Q&A with Spherion Franchise Owner Greg Forrest

This year has seen substantial interest in—and rapid growth of—franchise ownership, with new franchisees across the United States drawn to the flexibility and autonomy of a franchise. In fact, a report by the International Franchise Association estimates that franchise output is on the rise and will increase by 4.1%, from $858.5 billion in 2023 to $893.9 billion in 2024. 

Figures like these may have you interested in exploring franchise ownership and the freedom it offers. Or you may have already been considering a switch to a more entrepreneurial career path. Or perhaps, like Spherion franchise owner Greg Forrest, you’re already a small business owner, but you’re looking for more support and resources so you can grow your business and boost your income even further.

In any case, there’s no better way to round out your research than by seeking out some real-world perspectives about franchise ownership. This month, we’ve asked Spherion franchise owner Greg Forrest to tell us about his experiences in the industry—including going from an independent small business owner to purchasing his very own Spherion franchise resale. Let’s hear more about his thoughts on franchising and working with Spherion!

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

After 27 years in the professional world, including experience with Fortune 500 companies, small businesses, and entrepreneurship, I found that owning my own business was the most rewarding. However, as a staffing agency owner, I faced significant growth challenges. 

First, as my business expanded, expenses like payroll and insurance escalated rapidly. Second, every business owner knows that payment for services rendered is not always a smooth process. That was creating cash flow struggles for my business that I wanted help ironing out.

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.

Why did you choose to franchise with Spherion?

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 was important for ensuring 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.

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 tenure in the system.

Some of the 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?

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

At Spherion Oxnard, peak season is in full swing, and our compact yet skilled team is rising to the challenge with agility and expertise. Each day begins with a morning “huddle,” where we set the stage for success by reviewing new job orders, candidate progress, sales goals, and client updates. This collaborative kickoff allows us to align on priorities, address any challenges, and ensure we’re all on the same page. 

Throughout the day, we stay busy with candidate sourcing, interviews, sales outreach, and managing client relationships, all while keeping our internal systems and job postings up-to-date.

As the day winds down, we come together for an evening wrap-up to reflect on our accomplishments and strategize for tomorrow. We discuss placements, review candidate pipeline progress, address client feedback, and resolve any hurdles we face. 

Our small team’s versatility is key; we embrace different roles and responsibilities as needed, ensuring no detail slips through the cracks. In a fast-paced staffing environment, a rock-solid team isn’t just valuable—it’s vital. That’s exactly what we have at Spherion Oxnard: a dedicated team committed to matching the right talent with the right opportunities every day.

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

Do your due diligence. I cannot overstate this: 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.

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

My proudest achievement as a Spherion franchisee is inheriting and nurturing a team of exceptional professionals. They are true rock stars 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.

What truly sets this team apart is their ability to balance continuity with progress. 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 not only eased my learning curve but has also positioned our small office for long-term growth and prosperity. I'm immensely proud of how we've come together as a cohesive unit, creating a dynamic work environment that respects established processes while constantly seeking ways to innovate and improve.

Curious about how to become a Spherion franchise owner?

From Greg’s story, it’s clear that there’s no one “right” path to franchise ownership, and that everyone’s journey is unique. If you’re feeling inspired to begin exploring the possibilities that franchising can 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.