With a strong network of franchisees already established in Ontario, Express Employment Professionals has identified the Canadian province as a key region for strategic franchise growth. Ontario's vibrant economy, large workforce, and diverse industries create a prime opportunity for the brand’s expansion, with both resale and new territories available.

Why Ontario?

Express Employment Professionals has a deep history in Ontario, dating back more than three decades. Dan Gunderson, a certified franchise executive with Express, emphasizes the brand’s established success in the region. 

“Our original Express office in Canada was in Ontario over 30 years ago. A lot of our original successful franchisees were in the system for a long time and still have ties to offices there,” Gunderson said. “We have a really good, long-standing history of success there with quality owners who have led and developed teams who have gone on to become owners themselves.”

Today, Ontario is home to 22 Express offices, with opportunities for new franchisees to join the family. Gunderson points to the growth potential in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and beyond, noting that Ontario has a unique mix of industries, all of which align with Express’s staffing model. 

“Ontario is an international hotbed of a city — immigration, a lot of people who want to start their own business. There is a mix of light industrial, skill trades and more, so it really fits our model,” Gunderson said. “The growth that area has as well — not just the city but the outlying areas as well in the GTA. It creates a lot of potential for prospective franchisees for us.”

A Proven Franchise Model and Support System

The Express model in Ontario is designed to help franchisees thrive in a competitive market by providing them with the tools to effectively manage their business and meet the unique demands of the staffing industry. 

For example, Express’s Ontario franchisees benefit from comprehensive support, including daily operational assistance from headquarters. “We also have a lot of support from regional developers who mentor and coach new owners,” said Gunderson. “They know the system, the market, and they can be a trusted advisor to new owners.”

Express’s real estate strategy is also tailored to keep initial investment and operating expenses low, focusing on mid-tier retail centers or business parks that offer accessibility without the need for prime location premiums. 

“We also have an incentive program right now for franchisees that reimburses half or all of the franchise fee if they reach certain sales milestones within our Fast Track program,” said Gunderson. “Seventy percent of our franchisees reach that milestone.”

A Franchisee’s Perspective on Success in Ontario

Bradley Jenkins, an Ontario franchisee and regional developer, has built his career with Express after years in the travel and tourism industry. His journey from employment specialist to franchise owner highlights the growth potential within the Express system. 

“When I came to Canada, I had done some recruitment in England,” said Jenkins. “Within a couple of years of working in that role, I turned to staffing in professional roles and was offered a job by one of our clients. I enjoyed giving clients and associates what they were looking for. This was back in 2016. I had one full-time staff member, and now we have nine staff members and we moved offices back in 2022. We’ve grown the brand significantly locally, and as a regional developer, I now support several other offices. I really enjoy helping people achieve their goals with their businesses.”

Jenkins believes Ontario is underserved by quality staffing partners, making it a fertile ground for prospective franchisees. 

“The staffing industry is very appealing to people who want to work in an industry built on relationships,” said Jenkins. “You’re moving people from point A to point B, which you can’t see or touch — it’s all about building connections. A lot of people get involved in recruiting, but very few truly master it. It’s like poker: easy to learn, hard to master. Our service proposition is what really sets us apart; we can fully control the quality of our service. We’re confident that our team can consistently provide the best service in the industry.”

Express offices are locally-owned, for example, Jenkins says, and most staff live in the communities they serve. “We have the support of a large international franchisor, but at the core, we’re still small business owners,” he said. “You have to dedicate the first two to three years to building the business, but then you start to see the fruits of your labor. Ultimately, our success is only possible because of the amazing people we have on our team.”

Key Market Opportunities in Ontario

With over a dozen new territories available and several resale offices ready to transition to new ownership, Ontario presents opportunities for both new and experienced franchisees. Express has recently listed two notable resales: one in Brantford and another in Toronto North, providing franchisees the chance to take over established, well-performing offices with strong reputations in their communities.

With the backing of a proven franchise model, robust support systems and a network of franchisees ready to support new owners, now is an ideal time to invest in an Express franchise in Ontario.

The initial investment ranges from $132,000 to $213,000 to open an Express single traditional model, with a franchise fee of $40,000. For territories open more than 24 months, average sales in 2023 were $5,979,665. For territories open more than 60 months, average sales in 2023 were $6,421,874. First-year offices averaged $1,346,028 annual sales according to Item 19 in the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) This statement is for information purposes only and is not intended as an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy a franchise.

To find out more information on the costs to buy this franchise, please visit: https://1851franchise.com/expressemployment/info.

