Q&A with AtWork Multi-Unit Franchisee Gregg Hassler

Name: Gregg Hassler
Title: Franchise Owner
Brands: AtWork
Units: 4
Years in franchising: 10

Why did you choose to franchise with a service brand?

We chose a service brand because we were compelled to help people in our community. Being in the staffing industry, it’s incredibly rewarding to place people into jobs, and it can be life- changing. We wanted to know we were making an impact.

It’s important to note why we chose franchising; it was because of scale. We knew that if we wanted to compete for larger contracts like municipalities, government entities, casinos, and other major employers, we needed the backing of a national brand. As an independent staffing company, we likely would have been eliminated early in the proposal process because we wouldn't have had the same credibility, resources, or footprint. By franchising with AtWork, we were able to pursue larger opportunities and grow much faster than we could have on our own.

How did you choose the sector and brand you did?

We were specifically drawn to AtWork because of the flexibility the brand offered. As the first AtWork location in California, we wanted the ability to serve a variety of industries rather than being known for just one niche. Many staffing competitors are pigeonholed into certain sectors, such as light industrial staffing. AtWork gave us the freedom to build relationships across multiple industries and position ourselves as a workforce partner rather than a niche provider. That flexibility was extremely appealing.

What different skill sets are required for franchising with a service brand?

You must be service-minded. At the end of the day, this is a customer service and sales job. The clients and candidates often dictate the pace of the day, so you must be flexible, responsive, and willing to adapt. Some of the most successful people we've hired came from customer service backgrounds because they are used to doing whatever it takes to help people. In a service business, nobody can be too prideful. You must be willing to jump in, solve problems, and do whatever needs to be done.

What are the advantages of choosing a service brand?

One of the biggest advantages is that every day is different. While the operational side of the business follows certain routines, the day itself is never the same. You are constantly helping people, solving problems, and responding to new situations. It's a business that allows you to make a direct impact on both employers and job seekers. If you enjoy working with people and finding solutions, it's an incredibly rewarding industry.

What are some keys to being able to operate multiple franchises at the same time?

I believe it’s important to get one location right before you grow. Equally important is having strong systems and a great team in place. You must be willing to trust your people and empower them to make decisions. You also need consistency in your processes so that each location operates with the same standards and delivers the same level of service. As you grow, your focus shifts from doing everything yourself to building leaders who can help drive the business forward.

What are some of the top ways in which you have been able to market and promote your business?

For us, relationships have always been the foundation. We focus heavily on building trust within the community and developing strong partnerships with local employers. Because staffing is ultimately a people business, referrals, networking, and delivering great service have been some of our most effective marketing tools. When you consistently help businesses solve workforce challenges and help candidates find opportunities, word-of-mouth becomes incredibly powerful.

What would you recommend to anyone considering a service brand?

First, understand that this business is all about serving others. If you enjoy helping people and solving problems, you'll find it very rewarding. Second, don't let fear stop you from pursuing entrepreneurship. I had a great corporate job, good pay, and strong benefits before making the leap into franchise ownership. Walking away from that security wasn't easy, especially with a family to support. But if I could do it over again, I probably would have done it ten years sooner! At some point, you must take that leap of faith. Once you have skin in the game, you're motivated to give it everything you've got, and that's when great things can happen.