Make The Switch

Glen Carmichael

Jim’s Test & Tag franchisee found first-time success as a business owner

In June 2019, Glen Carmichael decided to explore something new after 19 years as a manager with companies in the Bay of Plenty. He contacted Jim’s Test & Tag, and by September he was in training to run his own business.

‘I started with a small customer base in October, and in the first year I grew it by 68 percent,’ he says. ‘I’ve had no problem finding customers and my sales are well above what I forecast.’ In addition to very good financial results, Glen says the franchise also gives him the lifestyle he wants. ‘I visit clients four days a week, spend Friday morning on admin, Friday afternoon on the house and am then totally free for the weekend.’

Jim’s Test & Tag provides safety testing services for electrical equipment in workplaces, as well as inspection and sales of fire prevention equipment. As Glen found, Health & Safety regulations mean there’s no shortage of work for Jim’s Test & Tag franchisees, who don’t need electrical qualifications to test safety using specialised gear.

Approachable

So how did Glen, who had never owned his own business before, make the switch? ‘I contacted the regional franchisor and found them really approachable, and talked to some of the other franchisees. Part of the process is to do a business plan and a cashflow forecast, working through everything in detail together. That put me at ease that it was all achievable through small steps. The 12-day training was very thorough, covered all the technical side and helped us all get into the team culture of Jim’s, too – everyone helps each other.

‘The Jim’s brand not only generates leads but also opens doors. When I’m with a customer my ute is parked outside, so I just call on the businesses either side. The service I provide is a legal requirement and it’s amazing what people don’t notice in their own workplace – desks standing on cables, exposed wires and so on, even before you check the equipment itself. It’s very rewarding.

‘And once you have a customer, they go on to a regular 3-12 month testing schedule, depending on the equipment, so it generates an increasing amount of repeat business all the time.’

Everything you need

The franchise fee of $55,000 +gst covers everything bar a suitable vehicle: exclusive territory, test equipment, uniform and promotional material. Vehicles can be new, secondhand or leased, and the buying power of the massive Jim’s Groupmeans the franchisees can access substantial discounts on vehicles and appliances.

Glen is very happy with the decision he made. ‘If you want your own business, Jim’s Test & Tag will give you all the help you need to succeed. Do what I did – call them!’

Advertiser Info

Jim’s Test & Tag

Contact Peter Mahon

P 0800 454 654

info@jimstestandtag.co.nz

www.jimstestandtag.co.nz