In 2022, Lisa and Steve opened their own Diggermate franchise in Townsville with a very clear goal: to build a local business strong enough for Steve to eventually come home from FIFO work.
At the time, life was already full. Their fourth child arrived shortly after launch, and they later found out their fifth was on the way. But instead of waiting for the “perfect time”, Lisa and Steve saw Diggermate as a practical way to reshape their future around family, lifestyle and long-term financial goals.
Steve was working FIFO, while Lisa was managing a growing household and helping drive the business forward. From customer enquiries and day-to-day operations to learning the equipment side of the business, Lisa became a key force behind Diggermate Townsville’s early growth.
Their hard work paid off. Within three years, Lisa and Steve had grown the business to the point where Steve was able to resign from his FIFO job and return home to the family full-time.
Their journey has continued beyond that first major goal. The couple has since invested in a new property where they can live and operate their growing business, while continuing to expand their asset base and build around local demand in Townsville.
June 2026 update: Lisa and Steve’s Townsville story has continued to build. Diggermate Townsville is now regularly producing around $50,000 months in booking value, with full-month results averaging around $49,400 and a standout month above $70,000.
For a family that started with the goal of building a business strong enough for Steve to come home from FIFO, that regular monthly pattern matters. It shows how the Diggermate model can support a serious local business when the owner keeps servicing the market, building relationships and creating repeat demand.
Every Diggermate business is different. Some owners push hard and grow into larger multi-machine or multi-location operations. Others prefer a smaller, more flexible local business. The figures shared here are historical booking value examples, not profit, owner income, forecasts or guaranteed results.
What This Means for Future Franchisees
Lisa and Steve’s story is a strong example of how a Diggermate franchise can support bigger lifestyle goals, especially for families looking for a pathway away from FIFO work.
For future franchisees, there are a few clear takeaways.
A Diggermate business can be built around a practical goal, such as bringing a partner home from FIFO, creating more flexibility or building a family-run local business.
Family involvement can also be a strength. Lisa and Steve’s story shows how a husband-and-wife team can use clear roles, local effort and the Diggermate system to build momentum over time.
It also shows that lifestyle goals still need business discipline. Coming home from FIFO or creating more flexibility does not happen automatically. Results depend on local demand, owner involvement, equipment utilisation, customer service, repeat bookings, finance structure, operating costs and how the business is run.
If you are currently working FIFO and thinking about building something closer to home, read our guide on franchise opportunities for FIFO workers wanting to come home.
If you are not ready to leave your job straight away, you may also like this article on whether you can run a Diggermate franchise as a side hustle.
Today, Lisa and Steve are not just business partners. They are building a family business around the life they want to create for themselves and their children.
Diggermate is not a passive investment or a guaranteed shortcut. It is a practical franchise model for people who are ready to work the system, serve their local market and build a real local equipment hire business.
Ready to explore whether Diggermate could be the right fit for your goals? Download the free Wealth Creation Roadmap and take the first step.
Meet Your Local Diggermates
Lisa and Steve prioritised excellent service for homeowners, DIY-ers, and small business owners in Townsville. By focusing on trust and value, they quickly built a loyal customer base and drove steady business growth.
For more information on their services, visit their booking page to explore machines, prices, and availability.
Diggermate isn’t merely a business opportunity; it’s a gateway to achieving financial independence and being your own boss. Lisa and Steve’s story illustrates the power of vision and resilience. Are you ready to take control of your future? With Diggermate, your journey towards achieving your dreams starts with a simple first step.
