franchise growth

Award-winning staffing franchise continues commitment to service-focused culture, expanded footprint and sales growth.

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — AtWork, one of the nation’s largest and fastest growing staffing franchises, recently released their 2022 sales revenue numbers, showing a 10% increase over 2021 sales performance. With more than 90 locations across 29 states, the brand added 12 new locations in 2022.

In addition, the brand started 2023 strong with multiple national awards including:

• Clearly Rated Best of Staffing for Clients
• Clearly Rated Best of Staffing for Talent
• SIA’s US Largest Staffing Firms
• SIA Best Staffing Firms to Work For
• Top Franchise with Franchise Business Review
• 10 Year Hall of Fame award – Franchise Business Review

AtWork had experienced 10+ consecutive years of double-digit growth as the company continued its national expansion. Company leadership expects this trend to continue as they expand their nationwide footprint, with the goal of reaching over 300 locations, and $1 billion in sales, by 2029.

“We are pleased to see yet another year of strong growth and are excited to have exceeded our target for 2022,” said Jason Leverant, President and COO of AtWork. “Our system put more than 45,000 people to work last year. It is a direct reflection of our mission statement, to be “AtWork for You,” that we are able to both meet the needs of our clients and talent each day and see strong growth for our system as a result of this continued commitment.”

KALAMAZOO, Mich. — AtWork, a rapidly growing national staffing franchise, today announced the opening of its new office in Kalamazoo, Michigan, extending the company’s overall reach in the upper midwestern United States. The location is operated by franchise owner Lukus Handshoe, and it is located at 4430 S. Westnedge Ave., Kalamazoo, Michigan, 49008.

“I’m so excited to see Lukus Handshoe join the AtWork family in Kalamazoo, Michigan,” said Jason Leverant, President and COO of AtWork. “Lukus has combined his successful experience in the staffing industry with AtWork’s award-winning staffing franchise concept to be “AtWork For You” for both clients and talent in Kalamazoo. I have no doubt Lukus and his team are going to make a tremendously positive impact on their community!”

The city of Kalamazoo is the crossroads of Western Michigan where I-94 and 131 intersect. It is well known as a major international pharmaceutical and life sciences center; however, it is home to a diverse mix of light industrial companies, several restaurants and retail shops, as well as Western Michigan University. AtWork aims to make a positive impact on the local community by offering meaningful opportunities to people, giving back in the community, and striving to be the preferred staffing provider for the area’s leading companies.

“Helping people has always been a passion of mine,” said Handshoe. “There is no greater satisfaction than making a positive impact on people’s lives, assisting companies with obtaining their most valuable asset, and giving back to the communities that we serve. We are AtWork For You, and we are excited to bring AtWork Personnel to the great city of Kalamazoo.”

The business will primarily serve the light industrial, retail and restaurant industries, facilitating temporary, temp-to-hire and direct-hire placements. The business can be reached at 269-215-0552 or AtWork.com/kalamazoo.

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — AtWork, a rapidly growing national staffing franchise announced today that its President and COO Jason Leverant has been elected to the Board of Directors of the American Staffing Association. The slate of directors, including Leverant, was voted on by the board during its meeting at Staffing World^®, the ASA annual convention and expo.

The American Staffing Association is the voice of the U.S. staffing, recruiting, and workforce solutions industry. ASA and its state affiliates advance the interests of the industry across all sectors through advocacy, research, education, and the promotion of high standards of legal, ethical, and professional practices. The Board of Directors, which is made up of representatives from both independent firms and national companies, provides guidance for these nationwide efforts.

“I’m so excited to be invited to serve on the ASA Board of Directors,” said Leverant. I’ve volunteered extensively with the ASA over the last 15 years to help elevate the temporary staffing industry, and I’m excited to be placed in role that I can have an even greater impact on this front!”

