April 2026 | Franchise Dictionary Magazine

20 04, 2026

AtWork Launches New Professional Staffing Division Names Industry Veteran Nancy Halverson as Vice President of AtWork Professional Services

Paul Zboichyk2026-04-20T18:00:19-04:00April 20th, 2026|Tags: AtWork, franchise growth, staffing franchise, temp-to-hire and direct-hire services|

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — AtWork^®, an award-winning staffing agency franchise, is excited to announce the appointment of Nancy Halverson as Vice President of Professional Services. In her new role, she will lead AtWork Professional, a new division dedicated to specialized professional recruiting for contract staffing and direct-hire solutions. Halverson brings more than 30 years of experience in staffing and franchising experience. (PHOTO HERE)

“This is truly my dream role because it allows me to leverage every part of my career,” said Nancy Halverson, AtWork’s Vice President of Professional Services. “AtWork has an incredible foundation in commercial staffing, and now we have the opportunity to expand into professional services with a fresh, modern, and highly specialized approach. We’re building a division where franchisees are true experts in their verticals, and where clients feel they’re working with a partner who understands their world.”

Halverson joins AtWork with extensive leadership experience across the staffing and franchising industry, where she has spent decades developing operational strategy, supporting franchise growth, and strengthening system-wide performance. Throughout her career, she has built a reputation for driving scalable growth, enhancing franchisee success, and elevating professional contract staffing and direct-hire staffing operations.

As Vice President of Professional Services, Halverson will lead the development of the division’s franchise model, training programs, operational systems, and market strategy.

“AtWork Professional represents a natural evolution of our brand and the needs of today’s workforce,” said Jason Leverant. “Nancy’s deep industry experience and proven leadership make her the ideal person to build and scale this division. We’re confident this new offering will create meaningful opportunities for our franchise owners while delivering high-value talent solutions to clients.”

AtWork’s Professional launched this year, reflecting the changing dynamics of the modern workforce and the growing demand for specialized talent. Designed as a low-cost franchise opportunity, AtWork Professional eliminates the need for a brick-and-mortar location and can be operated independently without the need for additional staff, making it an accessible and flexible franchise model.

Halverson’s appointment further strengthens AtWork’s executive leadership and reinforces the brand’s commitment to cultivating accomplished, high-impact female business leaders.

For more information about AtWork Professional and franchise opportunities, visit https://www.atwork.com/franchise/.

About AtWork

Headquartered in Knoxville, Tennessee, AtWork is an award-winning staffing franchise with more than 30 years of experience helping businesses find dependable talent and helping people find meaningful work. AtWork provides comprehensive workforce solutions, including temporary staffing, temp-to-hire, and direct hire services, supporting companies across a wide range of industries nationwide. AtWork delivers its staffing solutions through two distinct channels: their legacy brand, AtWork Personnel–focusing on commercial staffing (light industrial and clerical), and AtWork Professional–placing skilled professionals in areas such as accounting and finance, engineering, information technology, and other professional-level roles.

AtWork is recognized by Staffing Industry Analysts as one of the Largest and Best Staffing Firms to Work for in the U.S. and as an Entrepreneur Verified Franchise. The brand’s commitment to service excellence has earned ClearlyRated’s Best of Staffing^® Award for both client and talent satisfaction. AtWork’s strong growth and franchisee support have secured its place on Franchise Business Review’s Top 200 Franchises for eight consecutive years, along with induction into the FBR Hall of Fame for more than 10 years of outstanding performance. Additional recognition includes ranking in Franchise Times Top 400, named one of America’s Best Recruiting and Temporary Staffing Firms for 2026, Fran Serve’s Fran-tastic 2026 Award and Entrepreneur’s Top Franchises for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.

For more information about AtWork visit https://www.atwork.com/franchise/. To learn about AtWork Professional visit: https://www.atwork.com/franchise/professional/.

20 04, 2026

Empower Brands Strengthens Leadership Team to Accelerate Growth Across Platform in 2026

Paul Zboichyk2026-04-20T17:53:44-04:00April 20th, 2026|Tags: commercial and residential services, Empower Brands, home services|

Strategic leadership appointments position multi-brand franchisor for continued expansion following record 2025 performance

RICHMOND, Va. — Empower Brands, a franchisor of home and business services brands, is reinforcing its leadership team with a series of strategic appointments and promotions over the last six months, positioning the company for continued growth in 2026.

