Ten years working alongside Express Employment Professionals, the leading staffing franchise, is a major feat for Matt Tibbetts. Starting his journey at just 23 years old, Matt entered the staffing industry as an entry-level recruiter in Texas, driven by ambition and a passion for connecting people with meaningful opportunities. Over the past decade, his journey has been one of relentless growth, culminating in his ownership of an Express franchise in Waxahachie, Texas. Along the way, Matt has not only navigated the challenges of business ownership but also embraced the evolving tools and trends shaping the staffing industry.

 

From his early days as a recruiter to becoming a franchise owner, Matt exemplifies the entrepreneurial spirit of millennials. His approach blends the traditional values of hard work and relationship-building, making him a role model for aspiring business owners.

 

From Recruiter to Franchisee: Building a Strong Foundation

In 2014, Matt began his career with Express as a recruiter, a role he held for almost five years. His dedication and drive quickly propelled him into leadership roles, including as a Sales and Training Coordinator and later as Director of Training at Express’ international headquarters. These roles gave him a comprehensive understanding of franchise operations and fueled his dream of one day owning his own business.

 

In 2021, Matt began planning his transition to franchise ownership. By 2022, he and his wife officially acquired an Express franchise resale in Waxahachie. This marked a significant milestone in his career, transforming him from employee to business owner. Resale franchises come with their own unique challenges and opportunities, and Matt approached this transition with a clear vision and determination to make his business thrive.

 

“The timing initially seemed ideal, as the 2021-2022 hiring boom presented an abundance of opportunities for staffing companies,” said Matt. “However, as the labor market evolved and hiring slowed, I found I had to adapt my strategies to navigate the new realities of the post-pandemic economy.”

Leveraging a Millennial Mindset: Matt’s Path to Entrepreneurial Success

As a millennial himself, Matt Tibbetts has embodied the traits that set his generation apart—an aptitude for technology, a curious mindset, and a focus on purpose-driven work. These characteristics have not only helped him navigate the staffing industry but also find success as a young entrepreneur.

 

Growing up in the digital age, Matt has always embraced technology to improve efficiency and streamline operations. His natural inclination to adapt and innovate has allowed him to modernize processes within his business, making it easier for job seekers to connect with opportunities and for his team to focus on meaningful, high-impact work.

 

Matt’s experience and mindset is also evident in his approach to problem-solving. “It’s important to examine processes critically to identify opportunities for improvement,” said Matt. This ability to rethink systems has helped reduce barriers for job seekers, simplify operations, and create a smoother overall experience for clients and employees alike.

 

By leveraging these traits, Matt has carved out a path for success as a franchise owner. His ability to adapt, innovate, and connect with purpose has set him apart in the competitive staffing industry and serves as a testament to the potential of his generation in the world of business ownership. His office continues to perform in the top 100 franchises out of nearly 900 at Express.

 

Purpose-Driven Leadership: Connecting People and Opportunities

Beyond the practicalities of running a business, Matt finds deep fulfillment in the staffing industry’s impact on people’s lives. For him, staffing is more than just a job—it’s a way to make a difference.

 

“I’ve helped a man who was wrongfully incarcerated for eight years find a job and helped single moms secure new opportunities,” he shares. “Staffing is impactful and meaningful. Someone’s life changes because you come to work every day.”

 

This sense of purpose resonates strongly across generations. For those considering a career in staffing, Matt emphasizes the importance of connecting with this purpose.

 

As Matt puts it, “If you love connecting with people and helping them achieve their goals, the staffing industry is incredibly rewarding.”

 

Matt Tibbetts’ journey from entry-level recruiter to franchise owner is a testament to the power of hard work, a growth-mindset, and a willingness to embrace change. Over the past decade, he has navigated the highs and lows of the labor market, consumed countless books, articles, and podcasts, attended all available training at Express, leveraged technology to drive innovation, and remained committed to building relationships and making a difference.

 

For aspiring franchise owners, Matt’s story offers valuable lessons: build strong relationships with clients and candidates stay curious and constantly be learning. Most importantly, connect with the purpose behind your work.

 

As Matt looks ahead to the future, he remains optimistic about the potential of the staffing industry and the role he can play in shaping it. By combining entrepreneurial spirit with a passion for helping others, he continues to inspire others to pursue their own franchise dreams.