Jim Penman started Jim’s Mowing in Melbourne, Australia in 1982 whilst studying for a doctorate in history. From a modest beginning, initially starting with the idea of making “a few dollars” by mowing other people’s lawns, Jim’s Mowing has grown into the world’s largest lawn mowing franchise.

A commitment to customer service and excellence saw this business grow at a rapid rate with more customers than one person could effectively manage, leading Jim to commence franchising in 1989.

The Jim’s Mowing system proved successful enough to be duplicated across many other industries, with the Jim's Group establishing Jim’s Divisions for all manner of household and business services between 1994 and the present day.

Today, after 25 years, Jim’s is one of Australia’s most highly trusted brand names and logos and is recognised by 94% of Australian adults. It has been voted in the Top 5 most admired systems by both franchisees and franchisors in the Deloitte’s Franchisee Satisfaction Survey. To date, Jim’s has nearly 3,000 Franchise Owners stretching across all states and Territories of Australia and New Zealand as well as Canada and the UK. Growth has been fast for the Group even in times where the rest of the business community has slowed.

Jim is still actively involved in the day to day running of the Group and provides continued support to Franchise Owners and customers alike. His personal touch reaches out in meeting each new Franchise Owner undergoing training at the National Office.