Following a record-setting 2025, in which the company achieved significant expansion across its portfolio, with multiple brands earning national recognition and franchisees demonstrating strong unit-level performance, Empower Brands has expanded its leadership bench across marketing, operations, technology and brand leadership roles. These additions reflect a continued investment in franchisee support and platform innovation across its portfolio.

“Coming off a milestone year, we’re focused on building the right leadership structure to support the next phase of growth,” said Scott Zide, CEO of Empower Brands. “These leaders bring deep experience and a shared commitment to helping our franchise owners succeed. As we move through 2026, this team will play a critical role in driving performance across every brand in our system.”

Key leadership updates include:

Volker Wellman, Senior Vice President of Operations at JAN-PRO
Chris Donnelly, Vice President of Information Technology
Melanie Watts, Vice President of Brand Marketing
Joe Dominiak, Brand Leader for Superior Fence & Rail
Justin Mayer, Brand President of Outdoor Lighting Perspectives
Ben Wright, Brand President for Canopy Lawn Care
Cory Lyons, Brand President of Wallaby Windows in addition to his role as Brand President of Koala Insulation
Jeff Waters, Brand President of FRSTeam
Andrew Eaton, Vice President of Growth for Bumble Roofing
Neal Leon, Vice President of Business Development for JAN-PRO

The company’s continued investment in leadership reflects its commitment to building a scalable platform that supports both emerging and established brands. By strengthening expertise across key functional areas, Empower Brands aims to improve execution at the local level while creating new opportunities for franchisees to expand and grow within the system.

“Our strategy is centered on empowering franchise owners with the tools, leadership and support they need to succeed,” Zide added. “With this expanded leadership team in place, we’re well-positioned to accelerate growth, strengthen our brands and deliver long-term value across the entire platform.”

With a diversified portfolio and a growing base of multi-unit franchise operators, Empower Brands enters the remainder of 2026 focused on driving sustainable expansion, enhancing franchisee performance and continuing to build one of the leading service-based franchise platforms in North America.

To learn more about Empower Brands and its array of franchise opportunities across its award-winning portfolio, visit EmpowerFranchising.com.

About Empower Brands
Empower Brands is a commercial and home services platform company encompassing ten industry-leading brands: JAN-PRO, FRSTeam, Archadeck Outdoor Living, Outdoor Lighting Perspectives (OLP), Conserva Irrigation, Superior Fence & Rail, Wallaby Windows, Koala Insulation, Bumble Roofing and Canopy Lawn Care. Empower Brands is dedicated to providing its customers with the highest quality products and services in the commercial and home services industries while simultaneously delivering its franchise owners committed personal support, tools and empowerment to pursue their own success. Empower Brands is a portfolio company of MidOcean Partners, a leading private equity firm with an excellent track record investing in successful, growth-focused franchise businesses. For more about Empower Brands, visit the company’s website at EmpowerFranchising.com.

20 04, 2026

Evive Brands Launches “Hands in Action” Campaign To Spotlight Franchisee Community Impact During National Volunteer Month

Paul Zboichyk2026-04-20T01:24:06-04:00April 20th, 2026|Tags: disabled and recovering individuals services, Evive Brands, home health care, quality home care services, seniors services, staffing in hospitals and other facilities|

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Evive Brands is launching its “Hands in Action” campaign in recognition of National Volunteer Month, spotlighting the meaningful ways franchise owners across its portfolio give back to the communities they serve.

The nationwide initiative showcases volunteerism and community service efforts from franchisees representing brands Assisted Living Locators, Executive Home Care, Grasons, Maid Brigade, The Brothers That Just Do Gutters, Shine and Pacific Lawn Sprinklers. The campaign aims to amplify the real-world impact of local business owners.

“Across our brands, we see franchise owners stepping up every day to support their communities,” said Ryan Parsons, Evive Brands CEO. “Hands in Action is about recognizing those efforts reflecting who we are as an organization—people driven by purpose, service and a commitment to making a difference.”

Franchisees are already demonstrating that impact in communities across the country.

In California, Assisted Living Locators Santa Clarita franchisee Kevin Hayden leads veterans groups at local senior living communities, creating a space for connection, shared experiences and access to veteran resources.

In Virginia, Executive Home Care Richmond owner Tim Hayes is hosting a community Alzheimer’s fundraising event in partnership with the Alzheimer’s Association of Greater Richmond, bringing residents together to support awareness and research.

Grasons of Clarksville, TN owner Jonathan Curri partners with local organizations including Yaipak, Habitat for Humanity, Manna’s Cafe Ministries and AMVETS to donate items from estate sales, helping individuals and families rebuild their lives.

