Express Employment Professionals Franchise: Q&A with Earl and Kathy Bell, Franchisees

When Earl and Kathy took over the Express Employment Professionals office in Parma, Ohio, they weren’t starting from scratch – they were stepping into a well-established business with nearly three decades of history. As resale franchisees, the husband-and-wife duo brought fresh leadership to a legacy location, leveraging Kathy’s background in education and Earl’s 23 years in medical sales to build on an existing foundation. With strong support from their partners and an experienced internal team, they’ve embraced the opportunity to grow the business while staying rooted in their community.

In this Q&A, they share why a resale location was the right path, what surprised them most, and how Express continues to impact lives in their region.

Franchise Chatter (FC): Can you share a bit about your backgrounds before franchising with Express?

Kathy Bell (KB): I was a retired teacher with experience in both elementary and special education. I loved the role of guiding and mentoring students, and I’ve found that translates really well to what we do now – coaching associates on the importance of work and how it can shape their future.

Earl Bell (EB): I worked in medical supply sales for 23 years, which gave me a strong foundation in client service, relationship-building, and persistence, all of which are invaluable in the staffing industry.

FC: What drew you to Express, especially as a resale opportunity?

KB: We were introduced to Express by our business partners, Mark and Jaclyn. At the time, we knew very little about staffing, especially beyond the concept of temp agencies. But when they told us about this resale opportunity, an already-established office with a long-standing team and client base, we saw the potential right away.

EB: Starting from scratch can be a big financial and logistical leap. With this resale, the foundation was already built: the office, the staff, the clients, even the systems. One of our team members has been here over 20 years! It was truly turnkey, and that made a huge difference.

FC: What advantages did you see in purchasing a resale versus starting a new office?

KB: With a resale, the infrastructure is already there. You’re not starting from zero. The office, the staff, the community relationships – all of that was in place. We were able to jump right in and begin operating, learning, and growing.

EB: A resale office may cost more, but the return on investment comes quicker. You avoid the long, uncertain ramp-up phase. And there’s something to be said for stepping into a business where someone else has already figured out what works. That gave us a lot of confidence.

KB: Starting from scratch also takes a strong financial cushion. With a resale, we still had to invest, but we weren’t dealing with the overhead of finding a space, hiring a brand-new team, or building awareness from the ground up. This was a well-oiled machine. We just had to learn how to run it.

FC: What do you remember about the transition process when you took over the office?

KB: The team was incredibly welcoming. Some had been with the office for 10, 15, even 20 years. They knew the clients, the community, and how the day-to-day worked. That gave us time to observe and get up to speed without having to reinvent the wheel.

EB: We also leaned on our partners and on Express’ franchise support team. Discovery Day helped us see how our past experiences could translate to this business, and once we took over, we always had someone to call when we had questions. That’s one of the benefits of joining a strong franchise system, like Express.

FC: Was there anything surprising about taking over a resale? Something you didn’t expect going in?

KB: Honestly, the emotional investment of the existing team surprised us, but in a good way. These employees had been part of the business for years, and they really cared about its success. We weren’t just taking over a business; we were stepping into a legacy. That came with a lot of trust to earn, but it also gave us a strong base of support.

EB: Also, even though it was a resale, we still had to make it our own. We didn’t realize how much we’d be shaping the culture, setting new goals, and bringing a fresh energy to the office. It wasn’t just plug-and-play. It was about honoring what worked while evolving the business to match our leadership style.

FC: What does your Express office look like today?

KB: We’re located in Parma, Ohio. The office has been open for 29 years, and we purchased it in May 2021. We were drawn to this region primarily because the opportunity was available post-COVID, and the previous owner was looking to move on. Our partners had a strong belief in the Express brand and helped us see what a smart investment it could be, even without a background in staffing.

EB: On the day-to-day, we’re helping job seekers, supporting employers, and managing the business. Some days, it’s coaching someone who’s nervous about starting a new job. Other days, it’s reaching out to former clients or chasing down a decision-maker to earn new business.

KB: We run daily huddles and meetings with our team. Our staff feels like family. We try to develop and support them as much as we do our associates and clients.

FC: Have you experienced any local success stories that stand out?

KB: All the time! Most recently, someone called to say they’d landed the best job of their life through us. We often tell people, “If the first job doesn’t feel right, give it a week, and we’ll find you another one.”

EB: It’s incredible to see someone go from uncertain about temp work to landing a full-time career. When we get word that someone was hired on permanently and is thriving, that’s the real win.

FC: What’s been your biggest challenge so far?

EB: The hiring landscape has changed a lot since we started. Post-COVID, there’s been more caution around hiring, and fewer job orders than before. Plus, reaching decision-makers has gotten harder with so many offices staying locked down or hybrid.

KB: We’ve responded by doubling down on business development – calling old clients, making new connections, and staying visible in the community. It’s a hustle, but it’s worth it.

FC: What role does Express’ support network play in your business?

KB: Express is incredibly supportive. It’s not just a brand name – you’re truly part of a community. They’re grounded in values we share, like being community- and faith-based. And if we ever have questions, there’s always someone just a phone call away.

EB: They make you feel like no question is too small. Whether we’re on track or need to adjust something, they’re there to guide us.

FC: What goals do you have for the future of your business?

EB: We are very focused on growing our location. That means developing our internal staff through training, morning and evening meetings, and creating a culture where they feel valued and supported. We look forward to continuing to develop our location in the years to come.

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