Q&A with Spherion Franchise Owner Leah Macgregor

Considering a career change as we head into 2025? You might want to hear from Spherion franchise owner Leah Macgregor about her recent pivot to franchise ownership.

As we prepare to close out 2024, we’re all looking ahead to the new year and what it might hold: new travel plans, new opportunities for growth, new goals for ourselves—and potentially a new career. The end of the year is when many people begin to reconsider what they want out of the year ahead and what it might take to get them there. While some might be focused on switching between industries, companies, or job functions, others might be looking to make a bigger change: stepping away from conventional employment and into the world of business or franchise ownership. 

Franchise ownership offers plenty of advantages—like autonomy, flexibility, and the potential to flex your entrepreneurial muscles—but it can also feel overwhelming, especially if you’ve never owned your own business before. In cases like these, it can help to see others who have gone down that same path and succeeded, like Spherion franchise owner Leah Macgregor. Originally a Spherion employee, Leah made the choice to franchise with Spherion and become a franchise owner. We’ve asked her to share more about her experiences, like going from working in client services to purchasing her very own Spherion franchise resale. 

Tell us your Spherion story: What was your path to Spherion franchise ownership?

I started with Spherion in November of 2011 working in the Mankato, MN, office under Ann Miller, as a temporary client service supervisor. Back then, that was what we called our recruiting team. I'll never forget my first day in the office: I had come from real estate office management, which was fun, but your days were pretty well structured and there was not much spontaneity in my role.

I had been shadowing my trainer the first half of my first day at Spherion. I was learning the system and listening in on phone calls when we got an order for 20 people to start the next day in a manufacturing plant. The office went crazy, it was all hands on deck! I remember getting handed a script with the shifts and pay rates as well as a list to call, and I just got on the phone and started making calls! 

We worked late that night to get 16 people onboarded for orientation the following day. I just remember leaving the office thinking “Wow, that was a wild first day, a blur, really,” but it felt different, I felt excited and energized about the work we were doing, and I could not wait to go back!

Now, fast forward 13 years, I have led and managed multiple teams in different Spherion offices from Mason City, Iowa, to Duluth, Minnesota. I have worked under my mentor, as well as our previous franchise owner, Ann Miller. Across recruiting, sales, and operations, I have learned so much. My Spherion journey has come full circle from working as a temporary associate to taking the reins as a Spherion franchise owner. It is incredible to think about: Back then at age 24, I could have never imagined that my path would lead me here, but I am grateful that it has and for all of the phenomenal folks I have met along the way.

Why did you choose to franchise with Spherion?

To me, it felt like a no-brainer to pursue this franchise opportunity with Spherion. I love this business and I could not see myself going down any other path or pursuing any other career. Beyond that, I know I am in good hands with Spherion because the franchise community is incredible. From the individual owners to the corporate support team, it is such a tight-knit community; it’s like a family. There is always someone to help, someone to lean on for advice, or an answer to a question. I have been grateful for that, now more than ever as a new franchisee. 

What does a typical day in the office look like for you?

We get in every morning, brew a pot of coffee (of course!), and start with our morning huddle. We run through our open positions, hot orders, sales, and candidate pipelines to ensure we have a clear path for the day. I work alongside both our recruiting and sales teams every day to jump in on interviews, go out on sales calls, and participate in chamber and networking events. We are connecting with our active customers, coordinating visits and client meetings, touring facilities and closing deals. I love the variety that staffing offers; I am engaged in every aspect of running this business, top to bottom, but still love the feeling of filling a position. 

What’s one thing you know now that you wish you knew when going through the potential franchisee process?

Don't be afraid to ask questions. Ask questions of the owners already living in this business; ask questions of seasoned owners who've been in business for years, and of new franchise owners who've been in business for months. Everyone's experience is different. Everyone's market is different. Ask questions of the corporate leadership team. Be curious, but at the end of the day, all questions for me lead back to Spherion being the right choice. 

What is the most rewarding part of being a Spherion franchise owner?

There are a lot of things that come to mind, but what sticks out for me is the opportunity it gives us to help folks in our community, in so many ways. When someone walks into our office and they are down on their luck, they have a family to feed and they need that next opportunity that'll put food on the table, we can help. 

When a student graduates college, and they are seeking out that first professional role that aligns with their studies, with everything they have been working towards, we can help.

When a business or leadership team is struggling with hiring or retention, and they are spinning their wheels and not sure where to go next, we can help. 

When a local non-profit needs help with an event, needs people to ring bells, or help putting food on shelves or sorting donations, we can help. 

We are not just a temp service. We are a recruiting and staffing partner in our community who helps on many levels, and that is something that I am truly proud of. 

Could your new year entail franchise ownership?

Leah’s story shows us just one of the many paths that can lead to franchise ownership, and she’ll be heading into 2025 with a brand-new career. If you’re wondering what opportunities might be out there for you next year, you may—like Leah—want to explore all that franchising has to offer. We invite you to connect with Dan Brunell, our Regional Vice President of Franchise Development. Whether you prefer to text, call, or email, Dan is here to chat! With over 30 years of experience helping future franchisees, he’s ready to share valuable insights and answer any questions as you consider joining our franchise family.