Express Services Inc.

https://www.expresspros.com/

Express Services Inc., operating as Express Employment Professionals, is a leading global staffing and recruiting franchise headquartered in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Established in 1983, its core mission is to connect job seekers with employment opportunities and assist businesses in finding qualified talent. The company operates under the overarching corporate group, Express Employment International. [1, 14, 22, 25, 28]

Through its extensive international franchising network, Express Employment Professionals offers a comprehensive suite of workforce solutions. These services include full-time, part-time, temporary, contract, and direct hire staffing across various sectors such as Office Services, Light Industrial, Skilled Trades, Professional, and Healthcare. The company also provides HR consulting and a range of employer resources to support workforce development. [1, 11, 20, 22, 25, 32, 33]

In 2025, Express Employment Professionals reported revenues of $3.67 billion and employed 406,000 people across more than 850 franchise locations worldwide. [9] The company continues to expand its global footprint and specialty offerings, particularly in professional and healthcare staffing. [9] Bob Funk Jr. serves as the CEO, President, and Chairman of Express Employment International, while William H. Stoller is recognized as the founder of Express Employment Professionals. [9, 12] The company consistently receives recognition as a top staffing and recruiting franchise. [8, 9]

Latest updates

Networking Norms Shift to Transactional, Eroding Professional Connection

Event summary

  • A recent Express Employment Professionals–Harris Poll survey found 79% of hiring managers and 75% of job seekers view networking as transactional.
  • 84% of job seekers cite networking primarily for identifying job opportunities, not relationship building.
  • 78% of job seekers and 84% of hiring managers attribute the transactional nature of networking to online platforms.
  • 85% of hiring managers now evaluate networking contacts based solely on influence or usefulness.

The big picture

The shift towards transactional networking highlights a broader erosion of trust and authenticity in professional interactions, accelerated by the proliferation of online platforms. This trend, particularly acute among younger workers, suggests a potential disconnect between the perceived value of networking and the actual experience, which could impact career progression and organizational culture. The data underscores a growing desire for more meaningful professional relationships, a need that, if unmet, could lead to decreased employee engagement and difficulty attracting talent.

What we're watching

Authenticity
The increasing discomfort with transactional networking may prompt a re-evaluation of professional development programs and a renewed emphasis on genuine relationship-building skills, potentially impacting employee retention and recruitment costs.
Platform Evolution
Online networking platforms will likely face pressure to redesign features and algorithms to foster more authentic interactions, or risk losing users, particularly among younger demographics.
Generational Impact
The pronounced dissatisfaction among Gen Z and millennials with current networking practices could lead to the emergence of alternative, more human-centric professional connection models.

Express Leadership Conference Highlights Franchisee Loyalty and Succession Planning

Event summary

  • Express Employment Professionals held its International Leadership Conference (ILC) in Nashville, Tennessee, in March 2026.
  • The conference recognized Dillon Carlson (Employee of the Year), Rocky Gill (Bob Funk Senior Legacy Award), Keith McFall (Bill Stoller Built to Last Award), Jeff Rycroft (Gordon Blair Heritage Award), and franchisees Laura and Greg Sulentic.
  • Dan Healy received the Ralph Palmen Spiritual Leadership Award, providing leadership during the passing of co-founder Bill Stoller in April 2025.
  • The conference featured Matthew McConaughey as a speaker, emphasizing themes of purpose, perseverance, and possibility.

The big picture

The ILC highlights the importance of franchisee relationships and internal leadership development for Express, a company operating a global franchise network with over 11 million people placed since inception. The recognition of individuals like Keith McFall, who shaped operational foundations, underscores the company’s focus on long-term durability and sustainable growth. The event also underscores the challenges of managing a large franchise system and the need to proactively address succession planning and cultural reinforcement.

