By Melissa Davis, Vice President of Franchising at Express Employment Professionals
Economic pressure, shifting workforce expectations, and persistent hiring challenges defined much of 2025 for franchised businesses. These obstacles forced franchise systems to prove not only their relevance, but their durability.
Against that backdrop, the staffing sector stood out as one category that continued to attract franchise interest and expansion. By year’s end, Express Employment Professionals closed out 2025 with measurable franchise momentum, expanding its footprint while reinforcing why staffing remains a compelling franchise investment even during uncertain economic cycles.
The brand signed 54 new and resale franchise agreements, welcomed 38 first-time franchisees, and saw five existing owners expand their portfolios by acquiring additional locations. Express also entered seven new U.S. territories, bringing the system to nearly 850 locations globally. While the numbers alone are notable, the broader story offers insight into what drives sustainable franchise growth when conditions are anything but predictable.
Franchise Confidence in a High-Demand Category
Staffing has long been considered a resilient industry, but recent years have tested even the most established systems. Employers faced persistent labor shortages while simultaneously tightening hiring decisions, and job seekers reevaluated everything from flexibility to long-term career stability.
Despite these challenges, interest in staffing franchises remained strong. In 2025, more than 5,000 individuals expressed interest in becoming Express franchise owners. According to a recent Express Employment Professionals Harris Poll Survey, nearly 78 percent of job seekers believe employers have the upper hand in today’s job market, underscoring the ongoing need for trusted staffing solutions. That sustained demand reflects a growing recognition among franchise candidates that staffing addresses a fundamental, ongoing need: connecting businesses with qualified talent and helping people find meaningful work.
For many prospective owners, staffing offers a rare combination of professional services, recurring demand, and local market relevance. Unlike consumer-facing concepts tied to discretionary spending, staffing franchises are embedded in the daily operations of their communities. That relevance becomes especially valuable during periods of economic uncertainty, when businesses need adaptable workforce solutions and job seekers need trusted guidance.
Discovery Days and Disciplined Expansion
One of the most significant drivers of Express’s 2025 franchise momentum was its approach to candidate engagement. Over the course of the year, the brand hosted 12 Discovery Days designed to provide prospective owners with a transparent, in-depth look at franchise operations, support systems, and expectations.
Rather than functioning solely as a recruitment tool, Discovery Day at Express serves as mutual evaluation opportunity. Prospective franchisees gain clarity on the realities of operating a staffing business, while the franchisor identifies candidates aligned with its mission and operational standards. That discipline is increasingly important as franchise candidates become more selective and informed.
For franchisors, Discovery Days offer strategic opportunities beyond immediate recruitment. This is a unique environment to assess leadership skills, operational aptitude, and cultural fit, which helps reduce future franchisee attrition. Franchisors should use this time to communicate expectations, highlight training resources, and showcase operational best practices, fostering alignment and consistency across the system. Additionally, the feedback collected during Discovery Days can inform broader development strategies, helping franchisors refine messaging, identify high-potential markets, and better tailor support programs.
This deliberate approach to franchisee selection and engagement not only strengthens individual unit performance but also supports sustainable system growth. By investing in mutual evaluation upfront, franchisors can prioritize long-term success over short-term unit count increases, ensuring that expansion is disciplined, strategic, and value-driven.
Resilience, Leadership, and Long-Term Vision
Franchise systems will inevitably face challenges that test leadership, culture, and operational infrastructure. For Express Employment Professionals, the past year was one that highlighted these dynamics, demonstrating how strong systems and aligned franchisees can maintain momentum even amid sudden change and uncertainty.
One key takeaway for franchisors is the importance of building resilient structures and clear processes. When leadership transitions or unexpected events occur, systems that have emphasized training, operational consistency, and open communication can help ensure that franchisees continue to execute effectively and serve their local markets. These structures not only support day-to-day operations but also reinforce long-term brand stability.
Another critical lesson is the value of fostering a shared mission and culture across the network. When franchisees understand and buy into a brand’s purpose—whether it is helping communities thrive or meeting local workforce needs—they are motivated to navigate challenges, innovate within their territories, and sustain growth. This alignment can be particularly important in service-driven sectors like staffing, where franchisee engagement directly impacts client satisfaction and long-term performance.
Finally, strategic planning and disciplined growth remain central to franchise success. Franchisors that prioritize market readiness, owner capability, and operational support over rapid unit count increases are more likely to achieve sustainable system expansion. By combining strong internal systems, mission-driven culture, and thoughtful development strategies, franchisors can maintain resilience and create enduring value for both franchisees and the communities they serve.
As 2025 demonstrated, resilient franchise systems are built on disciplined growth, strong leadership, and a clear mission. For franchisors and franchisees alike, the lessons from a challenging year showcase the value of strategic planning, operational excellence, and alignment with market needs, ensuring that success is sustainable, even in and especially during uncertain times.
Melissa Davis, Vice President of Franchising at Express Employment Professionals