Express Employment Professionals, the leading staffing franchise in North America, set an ambitious goal of awarding 54 new franchises in 2025. But for Melissa Davis, Vice President of Franchising at Express, the numbers are only part of the story.
“We’re proud to have welcomed 41 new franchise owners into the Express family so far this year, but our focus goes far beyond the numbers,” Davis said. “It’s really about the lives we impact and the businesses we help build in communities across North America. With more than 4,000 unique franchise brands across North America, sustained interest in Express is a clear signal of the strength and differentiation of our model.”
That trust and staying power have defined Express for more than 40 years, and Davis sees them as a key driver of the brand’s consistent, year-over-year growth. Now, under her guidance, Express is not only meeting ambitious franchise development goals but also solidifying its position as a trusted leader in a competitive market.
For prospective owners, Davis says the opportunity to join Express has never been stronger.
“For people who have the desire to be their own boss and take control of their future, Express is the perfect opportunity to be in business for yourself, but not by yourself,” Davis said. “One of the biggest benefits of owning a business in the staffing industry is the ability to create meaningful impact while building a scalable, resilient business. You’re not just providing a service — you’re connecting people with jobs, helping businesses grow and contributing directly to the health of your local economy.”
The proof is in the accolades. Express has been named the No. 1 staffing franchise by Entrepreneur magazine for 14 consecutive years, underscoring the credibility and support that franchisees receive.
While economic cycles come and go, staffing has proven to be one of the most resilient industries in franchising.
“Nearly every company needs talent — in good economic times and even during downturns,” Davis said. “In fact, during times of uncertainty, many companies rely more on staffing partners to help them stay agile and flexible. That gives staffing businesses a level of built-in resilience you don’t often find in other industries.”
Unlike inventory-heavy or capital-intensive businesses, staffing relies primarily on people and relationships, making it both scalable and adaptable.
One notable trend in 2025 has been the surge in resale opportunities, which Davis views as a healthy sign for the system.
“In franchising, you’ll typically see between 8% and 12% of the system turn over annually for various reasons,” she said. “As a 40-year brand, we’ve had many owners build generational success who are now positioning themselves for retirement or shifting to a new chapter in their lives. This has created an incredible opportunity for the next generation of franchisees to become owners in markets where we were previously sold out.”
Resale locations allow new owners to step into established, turnkey businesses and bypass the startup phase, a win-win for both the outgoing and incoming owners.
Looking ahead, Davis is mindful of challenges in the business landscape, particularly around franchise financing.
“SBA funding is something we’re watching closely,” she said. “There are several new or renewed hurdles that franchisees are facing due to changes in SBA rules, lender behavior and macroeconomic pressures. Luckily, several vendors within the franchise industry work closely with prospective owners to help them secure funding and navigate the changing landscape.”
As Express moves toward closing out 2025 and preparing for 2026, Davis remains focused on one central priority: franchisee support.
“At Express, we live by the motto, ‘Franchisees First,’” Davis said. “Our owners are dedicated to helping as many people as possible find good jobs by assisting as many clients as possible in finding good people. Our top priority at headquarters is to support their efforts and provide them with the tools and resources they need to put a million people to work annually.”
Express seeks franchisees who are more than just business-minded; they must be community leaders.
“Our ideal franchise owners possess a high degree of sales acumen and a deeply rooted passion for helping people,” Davis said. “Our owners are full-time operators and local to the communities they serve. They’ve led and managed teams and are driven by big ambition.”
From its entrepreneurial beginnings in 1983 to its status today as a global staffing leader, Express Employment Professionals has thrived by putting people first. Under Davis’ leadership, the franchise development team is building on that legacy while charting a bold path forward.
For prospective franchise owners, the initial investment to launch an Express traditional model ranges between $131,000 to $241,700, inclusive of a $40,000 franchise fee. In 20 select markets across North America, Express is offering a 50% discount on the initial franchise fee - reducing the upfront costs and giving new owners more working capital to launch and grow their business. More details regarding franchise costs can be found at https://1851franchise.com/expressemployment/info.