“In the midst of economic uncertainty and a historic labor shortage, the ASA and its board of directors will continue to highlight the important roles that the staffing and recruiting industry plays as enablers of talent and providers of talent solutions and services to organizations across every sector,” said Richard Wahlquist, President and CEO of ASA. “ASA’s volunteers and staff are excited to work with our new board chair, Threase Baker, as we focus on creating more opportunities for growth in the staffing and recruiting industry.”

The complete list of ASA board members can be found at AmericanStaffing.net.

Leading national staffing franchise expands North Carolina footprint with new location.

GASTONIA, N.C. — AtWork, a rapidly growing national staffing franchise announced today the opening of its new office in Gastonia, North Carolina, extending the company’s overall reach in the state. The location is operated by Market Manager Don Monteith and is located at 839 Majestic Ct., Suite 39, Gastonia, North Carolina 28054.

“We’re so happy to see AtWork further expand in North Carolina under Don’s leadership,” said Jason Leverant, President and COO of AtWork. “AtWork’s national success is a testament to hardworking staffing professionals like Don and the expertise, tools, and resources of AtWork’s national franchise network. It is no mystery why the company continues to rank among the best staffing franchises in the nation.”

Citing Gastonia’s strong local economy and a desire to provide local businesses and candidates with an elevated hiring experience, Monteith is confident in the success of the new office.

“I’ve been in the Gaston County market since 1995 and have been very successful in helping companies find a better-quality candidate by working with great people and being involved in the community,” said Monteith. “The area is very tight knit community with many opportunities and business leaders are always willing to work with locally owned and operated companies that support the community.”

The new office will provide staffing services to the manufacturing, warehousing, office/clerical industries, as well as focusing on government contracts facilitating temporary, contract to hire, and full-time placements. The business may be reached at 704-251-0275 or by visiting AtWork.com/Gastonia.

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — AtWork franchise owner Jerry Bland of Raleigh, North Carolina was identified by franchise research firm, Franchise Business Review, as being one of 2022’s Franchisee Rock Stars.

Bland was selected from over 30,000 franchisees, representing more than 300 brands that participated in Franchise Business Review’s research.

The Franchise Rock Stars were nominated by their franchise brand’s leadership in one of eight categories as franchisees who set admirable examples when it comes to leadership, business acumen, financial and professional success, and contributing to their community. Categories included: Giving Back, Women, Millennials, Veterans, Family-Owned, “Freshmen”, Top-Performers, and Multi-Unit Owners.

“Jerry is one of our top performing franchisees and an absolute star within our system,” said Jason Leverant, President and COO of AtWork Group. “It’s an honor to see him recognized in this way and we look forward to seeing him continue to be AtWork for all of his clients and employees as he grows the AtWork brand in North Carolina!”

“It is incredibly rewarding to be able to help people every day find new and better employment opportunities, and in many cases help people improve their financial situation in very big ways,” said Bland. “My team’s passion to serve has fueled our success and aligns with our service model of being ATWORK FOR YOU! We’re proud of what our workforce and clients say about working with us, as it is humbling and drives us to be better today than we were yesterday. This nomination validates the “passion to serve” our team brings to work every day!”

Leading national staffing franchise expands national footprint with new location.

HARRISONBURG, Va. — AtWork, a rapidly growing national staffing franchise announced today the opening of its new office in Harrisonburg, Virginia, extending the company’s overall reach in the eastern United States. The location is operated by Market Manager Frank McMillan and is located at 1807 Virginia Avenue, Harrisonburg, Virginia, 22802.

“We’re so happy to see AtWork enter the Harrisonburg market under Frank’s leadership,” said Jason Leverant, President and COO of AtWork. “AtWork’s national success is a testament to hardworking staffing professionals like Frank and the expertise, tools and resources of AtWork’s national franchise network. It is no mystery why the company continues to rank among the best staffing franchises in the nation.”

Citing Harrisonburg’s strong local economy and a desire to provide local businesses and candidates with an elevated hiring experience, McMillan is confident in the success of the new office.

