IFA Recognizes Spherion’s Jay and Don Ruggery Jr. as Franchisees of the Year

Leading Staffing and Recruiting Franchise Owners Nationally Recognized for Outstanding Impact and Commitment to the Future of Franchising 

ATLANTA – Spherion Staffing and Recruiting (Spherion) announced today that Jay and Don Ruggery Jr., brothers who own and operate 15 Spherion offices throughout Pennsylvania, were named 2024 Franchisees of the Year by the International Franchise Association (IFA). 

“My father always said, ‘There’s a job for every person and a person for every job,’ so it’s fitting that my brother and I also found our calling with Spherion,” said Jay, who is also a passionate advocate for the clients and job seekers within the communities their offices serve alongside his brother. “These past several years, my brother and I have worked to uphold his legacy and challenge our team to creatively overcome the challenges that have been thrown our way. This award is as much a testament to their hard work as it is to ours.” 

The Franchisee of the Year Award recognizes leading franchise owners from IFA member brands whose outstanding performance and contributions help protect, enhance, and promote the franchise business model. Nominated by Spherion, IFA selected the Ruggerys and their businesses as prime examples of the profound impact and intergenerational potential of the franchise industry.  

“Jay and I are deeply honored to receive the Franchisee of the Year recognition from the IFA, and even more grateful for the chance to share this milestone with our peers from across all different segments of the franchise industry,” said Don Jr. “There’s so much that we can learn from each other, and with our team's unwavering dedication and the support of our community, we are confident in our ability to make a greater impact and drive further growth in the years to come.” 

The Ruggerys’ experience in the staffing and recruiting industry, which spans more than three decades, further underscores their suitability for this recognition. Jay and Don Jr. consistently display their long-term commitment to franchising by seeking innovative ways to grow their business. The family has focused on growth through office acquisitions and expansions, adding 15 new offices since 1992. During Spherion’s 2023 Annual Meeting, the Ruggerys were honored for their dedication to excellence through a myriad of recognitions including the President’s and On-Premise of the Year awards plus Spherion’s highest award, Franchisee of the Year. 

“It’s been heartwarming to witness Jay and Don Jr. carry on the legacy of their father, Don Sr. after joining him in the business and eventually taking the helm together after their father’s retirement,” said Kathy George, president of Spherion. “Their commitment to upholding not only the values of Spherion – leveraging the power of community to make a lasting impact on the municipalities they serve – but of the broader franchise community is inspiring. I’m delighted to extend my heartfelt congratulations to these second-generation franchisees and look forward to celebrating their win together at the IFA annual conference.” 

There are approximately 806,000 franchised businesses across the U.S., providing more than 8.7 million direct jobs and generating over $858 billion in economic output. According to Oxford Economics, franchising on average provides higher wages and better benefits than non-franchised businesses, as well as greater entrepreneurial opportunities to minorities, women, veterans, and other underrepresented communities.  

Spherion brandishes the power of local through a network of independent and empowered franchisees. Each Spherion franchisee enriches their community through connecting and facilitating employment opportunities every day — and when they’re successful together, their investments flow back into the neighborhoods where they live and work. The power of Spherion is in its local roots.

About the International Franchise Association:

Celebrating over 60 years of excellence, education, and advocacy, the International Franchise Association (IFA) is the world’s oldest and largest organization representing franchising worldwide. IFA works through its government relations and public policy, media relations, and educational programs to protect, enhance, and promote franchising and the approximately 806,270 franchise establishments that support nearly 8.7 million direct jobs, $858.5 billion of economic output for the U.S. economy, and almost 3 percent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). IFA members include franchise companies in over 300 different business format categories, individual franchisees, and companies that support the industry in marketing, law, technology, and business development.