Angela Swarts is one of the most successful franchisees in the Spherion Staffing & Recruiting franchise. She was a Spherion employee long before becoming a franchise owner. She started as an entry-level staff member and successfully worked her way up the executive chain until she’d familiarized herself with every aspect of the business model. This knowledge and experience gave her the confidence to buy a Spherion franchise from her employer, an existing owner in Augusta, Georgia, at the age of 28.
Once an owner, Angela continued to win—building her business along the way. She kept her nose to the grindstone, powering through 12-hour days until she could hire her first manager to oversee things. This change allowed her to focus her efforts on growing the business full-time – which helped her to continue doubling the operation’s revenue year after year, even during slower economic times. For this enviable achievement and many others, it should be no surprise that Spherion crowned Angela as their “Franchisee of the Year” in 2023.
In her own words, Angela shares her journey to franchise ownership and Spherion Franchise Owner of the Year—for the second time.
Why did you purchase a Spherion franchise rather than start an independent business?
I started my staffing career with Spherion, working under another franchisee for six years. I was already familiar with my franchisor and knew about all the training and support that Spherion Staffing and Recruiting offers to help drive franchisee success. I was also passionate about the brand and its growth trajectory, so it was easy to transition into the role of franchise owner.
Which of your prior skills and experiences are most helpful in operating your business?
All of them! I started as a recruiter before transitioning to the role of large accounts manager. I switched to sales as a business development manager and eventually became a branch manager. Having worked in all facets of the business, I understood what it takes to drive and grow a staffing business.
When considering buying a franchise, what criteria mattered to you most?
I was 28 when I purchased my Spherion franchise in 1995, and at that time, I didn’t know what I didn’t know! I knew I could accomplish anything I set my mind to, and that’s what I did. I took a leap of faith and signed the contract!
Which questions did you ask before buying your franchise?
When I elected to purchase the franchise from the existing franchisee, he was set up with a different franchise owner agreement than the model available to me. So, I asked many questions about the technology, payroll, workers’ compensation, AR support, marketing, and other aspects of the newer business model. However, having already experienced many of Spherion‘s training programs and field support, I was confident that my franchisor was there to help me grow my market and business success.
What were your biggest challenges when you first started out?
I started with a two-person operation. Once business started ramping up, my biggest challenge was learning all the new technologies and straddling the recruiter desk while driving sales. Our focus was growth, and 12-hour days were the norm initially. However, our efforts steadily grew the business until I could add a team member to manage recruiting while I continued focusing on market development. Today, I have 12 employees.
How does the Spherion franchise support and encourage your success?
Spherion has supported me from the very start with ongoing training and coaching—for me and my team—in all aspects of the business, including sales and market development. Our marketing team engages our audiences with customized, location-specific ad campaigns across digital, radio, television, and print media. At the risk of sounding cheesy, they are like a genie in a bottle: You make a wish, and poof, they work with you to make it a reality!
What are you most proud of and why?
I’m very proud of not only surviving but thriving over the years. My teams experienced double-digit growth through the Y2K years and the market crash of 2008 to the slowdown of the COVID-19 years. Spherion named me their Owner of the Year for the second time in 2023. I love winning! 
What advice would you give to potential Spherion franchise owners?
As long as you’re willing to put in the effort, franchise ownership with Spherion is the best decision you can make. Franchising is a marathon, not a sprint, but the journey is oh-so-fulfilling.
Exploring the Spherion Staffing and Recruiting Franchise Opportunity
Spherion’s franchise opportunity builds upon 75+ years of experience and a wealth of workforce knowledge. Join an established brand and a peer-supported company. The brand offers single and multi-unit opportunities tailored to each franchisee’s goals and market potential.
To learn more about the Spherion Franchise Opportunity, visit Spherion.com/franchising, email [email protected]m, or call 951-587-6864.
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