Phil Frassinelli, a proud multi-unit owner with Spherion Staffing & Recruiting, operates six thriving branches across Pennsylvania, including Scranton, Bethlehem, Wilkes-Barre, Reading, Harrisburg, and Carlisle. With a dedicated team of 16 employees, Phil has built a business rooted in high performance and local expertise. A former Spherion employee turned franchisee, Phil’s entrepreneurial journey began after a market downturn in 2009 inspired him to invest in the brand he knew and believed in. Drawing on his background in client relationships and business development, Phil grew his business from the ground up in markets that were entirely new to him. His advice for future franchisees? Stay sales-minded, understand the financial model, and be prepared to invest in the long game.
In a few sentences, please tell us a little about yourself!
I’m from Allentown, Pennsylvania, and currently live there. My professional background was in client relationships and new business development. My hobbies are sports, sports cars, music, and fish keeping. I’ve been married for 11 years and have a 9-year-old son.
What made you decide to look into purchasing a franchise?
I always had a desire to be an entrepreneur. And I’ve also always been a sales-minded individual. I love the idea of controlling my own destiny. I was an employee of Spherion Staffing & Recruiting and, unfortunately, lost my job due to a market downturn in 2009. Then I found out Spherion offered franchises, and that I could invest in the company by opening my own location with the brand.
During your research, did you use FBR’s website to compare franchise opportunities? What other resources did you use?
No, although I had various discussions with other entrepreneurs to hone in on what was available.
Financing can be an obstacle and/or intimidating factor for aspiring entrepreneurs. How did you find financing options to purchase your franchise? Did you opt for 401K ROBs, SBA Loan, or other options?
At that time, Spherion offered an inside track loan with very favorable terms for Spherion employees to help start the business.
How does the franchisor support and encourage your success?
Spherion has support services and processes in place to help with marketing, sales, back office, billing, and collections. They have a seasoned team with plenty of staffing experience who are readily available to us.
What are you most proud of and why?
Starting a business with my parents from zero and growing it in markets that we have never serviced. It has been a special journey.
What advice would you give to new or potential franchise buyers?
Understand the economics between the franchisor and franchisee. Have access to reserve capital because it takes time to begin to be profitable. Ensure that you have a sales-minded approach in everything that you do. In other words, keep the main thing the main thing.