Express Employment Professionals
SPONSORED
As Vice President of Franchising at Express Employment Professionals, Davis shares how strong leadership, vision, and franchisee support are driving growth in today’s workforce solutions industry.
Express Employment Professionals, the leading staffing franchise in North America, set an ambitious goal of awarding 54 new franchises in 2025. But for Melissa Davis, Vice President of Franchising at Express, the numbers are only part of the story.
“We’re proud to have welcomed 41 new franchise owners into the Express family so far this year, but our focus goes far beyond the numbers,” Davis said. “It’s really about the lives we impact and the businesses we help build in communities across North America. With more than 4,000 unique franchise brands across North America, sustained interest in Express is a clear signal of the strength and differentiation of our model.”
That trust and staying power have defined Express for more than 40 years, and Davis sees them as a key driver of the brand’s consistent, year-over-year growth. Now, under her guidance, Express is not only meeting ambitious franchise development goals but also solidifying its position as a trusted leader in a competitive market.
For prospective owners, Davis says the opportunity to join Express has never been stronger.
“For people who have the desire to be their own boss and take control of their future, Express is the perfect opportunity to be in business for yourself, but not by yourself,” Davis said. “One of the biggest benefits of owning a business in the staffing industry is the ability to create meaningful impact while building a scalable, resilient business. You’re not just providing a service — you’re connecting people with jobs, helping businesses grow and contributing directly to the health of your local economy.”
The proof is in the accolades. Express has been named the No. 1 staffing franchise by Entrepreneur magazine for 14 consecutive years, underscoring the credibility and support that franchisees receive.
While economic cycles come and go, staffing has proven to be one of the most resilient industries in franchising.
“Nearly every company needs talent — in good economic times and even during downturns,” Davis said. “In fact, during times of uncertainty, many companies rely more on staffing partners to help them stay agile and flexible. That gives staffing businesses a level of built-in resilience you don’t often find in other industries.”
Unlike inventory-heavy or capital-intensive businesses, staffing relies primarily on people and relationships, making it both scalable and adaptable.
One notable trend in 2025 has been the surge in resale opportunities, which Davis views as a healthy sign for the system.
“In franchising, you’ll typically see between 8% and 12% of the system turn over annually for various reasons,” she said. “As a 40-year brand, we’ve had many owners build generational success who are now positioning themselves for retirement or shifting to a new chapter in their lives. This has created an incredible opportunity for the next generation of franchisees to become owners in markets where we were previously sold out.”
Resale locations allow new owners to step into established, turnkey businesses and bypass the startup phase, a win-win for both the outgoing and incoming owners.
Looking ahead, Davis is mindful of challenges in the business landscape, particularly around franchise financing.
“SBA funding is something we’re watching closely,” she said. “There are several new or renewed hurdles that franchisees are facing due to changes in SBA rules, lender behavior and macroeconomic pressures. Luckily, several vendors within the franchise industry work closely with prospective owners to help them secure funding and navigate the changing landscape.”
As Express moves toward closing out 2025 and preparing for 2026, Davis remains focused on one central priority: franchisee support.
“At Express, we live by the motto, ‘Franchisees First,’” Davis said. “Our owners are dedicated to helping as many people as possible find good jobs by assisting as many clients as possible in finding good people. Our top priority at headquarters is to support their efforts and provide them with the tools and resources they need to put a million people to work annually.”
Express seeks franchisees who are more than just business-minded; they must be community leaders.
“Our ideal franchise owners possess a high degree of sales acumen and a deeply rooted passion for helping people,” Davis said. “Our owners are full-time operators and local to the communities they serve. They’ve led and managed teams and are driven by big ambition.”
From its entrepreneurial beginnings in 1983 to its status today as a global staffing leader, Express Employment Professionals has thrived by putting people first. Under Davis’ leadership, the franchise development team is building on that legacy while charting a bold path forward.
For prospective franchise owners, the initial investment to launch an Express traditional model ranges between $131,000 to $241,700, inclusive of a $40,000 franchise fee. In 20 select markets across North America, Express is offering a 50% discount on the initial franchise fee - reducing the upfront costs and giving new owners more working capital to launch and grow their business. More details regarding franchise costs can be found at https://1851franchise.com/expressemployment/info.
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