Greg Forrest’s journey into franchise ownership was built on a foundation of 27 years of professional experience across Fortune 500 companies, small businesses, and entrepreneurship. After facing growth challenges with his independent staffing agency, Greg found that joining the Spherion franchise was the perfect solution. With the backing of Spherion Staffing & Recruiting, Greg could focus on growing his business while benefiting from the infrastructure and support of a well-established brand. In this Q&A, Greg shares how his passion for connecting people with opportunities, combined with the resources of Spherion, has allowed him to thrive as a franchisee.
Why did you purchase a Spherion franchise rather than start an independent business?
After 27 years in the professional world, including experience with Fortune 500 companies, small businesses, and entrepreneurship, I found owning my own business most rewarding. However, as a staffing agency owner, I faced significant growth challenges:
- Escalating costs: As the business expanded, expenses like payroll and insurance increased rapidly.
- Cash flow issues: Payment for services rendered is not always a smooth process, which can create cash flow struggles for independent business owners.
These challenges led me to explore staffing industry franchises. I realized that a franchise model could alleviate these problems.
Ultimately, purchasing a Spherion Staffing & Recruiting franchise allowed me to maintain the independence I cherished while gaining the infrastructure and support needed to overcome the hurdles I faced as an independent business owner.
Were you focused on a specific industry or brand from the start?
My focus on the staffing industry was a natural progression of my career path. I’ve developed deep industry knowledge with 25 years of experience in this field. I already understood the intricacies of the staffing world, including client needs, candidate sourcing, and market trends. Over the years, I have also built an extensive professional network, forging strong relationships with clients, candidates, and industry peers. This experience gave me a keen awareness of industry challenges and opportunities, allowing me to identify areas where I could innovate and excel.
Moreover, I remained passionate about the work, maintaining my enthusiasm for connecting people with opportunities and helping businesses find talent. While I did consider other industries, staying in staffing allows me to leverage my expertise and connections fully. It wasn’t just a decision based on familiarity; it was a strategic choice to capitalize on my strengths and the relationships I have cultivated during my career.
Which of your prior skills and experiences are most helpful in operating your Spherion franchise?
Throughout my career, I have developed skills and experiences that have proven invaluable for operating my business. My industry-specific knowledge allowed me to make informed decisions and effectively anticipate challenges. Perhaps most importantly, my enduring passion for the staffing industry—my enthusiasm for connecting people with opportunities and helping businesses find talent—drove me to persist through challenges and continuously improve our services. This passion, cultivated over a quarter-century in the field, provided the motivation and energy to build and sustain a successful business.
When researching franchises to buy, what criteria mattered to you most?
When researching staffing franchises to buy, my top criteria were:
- Brand reputation: A strong, established brand in the staffing industry was crucial for easier client acquisition and candidate attraction.
- Operational support: Comprehensive training programs and ongoing support were essential as I transitioned from independent ownership to a franchise model.
- Technology systems: Advanced solutions for applicant tracking, client management, and back-office operations were a must for maintaining a competitive edge.
- Growth potential: I carefully evaluated market data to ensure sufficient demand and expansion opportunities in the assigned territory.
- Franchisor’s financial health: A financially stable parent company ensured continued support and system-wide improvements.
These criteria helped me select Spherion, a franchise that could address previous challenges, complement my experience, and provide a strong foundation for future success.
Did you use FBR’s website or download franchisee satisfaction reports?
I actively used Franchise Business Review’s website and downloaded several franchisee satisfaction reports during my research phase. As I considered multiple franchise options in the staffing industry, these resources proved invaluable in my decision-making process.
When you spoke with other franchisees, which questions did you ask?
Speaking with existing franchisees was a crucial part of my due diligence process. These conversations provided invaluable insights that went beyond the official franchise materials. I made it a point to speak with several franchisees from different locations and with varying tenures in the system. Some key questions I asked included:
- What’s the most challenging aspect of running this franchise?
- How would you describe the quality and responsiveness of support from the franchisor?
- How long did it take for your franchise to become profitable?
- What’s your relationship like with other franchisees in the system?
- How has the franchise adapted to changes in the staffing industry?
- What surprised you most about owning this franchise?
These conversations helped me better understand what to expect as a Spherion franchisee and significantly influenced my final decision.
Which questions did you ask Spherion leadership?
During my due diligence process, I asked Spherion leadership a comprehensive set of questions to gain a thorough understanding of the opportunity. Some key questions I asked included:
- What sets your franchise apart from other staffing franchises and independent staffing agencies?