With a strong network of franchisees already established in Ontario, Express Employment Professionals has identified the Canadian province as a key region for strategic franchise growth. Ontario's vibrant economy, large workforce, and diverse industries create a prime opportunity for the brand’s expansion, with both resale and new territories available.

Why Ontario?

Express Employment Professionals has a deep history in Ontario, dating back more than three decades. Dan Gunderson, a certified franchise executive with Express, emphasizes the brand’s established success in the region. 

“Our original Express office in Canada was in Ontario over 30 years ago. A lot of our original successful franchisees were in the system for a long time and still have ties to offices there,” Gunderson said. “We have a really good, long-standing history of success there with quality owners who have led and developed teams who have gone on to become owners themselves.”

Today, Ontario is home to 22 Express offices, with opportunities for new franchisees to join the family. Gunderson points to the growth potential in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and beyond, noting that Ontario has a unique mix of industries, all of which align with Express’s staffing model. 

“Ontario is an international hotbed of a city — immigration, a lot of people who want to start their own business. There is a mix of light industrial, skill trades and more, so it really fits our model,” Gunderson said. “The growth that area has as well — not just the city but the outlying areas as well in the GTA. It creates a lot of potential for prospective franchisees for us.”

A Proven Franchise Model and Support System

The Express model in Ontario is designed to help franchisees thrive in a competitive market by providing them with the tools to effectively manage their business and meet the unique demands of the staffing industry. 

For example, Express’s Ontario franchisees benefit from comprehensive support, including daily operational assistance from headquarters. “We also have a lot of support from regional developers who mentor and coach new owners,” said Gunderson. “They know the system, the market, and they can be a trusted advisor to new owners.”

Express’s real estate strategy is also tailored to keep initial investment and operating expenses low, focusing on mid-tier retail centers or business parks that offer accessibility without the need for prime location premiums. 

“We also have an incentive program right now for franchisees that reimburses half or all of the franchise fee if they reach certain sales milestones within our Fast Track program,” said Gunderson. “Seventy percent of our franchisees reach that milestone.”

A Franchisee’s Perspective on Success in Ontario

Bradley Jenkins, an Ontario franchisee and regional developer, has built his career with Express after years in the travel and tourism industry. His journey from employment specialist to franchise owner highlights the growth potential within the Express system. 

“When I came to Canada, I had done some recruitment in England,” said Jenkins. “Within a couple of years of working in that role, I turned to staffing in professional roles and was offered a job by one of our clients. I enjoyed giving clients and associates what they were looking for. This was back in 2016. I had one full-time staff member, and now we have nine staff members and we moved offices back in 2022. We’ve grown the brand significantly locally, and as a regional developer, I now support several other offices. I really enjoy helping people achieve their goals with their businesses.”

Jenkins believes Ontario is underserved by quality staffing partners, making it a fertile ground for prospective franchisees. 

“The staffing industry is very appealing to people who want to work in an industry built on relationships,” said Jenkins. “You’re moving people from point A to point B, which you can’t see or touch — it’s all about building connections. A lot of people get involved in recruiting, but very few truly master it. It’s like poker: easy to learn, hard to master. Our service proposition is what really sets us apart; we can fully control the quality of our service. We’re confident that our team can consistently provide the best service in the industry.”

Express offices are locally-owned, for example, Jenkins says, and most staff live in the communities they serve. “We have the support of a large international franchisor, but at the core, we’re still small business owners,” he said. “You have to dedicate the first two to three years to building the business, but then you start to see the fruits of your labor. Ultimately, our success is only possible because of the amazing people we have on our team.”

Key Market Opportunities in Ontario

With over a dozen new territories available and several resale offices ready to transition to new ownership, Ontario presents opportunities for both new and experienced franchisees. Express has recently listed two notable resales: one in Brantford and another in Toronto North, providing franchisees the chance to take over established, well-performing offices with strong reputations in their communities.

With the backing of a proven franchise model, robust support systems and a network of franchisees ready to support new owners, now is an ideal time to invest in an Express franchise in Ontario.

The initial investment ranges from $132,000 to $213,000 to open an Express single traditional model, with a franchise fee of $40,000. For territories open more than 24 months, average sales in 2023 were $5,979,665. For territories open more than 60 months, average sales in 2023 were $6,421,874. First-year offices averaged $1,346,028 annual sales according to Item 19 in the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) This statement is for information purposes only and is not intended as an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy a franchise.

To find out more information on the costs to buy this franchise, please visit: https://1851franchise.com/expressemployment/info.

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Luca Piacentini

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Luca Piacentini

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1851 Managing Editor

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