Q&A with Spherion Franchise Owner Tony Avila

Franchise ownership can feel overwhelming—until you hear from those who’ve been in your shoes. We’ve asked Spherion franchise owner Tony Avila to tell us about his path to entrepreneurship.

Is one of your 2025 goals to find a new job or a new career path entirely? You might be spending your time browsing open listings, and you may have begun to realize that what you’re really looking for is more freedom, autonomy, and room for creativity—things that owning your own business offers in spades. 

If you’re just beginning to explore the potential for business, you might be overwhelmed by the thought of what lies ahead. In fact, that’s exactly how Spherion franchise owner Tony Avila felt, and why he chose to franchise with Spherion instead of starting his own business from the ground up. 

Within the world of business ownership, franchise ownership delivers all the advantages of entrepreneurship, plus some added benefits like corporate support and training. Not only that, but the International Franchise Association predicts a strong year for franchising; its recent report forecasts that franchises will grow an additional 2.4% in 2025, a faster rate than the 1.9% projected for the broader economy by the Congressional Budget Office. 

Curious to see how others have begun their franchise ownership journey? Read on to see how Tony took the leap to open his own Spherion franchise in San Jose, California.

Why did you purchase a franchise rather than start an independent business?

After giving it a lot of thought, I decided to purchase a franchise instead of starting an independent business because it made more sense given my goals and the realities of entrepreneurship. While I’m confident in my ability to build and grow a business, I recognized that starting from scratch would involve significant trial and error, especially when it comes to establishing systems, brand recognition, and effective marketing strategies.

The franchise offered a clear path with a proven business model that already had a solid foundation. The training and ongoing support provided were essential in helping me get up to speed quickly and avoid many of the early mistakes that can be costly for independent businesses. Instead of reinventing the wheel, I could focus on executing a strategy that had already been refined and tested.

Having access to a network of other franchisees and support from the franchisor has also been invaluable. It gave me a community to lean on and the confidence that I’m following a system that’s been successful for others. This has allowed me to focus on growing the business, knowing that I have the tools and guidance I need to succeed.

Which of your prior skills and experiences were most helpful in operating your business? 

I've been fortunate that my previous work really set me up for success in running my own business. The biggest game changer was my 18-year journey in staffing. Looking back, those years were like a crash course in everything from reading people to keeping operations running smoothly. You know how they say experience is the best teacher? That couldn't be more true in my case.

On top of that, my wife and I jumped into property management together, which turned out to be incredibly valuable. It's funny... managing rental properties might seem pretty different from what I do now, but it taught us so much. We learned to handle everything from upset tenants (hello, customer service!) to juggling maintenance emergencies and keeping a close eye on the books.

All these experiences kind of clicked together like puzzle pieces. The people skills from staffing, combined with the hands-on business management from our property venture, gave me this really solid foundation. It's amazing how skills from different parts of your life can come together when you're running your own show.

When researching franchises to buy, what criteria mattered to you most? 

You know, I actually went back and forth on this decision quite a bit.

I ultimately went with a franchise because, honestly, the thought of figuring out every single detail of a new business by myself was pretty overwhelming. Don't get me wrong... I've got the entrepreneurial spirit and drive, but I'm also practical. It just made sense to use a system that's already proven to work rather than starting from scratch.

The franchise route gave me this ready to go playbook, everything from tested processes to solid training programs. Plus, having a support system of people who've been there and done that has been absolutely golden. They've helped me avoid so many potential mistakes in areas like operations and marketing that I probably wouldn't have even seen coming on my own.

Did you speak with other franchisees? Which questions did you ask?

Absolutely! I actually spent quite a bit of time talking with several Spherion franchisees, some who just started out and others who've been at it for years. It was super helpful to get different perspectives.

I came prepared with questions that really mattered to me. I wanted to know the details of their daily operations, like what their typical day looks like and whether year one met their expectations. I also asked about the support they get from corporate (which was a big factor for me) and asked about the obstacles they faced when starting out.

The best part? When I asked if they'd do it all over again with Spherion, their responses were consistently positive, which honestly gave me a lot more confidence about moving forward.