Maid Brigade of Loudoun and Fairfax Counties operations manager Sally Crosen has contributed more than 3,000 volunteer hours to Habitat for Humanity, including providing free cleanings before home dedications to support families transitioning into stable housing.

In New Hampshire, The Brothers That Just Do Gutters franchisee Mike Manni is supporting workforce development by awarding scholarships to students pursuing careers in the skilled trades.

Shine’s founders continue to support orphaned and vulnerable children in Uganda through the Arrows & Hope initiative, funded in part by franchise growth.

Additionally, Pacific Lawn Sprinklers owner Steve Pellicane and his team volunteered to decorate a home for a local family facing cancer, bringing comfort and joy during a challenging time.

The Hands in Action campaign highlights the collective impact of franchise businesses locally while reinforcing the importance of community engagement across Evive Brands network.

For more information about Evive Brands, visit www.evivebrands.com.

Evive’s franchise brands—Executive Home Care, Assisted Living Locators, Grasons, and The Brothers that just do Gutters—contribute to the company’s mission of providing high-quality, compassionate care and expert home services. Evive collectively represents over 600 franchise locations across the nation.

For more information about Evive Brands and its franchise opportunities, visit www.evivebrands.com.

20 04, 2026

Card My Yard earns dual honors as a Top Low-Cost Franchise for 2026 by Franchise Business Review and Entrepreneur

Paul Zboichyk2026-04-20T01:18:28-04:00April 20th, 2026|Tags: Card My Yard, Five Star Franchising, home service brands|

Celebration-focused brand recognized by industry leaders for its highly accessible startup investment,
strong owner satisfaction and flexible, community-driven business model

AUSTIN, Texas — Card My Yard, the premier yard greeting franchise known for helping families and communities celebrate life’s milestones, has been recognized as a top low-cost franchise opportunity by two of the industry’s most respected authorities. The brand has been named by Franchise Business Review (FBR) as one of the Top Low-Cost Franchises of 2026 and by Entrepreneur as one of 2026’s Top Franchises for Less Than $50K.

These recognitions highlight Card My Yard’s position as an accessible path to business ownership, combining a modest startup investment around $10K with a proven, supported model.

Each award reflects a different measure of performance and strength. Entrepreneur’s list, where Card My Yard ranks at No. 34, recognizes franchise brands with strong growth potential, brand visibility and financial accessibility. FBR’s list is based entirely on independent survey data from franchise owners, evaluating key areas such as training, support and operations. The 2026 FBR Top Low-Cost honorees reported satisfaction scores 15–20% higher than the industry benchmark, reinforcing the strength of systems, support, and day-to-day owner experience.

Card My Yard, a Five Star Franchising home service brand, continues to stand out for its low initial investment, community-centric, home-based business model. Paired with structured training, marketing support and proven operational processes, its franchise owners start with a clear path to build local demand and scale at a pace that aligns with their lifestyle and goals.

“Card My Yard was built to give people a structured way to step into business ownership without unnecessary complexity or massive investment,” said Josh Arnold, Brand President of Card My Yard. “To be recognized by both Entrepreneur and FBR reflects the strength of our model, and more importantly, the success and satisfaction of our owners.”

This recognition follows continued momentum for Card My Yard. Earlier this year, the brand was named to FBR’s lists of the Top 200 Franchises and Top Franchises for Women. The brand is especially appealing to individuals seeking a business that aligns with family priorities and community involvement. Owners play an active, visible role in their local markets — partnering with schools, organizations and families — while leveraging centralized support, logistics and tools to help them drive demand with lean operations and overhead.

To learn about spreading joy as a Card My Yard owner in your community, visit fivestarfranchising.com/card-my-yard.

View the full lists of these industry honors at franchisebusinessreview.com and entrepreneur.com.

For customer inquiries or to book a greeting, visit cardmyyard.com.

About Card My Yard

Card My Yard, a Five Star Franchising home service brand, is the premier celebratory yard greeting company with over 500 locally owned franchise locations across 46 states. The brand spreads joy nationwide helping families and communities celebrate milestones and events into moments they’ll never forget. With a proprietary technology platform and simplified operations, Card My Yard delivers a seamless customer ordering experience, and the logistical support needed to empower leaders to build meaningful, community-centered businesses that align with their lifestyle and family priorities. The brand is consistently recognized as a top franchise opportunity, earning 2026 honors from both Franchise Business Review and Entrepreneur’s as a Top Low-Cost Franchise. To learn about how to spread more joy in your area, visit fivestarfranchising.com/card-my-yard. To book greetings or customer inquiries, visit cardmyyard.com.