What we're watching

Succession Dynamics
The emphasis on legacy awards and the recognition of Healy's role following Stoller's death signals a deliberate effort to manage the transition of leadership within Express and its franchise network.
Franchise Alignment
The consistent celebration of franchisee performance and the sharing of best practices suggest Express is prioritizing franchisee alignment and retention in a competitive staffing market.
Cultural Reinforcement
The repeated emphasis on values like integrity, reliability, and community impact indicates Express is actively reinforcing its cultural identity to differentiate itself within the staffing industry.

Networking Gap Signals Workforce Skills Divide, Opportunity for Staffing Firms

Event summary

  • An Express Employment Professionals-Harris Poll survey found 84% of US job seekers believe networking is essential, while 92% of hiring managers agree.
  • 59% of job seekers report not knowing where to network effectively, and 44% lack the necessary soft skills.
  • Younger workers (Gen Z and Millennials) are significantly more active networkers and comfortable with digital tools than older generations.
  • Men are more likely to use online platforms, attend in-person events, and engage in cold outreach compared to women.
  • 71% of job seekers who network report a positive outcome, such as a referral, interview, job offer, or promotion.

The big picture

This survey underscores a growing disconnect between the recognized importance of networking and the practical ability of job seekers to execute it effectively. The data suggests a latent market for networking coaching and resources, particularly among Gen X and Boomers. This trend also highlights the evolving role of staffing firms beyond simply matching candidates with jobs, potentially requiring them to become facilitators of professional development.

What we're watching

Upskilling Demand
The significant skills gap highlighted by the survey suggests increased demand for training programs focused on networking and soft skills, creating a potential revenue stream for Express and competitors.
Digital Adoption
The disparity in digital networking adoption between age groups will likely widen, forcing Express to adapt its service offerings to cater to both digitally savvy and less tech-inclined job seekers.
Gender Dynamics
The observed differences in networking behavior between men and women could influence Express's marketing and outreach strategies to better serve both demographics.

Staffing Firm Express Employment Projects Workforce Shifts Amid AI Integration

Event summary

  • Express Employment Professionals is hosting a webinar, 'Explore Job Insights: Equipping Business Leaders for the Year Ahead,' on March 11, 2026.
  • The webinar, featuring Sheena Hollander and Latoya Welch, will focus on hiring practices, workplace culture, and organizational success.
  • Key topics include the impact of AI on workflows, evolving entry-level expectations, and the continued importance of human-driven hiring strategies.
  • The webinar is approved for one credit hour by several HR professional organizations (SHRM, HRCI, HRPA, CPHR).

The big picture

Express Employment Professionals, a global staffing franchisor, is positioning itself as a thought leader in navigating the evolving workforce landscape. The webinar signals a proactive approach to addressing challenges related to talent acquisition, retention, and the integration of AI, which is increasingly impacting labor markets and requiring businesses to adapt quickly. The company's scale, with nearly 900 franchise locations, provides a broad view of these trends across diverse industries and geographies.

What we're watching

AI Adoption
The webinar's focus on AI's influence suggests Express anticipates accelerated automation across industries, potentially displacing workers and requiring upskilling initiatives.
Entry-Level Evolution
The changing definition of 'entry-level' indicates a widening skills gap and a need for employers to reassess training programs and recruitment strategies to attract qualified candidates.
Referral Reliance
The emphasis on referrals and networking suggests a growing distrust of traditional hiring channels, potentially driving investment in employee referral programs and alternative sourcing methods.

Express Employment Professionals Expands Footprint Amid Staffing Demand

Event summary

  • Express Employment Professionals reported $3.67 billion in revenue for 2025 across the U.S., Canada, South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand.
  • The company operates 850 franchise locations and employed 406,000 people during 2025.
  • Express awarded 54 new franchise agreements in key markets including Florida, California, Texas, and New York.
  • The company is expanding its professional and healthcare staffing verticals.

