Jim’s Fencing divisional franchisor Warren Smith is well aware that training forms an important part of the franchisee journey, and as such the company offers a comprehensive eight week paid training program for all new franchisees.

Warren developed and implemented the new training program back in 2006 after he realised the existing one required a little restructuring.

He believed the new program could both guarantee the success of the franchisees as well as the continued growth and success of the Jim’s Fencing brand.

“We needed to ensure that the franchisees were shown how to run their business in all aspects. Not just the physical side of fencing training, but the business side as well.

“Franchisees come to the system with a vast array of different skills, most have no fencing experience at all, so  it’s up to the franchisor to ensure they are each equipped with the right tools to be able to own and operate a successful franchise business, not just for the first three, six or 12 months, but way beyond,” he said.

Warren explains the program involves both theoretical and practical training, with accredited trainers on hand to take franchisees out to real jobs.

For the first seven weeks franchisees undergo back to back training, and trainers relay their progress back to the franchisor.

“There are checklists for the franchisee to complete each week and the results go back to the franchisor. This generous amount of time enables the new franchisees to have all of their business systems set up,” explains Warren.

During the final week of the program franchisees are educated about a number of fencing types that they may not have encountered before.

Warren says this last week is particularly important following the company’s recent affiliation with a number of new fencing products, such as Aluminium and PVC.

Warren is constantly looking to improve the program, too.

“[At] week five, I survey them by phone. This enables me to tweak or make changes required to the system. So far the feedback has been incredibly positive and no tweaks [have been] required,” he said.

It seems the training program is indeed a hit, with three relatively new franchisees willing to attest to this. 

What the franchisees say

Justin Williams

When Canterbury based Justin Williams joined the Jim’s Fencing brand in December 2011, he had little to no experience building fences.

He said the training program taught him not only how to build fences, he learnt tips for operating a small business, and detailed information about the business itself, too.

“It goes without saying that if you have never built a fence, the hands on training is the most important. Having said that, there is also a large focus on being a business owner and not just a fencer.

“Generating your own revenue stream though business to business and private referrals was just one of the training topics that I found very useful,” said Justin.

He goes on to explain that the program instils confidence in franchisees that they have made the right decision by investing in the brand.

“Without any support or training it would be nearly impossible for someone who has not already been in this line of work to be truly successful. I think lots of people desire to be self-employed but are scared to make the leap because they will be on their own. The support from the Jim’s Fencing group eliminates this concern,” he said.

Peter Dragic

Peter Dragic purchased a Jim’s Fencing business in May 2012 and he is all praise for the training program.

In particular, Peter said it taught him three key things – how to build a fence, time management and how to run a small business effectively.

Danny Frood

Former furniture/cabinet maker Danny Frood of Blackburn has similarly been with the company since May 2012.

While Danny was quite confident he would pick up the techniques required to build fences rather easily, the training program enlightened him to the fact that he may need to polish his administration and sales skills. 

“During the training period as well as learning the practical, hands on side of it, I learned I needed to know how to set up the business and develop my sales skills before I went out in the field.”

He was also surprised by how much he learnt from the practical modules, and explains his trainer was very knowledgeable.

“From a hands-on point of view, learning the different techniques used when building different types and styles of fences was very important. The trainer I had was extremely supportive, knowledgeable and very helpful.”

Images: jimsfencing.net