About Five Star Franchising

Five Star Franchising is an innovative, growing platform of home service brands with more than 1,700 total locations throughout North America. Franchise owners across its brands, including Bio-One, Card My Yard, Decorate With Lights, Five Star Bath Solutions, Five Star Flooring, Gotcha Covered, Mosquito Shield, and 1-800-Packouts leverage a robust support team and industry-leading tools to help their local businesses thrive. This includes ProNexis, the complete lead management support solution for home service brands, alongside exclusive access to Five Star’s vendor network and in-house marketing services. Five Star Franchising’s commitment to purpose and core values — Driven, Real, Innovative, Vital, and Enthusiastic (DRIVE) — empowers franchise owners to maximize profitable growth and achieve success while growing its brands into category leaders. The platform company has appeared on the prestigious Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing companies in America five times total, ranking #780 in 2025. Five Star Franchising also ranks among the fastest-growing businesses in its home state, with positions on the MountainWest Capital Network Utah 100, the Utah Valley BusinessQ UV50 and the Utah Business Fast 50 lists. For more information, visit fivestarfranchising.com.

13 04, 2026

PuroClean is on the Move with an Active Leadership Presence at Major Industry Events in 2026

Paul Zboichyk2026-04-13T01:28:51-04:00April 13th, 2026|Tags: biohazard cleanup, Fire and Smoke Damage Mitigation, mold removal, property restoration, PuroClean, water damage remediation|

Restoration Franchise Leadership is Driving Industry Engagement Through Strengthening Connections Across the Restoration and Insurance Ecosystems

TAMARAC, Fla. — PuroClean, one of North America’s leading property restoration and remediation franchise brands, is maintaining strong momentum in 2026 with an active leadership presence across the restoration industry’s most prominent events. Through sponsorships, hosted networking opportunities, and conference participation, PuroClean’s Leadership Team is On the Move, reinforcing the company’s commitment to Active Collaboration across the restoration, insurance, and franchise industries. These engagements continue to expand strategic relationships with insurance carriers, TPAs, and industry partners, helping ensure PuroClean remains aligned with how restoration professionals and insurance partners work together throughout the claims process.

“Being visible and engaged across the industry is a deliberate priority for PuroClean,” said Steve White, President of PuroClean. “Showing up, leading conversations, and staying connected to the broader community ensures we remain at the forefront of where restoration and franchising are headed.”

Throughout the year, PuroClean leadership will continue maintaining a strong presence at key industry events, including:

Aspire Gala (April 9)
Restoration Industry Association Convention (RIA) and Expo (April 27-29)
RIMS RISKWORLD (May 3-6)
ACCESS National Conference (May 18-21)
Building Owners and Managers Association Convention (June 27-30)
Connected Claims Conference (November 3-4)

Notably, Chairman & CEO Mark W. Davis is scheduled to speak at the RIA Convention, contributing to industry dialogue around advancing standards, strengthening partnerships, and supporting the continued evolution of the restoration industry.

“[PuroClean’s] leadership and participation benefit not only their Franchise Owners, but the broader network of restoration professionals, helping the industry innovate and grow,” said Saima Hedrick, CEO of the RIA.

Earlier in the first quarter, PuroClean was proud to host the RIA AGA PuroClean Networking Event, bringing together restoration professionals for a day of connection, candid conversation, and forward-focused learning. PuroClean also maintained an active presence at several major industry gatherings in the first quarter of 2026, including INTRConnect, VERISK Elevate, the IFA Convention, PLRB Conference, the Multi-Unit Franchising Conference, and more. These engagements reflect PuroClean’s focus on fostering meaningful dialogue and sharing perspectives across restoration professionals, insurance carriers, and industry organizations.

“Industry events create valuable opportunities to collaborate with partners across the restoration and insurance industries,” said George Hernandez, Chief Operating Officer of PuroClean. “By staying actively engaged, we strengthen the relationships and knowledge sharing that ultimately support our Franchise Owners and the communities they serve.”

PuroClean’s continued presence at industry gatherings reflects the company’s commitment to staying closely aligned with restoration professionals, insurance partners, and industry organizations as the sector navigates increasing complexity, technological advancement, and rising customer expectations. By maintaining that alignment, PuroClean supports stronger collaboration and more informed decision-making across the claims and restoration lifecycle.

