Ready to ditch the corporate ladder and build something of your own? You’re not alone. Franchise ownership attracts many people just like you who are ready to put their business acumen and skills to work building something that will make a lasting impact — both in their community and for their family. Of course, finding the right opportunity also means considering the franchise cost. With its initial investment range, business model and Fast Track incentive program, Express Employment Professionals offers a low-cost franchise opportunity to qualified candidates.
But the benefits of ownership go beyond the financial investment. Meet Tampa, Florida, Express Franchise Owner Eilish Bel, who recently celebrated her one-year ownership anniversary. After nearly two decades in sales, she found the Express opportunity aligned with her experience, goals and investment considerations. Here’s how she made the transition and got her new business off to a fast start.
Making the leap to business ownership
After nearly 20 years in corporate America working in sales and account management, Eilish felt she had gone as far as she could in her career. Frankly, she was also a little bored. “I wanted more,” she says. “I’ve always been in sales and wanted to explore opportunities where I had the potential to earn more.”
Finding the right opportunity
Despite being ready to leave her corporate job, Eilish struggled to find something that felt like a good fit. “I had worked for the same company for 18 years,” Eilish says. “I just felt like there was nothing I was interested in.”
As it happens, her childhood best friend was married to the owner of the Morgantown, West Virginia, Express office, and had been telling her for some time that Express would be a good fit for her. When her friend discovered the Tampa office was for sale just 20 minutes away from her home, Eilish decided to take a closer look.
A franchise that fit her experience
“When I heard about Express, the opportunity seemed to be a direct result of my efforts, which is what I was looking for,” she says. Even though she already had a strong personal connection to the company, the discovery process solidified the decision for Eilish. “You still need to do your own due diligence,” she says. “Going to Discovery Day in Oklahoma City when I got to meet everybody and spend a day there … I wanted to move faster because I just didn’t want to lose this opportunity.”
Express has a simple, eight-step path to franchise ownership, which includes the opportunity to connect with other Express Franchise Owners and an in-person Discovery Day like Eilish experienced. The entire journey is designed to make sure that Express is a good fit for you and your goals.
Her work experience also made the sales, relationship building and client retention and growth aspects of Express ownership a natural fit. “I sold industrial supplies,” Eilish says. “A lot of our business in my territory is in the light industrial market, so I’m very comfortable in that space.”
Incentives helped reduce franchise cost
Express offers new Franchise Owners the opportunity to earn back their entire franchise fee through its Fast Track program. Billing 16 clients in one week or having a $65K gross margin during the first 26 weeks of business is rewarded by giving back $20K of the $40K franchise fee. And if a Franchise Owner does both, they hit Double Fast Track and earn back their entire $40K. This incentive is one of the reasons Express is often named a low-cost franchise opportunity.
Eilish was interested from day one. “It was my main focus from the get-go,” she says. “It wasn’t an option not to make it. When you are using your savings to open and run a business, any type of monetary reward is motivating.” As she worked toward the goal, Eilish made sure she had the right team in place and made sales calls, focusing on building relationships with businesses in her territory that either had a need or might have a need in the future. “This is a relationship business,” says Eilish. “You have to be client facing as much as possible.”
A proven process pays off
“It was such a special moment making Double Fast Track,” Eilish says. “I focused on the goal and was committed to hitting it. It proved that if you follow the process, it works.”
Over 40 years of industry experience has helped Express create a proven system for Franchise Owners to follow. Eilish believes it was the key to her success. “You need to follow the process Express gives you on how to do the interviews and hitting the sales call goals,” she says. “Have sales be your number one focus and have the right team.”
Financing options to fit every need
There are several ways to fund the purchase of your Express franchise. From traditional business loans to personal savings and investments, the right fit for you depends on factors like your credit score, desired repayment options, and how quickly you need the loan to fund.
Already working in the staffing industry? The Express Bridge to Ownership program is designed to help professionals just like you realize their business ownership dreams. Qualified applicants may be eligible for our in-house financing program. Learn more about your financing options.
A low-cost franchise opportunity that builds on what you already know
You don’t need any staffing industry experience to own an Express franchise. But we’ve found that people like Eilish who are sales-minded and client-service focused tend to do well in this business. You should also be willing to work hands-on in your new office every day and have an interest in making an impact in the community you serve. Financially, you should have a minimum net worth of $250K and access to at least $200K in liquid capital.
If this sounds like you, our Franchise Development Team would love to connect and tell you more about the Express opportunity. Fill out the form below to get started.