These conversations were enlightening. There's nothing quite like hearing it straight from people who are already doing what you're considering. 

What were your biggest challenges when you first started out, and how did you overcome them? 

When I started my Spherion franchise last year, I hit the ground running... right into an economic downturn. As a fresh-faced business owner, it definitely wasn't the warm welcome I'd hoped for!

Looking back now, those early challenges were like a crash course in Business Reality 101. The biggest game changer wasn't some complex business strategy​. It was simply keeping my head up and staying focused on our long-term goals. Trust me, there were days when I wanted to bang my head against the wall, but I kept reminding myself why I started this journey.

One thing that really saved my bacon was doubling down on relationships both with clients and our internal team. During tough times, I learned that strong connections and exceptional service aren't just nice to have, they're essential. 

Looking back, these challenges have made me more resilient as a business owner. Having the Spherion network backing me up has been invaluable​. It's amazing what you can accomplish with the right support system in place. These early hurdles have shaped me into a stronger, more capable leader than I ever expected to be.

What are you most proud of and why? 

It’s the difference we make every day. As a Hispanic minority who grew up in a small town of just over 400 people, owning and running my own business is something I never take for granted. My parents worked hard in the fields to give me and my siblings the chance to get an education. Now, ​giving back and making a real impact in people's lives is incredibly fulfilling.

In an industry where people can sometimes feel like just a number, we’ve built a staffing agency that truly cares. We treat every job seeker and every business partner like a person, not a transaction. It’s moments like watching someone walk in feeling hopeless and leave with a job that changes their life that remind me why I do this work. It’s about more than just placements; it’s about making lasting ​c​hanges in people’s futures.We don’t just fill positions; we take the time to understand our clients’ needs and culture. That’s why businesses come back to us. We help them find the right person for the job​ every time and build long-term relationships that help both sides succeed.

What drives me every day is knowing that I’m contributing to something bigger. When clients and candidates tell us, “You actually listened to what I needed,” it shows we’re doing things right. That’s what​ I feel sets us apart.

This isn’t about numbers or metrics; it’s about lives. Every success story, every positive review, is proof that we’re making a difference. Helping others the way my parents helped me is what fills me with pride. I’m proud to be part of Spherion, making an impact by helping businesses and job seekers succeed.

What advice would you give to new or potential franchise buyers? 

If you’re thinking about buying a franchise, take your time and do your homework. Don’t just rely on the materials the franchise company provides. Talk to current franchise owners who are living it every day. They’ll give you a real sense of what it’s like, both the good and the bad. You’ll get a much clearer picture of the day-to-day challenges and rewards. Think about what’s most important to you, whether it’s growth potential, support, or the business model, and stay focused on those priorities. It’s easy to get caught up in the details, but knowing what matters most will help you make a sound decision.

Finding a mentor was one of the best decisions I made. Having someone who’s been through it before can be incredibly valuable, especially when challenges arise. Whether it’s another franchisee or someone in your network, having a trusted person to lean on can make all the difference. When it comes to the financial side, don’t rush. Take the time to fully understand the costs, both upfront and over the long term. Read the franchise agreement carefully, and don’t hesitate to ask questions if anything is unclear. Understanding your financial commitment from the start will help avoid surprises down the road.

Finally, make sure you know your local market. Even the best franchise can struggle if there’s no demand in your area. Research the competition, customer needs, and local trends to ensure there’s room for the business to grow. Buying a franchise is a big decision, but if you do your research, stay true to your priorities, and surround yourself with the right support, you’ll be in a much better position to succeed.

Is franchise ownership in your future?

Tony’s journey is just one example of how franchising can open doors to a fulfilling and rewarding path. If you’re curious about what franchising could mean for you in 2025, now is the perfect time to start exploring. Connect with Dan Brunell, our Regional Vice President of Franchise Development, to learn more. With over 30 years of experience guiding future franchisees, Dan is happy to answer your questions and help you take the first step toward business ownership. Whether you prefer to call, text, or email, he’s ready to chat!