“Conferences like these give us direct insight into how the restoration and insurance market and its ecosystems are evolving,” said Nick Hindle, Chief Information Officer of PuroClean. “Those insights help guide how we develop the technology and systems that allow our Franchise Owners to operate more efficiently and deliver a better experience for customers and partners. Additionally, the opportunity to interact with so many key partners in the market cannot be understated, or missed.”

For more information about PuroClean, please visit https://www.puroclean.com. For franchise opportunities, visit https://www.purocleanfranchise.com.

About PuroClean
PuroClean is a leading, world-class service brand for property water damage remediation, fire and smoke damage restoration, mold removal, and biohazard clean-up services, working with both residential and commercial clients. Founded in 2001, PuroClean is a diverse, fast-growing network of over 500 North American franchise locations across the United States and Canada, each independently owned and operated. With a commitment to respond within two hours, the professionals at PuroClean are thoroughly screened, insured, and trained in utilizing the latest cutting-edge mitigation technology to complete the remediation task at hand.

13 04, 2026

Pillar To Post Appoints D’Wayne Tanner as Vice President of Franchise Development

Paul Zboichyk2026-04-13T01:19:48-04:00April 13th, 2026|Tags: “executive” model, Home Inspector Franchise, Pillar to Post Home Inspectors|

Veteran Franchise Leader to Drive Strategic Growth and Strengthen Franchise Business Owner Relationships

TAMPA, Fla. — Pillar To Post Home Inspectors (Pillar To Post), North America’s largest home inspection company, proudly announces the appointment of D’Wayne Tanner as its new Vice President of Franchise Development. Tanner brings more than 30 years of franchising experience and will lead the brand’s development strategy, focusing on sustainable growth, strong franchise business owner alignment and expanded engagement across the brokerage community.

Tanner began his career after graduating from Rice University before moving into franchising, where he built a diverse background across some of the industry’s most recognized brands. He has held leadership roles with organizations including Yum! Brands, Wendy’s International, and FOCUS Brands, among others. Tanner most recently spent more than a decade with BELFOR Franchise Group, supporting the growth and development of franchise systems across the home services sector.

“What drew me to Pillar To Post is the opportunity to be part of a brand that plays such an important role in the homebuying journey,” said Tanner. “There’s significant opportunity ahead, and I’m excited to help grow the system with the right franchise business owners who are committed to building strong relationships in their communities.”

In his new role, Tanner will focus on strengthening relationships across franchise brokerage and consultant networks, refining development processes and supporting the continued expansion of Pillar To Post’s footprint across North America. He will also work closely with internal leadership to ensure new franchise business owners are positioned for long-term success through alignment, training and ongoing support. He is particularly energized by the home inspection industry’s potential, noting its resilience and relevance regardless of market conditions.

“D’Wayne’s experience across franchising makes him a tremendous addition to our team,” said Charles Furlough, CEO of Pillar To Post Home Inspectors. “He understands what it takes to build strong franchise systems and, more importantly, how to support the people behind them. His expertise will be instrumental as we continue to grow with the right partners and strengthen our presence across the industry.”

As Pillar To Post continues to expand, Tanner will play a key role in elevating the brand’s visibility within the franchise community while helping attract experienced, relationship-driven entrepreneurs to the system.

For more information about Pillar To Post Home Inspectors and franchise opportunities, visit www.franchise.pillartopost.com.

About Pillar To Post Home Inspectors^®
Founded in 1994, Pillar To Post Home Inspectors is the largest home inspection company in North America with home offices in Toronto and Tampa. There are 400+ franchises located across the United States and Canada. The company has been named as Best in Category in Entrepreneur Magazine‘s Franchise500® ranking for 19 years in a row. For further information, please visit www.pillartopost.com.

13 04, 2026

Zoom Room Appoints Jackie Mendes as Senior VP of Franchise Development

Paul Zboichyk2026-04-13T01:08:27-04:00April 13th, 2026|Tags: Dog Training Franchise, Smart Pet Technology, Zoom Room Dog Training|

Growing Dog Training Brand Adds Experienced Franchise Development Veteran to Power Next Phase

LOS ANGELES — Zoom Room, the revolutionary indoor dog training gym, has named Jackie Mendes Senior Vice President of Franchise Development, the latest in a series of executive hires as the company strengthens its leadership team and prepares for a new wave of growth.