“After 25 years in staffing and employment across Virginia and the U.S., I’m excited to get back solely to serving the Harrisonburg market,” said McMillan. “My goal is to provide personalized attention for both job seekers and clients.”

The new office will provide staffing services to the manufacturing, warehousing, and office/clerical industries facilitating temporary, contract to hire, and full-time placements. The business may be reached at 540-617-0082 or by visiting AtWork.com/Harrisonburg.

AtWork founder and CEO recognized for exceptional contributions to the staffing industry.

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — AtWork, a rapidly growing national staffing franchise announced today that company Founder and CEO John D. Hall Jr. has been named to the 2022 Staffing 100 list, compiled by Staffing Industry Analysts, his third inclusion in the list.

An acknowledgment of bold leadership, this year’s Staffing 100 list recognizes a group of professionals navigated the uncertainties of 2021 and are charting a course into the future of workforce solutions. The CEOs, entrepreneurs, technologists, operational experts, workforce specialists, innovators and more who comprise the list are taking strong action to ensure success for their companies and the industry through their business practices, processes, philosophies and people-first mindsets.

“The world of work has undergone a dramatic shift and the task of keeping the workforce motivated and productive has rested with many of the enterprising leaders on the Staffing 100 list,” said Subadhra Sriram, Editor & Publisher, Media Products, SIA. “Working relentlessly to move their companies and the workforce solutions ecosystem forward, these intrepid professionals have done what it takes to ensure the workforce solutions ecosystem continues to thrive.”

“In all of AtWork’s years as a leading staffing franchisor our focus has never changed,” said Hall. “We continuously work to live our mission of being ‘AtWork for You’ by providing industry leading support to our owners, customized solutions for our clients and training and job opportunities for our employees. I believe this focus on service will continue to carry us to new heights for years to come.”

“It’s truly an honor to once again see John recognized as one of the staffing industry’s 100 most influential people,” said Jason Leverant, AtWork President and COO. “His focus has always been to make an impact in the staffing industry for the good  and I think his track record speaks for itself!”

The Staffing 100 website, which includes the 2022 North American, Latin American and Hall of Fame lists, debuts this week. Those named to the lists are being honored during SIA’s Executive Forum North America: Faster, Better, Stronger Feb. 28-March 3 in Austin, Texas. The list is also featured in the January/February 2022 issue of Staffing Industry Review magazine.

HOUSTON — AtWork franchise owner Raven Watson of Houston, Texas has been recognized by Franchise Journal as a Titan of Franchising, receiving a Titan Award for 2022. The Titan Awards celebrate the many minority entrepreneurs, visionaries, and thought leaders throughout the franchise community. Franchise Journal partners with FVLCRUM FUNDS to present this prestigious recognition and congratulate successful business owners and leaders in their continued growth and success.

Although a newer addition to the AtWork family, Watson has been able to grow her business in a short amount of time, even winning AtWork’s Rookie of the Year award in 2021. Beyond her career, she actively works to help others in the Houston area find success. In October 2021 Watson founded Lynn’s Angel Foundation, which is committed to supporting female entrepreneurs as they launch and build successful businesses. Additionally, Watson participates in events like the Houston Chapter of the National Black MBA Associations’ Entrepreneurial Roundtable to share her knowledge with others.

“We are so excited for Raven to receive this prestigious recognition,” said Jason Leverant, AtWork President and COO. “From day one Raven has worked tirelessly to build a strong business that is well respected in the community. Not only has she achieved that goal, she has also served as an ideal role model for minority entrepreneurs looking to create their own empires. We’re incredibly proud to have her as a part of the AtWork family!”

“Stepping out to become an entrepreneur was one of the best things I could have ever done, not just for me but for generations to come,” said Raven Watson. “As a minority entrepreneur, I have faced many obstacles and I am grateful to have the support of the franchise community, especially the guidance and support of the AtWork franchise.”

To view the full Titans of Franchising list, visit franchisejournal.com/february2022v.