Have your sights set on your next big franchise opportunity? We’ll show you how focusing on franchise scalability can pay off big time while helping you make more of an impact on your community.

Franchise growth is the key to unlocking new opportunities for success. By expanding your reach, you can serve more clients, build lasting relationships, and boost your profitability. And for entrepreneurs in the staffing industry, having the right support and brand recognition can make all the difference. 

With almost 80 years of experience, Spherion is a trusted leader in workforce solutions, helping businesses connect with skilled talent across a wide range of industries. Our strong national reputation and proven business model make us an ideal partner for franchise owners who are focused on opening additional offices, entering new markets, or enhancing service offerings. Let’s learn more about how you can take your business to the next level and how working with Spherion can help you take advantage of new opportunities for franchise growth.

Start by understanding your local market to boost franchise growth

Success in the staffing industry starts with knowing your local market inside and out. Understanding workforce trends, in-demand skills, and employer challenges allows you to position your franchise as the go-to staffing partner. Stay ahead by analyzing job market data, listening to client feedback, and adapting your approach to meet evolving needs.

Building strong community partnerships can also spur major franchise growth. Partnering with local businesses, attending networking events, and collaborating with workforce development organizations can strengthen your reputation and expand your reach. Go a step further by engaging with job seekers through career fairs and community programs to build even more trust and brand loyalty.

Spherion franchise owner Angela Swarts is a great example of how maximizing your local market potential can lead to incredible growth. Upon hiring her first employee at the start of her ownership journey, Angela switched gears to focus her efforts on business development and getting to know her potential clients inside and out. It paid off big time, with Angela’s franchise achieving double-digit growth through the Y2K years, the market crash of 2008, and the slowdown of the pandemic.

A woman cutting a ribbon at a Spherion office grand opening

Treat corporate support as the backbone of franchise growth

Growing a staffing franchise is easier when you have a strong support system behind you. While each franchisor is different, they should all offer some combination of services and support to help you grow your business. For example, Spherion sets franchisees up for success from day one with a comprehensive training and onboarding process. New franchise owners receive hands-on guidance covering everything from understanding industry best practices to mastering recruitment strategies, so they can build a solid foundation.

As franchisees grow, Spherion provides ongoing assistance through mentorship, marketing resources, and business development strategies. Whether it’s refining hiring techniques or optimizing operations, franchise owners always have expert guidance at their fingertips.

Technology also plays a big role in franchise scalability. In Spherion’s case, we equip our franchisees with advanced staffing software, data-driven analytics, and automated tools that can streamline processes and improve efficiency, putting large-scale franchise growth within reach.

Finding new paths to franchise scalability

More than just being about growth, scaling a staffing franchise is about growing smarter. In the staffing industry, scalability means expanding your operations efficiently while maintaining the same level of service for your clients and job seekers. In doing so, you build a business that can handle increased demand without losing its personal touch.

Spherion franchises are designed for scalability, thanks to a strong national brand, proven business model, and extensive support network. With established operational systems, cutting-edge technology, and ongoing training, franchisees can confidently expand into new markets or service areas while keeping operations streamlined.

Not quite sure how it all works? We’ll walk you through three common paths to franchise scalability and growth, along with some real examples of Spherion franchisees who have scaled sustainably while building a lasting, profitable business.

Path to franchise scalability: Purchasing adjacent markets

Expanding into neighboring markets is one of the most effective ways for a franchisee to grow their business. By strategically identifying and acquiring adjacent territories, owners can increase their client base, strengthen brand presence, and maximize operational efficiencies.

Finding the right expansion opportunity

Not all territories offer the same potential. The key is to analyze workforce trends, employer demand, and competition in surrounding areas. For Spherion franchisees, our corporate team provides market insights and demographic data to help our owners make informed decisions about which regions hold the most promise.

The expansion process

Once a valuable market is identified, franchisees work with Spherion’s leadership to navigate the acquisition process. This includes securing rights to the new territory, expanding recruitment efforts, and leveraging existing client relationships to establish a presence quickly.

Why regional growth works

Owning multiple locations within a concentrated area allows franchisees to streamline operations, share resources, and create a strong regional reputation. It also improves service capabilities by expanding talent pools and employer networks.

Real-life inspiration

David Miller, a Spherion franchisee in Florida, is our go-to example of scaling by purchains adjacent markets. Over the years, he has grown his business to encompass seven (that’s right, seven) locations. And as he’s done so, he’s deepened his understanding of the broader market and of what his clients need—all while boosting his revenue and maintaining exceptional service quality.