Mendes brings more than 25 years of experience in the fitness and wellness industries, serving in franchise sales and business development roles. She’s held roles at globally recognized brands including F45 Training, World Gym International, Perspire Sauna Studio and RealRyder Indoor Cycling International. In addition to her corporate leadership background, Mendes is a Perspire Sauna Studio franchisee in Texas, providing her with hands-on experience in franchise operations.

In her new role, Mendes will focus on recruiting high-quality, business-minded franchise partners to drive Zoom Room’s national expansion and further cement the brand’s reputation as the premier space for dogs and their families.

“Zoom Room stands alone as the only indoor dog training gym in the U.S. built around socialization and community. It’s true experiential retail for dog lovers, paired with a scalable model that’s lower-cost, labor-light and operationally efficient,” said Mendes. “I am excited to help grow and scale a brand that is so valuable to dogs and their owners.”

Zoom Room continues to experience strong demand from franchisees seeking to build community-centered businesses rooted in dog socialization, training, and enrichment. With a proven operating model, cutting edge technology and proprietary training methodology, the brand is focused on expanding its franchise system to 550 locations by 2030 while supporting existing franchise owners.

“Jackie brings a powerful combination of franchise expertise and a passion for community-driven business that will be instrumental as we continue on our growth path forward and expand our pipeline of high-quality franchise partners,” said Mark Van Wye, CEO of Zoom Room.

To learn more about Zoom Room and its franchising opportunities, please visit https://zoomroom.com/franchise/.

About Zoom Room Dog Training
Established in 2007, Zoom Room^® is a revolutionary indoor dog training gym, recently recognized as one of the Top 40 fastest-growing consumer service brands in the United States per the Inc 5000 list. Zoom Room’s mission is to deepen the bond and communication between dogs and their human companions through its focus on socialization, positive reinforcement, human education, and interactive learning. Accolades include rankings on Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500 list and their esteemed list of Top Franchises for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. They are also the authors of the best-selling dog training book, Puppy Training in 7 Easy Steps and Ultimate Puppy Training for Kids. Committed to social responsibility, Zoom Room celebrates responsible pet owners and actively collaborates with animal rescue and welfare organizations at both local and national levels. Learn more at https://zoomroom.com/.

13 04, 2026

90% of US Hiring Managers Say One Thing Speeds Up the Process — And Most Candidates Don’t Use It

Paul Zboichyk2026-04-13T01:01:46-04:00April 13th, 2026|Tags: business services, Express Employment Professionals, professional education, staffing solutions|

New survey shows referrals build trust, accelerate decisions and give candidates a clear edge many overlook.

OKLAHOMA CITY — A referral may be the closest thing to a “shortcut” in today’s job market, and a new Express Employment Professionals-Harris Poll survey shows just how powerful that endorsement can be. A striking 90% of U.S. hiring managers say employee referrals make hiring more efficient, and 91% say a strong internal reference can open doors that would otherwise stay closed.

Yet despite its impact, most job seekers aren’t tapping into it.

A referral does more than boost visibility. It fundamentally changes how hiring managers perceive a candidate.

89% trust candidates’ stated skills more when someone recommends them.
80% prioritize interviewing referred candidates over equally qualified non-referred applicants.
76% believe referred candidates perform better on the job.

In a crowded labor market, a single name can be the difference between getting noticed and getting overlooked.

But while referrals can be a deciding factor for hiring managers, job seekers rarely recognize their value. Only 40% believe a referral helps them stand out, revealing a significant disconnect between how influence is perceived on each side of the hiring process.

Referrals Work When Relationships Are Real

Hiring managers value referrals, but they also value authenticity.

93% have been contacted by former colleagues after long periods of no communication.
38% say it happens all the time or often.
68% are less likely to provide a reference if the only time someone reaches out is when they need one.
66% consider whether the person maintained the relationship over the years before agreeing to help.

The power of a referral doesn’t begin when a candidate needs a job. It begins long before that through trust, history and genuine connection.

The Strength — And Limits — of a Referral

Even with its undeniable impact, hiring managers are realistic about the boundaries of a referral.

91% say a reference doesn’t always mean the candidate is the right fit.
49% strongly agree.
70% worry that relying on referrals can limit team diversity.

Referrals open doors, but they don’t replace a true assessment of skills, culture or potential. They accelerate opportunity, not guarantee it.

