Molly Gaffney-Keebler has been the proud owner of Spherion Staffing & Recruiting in Asheville, North Carolina, since 2016. She later expanded to Morristown, Tennessee, in 2022. With no background in staffing, Molly leaned on Spherion’s robust support system and hands-on training to confidently launch and grow her business, now being recognized as a Rock Star in the Giving Back category. Today, her franchise is one of the largest staffing agencies in western North Carolina—proof that heart, hustle, and the proper support can create real community impact. Molly’s journey is rooted in purpose: empowering others, building a strong team culture, and giving back to the communities she serves.
During your research, what made your franchise brand stand out?
There were several things that stood out to me when researching the Spherion franchise. However, two were head and shoulders above other brands in the staffing and recruiting franchise model.
Firstly, the strong sense of community among the franchise owners was a big draw for us. The long-standing tenure of many franchisees, plus the camaraderie and help franchise owners were willing to give was, and is, immeasurable. The Spherion franchise community is like no other, which is why so many of us call one another family.
Secondly, the Spherion-Randstad collaboration and partnership are unlike other franchise models. I was drawn to the autonomy of being a business owner and the ability to fulfill my entrepreneurial spirit, while also having the security of a brand powerhouse behind me. The Spherion-Randstad partnership has helped my business grow year over year for eight consecutive years. That is one great business model!
How did your franchisor help you prepare for and launch your business?
My husband, Joe, and I did not come from a staffing background: I was an English teacher. In addition, Joe and I operated a rental property business. We were both a little apprehensive about the learning curve. Spherion has a hands-on training program that starts long before you open your doors. That support system is invaluable!
Our training started with one-on-one weekly, sometimes daily calls to ensure we were on track and prepared for the front and back office operations. In that process, we learned the ins and outs of the CRM we use daily, as well as safety, HR, compliance, and office operations that were critical to contracts, billing, and payroll.
Our marketing department is one of the best around. As new franchisees, we received a new office marketing kit with branded materials and lots of items we were able to use at job fairs and in sales. Marketing was instrumental in helping us with our online presence and brand recognition. Eight years ago, no one in our market knew who Spherion was. Today, we are one of the largest staffing companies in western North Carolina (WNC), and we have the most Google reviews and the highest ratings around.
Because our business is now mature, we don’t need the hands-on training and help that we used to. But we have a team of industry experts and leaders at our disposal in the event that we do. That reassurance is key to our continued growth and development.
What advice would you give to potential franchisees considering your brand?
I would tell potential Spherion franchisees that, like any business, the more you put in, the more you get out. Staffing and recruiting require an active franchisee who drives the business forward and maintains the urgency and activity needed for success. Even as our business has grown and matured, we are still driving and innovating daily.
The staffing and recruiting business is based on sales and service. Neither of those can be neglected or ignored. Franchisees must be willing and able to work at both simultaneously and at times independently.
Name three things that empower your success
Three key things that have empowered our success with Spherion: First is the trust we have built within our team. That trust has helped foster strong relationships and a sense of belonging. Second is the encouragement of open communication. We cultivate and promote open communication to enable effective collaboration and innovation. Third, we prioritize our team having personal and professional growth opportunities so they can continually improve their skills and develop confidence.
What are the causes closest to your heart and why?
We believe in empowerment and helping others. That philosophy starts with respect and kindness, and is our office WHY. We give to a plethora of organizations that are committed to the betterment of individuals. We have given annually to Girls Inc of Hamblen County, the Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College’s R.A.M.P Scholarship, Women for Women of WNC, and local food banks. Because of Hurricane Helene, we have also given to the Asheville Buncombe Rebuilding Together Fund.
How does business ownership empower you to give back or “pay it forward”?
Staffing and recruiting is a business that allows me and my team to make real, substantive change in people’s lives. We give second chances to individuals and marginalized people who are in challenging circumstances and may even be forgotten by society. My team and I have the ability to make intrinsic changes in the lives of others and in our community. There is no better feeling than to have a candidate we placed on assignment come into our office and thank us for helping to make a small, but meaningful change in their life.
What is your proudest achievement?
My proudest achievement has been creating an impactful, enduring business. My team and I have demonstrated remarkable resiliency and determination in the face of a pandemic and a 1,000-year flood with Hurricane Helene. Business success is hard enough without overcoming such extreme obstacles. I am most proud of how this business has benefited me, my family, my internal team, and the community at large.
