For the 15th year in a row, Express Employment Professionals has been named the #1 top staffing franchise in the staffing and recruitment category of Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500, ranking #71 among all brands. This continued recognition reinforces what Franchise Owners already know: Express isn’t just a stable franchise—it’s a category leader with a model built for long-term success.
For aspiring business owners exploring a staffing franchise, especially those seeking a proven, scalable opportunity, this milestone is more than a badge of honor. It’s a powerful indicator of stability, performance, and franchisee satisfaction.
What is the Entrepreneur Franchise 500—and why does it matter?
Each year, Entrepreneur rigorously evaluates hundreds of franchise systems to produce its Franchise 500 ranking—widely regarded as one of the most credible and comprehensive benchmarks in franchising. More than a simple list, it’s a data-driven analysis of which franchise brands are built to scale, sustain, and lead in a competitive market.
Franchises are measured across critical performance indicators, including:
- Financial strength and long-term stability
- Growth trajectory and overall system size
- Depth of franchisee support and operational longevity
- Brand power, visibility, and market presence
Earning a place on this list signals more than momentum—it reflects a franchise system with unmatched infrastructure, strategy, and staying power.
For prospective owners, this list is a vetted guide to potential opportunity, highlighting brands like Express, which Entrepreneur ranks as a top low-cost franchise for 2026. Ranking highly shows that a franchise system has demonstrated resilience, scalability, and strong unit-level performance. Ultimately, for those researching a low-cost or resale franchise, the Franchise 500 helps narrow the field to brands with a proven track record.
15 years at #1: What it signals to future Franchise Owners
Fifteen consecutive years as the top staffing franchise is more than a winning streak, it’s a pattern of sustained excellence.
For potential investors, this consistency signals:
- A proven system: Refined processes that drive repeatable success
- Strong franchisee performance: Owners are growing, scaling, and staying
- Market demand: Staffing remains essential across industries and economic cycles
- Brand trust: Recognized by both clients and job seekers nationwide
In a competitive landscape, the Express staffing franchise continues to stand out—not only for its performance metrics but for the real-world impact Franchise Owners make in their communities. “Ranking #1 by Entrepreneur is a testament to our franchisees,” says Vinny Provenzano, SVP Global Franchising. “It really comes back to our business model of being franchisee-focused, franchise first.” Get Vinny’s take on why industry awards are about more than bragging rights–and what makes an ideal Express Franchise Owner. Watch the video.
A different kind of staffing franchise
Express Employment Professionals isn’t just a staffing franchise; it’s a high-impact business model designed for hands-on owners ready to drive results. For 15 years, we’ve led the industry by connecting local talent with businesses that need them.
What makes Express different:
- Tangible impact: The average office powers hundreds of job placements annually.
- Proven ROI: Benefit from a scalable model with a track record of success.
- Built-In longevity: Our owners are committed because the work is meaningful.
- Motivation required: No prior staffing experience needed.
- Lower Cost: More accessible than many national franchise brands.
- Flexible Entry: Opportunities available in new territories or through resale.
- Total Support: Comprehensive training and a nationally recognized brand name.
The future of staffing
With 15 years at the top, Express offers a rare combination of credibility and scalability. If you’re ready to build your future with a category leader, let’s connect.