On the Jim’s Group podcast, I sat down with Daniel Hills from Jim’s Building Inspections in Essendon, who made a life-changing transition from carpentry to franchise ownership.
His story demonstrates how the right franchise can provide both financial success and personal transformation.
From Tools to Independence
Daniel’s journey started from necessity. After years as a carpenter, he needed a career change that would use his building expertise without the physical demands.
Jim’s Building Inspections offered the perfect transition – staying in the industry he loved while building his own business.
His franchisor Phil Smallman provided crucial support during a difficult personal period, holding off until Daniel was ready to commit fully. This patience paid off when Daniel eventually made the leap and never looked back.
Building Business Beyond Leads
The most striking aspect of Daniel’s approach is his independence from company-generated leads. Within 13-14 months, he built a business that no longer relies on Jim’s lead system. “You’re buying a business. You’re not relying on Jim,” he told me during our interview.
His strategy involved expanding far beyond his Essen territory initially, traveling to Horsham and Warrnambool to build relationships with buyers advocates and conveyancers. These professional networks became his foundation for consistent work referrals.
Daniel’s networking happened naturally – conversations with parents at his kids’ basketball games often led to connections with real estate professionals. This organic relationship building proves more valuable than formal networking groups.
Service Portfolio and Market Positioning
Jim’s Building Inspections offers comprehensive services beyond basic pre-purchase inspections. Daniel handles new construction inspections across five stages, from pre-pour concrete checks to final completion assessments. He also provides termite inspections, asbestos testing, and tax depreciation schedules for investors.
His trade background gives him advantages other inspectors lack. Where others might see a simple ceiling crack, Daniel investigates the underlying structural causes. This depth of analysis, combined with detailed photo documentation, creates reports that educate rather than just critique.
The Personal Side
Daniel shared something profound during our conversation.
Before joining Jim’s, he struggled with severe mental health challenges including hospitalization and suicide attempts during a difficult divorce.
The franchise opportunity provided stability and purpose during his darkest period.
His support of TIACS (This is a conversation starter) reflects this experience. The organisation’s loud shirts create opportunities for mental health discussions, while their service provides eight free counseling sessions without doctor referrals – removing barriers that prevent people from seeking help.
Financial Reality Check
Daniel exceeded his first-year goal of $200,000 turnover by $40,000, now targeting $300,000 in year two. Unlike percentage-based franchise models, Jim’s charges flat fees regardless of earnings. Whether franchisees earn $1 or $1 million, their franchise costs remain constant.
This structure rewards hard work and business development. Daniel’s success comes from treating his franchise as a genuine business requiring active building rather than passive lead dependency. The support system exists, but individual drive determines outcomes.
His advice to potential franchisees reflects this reality: “You’re buying a business. You’re not relying on Jim.” Those expecting the franchisor to provide all work will struggle, but those willing to build relationships and develop their territory can create substantial, independent businesses.
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