Jim Penman: Business, Politics, and the Future of Small Enterprise in Australia

Jim Penman is one of Australia's most successful entrepreneurs, having built Jim’s Group from a humble lawn mowing business in 1989 into a national home services franchise empire, generating over one billion dollars in annual turnover. His story began during an economic downturn — and today, many of those same financial headwinds are back.

In this episode of The Clear Signal, Jim joins Steve Visscher for a wide-ranging conversation about:

✅ Starting a business during recessionary times

✅ How government overreach, excessive taxes, and red tape are stifling small business growth

✅ The ongoing housing crisis and why current policies are failing

✅ His fierce defence of franchisees during Victoria's harsh COVID-19 lockdowns

✅ And why he’s considering a run for politics in the 2026 Victorian state election

Jim also shares insights into the values that underpin his business philosophy, and why empowering small business owners remains his life’s mission.

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