Spherion Staffing and Recruiting in Owatonna Welcomes New Leadership

Branch Manager Takes Over Ownership of Owatonna Office From Long-time Mentor

OWATONNA, Minn. – Spherion Staffing and Recruiting (Spherion) announced today that the Owatonna office is now under the leadership of existing Spherion Branch Manager Laura Brady, who started her journey with the office as a temporary associate in 2002. Brady will take over ownership responsibilities of the office on April 3. 

The Owatonna office has been a staple in the community since it opened in 1996 under the local ownership of Ann Miller, whose more than 25-year career in the staffing and recruiting industry has earned her national recognition, as well as the opportunity to open additional offices in Mankato and Duluth. Miller has served as Chair of the Owatonna Chamber of Commerce Board, volunteered for 10 years on the local SHRM Board, five years on the United Way Board, one year as United Way Campaign Co-Chair, and is currently president of the Noon Rotary Club in Owatonna. As a long-time professional mentor to Brady, she will be heavily involved in ensuring a seamless transition of ownership. 

“While I’m delighted to transition into this new role as owner of Spherion Owatonna, it’s important to me that we never lose sight of the impact that Ann has had on this community and our team as professionals,” said Brady. “I’ve been fortunate enough to have had the opportunity to learn from Ann for the past 12 years. It means the world to me to have her reassurance and confidence in taking this next step. With her guidance and proven path for success, I have no doubt that we’ll continue to build upon her legacy of matching Owatonna job seekers with rewarding opportunities.” 

Born and raised in Owatonna, Brady quickly rose through the ranks at Spherion from a front desk clerk to a nationally-awarded salesperson. In 2008, she decided to go into business ownership herself, owning and operating a chain of local salons. It was during this time that Brady learned the complexities of running a business, and after returning to Spherion in 2017, both she and Miller agreed that the transition from branch manager to franchise owner was the next logical step in her career. 

“I’m incredibly happy for Laura, and I know she’s going to do great things. Her tenacity and passion for this industry will be key as she moves into this new role with Spherion,” said Miller. “She has a strong foundation from which to continue to grow and build her business upon, and all I need to do now is watch as she and our existing team take off like a rocket ship heading for the stars.” 

Spherion brandishes the “power of local” through a network of independent and empowered franchisees like Brady and Miller. Each Spherion franchisee enriches their communities by 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.

“Ann has and continues to be a pioneer for our franchise system, and we’re looking forward to further supporting Laura as she carries on Spherion Owatonna’s reputation for driving careers and helping local businesses grow,” said Rebecca Rogers Tijerino, group president of Spherion. “I first had the chance to meet Laura when she attended one of our national franchise meetings, and I couldn’t think of a better person to step into this role.” 

The Spherion Owatonna office will remain open at its current on-site location at 134 East Vine Street in Suite 1. 

To learn more about Spherion Staffing in Owatonna, visit www.spherion.com/owatonna.