Ashley & Summer Hale – Jim’s Pool Care South Lake
What are your thoughts on being named a Finalist for the Optus My Business Home and Lifestyle Business of the Year Award?
We were very surprised at being named as a finalist. Ash noticed the awards advertised online and thought we would give it a go. Not expecting to really get much further we entered a submission online and we were contacted the day before the finalists were announced. It’s fantastic to be named as finalists in a national business award.
Why you got into Jim’s Pool Care?
We wanted to start our business and have the freedom to do what we wanted, when we wanted. We had both worked for other people in the past and saw the reward for our hard work go to them. We noted a shortfall of service technicians in our local area with a 2 week wait on appointments in the height of the season. We looked into the Jim’s Pool care franchise and decided that this was the opportunity for us.
What things you have done to grow it, ideally mention everything, regardless if it worked short term?
We have based our business growth on customer service. We answer calls and emails in a timely fashion. Clarify what the customer requires and ultimately turn up when we say we will and undertake the work to the best of our abilities. Good customer service results in referrals and repeat business. We send out periodic newsletters with the latest industry news, new products and special offers. Communication with the client is very important to us. Our customers like the fact we are a small family run business and we have lot in common with our clients. In the early days we flyer dropped the whole of our territory, this helped get our name into the local community. We have undertaken charity work and participated in safety awareness community events. We are part of a Jim’s Networking Group with other Jim’s Franchisees from other divisions. We are members of SPASA and won a couple of awards at the WA awards this year, this was great to promote to our clients to reassure them that we are a reputable and qualified business. We attend all of the training events to ensure we are kept up to date with the latest industry products.
What you really like about the business?
We love being our own boss. Ash enjoys working outside without having a supervisor or manager watching over him. There’s nothing more satisfying than seeing a great result and a happy customer at the end of a job. Summers role works well with us having a young family. Doing the school runs and looking after our youngest at home and still being able to take bookings, schedule work and take care of the administrative duties, this allows Ash to concentrate on the practical side of the business.
Where you see yourself/your business in coming years?
We hope to expand our business and hopefully employ staff in the near future to increase our client base. We still want to maintain our small family run business appeal. As our kids get older Summer is looking to get more involved in the practical side of the business to help expand further.
If your interested in joining the Jim’s Pool Care Team and becoming a business owner and franchisee, call today! 131 546
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