Chad Drainer, franchise owner at Express Employment Professionals, was awarded the Excellence in Franchising Award due to his deep commitment to supporting his community, his willingness to invest in his team’s development, and his continued leadership in new client development.
Chad is deeply committed to supporting local families, schools, veterans, and charitable organizations throughout North Central West Virginia and beyond – his actions noticeably go above and beyond.
He regularly sponsors food drives in partnership with trusted local charities, helping ensure families have access to essential food and personal care items during times of need. He’s also an avid supporter of Operation Welcome Home, a local veterans assistance program, as well as Empty Bowls, a North Central West Virginia initiative focused on fighting hunger and food insecurity.
Chad also has a passion for helping others’ growth and development. He recently stepped into the role of Director of the Emerging Entrepreneur program for Express. Chad’s dedication to the role of recruiting, selecting, and being part of the development process of these Emerging Entrepreneurs, with the eventual outcome of them hopefully completing the program and becoming franchisees, is evident.
These efforts reflect Chad’s belief that being a local business owner means more than providing jobs; it means strengthening the community, supporting families in times of need, honoring veterans, and creating a workplace culture rooted in compassion and service.
We also sat down with Chad to talk about his experience owning his franchise, watch the 20-minute conversation!
Read Our Q&A With Chad Drainer, Franchise Owner at Express Employment Professionals
When did you start your business?
I’ve been an Express Employment Professionals franchise owner since 2014. I own the Morgantown, WV, location.
During your research, what made your franchise brand stand out?
What stood out most was the longevity and consistency of the brand, paired with a strong growth trajectory. Express has a proven operating model with clear systems and processes, but what truly differentiated it was the culture: a family-oriented environment that genuinely puts franchisees first.
The brand’s commitment to ongoing training, development, and continuous improvement gave me confidence that I wouldn’t just be launching a business, but joining a long-term partnership focused on helping franchisees succeed.
How did your franchisor help to prepare for and launch your business?
Express provided a very structured and thorough pre-opening process. From initial training to ongoing support, there was a clear roadmap for how to operate the business effectively from day one.
Beyond systems and tools, they emphasized leadership development, accountability, and best practices learned from decades of experience. That combination of hands-on training, proven systems, and access to experienced support teams made the launch process manageable and set a strong foundation early on.
What advice would you give potential franchisees considering your brand?
Be prepared to fully commit to the process and the systems. The model is proven, but success comes from executing consistently and being coachable.
If you value collaboration, ongoing learning, and surrounding yourself with other high-performing franchisees, this is a great environment. Treat it like a long-term business, invest in your people, and lean into the available support.
What specific things set YOUR franchise apart?
Our focus on the continued development of internal team members and accountability sets us apart. We are very intentional about training our internal team, setting clear expectations, and creating a culture where everyone understands how their role contributes to client and associate success.
We also place a strong emphasis on relationships – with clients, associates, and within our team – which has helped us build trust, retention, and long-term partnerships in our market.
What specific things contributed to your success?
Consistency, discipline, and a willingness to follow the system have been key contributors. We track the right metrics, focus on continuous improvement, and address challenges early rather than letting them linger.
Investing in leadership development and staying engaged with franchise training and leaning into peer relationships has also played a major role in our sustained success.
What unique strengths and skills do YOU bring to your franchise?
A strong combination of operational discipline, team development, and strategic thinking. We focus heavily on coaching, mentoring, and developing others, which creates stability and scalability in the business. We’re also very committed to self-improvement -personally and professionally – and apply those lessons directly to how we lead our team and serve our clients.
What is something that might surprise people about franchise ownership?
Many people are surprised by how much autonomy franchisees truly have. While there is a proven system to follow, success still depends heavily on leadership, decision-making, and culture at the local level.
It’s not passive ownership, it’s an opportunity to build something meaningful with strong support behind you, while still having the responsibility and pride of running your own business.
The Express Employment Professionals Franchise Opportunity:
Express Employment Professionals has been franchising since 1985. Today, they have 800+ locations throughout the U.S, Canada, and South Africa. They are the #1 flexible staffing franchise for people, communities, and businesses.
Each year, they use the FBR franchisee satisfaction survey to gain unbiased insights into their franchisees, and they have ranked highly on our unbiased awards lists for many years, including:
- Top 200 Franchise of 2026
- Top Franchises for Culture
- Top Franchises for Women
- Most Profitable Franchises
- Top Franchises for Veterans
- Most Innovative Franchises
Interested in Becoming an Express Employment Franchise Owner?
Express Employment Professionals franchisees fill a real need by matching local businesses with qualified employees seeking work. Many franchise owners express excitement about their work-life balance and the potential for higher income.
To learn more about the Express Employment franchise opportunity and get more information, call 877-652-6400 or visit expressfranchising.com
