Allison Austin built a successful career in global HR, but spending much of the year abroad, due to international travel demands left her with less time with her family. Seeking a career change that would allow her to spend more time at home, Allison began exploring opportunities to purchase an existing business with her husband, Chad. They spoke with a Franchise Consultant, who referred them to PrideStaff, which had a resale franchise location in Asheville, North Carolina. By Kelsi Trinidad
Allison Austin built a successful career in global HR, but spending much of the year abroad, due to international travel demands left her with less time with her family. Seeking a career change that would allow her to spend more time at home, Allison began exploring opportunities to purchase an existing business with her husband, Chad. They spoke with a Franchise Consultant, who referred them to PrideStaff, which had a resale franchise location in Asheville, North Carolina.
Chad immediately thought staffing aligned with their professional backgrounds. Once they learned the business was part of a franchise system, Allison was equally enthusiastic. PrideStaff’s support gave them the comfort of knowing they had a network of fellow franchisees and the confidence to take ownership.
After taking over the Asheville PrideStaff location in July 2025, their business grew quickly.
When the opportunity came to acquire an adjacent “resale” territory, they decided to buy the office. “Sometimes, you kind of have to strike when opportunities come across your desk, and maybe it’s not the perfect timing, but you don’t want to pass it up,” Allison said.
The Austins have a lot on their plate, often splitting up responsibilities between the two territories. They credit support from the corporate office as a key factor in enabling their expansion.
“If we did not have the PrideStaff corporate support, we would not be able to manage what we’re doing right now if we were an independent staffing agency,” Chad said.
While their entry into franchising was a whirlwind, both say the business is not only helping to meet their family’s needs but also forging deeper relationships within the communities they serve.
“We see a direct impact in what we’re doing and how that is strengthening the communities that we’re working in,” Chad said. “But also, from the other side, even stronger is the gratification of helping somebody connect to employment when they’re dislocated from employment.”
Kelsi Trinidad