The big picture

Express's continued growth underscores the ongoing demand for flexible workforce solutions, particularly as businesses adapt to evolving labor market dynamics. The franchise model allows for rapid geographic expansion and localized service delivery, but also introduces complexities in maintaining brand consistency and operational efficiency. The company's focus on technology integration is a necessary response to increasing client expectations for speed and personalization in staffing services.

What we're watching

Franchise Velocity
The pace of franchise agreement awards will indicate the strength of Express's expansion strategy and its ability to maintain quality control across a growing network.
Vertical Focus
Success in the professional and healthcare verticals will depend on Express’s ability to develop specialized expertise and compete effectively within those niches.
Tech Integration
The effectiveness of Express’s technology investments in streamlining operations and enhancing client relationships will be crucial for sustaining competitive advantage.

Self-Taught Skills Surge Creates Talent Verification Crisis

Event summary

  • A recent Express Employment Professionals-Harris Poll survey reveals a 66% surge in Gen Z self-taught skills, compared to 50% of millennials, 35% of Gen X, and 20% of boomers.
  • 47% of job seekers now include self-taught skills on their resumes, creating challenges for employers.
  • 92% of hiring managers say demonstrating skill application is more effective than reviewing a resume.
  • 50% of hiring managers have already updated hiring processes to recognize self-taught skills, with 35% planning further updates.

The big picture

The rise of self-taught skills, fueled by accessible online platforms and accelerated by AI, represents a fundamental shift in talent acquisition. While offering opportunities for broader participation in the workforce, it simultaneously creates a significant challenge for employers struggling to validate expertise. This trend necessitates a re-evaluation of traditional hiring practices and a move towards skills-based assessments, potentially disrupting the established roles of educational institutions and staffing agencies.

What we're watching

Verification Methods
The pressure on employers to develop robust skill verification methods beyond resumes will intensify, potentially leading to the adoption of new assessment technologies and alternative credentialing systems.
AI Integration
The reliance on AI-driven learning platforms will continue to grow, requiring a parallel evolution in how employers assess the validity and applicability of skills acquired through these channels.
Gender Disparity
The observed gender gap in self-taught skill adoption and endorsement of AI-based learning may widen, necessitating targeted initiatives to encourage broader participation among women.

AI-Fueled Resume Inflation Threatens Hiring Integrity, Survey Finds

Event summary

  • A new survey by Express Employment Professionals and The Harris Poll reveals that 86% of US hiring managers believe AI makes it too easy to exaggerate skills on resumes.
  • 80% of hiring managers report that candidate resumes don't match their real-world skills, with 34% saying this occurs frequently.
  • Only 22% of job seekers admit to listing skills they don't possess, creating a significant discrepancy with employer perceptions.
  • The survey was conducted in November 2025, surveying 1,002 hiring decision-makers and 1,003 job seekers.

The big picture

The survey highlights a growing disconnect between candidate self-assessment and employer expectations, exacerbated by the accessibility of AI tools. This trend underscores a broader challenge within the labor market: a mismatch between advertised skills and actual capabilities, potentially hindering productivity and innovation. The reliance on AI to create embellished resumes signals a potential degradation of professional integrity and a need for more robust verification processes.

What we're watching

Verification Costs
Increased resume inflation will likely drive up the cost of background checks and skills assessments for employers, impacting margins and potentially slowing hiring velocity.
Candidate Trust
The widening gap between perceived and actual skills risks eroding trust between job seekers and employers, potentially leading to increased turnover and reputational damage for both parties.
AI Adaptation
The pace at which AI-powered resume screening tools evolve to detect and mitigate exaggerated claims will determine the long-term impact on hiring practices and candidate selection.

US Firms Project 50% Turnover Surge in 2026, Cost Climbs to $45,236

Event summary

  • Half of US companies anticipate a significant increase in employee turnover in 2026, up from 39% in Fall 2024 and 33% in Fall 2023.
  • The average cost of employee turnover has risen to $45,236, a substantial increase from $36,723 in the previous year.
  • Larger organizations (500+ employees) are expressing the most concern, with 64% expecting turnover to rise.
  • 75% of hiring managers expect wage increases in 2026, while 46% of job seekers anticipate a wage increase.

