From Podcast Listener to Jim’s Mowing Franchisee: Michael McDowell’s Journey

Imagine swapping long shifts in corrections and the military for flexible hours, better income, and a healthier lifestyle.

That’s exactly what Michael McDowall did when he joined Jim’s Mowing.

From zero clients to a steady stream of regulars, Michael now earns more than he did in his previous job—while working half the hours and enjoying life on his own terms.

In this episode:

Michael shares how he went from high-stress careers to running a successful Jim’s Mowing business. He opens up about what made him take the leap, how the training prepared him, and the systems that keep his business growing.

He also shares how the Jim’s brand helped him land jobs, why customer service matters more than ever, and why having the right support system makes all the difference.

If you're thinking of franchising, this episode is a must-listen.

Key Takeaways:

• Switching to Jim’s Mowing gave Michael his time and health back.
  He now works four hours and earns more than he did working 12+ hour days in his previous career. He enjoys reading, exercising outdoors, and spending more time with his partner.

• Training and support made the transition smooth.
  Michael credits the Jim’s Mowing training and mentorship as critical to his early success. He also formed a strong network with fellow franchisees across the country.

• The Jim’s brand creates trust and brings in business.
  Customers approach him on the street simply because of the Jim’s logo. Word of mouth and the trusted branding have helped him gain regular clients without needing to chase work.

• Using the right tools makes a big difference.
  Michael invested in high-quality equipment like the Honda self-propelled mower and a multi-tool system. These tools helped him deliver top-notch results and improve efficiency from day one.

• Customer service drives growth and referrals.
  By doing more than just mowing, like identifying broken sprinklers or offering other helpful tips, Michael earns trust and repeat work. He also redirects clients to other Jim’s franchisees for jobs he can’t take, creating goodwill.

• Support from his partner was key.
  Michael’s wife backed him from the beginning, listened to Jim’s podcast episodes, and helped him feel confident about the transition. Her encouragement played a big role in the move.

• Jim’s Bookkeeping takes the stress out of finances.
  Rather than handling taxes himself, Michael uses Jim’s Bookkeeping to manage the numbers. This lets him focus on doing the work he enjoys without worrying about compliance.

• There’s power in being part of the Jim’s system.
  From customer service accountability to referrals between franchisees, the structure makes it easier to deliver a consistent experience—and stand out from independent operators.

Thinking of starting your own business but don’t know where to start?

Tune in now to hear Michael’s honest experience with Jim’s Mowing—and how you can build a life you’re proud of.