Nearly 20 years ago, Stephen Shields opened the doors to his first Express Employment Professionals franchise determined to not only run a successful staffing franchise but to also plug into his community to make a difference.
In those two decades, the successful franchisee has smashed goals and helped raise leaders. In celebration of his accomplishments, Shields was recently named Express Employment Professionals 2018 Franchisee of the Year at the company’s International Leadership Conference in Orlando, Florida.
Express recognizes and honors franchisees who excel in building brand equity and a distinguished company reputation. A panel of executives at Express International Headquarters in Oklahoma City selected Shields to represent Express as its Franchisee of the Year due to his dedication to the company’s values of people, teamwork, build to last and integrity.
“Since day one, he’s devoted his time, energy and resources to elevating the Express brand. A life-long learner, Stephen is always seeking new and innovative ways to grow,” said Bob Funk, CEO and chairman of the board for Express. “He believes in, and follows the Express system, and displays a true passion for being a franchisee who positively motivates everyone within his circle of influence.”
Shields bought his first Express office in 1999 and has since expanded to three locations in Missouri and Kansas and added “Express Developer” to his impressive resume. His sales representatives consistently earn a spot on the company’s annual Top 50 Sales Reps list and his Joplin, Missouri, office bills an impressive 107 clients on average per week. Shields also serves as the Express franchisee representative for the International Franchising Association.
When a devastating tornado hit his hometown of Joplin, Shields and his staff organized a relief effort, collecting and distributing much-needed supplies, becoming a beacon of hope, not just for the people served by his office, but for the entire community.
“Stephen is one of the most dedicated and generous people I have ever met, whether that is as a business owner or a community member,” Funk said. “He recognizes it’s not just about him; his success depends on the success of others, and when they win, they win as one.”
Express offers a full range of employment solutions, including evaluation hire, flexible staffing, professional search and human resources. Express focuses on a wide range of positions, including professional, commercial and administrative.
If you are looking for a franchise opportunity like that of Stephen Shields that allows you to give back to the community and make an impact on job seekers, Express Employment Professionals has franchise territories available. For more information visit ExpressFranchising.com.
Express is committed to the vision of helping as many people as possible find good jobs by helping as many clients as possible find good people. With its international headquarters based in Oklahoma City, Express has more than 800 franchises in the U.S., Canada and South Africa.