The big picture

The projected turnover surge and escalating replacement costs signal a persistent challenge for US businesses, particularly larger organizations, as they navigate a competitive labor market. This trend underscores the growing importance of employee retention strategies and the potential for wage inflation to further exacerbate the issue. The data suggests a fundamental shift in employee priorities and a weakening of traditional employer-employee loyalty.

What we're watching

Wage Pressure
The divergence between employer and job seeker expectations regarding wage increases suggests potential negotiation friction and a risk of continued upward pressure on labor costs.
Culture Investment
The emphasis on company culture as a retention tool highlights a potential shift in employer strategy, but the effectiveness of these initiatives in curbing turnover remains to be seen.
Macro Trends
The rise in career switching and increased workplace demands indicate broader societal and economic factors are contributing to turnover, suggesting the trend may persist beyond 2026.

US Job Seekers Brace for Tighter Market Amid Wage Optimism

Event summary

  • 58% of US job seekers anticipate increased difficulty finding work in 2026.
  • 37% believe there are fewer job opportunities now compared to a year ago, a decline from 48% in 2025.
  • 46% expect overall wages to increase in 2026.
  • 42% of job seekers are actively looking for a new job, a slight decrease from spring 2025.
  • 47% of employed workers report longer hours and increased overtime, particularly among those with household incomes above $50,000.

The big picture

The survey data reveals a bifurcated job market: optimism about wages coexists with a growing sense of scarcity and increased pressure on existing workers. This dynamic suggests a potential shift from a candidate-driven market to one with more employer leverage, but also highlights the risk of employee dissatisfaction and turnover if wage expectations aren't met. Express Employment Professionals' insights offer a valuable barometer of broader economic anxieties and workforce behaviors.

What we're watching

Wage Pressure
While wage expectations remain positive, the difficulty in securing employment could temper actual wage growth, potentially creating a disconnect between perceived and realized gains.
Labor Mobility
The increased intensity of job searches, despite a slight decrease in active seekers, suggests a continued churn in the labor market, which could impact productivity and training costs for employers.
Workload Sustainability
The prevalence of longer hours and overtime, particularly among higher-income workers, raises concerns about burnout and potential attrition if these conditions persist.

Express Employment Professionals Maintains 15-Year Franchise Dominance

Event summary

  • Express Employment Professionals has been ranked #1 in Entrepreneur's Franchise 500® for the 15th consecutive year within the staffing/recruiting category.
  • The company operates over 870 franchises internationally, employing more than 11 million people globally since its inception.
  • Entrepreneur's Franchise 500® ranking considers factors like costs, growth, support, brand strength, and financial stability.
  • Express has received numerous other accolades in 2025, including recognition from Forbes and Staffing Industry Analysts.

The big picture

Express Employment Professionals' consistent ranking atop Entrepreneur's Franchise 500 demonstrates the resilience and scalability of its franchise model within a fragmented staffing industry. The company's extensive network and multiple awards highlight its brand strength and operational efficiency, but also underscore the importance of maintaining a competitive edge in a market increasingly influenced by technology and shifting workforce dynamics. The franchise model itself provides a degree of insulation from direct economic shocks, but the company's future success hinges on its ability to adapt to changing labor market conditions and support its franchisees.

What we're watching

Franchise Growth
The continued expansion of Express's franchise network will be a key indicator of its overall health and ability to maintain its market position, particularly as competition in the staffing sector intensifies.
Economic Sensitivity
The staffing industry is highly sensitive to macroeconomic conditions; Express's performance will likely reflect broader trends in employment and business investment.
Innovation
Maintaining its Franchise 500 ranking requires Express to continually innovate its service offerings and franchise support model to adapt to evolving employment trends and franchisee needs.
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