Express Employment Professionals is entering the second half of 2026 with franchise development accelerating across North America. Through the first six months of the year, the staffing franchise has welcomed 27 new franchise owners into the system, including startup offices in Ontario, Ohio, and North Carolina, while completing multiple ownership transfers in established territories across New Jersey, New York, California and Kentucky.

The momentum puts Express on pace to welcome approximately 55 new franchise owners by year-end, continuing the steady expansion of one of the staffing industry's most established franchise systems.

"It's been a very good year development-wise," said Vice President of Franchising Melissa Davis. "We are outpacing the same time last year and we still have more than 125 available markets across the U.S. Some of our priority markets moving forward include California, Texas, Ohio, Georgia, Maryland, Pennsylvania and Ontario."

As economic uncertainty continues across many industries, Express believes staffing remains one of the strongest franchise opportunities because employers continue hiring regardless of market conditions.

"The staffing industry is truly recession-resilient," Davis said. "For aspiring entrepreneurs who are looking to become business owners, this is a really attractive offering. Companies always need to hire and people always need jobs. For that reason, there are a lot of recurring revenue opportunities in this business model."

The company is also expanding opportunities beyond traditional staffing through the continued rollout of Express Healthcare, a dedicated healthcare staffing franchise operating under the Express umbrella.

One of the biggest differentiators helping new franchise owners launch successfully is Express' Fast Track incentive, which allows qualifying startup owners to earn back up to 100% of their initial franchise fee by achieving specific performance milestones during their first 26 weeks. New owners can earn 50% of their franchise fee back by achieving Fast Track and 100% back by accomplishing both Fast Track benchmarks through the Double Fast Track program.

The program isn't simply a financial incentive. It establishes clear activity goals that reinforce the sales habits and operational discipline required to build a successful staffing business.

"I thought the benefit of earning your initial fee back if you hit Fast Track was a great perk," said Express franchise owner Julie Barrera. "I had a lot of confidence in myself and my experience, and it didn't seem like too far-fetched of a goal."

Likewise, franchise owner Eilish Bel credited the program with helping her office establish momentum almost immediately after opening. "I hit it in week nine and then I hit the double in week 18," Bel said. "What I did was follow the process."

Beyond franchise development, Express also brought together franchise owners, executives and employees from around the world during its 2026 International Leadership Conference in Nashville. The annual gathering celebrated top-performing franchise owners and team members while reinforcing the company's mission of helping people find meaningful work and helping businesses build stronger teams.

Among the conference's highest honors, Laura and Greg Sulentic of Lincoln, Nebraska, were recognized as the 2026 Franchisees of the Year.

"ILC is where our franchise family comes together to celebrate wins, learn from one another and chart the course ahead," said CEO Bob Funk Jr. “This year's honorees remind us what it means to lead with heart, integrity and a commitment to improving lives.”

The conference also featured keynote presentations from Academy Award-winning actor Matthew McConaughey alongside recognition of outstanding employees, franchise leaders and corporate team members whose leadership continues shaping the future of the organization.

With development ahead of last year's pace, more than 125 territories still available, new franchise concepts expanding under the Express umbrella and continued investment in franchise owner support, Express believes its strongest opportunities remain ahead.

"Our goal is to welcome 55 new owners into the system this year," Davis said. "Between the strength of the staffing industry, the opportunities available across North America and the support we provide our franchise owners, we're excited about where we're headed."

For more information on buying an Express Employment Professionals franchise, please visit https://1851franchise.com/expressemployment.