“Referrals have always carried weight, but what this data shows is that they carry responsibility too,” said Bob Funk Jr., CEO, President and Chairman of Express Employment International. “The strongest recommendations come from relationships built on consistency and genuine connection, not convenience. When people invest in each other over time, they create opportunities that no algorithm can match. A referral isn’t just a name on an email. It’s trust earned through showing up. That’s what moves careers forward.”

Discover more research and real-world workforce trends from the America Employed series at ExpressPros.com/Newsroom.

Survey Methodology
The Job Insights survey was conducted online within the United States by The Harris Poll on behalf of Express Employment Professionals from Nov. 3 to 19, 2025, among 1,002 U.S. hiring decision-makers.

The Job Seeker Report was conducted online within the United States by The Harris Poll on behalf of Express Employment Professionals from Nov. 7 to 20, 2025, among 1,003 adults ages 18 and older.

For full survey methodologies, please contact Sheena.Hollander@ExpressPros.com, Director of Corporate Communications & PR.

If you would like to arrange for an interview to discuss this topic, please contact Sheena.Hollander@ExpressPros.com, Director of Corporate Communications & PR.

About Robert (Bob) Funk Jr.
Robert (Bob) Funk Jr. is the Chief Executive Officer, President and Chairman of Express Employment International, a global staffing franchisor founded and headquartered in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. He leads a portfolio of workforce solution brands, including the flagship Express Employment Professionals franchise, along with several affiliated brands serving specialized markets. The Express franchise brand is an industry-leading, international staffing company with franchise locations across the U.S., Canada, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand.

About Express Employment Professionals
At Express Employment Professionals, we’re in the business of people. From job seekers to client companies, Express helps people thrive and businesses grow. Our international network of franchises offers localized staffing solutions to the communities they serve across the U.S., Canada, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand, employing more than 11 million people globally since its inception. For more information, visit ExpressPros.com.

13 04, 2026

Modern Stress, Future Solutions: Heights Wellness Retreat Empowers Consumers to Prioritize Their Well-Being

Paul Zboichyk2026-04-13T00:46:52-04:00April 13th, 2026|Tags: Cryotherapy, Heights Wellness Retreat, Massage Franchise|

Wellness Authority Offers Education + Resources to Combat Increased Stress and Support Active Recovery

SAN ANTONIO — Stress is no longer occasional; it’s become part of daily life. A recent study found Gen Z and Millennial adults are experiencing peak stress levels at younger ages with the majority feeling burned out by their 30s. The growing levels of stress impacting how Americans work, sleep and move through their routines.

Shifting the conversation from awareness to action, Heights Wellness Retreat is reframing the conversation around self-care – it’s not a luxury, but a necessary, proactive investment in long-term health and well-being. Through expert-backed strategies and innovative services, the brand helps individuals better manage stress and build sustainable wellness routines.

“Today’s stress isn’t just occasional, it’s something people are navigating every day,” said Shane Evans, Co-Founder and CEO of Heights Wellness Retreat. “Our goal is to provide practical, sustainable solutions that support both immediate relief and long-term well-being, so self-care becomes part of everyday life, not just an afterthought.”

Understanding the Reality of Modern Stress
Today’s stressors are more complex than ever. Demanding schedules, constant digital connectivity, and limited time for recovery are creating a cycle that impacts both mental and physical health. While awareness around wellness continues to rise, many consumers still struggle to turn that awareness into consistent, effective habits that fit into their daily lives.

As a trusted guide and resource for recovery, stress management, and long-term wellbeing, Heights Wellness Retreat is providing expert-backed strategies to help consumers build sustainable routines:

Prioritize Active Recovery: Wellness is often reactive, addressing pain or burnout after it happens. Active recovery shifts that mindset. Short, targeted experiences like meditation or cryotherapy create momentum around self-care. While quality sleep and rest remain essential, recovery does not have to be time-intensive to be effective.
Support Circulation to Maintain Energy: Movement plays a critical role in how energized and balanced people feel. Supporting circulation can help reduce physical tension and promote recovery through services like lymphatic drainage and infrared saunas.
Use Wellness Services to Complement Daily Habits: Touchless therapies such as cryotherapy and red-light therapy are most effective when used alongside consistent habits. These tools are designed to support recovery, reduce inflammation, and promote balance – not replace foundational wellness practices.
Personalize Your Approach: Wellness is for everyone and there is not a one-size-fits-all approach. Personalized routines aligned with individual needs and goals are more effective, and more sustainable over time.
Think Long-Term: True wellness comes from consistency. Integrating recovery and self-care into daily life, rather than just treating it as a one-time fix, will lead to more meaningful, lasting results.

