By Richard Yoerk, Express Employment Professionals Franchise Owner
Transitioning from military life to civilian life is rarely straightforward. After serving ten years in the U.S. Army, I found myself navigating a world that demanded adaptability and resilience in new ways. Growing up as a military brat, I was no stranger to structure, discipline, and the challenges of constant change, but leaving the service in the mid-1990s presented a unique opportunity to take those experiences and apply them in a different arena: entrepreneurship.
I discovered Express Employment Professionals almost by accident. At the time, I was seeking a career that allowed me to build something of my own without starting entirely from scratch. Franchising offered a framework for ownership, and Express presented a culture and operational system that resonated deeply with me. From my first day as an outside sales representative, I could see the potential: this was a company that combined the best of corporate support with the feel of a small, community-focused business. Over the years, that initial spark has grown into nine Express locations that I own and operate alongside my wife, Lynn, each one reflecting a commitment to service, excellence, and community impact.
Balancing Independence with Structure
One of the most compelling aspects of franchising with a service brand like Express is the balance between independence and structure. When you own a franchise, you have the freedom to lead and innovate, but you also have the support of a system designed to maximize success. The Express framework has been invaluable in helping me navigate challenges, much as I learned to in the military: adapt, persevere, and lead from the front. This structure has allowed me to focus on what I love most—helping people find meaningful work while building a thriving business.
Choosing a service brand like Express also aligns with my personal values. Our work is fundamentally about people: connecting job seekers with companies that need their skills, and providing a reliable, customized service that goes beyond simply filling a position. Many businesses think staffing is a transactional activity, but at Express, we see ourselves as an extension of our clients’ teams. We manage recruitment, support HR processes, and anticipate staffing needs so that companies can focus on growth. That proactive approach sets us apart in a competitive industry and allows us to consistently deliver value.
Of course, running multiple franchises is not without its challenges. The key to success is people. I am fortunate to have a team that shares my customer-first mentality and commitment to excellence. Many of my co-owners started in our offices as employees, working their way up through the system. By cultivating talent and empowering motivated individuals to take ownership, we ensure that each location operates at peak performance. Leadership, accountability, and a service-oriented mindset are core to every role, and that foundation allows us to scale without sacrificing quality or culture.
Leading Through People and Mentorship
Franchising with a service brand demands a combination of skills: leadership, sales acumen, financial management, and operational oversight. In my experience, the most successful franchise owners bring a servant’s heart to the role. They are willing to sell, coach, and support at every level. They embrace the evolution of growth, continually learning through leadership programs, profit-and-loss management training, and operational guidance provided by the franchise system. Attributes like perseverance, grit, dedication, and consistency, values instilled in me during my military service, translate directly into this business environment.
One of the most rewarding aspects of owning an Express franchise is the ability to mentor others. Just as I benefited from guidance early in my career, I now have the opportunity to help employees and partners achieve their own professional goals. Many of our co-owners started as front-line team members, and by sharing knowledge, resources, and encouragement, we empower them to grow alongside us. Watching people succeed and seeing the impact of meaningful work on their lives is a constant reminder of why this business matters.
Beyond that, community involvement is central to our identity. We participate in local events, sponsor initiatives, and remain present in the neighborhoods where we operate. Being seen and engaged reinforces the value we bring and the impact we have on the communities we serve.
Continuing to Serve Through Entrepreneurship
For anyone considering a service brand, my advice is simple: choose a model you believe in and be prepared to work hard. The Express system is proven and supportive, but success requires resilience, adaptability, and a genuine commitment to your clients and team. The ROI can be tremendous, but more importantly, the fulfillment that comes from making a real difference in people’s lives is unmatched.
Bob Funk, Express’s co-founder, coined the term “doctors of hope” because we never know the challenges our clients and associates are facing when they come to us. What we do know is that by connecting the right people to the right opportunities, we can transform lives. Every placement, every new hire, every client relationship represents a tangible impact, and that motivates us to continually improve, innovate, and lead by example.
Looking back, my journey from soldier to franchise owner has been guided by a simple principle: do the right thing for people, consistently and with integrity. The lessons I learned in the Army—discipline, perseverance, adaptability—have served me well, but the satisfaction of helping others achieve their goals surpasses any personal accolade. Franchising with Express has allowed me to merge entrepreneurial ambition with a service-driven mission, and that combination has made all the difference.
For veterans considering the transition to entrepreneurship, service-based franchising offers a unique path. It provides structure, support, and the opportunity to make a meaningful difference while building a sustainable business. For me, Express has not just been a career. It has been a way to continue serving, in a different capacity, by empowering others to find purpose, stability, and success. It’s a journey I am proud of, and one I hope inspires others to explore the possibilities that franchising can offer.