About Jim’s Mowing

About Us

Jim’s Mowing is the Largest Mowing and Garden Maintenance Franchise System in the world, with more than 230 franchisees operating in New Zealand.

This network now extends across New Zealand, Australia, Canada and the United Kingdom – in total with more than 3,300 franchises to service our customer’s needs.

Jim’s Mowing began in 1982 as a one-man business in 1982, created by Jim Penman.  With a dedication to customer service, the Jim’s Mowing Franchise system was established in 1989.

Jim’s Mowing was established in New Zealand in 1994 and has grown and become a leader in lawn mowing and garden services by recruiting quality franchisees, nurturing them through training and on-going support, with a dedicated National Customer Support & Call Centre.

All Jim’s Mowing Franchisees have been Police Checked before commencing their business and are fully insured.

Jim’s Mowing NZ is committed to customer service and we consistently aim to deliver the same reliable, prompt, professional and friendly service synonymous with that which Jim offered his own customers at the outset.

It is because of our clearly defined standards of customer service that we have built an excellent reputation and continue to grow the business to become the best known and most trusted Lawn and Gardening Service Group in New Zealand.

No Other Success

How a Lawn-Mowing Business Transformed Thousands of Lives

What started with a $24 investment and a battered mower grew into one of the largest franchise systems in the Southern Hemisphere. In No Other Success, Jim Penman—founder and CEO of Jim’s Group—shares the remarkable journey from mowing lawns in suburban Melbourne to leading a network of more than 5,500 franchisees across 40+ industries. This is not just a business story. It’s a story about second chances, family, resilience, and the belief that true success cannot be measured by money alone.

From near-bankruptcy and personal struggles to building a business model that prioritises people before profit, Jim reveals the messy, unpolished, and deeply human story behind the iconic Jim’s logo. Packed with real-life lessons, candid reflections, and stories from franchisees whose lives were changed, No Other Success is both a business memoir and an inspiring guide for anyone chasing freedom, purpose, and the chance to build something lasting.

All copies come signed by Jim himself!