- Can you provide detailed financial projections and the average time it takes for a franchise to become profitable?
- What specific support do you offer regarding marketing, technology, and back-office operations?
- How do you help franchisees manage cash flow, especially given the payment cycles typical in the staffing industry?
- What ongoing fees are involved, and what services do these fees cover?
- What criteria do you use to award territories, and how do you prevent oversaturation?
- Can you describe your training program and ongoing support for franchisees?
- What are your franchisees’ biggest challenges, and how do you help them overcome them?
The best part of the due diligence process was Spherion’s Discovery Day. They anticipated and addressed all of these questions proactively and went above and beyond, providing even more comprehensive information than I had initially sought. Their openness and thoroughness during this process gave me confidence in their commitment to franchisee success and transparent communication. This experience was a significant factor in my decision-making process because it demonstrated Spherion’s professionalism and dedication to ensuring potential franchisees are well-informed before making such a crucial business decision.
What were your biggest challenges when you first started?
The transition into Spherion franchise ownership presented two significant challenges for me: Adapting to a new territory and diversifying industry focus.
- Adapting to a new territory: Despite my experience in the staffing industry, operating in a new geographical area required me to quickly familiarize myself with the local business landscape, labor market dynamics, and regional economic factors. This involved building new networks, understanding local regulations, and tailoring our services to meet the community’s specific needs.
- Diversifying industry focus: My previous experience had been concentrated in specific sectors. However, as a Spherion franchisee, I needed to broaden my staffing expertise to serve various industries. This required a steep learning curve to understand unfamiliar sectors’ unique staffing requirements, terminology, and challenges. It pushed me out of my comfort zone but ultimately led to valuable growth and a more versatile business model.
While these challenges were initially daunting, they also provided personal and professional growth opportunities. The support from Spherion and the broader franchisee network was instrumental in helping me navigate these obstacles and turn them into strengths for my business.
How does the franchisor support and encourage your success?
Spherion Staffing & Recruiting provides robust support and encouragement for franchisee success in several key ways:
- Comprehensive training: They offer an extensive initial training program that covers all aspects of running a staffing franchise, from operational procedures to client acquisition strategies. This is supplemented by ongoing training to keep franchisees updated on industry trends and best practices.
- Technology infrastructure: They provide advanced technological solutions for applicant tracking, client management, and back-office operations. This streamlines our processes and allows us to compete effectively in the modern staffing landscape.
- Marketing and brand support: Spherion offers national and localized marketing campaigns, leveraging its established brand to help franchisees attract clients and job seekers.
- Operational guidance: Their team of experienced professionals provides ongoing operational support, assisting franchisees to navigate challenges and optimize their business processes. Performance coaching: Spherion provides regular performance reviews and coaching sessions to help franchisees identify areas for improvement and capitalize on strengths.
What are you most proud of and why?
My proudest achievement as a Spherion franchise owner is inheriting and nurturing a team of exceptional professionals. They are true ROCKSTARS in every sense. When I purchased this franchise resale, I gained a group of dedicated employees, several of whom have been with the company for over 13 years. Their wealth of industry knowledge, established client relationships, and deep understanding of our local market have been invaluable in my transition to franchise ownership.
Their ability to balance continuity with progress truly sets this team apart. They’ve expertly guided me through the intricacies of our operation while showing an impressive willingness to embrace change and push our branch toward future success. This synergy between their seasoned expertise and my fresh perspective has eased my learning curve and positioned our small office for long-term growth and prosperity. I’m immensely proud of how we’ve become a cohesive unit, creating a dynamic work environment that respects established processes while constantly seeking ways to innovate and improve.
What advice would you give to new or potential Spherion franchise owners?
While I could discuss this topic at length, do your due diligence. This cannot be overstated – thoroughly research the franchise opportunities you’re considering to make an informed decision. Equally important is understanding your financials, including the initial investment, ongoing fees, and potential returns.
When selecting a franchise, choose one that aligns with your passion and skills. This alignment will fuel your motivation and increase your chances of success. Additionally, carefully evaluate the support system offered by the franchisor, as this foundation can be invaluable, especially in the early stages of your business.
Be prepared for challenges – they’re an inevitable part of any business venture. Approach these challenges as opportunities for growth and learning.
Finally, and perhaps most importantly, embrace the franchise system while bringing your unique strengths to the table. This balance allows you to benefit from a proven business model while leveraging your personal expertise to enhance your franchise’s performance.
For more information about the Spherion Franchise Opportunity, visit Spherion.com/franchising, email [email protected], or call 951-587-6864.
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