From Happy To Nasty: Inside The Battle For The Heart Of Jim’s

Sydney Morning Herald:

This is the story of Jim’s Group, founded with $24 capital in 1982 and now turning over more than $300 million annually.

With about 3000 franchisees in 29 divisions, from the seemingly ubiquitous Jim’s Mowing to computer services and finance professionals, the rise of the franchise second only to Australia Post in size has been one of the feel good yarns of modern times.

Despite some eccentricities – such as his ideas about manipulating the way people behave by placing a strip to release pheromones in their bedrooms, to experiments with rats to develop “happy” pills – the face of founder Jim Penman, complete with long-gone beard, is one of the most recognisable brands in Australia.

But that happy-go-lucky image has changed in recent months, as a discontent brewing quietly for many years has finally bubbled over into public view. Read full story.

Photo: James Davies.

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