchise package price.

How is training monitored?

The master franchisor for each franchise strictly monitors the training and has final sign off before the new franchisee begins taking work. Jim’s Group also ensure franchisees meet their learning requirements while in Melbourne.

What new training element have you just introduced/will you introduce in 2014?

We have been looking closely for many years at national qualifications. The states are a little disjointed so we are about to embark on shortlisting a learning provider to work with us on getting a nationally recognised pool industry qualification.

Why would someone invest in your business model?

There are three main reasons people invest in a Jim’s Pool Care mobile pool shop. Firstly, the  system provides a great support and training network which really suits first time business owners.

Secondly franchise owners only pay a flat franchise fee regardless of how much they earn each month.

Finally, Jim’s  is a very strong brand in the home services sector and has been around for 20 years with more than 3000 franchisees around the country.