Path to franchise scalability: Franchise resales

Buying an existing Spherion franchise can be a faster, smoother path to expansion. Instead of building from the ground up, a franchise resale can give you immediate access to an established client base, trained staff, and a recognized presence in the local market. This can lead to quicker revenue generation and an easier transition into ownership.

Why should you consider a franchise resale?

Purchasing an existing franchise offers serious advantages, including immediate cash flow, a pre-existing reputation, and operational systems already in place. This eliminates a lot of the hurdles that come with launching a brand-new location.

Evaluating a franchise resale opportunity

Before purchasing, it’s important to assess the franchise’s financial health, client relationships, and market conditions. If your corporate team is like Spherion, they’ll provide guidance to ensure you’re investing in opportunities with strong potential for growth.

Making a smooth transition

Successfully taking over an existing operation requires clear communication with employees and clients. You’ll want to focus on maintaining service consistency and introducing gradual adjustments to build trust among your client base and drive future growth.

Real-world inspiration

After 20 years in HR, Spherion franchise owner Brandon Cook wanted to shift gears, so he parlayed his previous experience into franchise ownership. Rather than opening a franchise from scratch, he chose to pursue a franchise resale, which eliminated many of the obstacles that new entrepreneurs face, and instead was able to get right into learning about his customers and how he can help solve their staffing challenges.

Path to franchise scalability: Partnership expansion

Teaming up with another Spherion franchisee can be a powerful way to grow. Whether it’s sharing resources, co-investing in a new market, or leveraging each other’s strengths, partnerships create new opportunities for expansion while reducing risk.

Ways to partner with other franchisees

Franchise partnerships can take many forms. Some owners join forces to open a new location together, while others split responsibilities within a shared territory. In some cases, franchisees collaborate on large client accounts, offering broader coverage and deeper expertise.

Faster market entry means greater impact

Expanding through partnership allows franchisees to enter new markets more quickly, combining resources and knowledge to scale efficiently. This approach also strengthens brand presence and service capabilities, a win-win.

Don’t overlook the legal and operational side of things

A strong partnership starts with clear agreements. Outlining roles, financial contributions, and decision-making processes upfront helps prevent conflicts down the road. Your franchisor should be able to weigh in on how you can ensure your partnerships align with corporate standards and franchise agreements.

Real-world inspiration

Spherion franchisee Brock Wicker first learned about Spherion from another franchise owner, Tom Pentenburg. Tom owned more than 20 Spherion locations across Indiana, Kentucky, and Ohio, which made him a great choice to be Brock’s business partner. As a new franchisee, Brock was able to achieve his dream of entrepreneurship, with expert advice and support from his business partner Tom just a phone call away. 

Smart financial planning is crucial for franchise growth

Whether you’re purchasing an adjacent market, acquiring a franchise resale, or forming a partnership, understanding the investment requirements and potential returns helps make sure that you’ll be able to expand sustainably. 

Take a look at your investment needs

Different growth strategies require different levels of investment. Opening a new location may involve real estate, staffing, and marketing costs, while acquiring an existing franchise could require upfront capital but offer quicker returns. Depending on which one interests you, Spherion provides franchisees with financial benchmarks to help them plan effectively.

Weigh ROI for expansion

Each growth opportunity has its own return on investment timeline. A resale may generate immediate cash flow, while a new location may take time to build profitability. By that same token, a new location in a well-chosen area may find that there’s an ample and eager client base ready for help with all their staffing and recruiting needs.

Find ways to finance your franchise growth

If you’re pursuing franchise scalability, Spherion franchisees have access to financing options, including SBA loans, traditional bank loans, and internal funding programs. Exploring the right financial resources makes expansion more achievable.

Seize your next opportunity for franchise growth 

Expanding your Spherion franchise goes beyond just increasing revenue to include building a thriving, long-term business with the support of a nationally recognized brand. With a proven business model, advanced technology, and ongoing support, Spherion makes it easier to maintain operational efficiency and service excellence while you focus on creating more opportunities for businesses, job seekers, and your local community.

If you're ready to take your franchise to the next level, now is the time to explore your options. We encourage you to reach out to Dan Brunell for more info on how Spherion can support your expansion goals and help you turn your vision into reality. 

About the Author
Dan Brunell
Dan Brunell

Dan Brunell

Senior Vice President of Franchise Development

Dan’s background as a senior executive in the staffing industry and founder of a top franchise brokerage equips him with more than 30 years of experience helping prospective franchisees succeed.

Convert Your Staffing Business to a Staffing Franchise

3 Huge Benefits