A Thoughtful Approach to Modern Wellness
At Heights Wellness Retreat, wellness is proactive, personalized, and designed to fit into modern life. The brand continues to expand its offerings with innovative wellness technologies and services that support the path to holistic wellness, including lymphatic drainage, cryotherapy, meditation, red light therapy, infrared sauna, and more. These services provide convenient, customizable options to nurture the body, mind, and spirit.

To learn more about Heights Wellness Retreat or book an appointment, visit: heightswellnessretreat.com.

About Heights Wellness Retreat
What started as a massage franchise in 2004 has evolved into a holistic approach to wellness that helps empower the unstoppable to elevate their every day. Heights Wellness Retreat offers a suite of innovative services including cryotherapy, lymphatic drainage, and more, but massage and facials remain at its core. The wellness franchise has more than 100 locations and counting across the U.S. and Canada.

13 04, 2026

JETSET Pilates Announces Grand Opening of Bridgeland Location in Cypress, TX

Paul Zboichyk2026-04-13T00:39:06-04:00April 13th, 2026|Tags: fitness franchise, JETSET Pilates, Reformer Pilates Franchise|

Husband-and-wife team introducing a community-driven Reformer Pilates experience to the rapidly growing Bridgeland area

BRIDGELAND, Texas — JETSET Pilates, the fast-growing modern Reformer Pilates franchise offering premium, full-body workouts, is expanding to the Cypress area with a new studio opening in Bridgeland. Located at 20115 Bridgeland Creek Pkwy, the studio is owned and operated by Chance Montgomery, alongside his wife Holly Montgomery, who will serve as Co-Owner and Director of Community Marketing. Preview classes will begin on April 13, with regular classes starting April 26 and a full grand opening celebration planned for April 25 from 11 am – 1 pm, featuring local vendors, light bites and drinks, a DJ, access to discounted Founding Memberships, and exclusive JETSET swag.

Chance brings years of sales experience and more than a decade in the fitness world to his first business venture. A Houston-area local who has spent his life in Texas, Chance currently coaches CrossFit and has seen firsthand how group fitness builds strong communities, an experience that inspired him to bring the JETSET Pilates franchise to the rapidly growing Bridgeland area. The studio will be a family-owned business operated alongside his wife and partner, Holly, a fellow Texas native and former preschool director whose background in managing staff, supporting families and overseeing daily operations will be instrumental in creating a welcoming, community-focused environment. Their daughter, Laurel, will also play a role in the business, supporting the studio’s social media content.

“After spending years coaching group fitness and seeing how powerful that sense of community can be, I knew I wanted to bring something similar to Bridgeland,” said Chance. “We recognized an opportunity to introduce more boutique fitness options to the Cypress community, and we’re excited to create a space where people can challenge themselves, connect with others and build a strong fitness community.”

The 2,400-square-foot studio will feature 15 custom reformers, offering 50-minute, high-end classes combining strength, cardio, and Pilates-inspired movements set to DJ-curated music. Each class is designed to strengthen, lengthen, and energize both body and mind, reflecting the studio’s mission to blend premium fitness with a community-driven experience for all levels, appealing to a wide range of individuals from young professionals to busy parents looking for an efficient, full-body workout. The Bridgeland location has already begun building meaningful community relationships by hosting collaborative, wellness-focused events, and is seeing strong initial reception.

“The Montgomerys’ passion for building a community-driven studio makes them the perfect partners to bring the JETSET experience to Bridgeland,” said Tamara Galinsky, Founder and Brand President of JETSET Pilates. “With Holly’s people management background and Chance’s deep roots in fitness, I am confident their studio will become a welcoming destination where residents can build strength, connection and community.”

For more information about JETSET Pilates Bridgeland, to schedule a class, or inquire about memberships, visit https://jetsetpilates.com/tx/bridgeland/, call (832) 402-8319, or follow the studio on Instagram @jetsetpilatesbridgeland.

About JETSET Pilates

Founded in 2010 and franchising since 2022, JETSET Pilates has quickly become one of the most attractive concepts in the boutique fitness franchise space, with over 350 studios open or in development across the U.S., the U.K., and Australia. The brand is known for its 50-minute classes that combine strength, cardio, and Pilates-inspired movements for a full-body workout, focusing on connection, consistency, and wellness in every community it serves. For more information, please visit https://jetsetpilates.com, or follow the brand on LinkedIn and Instagram.

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Monthly Archives: April 2026