The franchise springboard

“I wish I’d done this in my thirties,” says Jim’s Test & Tag Bay of Plenty regional franchisor, Glen Carmichael. “Having joined as a franchisee in 2019, a year ago I bought into the regional franchise. It’s the best move I’ve made! I can see myself doing this until I retire.”

Working in management for a large textile company, Glen sought a fresh start. “I was tired of my old job, and in need of a big change. At first, I started looking for straight employment jobs,’ he says. “However, as I delved into possibilities I began to see the potential in franchising – something I knew very little about at the time.”

Jim’s Test & Tag appealed to Glen because it offered all the benefits of being self-employed, with the certainty of no shortage of work and an excellent support network for both business and technical advice. “Back in 2019, Jim’s was still conducting training in Australia, which we’ve now moved here for new franchisees. I couldn’t fault it; it was so comprehensive. 

“It included everything from how to manage a business and how to get new clients, to all the technical material essential for the job. I thought finding customers was going to be my biggest challenge but, in my first few months, I was struggling to keep up with the work. 

“After Covid, I had to indulge in the good old-fashioned route of knocking on doors to expand. I simply visited all my clients’ neighbours. There were only two positive answers at the time, but many of the negative ones have now become positives! Jim’s reputation is enviable – just one reason why we need more franchisees!”

Jim’s Test & Tag provides testing and tagging services for electrical equipment, fire extinguishers, and first aid equipment in workplaces. By law, all equipment needs to be inspected at least annually, with building site or workshop items often needing to be inspected every 3-6 months, to the relevant standard – ASJ NZS3760:2022, or NZS 4503:2005. These regulations ensure regular repeat business for franchisees, and demand is increasing.

“One of the best aspects of the franchise is that you are not limited to your area if the work is available,” says Glen. “Currently, various territories are available at very reasonable cost, which includes all training. Come and be your own boss – I’ve done it, and I’d certainly do it again!”  

See this advertorial on page 56 of Franchise New Zealand magazine Year 33 Issue 4

Contact details for Jims Test & Tag

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